2021 Subaru Forester Owner’s Manual — X-MODE (if equipped)

X-MODE is the integrated control system of the engine, AWD and Vehicle Dynamics Control system, etc. for driving with bad road conditions. Using X-MODE, you can drive more comfortably even in slippery road conditions including uphill and down- hill.

X-MODE has the following functions.

Hill descent control function (if equipped):

Using the hill descent control function, you can keep the vehicle at a consistent speed driving downhill. If the vehicle speed is likely to increase, the brake control system will be activated to adjust the vehicle speed.

Driving ability control:

This mode increases the hill-climbing ability and driving ability as well as enabling smooth application of torque for easier control of the steering wheel.

To activate/deactivate the X- MODE

Type A

Type B

! Type A combination meter

X-MODE indicator

X-MODE indicator (models with 2 modes)

D.SNOW/MUD mode indicator

SNOW/DIRT mode indicator

X-MODE indicator (models with 1 mode)

Turn the X-MODE switch to the right or left

and select SNOW/DIRTor D.SNOW/MUD. While the X-MODE is activated, the X- MODE indicator appears.

Press the X-MODE switch. While the X- MODE is activated, the X-MODE indicator appears.

Press the X-MODE switch. The X-MODE indicator will disappear when the X-MODE is deactivated.

SNOW/DIRT is suitable for driving on a snow-covered road where the points of contact between the tires and road surface are visible, or for driving on an unpaved road.

D.SNOW/MUD is suitable for driving on a road covered with deep snow where the points of contact between the tires and road surface are not visible, or for driving on a muddy road.

Even if you try to activate the X- MODE by turning (models with 2 modes) or pressing (models with 1 mode) the X-MODE switch when the vehicle speed is 12 mph (20 km/h) or

more, the X-MODE will not be activated. At this time, a buzzer will sound twice.

If the vehicle speed reaches 25 mph (40 km/h) or more while the X-MODE is activated, a buzzer will sound once and the X-MODE will be deactivated.

While the engine is running, if any of the following conditions is met, the X- MODE will be deactivated. In this case, it is not possible to activate the X- MODE.

The CHECK ENGINE warning light/malfunction indicator light illu- minates.

The AT OIL TEMP warning light flashes.

The ABS warning light illumi- nates.

The Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light illuminates.

If the engine could overheat because of a temperature increase of the engine coolant, it may not be possible to activate the X-MODE. Even while the X-MODE is activated, the X-MODE will be deactivated when the engine coolant temperature increases.

For models with Auto Start Stop system, the system will be stopped while the X-MODE is activated.

NOTE

For models with SI-DRIVE:

The SI-DRIVE mode will change to the Intelligent (I) mode when the X- MODE is deactivated.

The SI-DRIVE mode cannot be chan- ged while the X-MODE is activated. At this time, a buzzer will sound twice.

While the engine is running, if any of the following conditions is met, the X- MODE will be deactivated. In this case, it is not possible to activate the X- MODE. Also, for models with SI-DRIVE, the mode will change to the Sport (S) mode or Sport Sharp (S#) mode and it will not be possible to change to the other modes.

The CHECK ENGINE warning light/malfunction indicator light illu- minates.

The AT OIL TEMP warning light flashes.

The ABS warning light illumi- nates.

The Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light illuminates.

If there is a possibility that the engine could overheat because of a temperature increase of the engine coolant, it is not possible to change to the X-MODE. While the vehicle is in the X-MODE, it changes to the Sport (S)

mode or Sport Sharp (S#) mode when the engine coolant temperature in- creases.

It is not possible to activate the X- MODE when the engine is not running, because the hill descent control func- tion is not activated.

Hill descent control function

The hill descent control function will be in standby mode when the X-MODE is activated and the vehicle speed is less than approximately 12 mph (20 km/h).

The function will operate when the vehicle speed is less than approximately 12 mph (20 km/h) and the accelerator ratio is less than approximately 10%.

The function will turn off when the vehicle speed is more than approximately 12 mph (20 km/h) and the accelerator pedal is depressed.

Even while the hill descent control function is operating, you can vary the vehicle speed using the brake pedal or accelerator pedal.

During braking by the hill descent control function, the hill descent con- trol indicator will flash.

The hill descent control function is operable regardless of the gradient of the road.

The hill descent control function may be considered normal when the following conditions occur.

An operating sound is heard briefly from the engine compart- ment while the hill descent control function is operating.

The sensation of depressing the brake pedal is different, (harder than usual etc.) when the brake pedal is depressed during hill descent con- trol function operation.

! Hill descent control indicator

Hill descent control indicator (type A)

Hill descent control indicator (type B)

This indicator appears while the hill des- cent control function is in the standby mode. It flashes while the function is

operating. It will disappear when the function is in the disabled mode. When this function is changed from operational to non-operational, it will disappear when the vehicle speed reaches more than approximately 18 mph (30 km/h).