X-Mode with Hill Descent Control all new for 2014.
standard on 2.5i Limited and Touring, 2.0XT Premium and Touring (its not available on 2.5i or 2.5i Premium) X-mode has to be activated under 12mph, and cuts off over 25mph. X-mode is a low speed system activated by the driver. It's a computerized management system that controls the engine, CVT transmission, AWD system, brakes, and VDC to help maintain control on slippery surfaces or steep hills. Its combined with hill descent, and only works at low speeds. Hill descent control is activated with X-mode and uses VDC engine throttle management and brakes to help maintain vehicle speed when going downhill at low speed. When activated, the system will maintain the speed it was set at.
I think this has been covered previously in this thread.
Different Subaru models have had a variety of front to rear drive ratios over the years but they are all FULL-TIME All Wheel Drive vehicles; the F/R ratios have varied from 90/10 to 80/20 to 60/40 to
50/50 to 41/59 (2008 WRX STi) depending on year, model and transmission.
Basically, just buy a Subaru knowing it has All Wheel Drive and drive it. It is really a "no-brainer" unless you are concerned with high-performance vehicles like world-class rally cars.
All I know is that my WRX and my wife's Forester go very well in the snow -- and we had 13 inches here in Colorado earlier this week -- without pushing any buttons, pulling any levers or locking any axle hubs.