It's funny you mention this locker , i had already contacted Torqmasters and was told this particular locker would not fit the 2022 Wilderness ! So who is right and who is wrong . Maybe Robert can give us the right answer on how and about ?

@@alainbrouillette7740 it is modified in a Colorado shop

You guys said e locker in the video but this a mechanical lunchbox locker. You will hear a huge pop when it locks and unlocks all the time because the teeth are engaging back and forth.

@@paladain55 It is an autolocker that self engages when challenged. It is designed to be able to ratchet differential speeds between tires under low load conditions, like slow in a parking lot, and this does make a ratcheting clicking noise, as opposed to the loud POP you are describing that is prevelent in other designs.. Off road under challenge this is a very effective tool. And as far as sharp turns into traffic, if you keep it low torque it will ratchet, it you punch it you will chirp your tires. It's a compromise. Databyter

Please somebody (Subaru?) design a switchable rear locker for the Subaru lines. Not sure why this hasn't been done yet. It would sell like hotcakes. Databyter

The lockers for Subarus have been out for nearly 3 years. Unfortunately, they are not very nice to live with for everyday driving with a constant AWD car.

@@procrastinator1842 I can be slow on the uptake. Thanks for the heads up on everyday driving.

No a game changer on a Subaru would be a low range and a traditional automatic transmission.

@@haroldbeauchamp3770 Truth

@@haroldbeauchamp3770 It's unfortunate that the USA never got the dual range Subarus that we got here in Australia. I love mine, makes the car so much more capable.

The outback is classified as "wagon/estate" in the US. But this has nothing to do with wagon anymore. This is an offroader. You don't have to try this with real wagons/estates, those are pratical and made for normal roads with good handling/ speed and mpg.

you know what, i think i might do the rear dif also. And as a fellow outback person, i like what he has done and i think outback is a rised up family wagon. because if you lower it like 4 inches or like 10cm, it is going to be like a wagon. because it drives like one.

I just ordered thst Outback super happy to see these upgrades. They are exactly what I was looking for.

Clean looking Outback? There's no such thing.

Completely. Light years better. I'm going to do mine exactly like this one.

Yup. No longer hearse-like.

Got mine lifted 2in from lp adventure and the same wheels and tires. Got to say look better and not a boring outback haha. Just need that locker...

I'm still not a fan of Subie wagon aesthetics. I don't even like the Levorg. I much prefer the Crosstrek hatch, or the pre-2022 WRXs. That's a personal preference though. Subaru has always been a little "funky", which I like, what with boxer motors, 4WD/AWD cars, unibody pickups, symmetrical AWD, rally cars instead of muscle cars or low sportscaster, etc.

@@victorrubio9085 I’m getting one soon, want to throw rims and tires on asap to fix that stance! What’s the wheel/tire sizes you installed?

While yes you are right less then a fraction of a percent buy a Subaru for this purpose….. it actually isn’t a good investment for them.

@@MASKOAA If that were true they never would've released a wilderness version in the first place.

@@wswatson I almost guarantee the majority of the sales for the wilderness edition won't see more offroading than a curb just like most jeep owners.

@@MASKOAA False. Why would anyone spend that much more money when they can just buy a quieter, larger Outback? I bought mine to off-road, just need to modify over time.

@@mandingo9471 From what I’ve read this is not a base with a lift. Subaru raised it by using bigger springs and other suspension, not spacers. Check out the underneath at Sarah n used.

Agreed - as is the Outback. This was a fun matchup.

Same I've had way too much coolant leaks on my Subies more than once on two different outbacks and on a STI as well

@@darthtyranus7683 I had coolant smells on all of mine as well as engine oil leaks (2) and trans leaks (1) on a few. Just not a quality product anymore.

Subaru reliability ratings would get trashed. With that kind of lift you can expect to change CVs once a year, plus the torq locker + tires would make a fuckton of noise on pavement. The torq locker could potentially fuck with xmode as well. Upgrading yourself is pretty inexpensive and straightforward.

@@norincofan1949 I hear you, but the CV angles can be corrected with subframe spacers, as Robert said the Xmode is not affected, it just works less hard since there is less slippage under some conditions and therefore less to compensate for. As far as noise, yes aggressive tires make noise and an auto locker will make clicking noises at low speeds while making sharp turns. My only concern with them is not having control over when they lock. I mean, if you are on Ice or a slippery pavement or something they would be counter productive right? Apparently they only engage on heavy load tho and so probably would not engage under such conditions unless you were really giving it the beans, and why would you be under those conditions. Then again it is the "Probably" would not engage that bothers me. Id much prefer an electronic solution. Also keep in mind that the CV angles in his lift are only 1" more than factory. That is not much. The wilderness already has compensated for the new height so it is only the extra inch that detracts from the optimum angles. Databyter

Forester Sport is a pile of junk. Can’t even climb a molehill 😂😂😂 good thing you switched teams. YOTA gang 🤙🏾

no, all "basic off-roaders" have 4LO, that's one of the criteria.

@@matthewschiebout7384 we’ll have to agree to disagree on the use of the term.

​@@matthewschiebout7384 If you have enough torque at low RPM you do not really need it, and those boxer engines have good low end torque.

​@@matthewschiebout7384clearly not if it's done time and time again, Subaru just has the best AWD system

I wouldn’t mind an 8 speed, but the improved version in the Wilderness is actually quite good.

It’s called a Cherokee trailhawk elite ;-) V6 or awesome turbo 4. 9 speed. Crazy good ratio 4low with locker. Hatchback. Cooled seats. Same 40k. Just sayin

@@thomaskrutulis2289 With the "legendary" reliability

I’d also prefer NA over turbo, I live in mountains but not in high enough elevation for it to put me at a disadvantage. Turbos will always eventually fail and it usually always takes something with it. Plus I’d like a vehicle that doesn’t eat through CV axles and head gaskets.

@@JS-qi1ou modem factory turbos are built for longevity and rarely cause problems. Also, head gaskets in modern Subarus aren’t a concern.

He was really good on camera!

@Bill Brown They are auto lockers. You have no control over when they come on other than the fact that they come on under periods of increased load, so in a sense you could create that load by increasing your throttle, and maybe even a bit of brake. It's great, but it controls itself.

You also void your warranty so make sure you are outside of the factory warranty before modding your Subaru

I think the Crosstrek is a better platform for offroading. The 2.5L was a step in the right direction. I can't wait to see the Wilderness Crosstrek. Even better if it's a 2.4T.

@@JS-qi1ou it kind of depends on what part, with some parts on subarus as long as you can prove whatever mod you did, did not cause whatever problem you are having then it will not be considered void (not warranty advice)

The subaru even with the upgrades is still probably cheaper than a stock 4runner😂

The Outback didn’t hold its own against the 4Runner. This video was staged and the drivers are incompetent. The 4Runner and Outback aren’t comparable at all when it comes to off-road capability. The fact that they compared them is a sign of their incompetence.

@David Xereria or you could learn to drive without having to slam on the gas pedal and quit acting like your drive to work is a NASCAR race. EV is horrible and the US infrastructure doesn't support it. Ask for it in 40 years.

Not true on the price. MSRP vs MSRP, the 4runner TRD-Pro starts $4k higher than the Outback wilderness. The Torque Locker added to the wilderness is maybe another $1k total. Add another $1k to $1.5k for the 1" lift. I'm including paying someone to do the work in those prices. The outback is still a couple thousand cheaper.

@@weatherornotsubaru this is not a TRD Pro. It’s a TRD Off Road. Again, the Subaru is more.

@@CarnutMM I got the name wrong, but the price right. TRD Off Road starts at $4k+ more than the Outback Wilderness. 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness is MSRP $39,960 and can be had for a couple thousand less (using VIP pricing). 2023 Toyota 4Runner shows an MSRP of $44,000. Plus the 4Runner is not going to be found lower than MSRP.

You’re absolutely correct John! Even with a turbo, and even if boost happens down low, it still takes considerable time to get from that 800 rpm idle to whatever boost engages. I personally drive a 2019 Honda Passport with a 20.4:1 crawl ratio. I’ve been to the 13.1K Imogene pass trail and didnt notice any difference driving at sea level at low speeds. I’m sure I’d notice a difference at wide open throttle, but…. that’s just not how you drive on a 4WD trail. A 4runner with a 34:1 crawl ratio will have zero issue, and a Jeep Wrangler rubicon geared 80:1 won’t even skip a beat. Our older Hondas that are geared closer to the Subaru Outback wilderness were huffing and puffing and needed to be towed up by our Jeeps.

6:54 transmission speed stall

This is why I think the wilderness forester with its lower gearing is actually a better choice than the outback but hey “MoRe pOwEr bEtTeR”

@@estebanjr11 This appears to be true in tests. Sarah n tuned tried both Outback Wilderness and Forrester Wilderness and Forrester could climb what Outback could not. Maybe weight and wheel span.

@@estebanjr11 Maybe but dam is it a pain on the road, the Forester is on life support there.

They're just going to keep it as is. Subarus aren't meant for that crazy offroading for need of lockers. They see their cars as just something for the outdoors and hitting some small trails

And how does the CVT cope when you lift wheels or go up the steeper stuff?

@@pablomoreno1999 With traction control off the wheels keep spinning as they are then both open differentials .. and I can keep momentum .. the minute you loose the momentum you’re screwed

The revised CVT and Xmode should better handle these scenarios which previously inhibited crawling performance. The locker featured here really takes it to another level, though.

@@zachv8286 the locker is indeed a gamechanger, but in the case of a standard subaru. Where the cvt just doesn't send enough power not even to spin the wheels sometimes. The locker wouldn't be that efficient ... there's no point of locking the wheels together if none of them get torque to work with in the first place...

@@pablomoreno1999 It's not the CVT that stops the wheels from spinning. It's the TCS. With a locker in the rear, the TCS doesn't have to clamp the brakes on and cut engine power as much. Note: Newer Subies with Dual-Function X-Mode are allowed by the TCS to spin more in setting 2.

Most anything could make it through fins n things.

@@jake-mv5oi literally zero stock AWD will make it through. You need 12 inches of ground clearance if you want to do the whole thing, not just the first 2 miles. But even with the first 2 miles, most stock AWDs will lose the front bumper.

@@JonDZ_Adventuring no.

@@jake-mv5oi says the guy with a lifted XJ Cherokee 4WD

It’s probably more money. An stock Outback wilderness is about the same price as a SR5 4Runner and those mods aren’t cheap.

Just depends on input torque whether it locks or unlocks. More torque > more outward force on the cam from the cross-pin > more force overcoming spring pressure, & holding the dogs together keeping the axles spooled together.

@@jake-mv5oi actually, input torque has nothing to do with it. So long as the inside wheel can hold that torque the road will force that output to advance faster than the carrier which triggers the ramping plate to disconnect the dog clutch. . Detroit style lockers do not work off torque and prevent either output from rotating slower than the carrier. Either output can always rotate faster under their own power. It’s pure rpm based which makes it excellent off road as it doesn’t need to generate lockup forces off traction.

Thats all true for a Detroit. The torq locker is not Detroit style though. Different design with fewer parts. On the torq locker, the only thing in play is the cross-pin pushing against the cam to push the dogs together and keep it locked up. Maybe dogs is not the correct term on a torq locker, because the ones on the torq locker do not pull each other together with torque, but rather try to unseat each other as the axle is turned. The higher force of the cam overcomes that tendency and keeps it locked.

@@jake-mv5oi it has different parts, but still operated in the same manner. When ground forces accelerate a wheel faster than the carrier speed it unlocks its dog clutch to allow it to free spin. Once at the same rpm it will reengage and prevent it from spinning slower which is when it transfers torque. . The drive pin’s job is to orient the cam mechanism which is different than a Detroit but provides the same operation so that the ratchet works in both directions. . It still requires zero torque(above what it takes to reorient the cam) to operate and it doesn’t matter how much input torque is being applied, either wheel can be unlocked when ground forces rotate the wheel faster than the carrier. Their website claims this is accomplished with less than the strength of a finger. . It’s still a Detroit style locker. Just like helical gear differentials are still torsen style even though they might only use helical gears instead of torsen’s helical/spur combo idler gears. . It is true that the more input torque means the harder the dogs are compressed, but it’s not equal on both sides, once the ground forces accelerate the wheel that sides cam disengages and allows it to free spin faster. So input torque doesn’t lock up the outputs, but is used to prevent the outputs from rotating slower.

Agreed; a parts list would be great! Love the upgrades.

+1

He's got a website that lists all his mods. Could probably Google his name and find it

He lists them at the beginning. Most are pretty standard upgrades, the only unusual mod is the torq locker.

Same here, had it for a month and would like to slowly add parts to it. Starting with Yakima racks first.

Trading in a car that's barely a year old... Sounds like an impulse buyer

@@wtDrake Ive had my car for going on 2 years. I decided to keep my XT though as I rarely go offroad. Its nice that we have people who can judge you on the internet though.

@@jjay718 Good for you. Sounds like you couldn't bite the massive depreciation. There's plenty of people who do and stay broke.

@@wtDrake I could care less what other people do with their money. If it makes them happy then so be it. I wont pay over msrp for any car though.

@@jjay718 it was fine for everyone in 2007 to buy whatever made them happy til it ruined the economy for everyone else.

I'm guessing this was filmed prior to the last one. Considering they are both in the Denver area I'm doubting he took too trips.

lol. It made it exactly as far as the 4Runner did, while using half as much fuel

@@axpx6666 I bet it used just as much with all of the Mods.

@@axpx6666 I didn't say it did poorly. I just think a 4runner TRD off-road in 4lo will go farther on most up hill rutted tracks than a Subbie.

@@axpx6666 Ryans 4R could have easily made it up the last obstacle and I was a little miffed that he didn’t attempt it. It’s as if he wanted the Subie to win. Yes the modded subie is super capable, but it’s not a rock crawler. If Ryan spent half as much money in mods as the smug guy in the subie, he could raise his truck 2 inches and install larger tires. Then what would you subie people say? “But my Subaru gets 21 mpg in the city and it handles like a corvette”. Subie folks are an interesting bunch. They buy rugged looking Honda civics and think they’re high performance street machines, and gods gift to off-roading all at the same time, when in fact it’s just usually people who are afraid of going all in and just buying the right car. That’s how you end up with a subie. “Subaru, because you want to look extreme but you’re really just kind of practical”.

Both vehicles are solid. Good luck with your wife. Lol

Agree... Ryan is conservative in his off roading... 4runner would've made it no problem

​@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD too conservative - but must 4runner owners are. This feature is like a '2' rating where a stock 4runner can easily take on a '3-4' rated trail

Go far left and either of them could have made it.

I agree, that’s exactly where the 4 runner would shine.

GX is just a fancier looking 4R. Same drivetrain. Just different interior and exterior. And I agree that they didn’t even try. The prior test involved a steep, rutted uphill climb. Nothing remotely close on this easy trail.

Nah, you ain't taking that Subaru everywhere my 4Runner TRD has been in Alaska and the only thing I changed was the tires, cuz they sucked in the deep snow and ice. Dont judge the capability of a 4Runner on this video alone.

Taking a 4runner over an outback any day lol. Those obstacles were pretty easy honestly. A 4Runner is 4WD and not AWD, so just because of that alone it is a better off roader without adding in all of its tech.

The locker itself is about $500, labour depends on shop and area, for trucks/SUVs would probably average $1000 just for labour, I'm assuming it would be the same for a Subaru.

@@gwot That sounds very reasonable considering the performance gained.

Pretty sure he was mistaken, when he said E-Locker. The Outback has a ratcheting "Lunchbox" Locker.

An E locker would be awesome, the torque lockers are very noisy.

TORQ Locker for Subaru is $430, install can be around $300. You don't need to setup backlash with this style of locker, so it's an easy job.

Love to see someone doing functional mods that just make sense and actually serve a purpose.

+1 for the CVT cooler mod, even for a stock Outback, I think this makes sense to mod. The additional heat removal should be beneficial for extending the life expectancy ... and allowing it to stay out of "self-protect mode" longer, when you need it to do its thing.

His last videos of the Outbacks had me thinking there may be some negative bias against the Outback (different driver and entry strategies used for the same obstacle, thereby situating the Outback in a disadvantage to the comparison vehicle), but this video changed my opinion on whether that was intentional.

11 foot ground clearance is crazy, like a monster truck!

Im guessing around 20.

Less than a 4Runner

@@user-tb7rn1il3q that would be abysmal. My 4Runner only got about 13 with a best of 15. That’s why I sold it

@@J.Young808 I get 23-25 mpg in my 5th Gen 4Runner. No Subaru can touch that. The boxer engines eat fuel, oil, and antifreeze. They are junk.

The Outback and Outback Wilderness, in particular, are indeed off road capable. These mods just enhance that capability. I’d love to see the locker come installed from the factory, though.

That's how I see mine personally, good daily and good snow handling and *can* go off roading if it's required, the gas mileage isn't bad either in their flat 6.

There's definitely cars that are better in every category, more comfortable dailies, better mileage, better off-roading..definitely better towing, but I like one that can do about whatever I ask of it.

@@MrLaz0rz how old is your subaru to have a flat 6????

@@kimmyyimmel2010 2018, their 3.6R version.

@@MrLaz0rz dang I don't know why but I thought all the recent models were some variety of a 4 cylinder

Yes please. Can we get some links to Robert’s social media accounts.

main parts are the torque master rear locking diff and the flatout suspension gr40

Absolutely, but probably a little less gracefully without the locker.

Dude, don’t waste your money. They didn’t even try a real obstacle. The 4R would destroy the outback but the reviewer didn’t want to take on the liability of having the subie destroyed on trail. Look at it this way, that dude spent thousands on aftermarket parts to barely keep up with a stock Runner… that should tell you something about performance out the box

The 4Runner will be still be drivable in 30 years where as the Outback will cost more than what it’s worth in repairs in 15.

@@trailmonstah1892 They both seemed to handle this trail with nearly equal ease, and the Outback’s driving manners for on road daily driving, where 90%+ of owners driving takes place, are vastly superior to the 4Runner.

@@JS-qi1ou 97% of Subaru Outback vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today, more than Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, or Hyundai Santa Fe.

@@zachv8286 lol ok, I’m not mad, those head gasket jobs keep making me good money.

This. The 4Runner is an off-road legend. The Suburu is a decent off-roading vehicle. You won't be overlanding as much in a Subaru as you will in a 4Runner.

i completely disagree, while i think that yes the 4runner could keep going the outback could do MUCH more than they showed in the video. I have seen some of these lifted subarus with lockers do insane stuff and this was nowhere near the limit

Subaru is known for blown up gaskets. I used to own a Subaru Forrester

@@esanhaider8727 the new ones are apparently a lot better (since they partnered up with Toyota)

@@ReubenHorner The new ones aren't made with Toyota. Toyota only used their D4S (direct and port fuel injection) on the BRZ/86, maybe looked over the engine but did not co-develop. The engine in a non BRZ are completely Subaru, and direct injection only.

Subaru is #1 in resale value in North America. Subarus are reliable if you understand how to drive their engines, they are more susceptible to driver error, where as Toyotas are just bomb proof. I frequent on Subaru forums, and 90% of the reliability complaints are driver error that they refuse to admit. Subarus, especially turbo ones, do not like low rev acceleration, that's when it blows, so when you drive aggressively in an automatic, manually shift down before you step on the gas. Automatics don't downshift enough, that goes for any brand.