Is my AWD Working - 98 Outback

Hi, New to my 1998 Outback 30th Anniversary Edition. Like the car very much. However, I have a gravel drive from my workshop to my main house driveway. It's mildly steep at the begining when coming up. The Outback will easily spin the front wheels in the gravel with little or no forward motion. The rear wheels don't spin, but don't seem to move the car forward either. I have to back up on the concrete shop apron and get a run at the drive. My wife's jetta walks up the hill with very little spin. Watching the Outback spin it's wheels, it's hard to believe it's an AWD. Any thoughts?

Dave in Iowa

The back wheels are whats pushing you up the hill as the front wheels are spinning. If the AWD wasn't working then you would sit there as the fronts spin.

You conveniently fail to mention whether the car is AT or MT.