Recreating The Off-Road Test That Got Us Blacklisted By Subaru

The 11-Year Blacklisting Incident

• 💡 Subaru blacklisted TFL for taking an Outback on a challenging off-road trail 11 years ago, an event they are now recreating.
• 📌 The original test involved a new generation Outback and was intended as a benchmark, not a direct comparison to a Raptor.
• ⚠️ The fleet manager cited pinstriping and the vehicle's inability to complete the 'Dare' section of the trail as reasons for the blacklisting.
• 🚗 Subaru also controversially repossessed loaner vehicles (an STI and a BRZ) without prior notification, which aggravated the situation.

Recreating the Off-Road Test

• 🚗 A 2015 Subaru Outback in the same color and spec as the original, with 88,000 miles, was used for the recreation.
• ⛰️ The trail, 'Cliffhanger 1.0', has changed, with fewer roots but deeper V-notches on the 'Dare' side.
• ⚙️ The recreation vehicle features Michelin CrossClimate tires, an upgrade from stock, and utilizes Subaru's X-Mode for enhanced traction.
• 💧 The Outback successfully navigated a water crossing, demonstrating its ability to handle at least a foot and a half of water.

Performance on 'Truth' and 'Dare' Trails

• ✅ Andre successfully navigated the 'Truth' trail, the easier section, using X-Mode and maintaining momentum.
• ❌ On the 'Dare' side, the Outback struggled with a specific root obstacle, similar to the original test.
• 📉 The vehicle's CVT and traction control system cut power when encountering obstacles, preventing it from gaining momentum or overcoming the roots.
• ⬆️ Despite attempts and using full throttle, the Outback could not ascend the 'Dare' section, though Andre managed to get higher than Nathan did 11 years prior.

Analysis and Subaru's Response

• 🧐 The inability to complete the 'Dare' section is attributed to the lack of traditional locking differentials or low-range gearing found in more dedicated off-road vehicles.
• ⚖️ The Outback is acknowledged for its on-road comfort and efficiency, contrasting with more compromised off-road vehicles like Wranglers or Broncos.
• 📞 TFL has attempted to reconcile with Subaru, but has only received silence, leading to a continued absence of Subaru reviews on their channel.
• ❓ It remains unknown if newer Subaru models could handle the trail, as Subaru does not loan them vehicles for such tests.