Coming from an 09 Forester base model to the 2019 Forester Sport, I love the X-Mode. Sport model has two X-mode settings. It makes a huge difference. There are a few things worth noting. You can think of X-Mode as software, it will change the motor and axle performance to be very torque heavy. You feel it engage. It revs the motor higher and provides better traction. X-Mode only works from 0 to 20mph. You can only start X-Mode when under 10mph. So, it is important to know that X-Mode is only designed to be used when on very rough terrain at slow speeds. As you speed up to 20mph and leave the dicing terrain, X-Mode will disengage.
IMO, it is totally worth it. I would also say that there are a ton of little improvements between the base and premium models that makes it worth the package jump. I think the Premium package is the best value by far. I know there are a lot more than this, but some of those really important upgarades are: Rear seat angle adjustment, X-Mode and a color dash display (instead of B&W) with more options that I love. When using X-Mode you will see the wheel engagement and slope angle on this color display. I really love the Sport model. My favorite feature is the paddel shifters. Again, when driving in dicing terrain (snow-packed roads) I switch to manual mode and use the paddle shifters. Both hands stay on the wheel unlike other models where you have to use the shifter to change gears. Manual mode driving is key in dicy conditions. You allow the motor to slow the vehicle, rather than the brakes which are easy to lock up and then you slide on the icy roads. I totally love and regularly use these features in the Sport. It makes driving up the mountain to ski a true pleasure.
IMO, it is totally worth it. I would also say that there are a ton of little improvements between the base and premium models that makes it worth the package jump. I think the Premium package is the best value by far. I know there are a lot more than this, but some of those really important upgarades are: Rear seat angle adjustment, X-Mode and a color dash display (instead of B&W) with more options that I love. When using X-Mode you will see the wheel engagement and slope angle on this color display. I really love the Sport model. My favorite feature is the paddel shifters. Again, when driving in dicing terrain (snow-packed roads) I switch to manual mode and use the paddle shifters. Both hands stay on the wheel unlike other models where you have to use the shifter to change gears. Manual mode driving is key in dicy conditions. You allow the motor to slow the vehicle, rather than the brakes which are easy to lock up and then you slide on the icy roads. I totally love and regularly use these features in the Sport. It makes driving up the mountain to ski a true pleasure.
