So the big moment has arrived: you’ve Googled the terms “off-road SUV”, “all-wheel drive” and “AWD SUV”, you’ve read all the articles you can find, and you’ve watched all the videos. And don’t they look fun?
Suitably inspired, you’ve gone out and bought yourself a brand spanking new off-road SUV, and now you can’t wait to give the all-wheel drive functionality a good workout over some rough terrain.
Then the fear hits: sure you’ve got the book smarts when it comes to jumping behind the wheel of an off-road family car like an AWD SUV, but do you have the practical skills to drive this thing and not have yourself coming off looking like a rodeo clown trying to ride a bull?
The good news is that modern AWD SUVs, like Subaru’s ever-popular Forester model, are incredibly intuitive and a world away from the daunting, tank-like off-road SUVs of yesteryear that were as intimidating to drive as they were to look at.
Still, it’s good to know the basics when it comes to what your Forester off-road SUV can do and the best way to approach different driving scenarios when you’re behind the wheel of your new AWD SUV.
Off-roading: what you need to know
All-wheel drive is simple in theory - all four wheels are delivered power rather than just the front two, thus delivering superior grip - but also thankfully simple in practice, too.
The Forester’s on-board computer is constantly monitoring the grip and traction of your AWD SUV for you and adapting to each new surface it encounters.
A satellite-navigation system available on selected variants all but guarantees you’ll never get lost while seeking out an off-road adventure, and the Forester’s cutting edge EyeSight® Driver Assist technology with its forward facing stereo cameras will scan the road 24-7 for signs of danger.
The Forester’s Driver Monitoring System*Driver Monitoring System - Driver Focus Driver Monitoring System performance and capability dependent on environmental and technical conditions. Refer to Owner’s Manual for full details. available on selected variants also scans your face while you drive, checking for signs of fatigue or delayed response and can help in ensuring you’re unlikely to make any costly mistakes while you’re behind the wheel.
To make your off-road SUV adventure even sweeter, the Forester’s X-Mode optimises the vehicle for off-road conditions, offering highly useful functions such as Hill Descent Control when you’re dealing with particularly slippery descents, and depending on the variant, you can select the right mode for whatever terrain you’re tackling.
Further learning
If you still find the idea of off-roading in your SUV AWD a little daunting, be sure to investigate training courses and sessions for drivers who are new to the world of all-wheel-drive SUVs.
Another hot tip: before embarking on your very first off-road adventure, make sure you buddy up with a more experienced off-roader who can teach you the ins and outs of using your AWD SUV in different environments.
With some time and practice, you too will soon be able to brag to all and sundry that you’ve earned yourself the gritty handle of “off-roader.” An increasingly large section of the world is now your oyster.
CarsGuide
Paid Partnership
03 June 2021
