Thank you for your in-depth, unbiased and objective reviews. You really are a cut above most other car reviewers I've seen on TH-cam. Also, your dog is both adorable and well-behaved. He seems to enjoy car-rides as much as you enjoy driving!
I just bought the 2017 xv crosstrek premium with eyesight, so far I love it. I'm 5'10" and I have plenty of room to stretch out, the dash display is amazing. I've never had a bluetooth hands free car before and it's amazing for me. I did a lot of research before I settled on the crosstrek, I didn't want something too big like a forrester, I wanted something that has good horsepower but the acceleration takes a minute, and I wanted something that'll last a long time and can be driven across country without any problems. I settled on the Subaru crosstrek and so far I'm happy with my decision. However I haven't had it for enough time to give a pro vs con review of it.
RylieCollins Hey rylie, I'm about your height. Do you have enough headspace and have you had anyone about 6ft sit behind you yet? I'm conscious of rear passenger leg room :) What other models did you compare with, RAV4?
rear passenger legroom for a 6 foot passenger, they'd be a little cramped but theres about half an inch of leg space for someone that height with the front seat all the way back. I compared it with the outback since I wanted a subaru, they have a long life expectancy with very few electrical or engine problems which is the opposite of my nissan rogue. The outback has more space, not by much but its the medium sized suv they have. If you're really concerned for room I'd say go with the forrester, it's the biggest they have but it's nothing crazy like a suburban, more like a range rover in size. but back to my original point with the crosstrek, It's possible to fit someone who's 6" back there but they're not going to be happy being back there for more than an hour or so. Oh and headspace wise it's not even an issue, plenty of headspace.
Just bought a limited w/ eyesight and STARLINK. There's more than enough room for my wife, nine month old (rear facing) and myself (5'9) And everyone that complains about it being underpowered I get on the highway and zip around in traffic with no problem. By far the best car I've owned.
I bought the Crosstrek for my step daughter to go to UVBC this year in Sport trim with the cvt and hind sight for my wife for a piece of mind. Meets a 21 yr olds needs in BC's crazy drivers but brings her home safe once every month and lets her go skiing to Blackcomb.
I've got a UK spec 2017 XV Premium model with CVT, and I love it. I can also select a 6 speed manual mode with flappy-paddle gear levers on the steering wheel, so I get the best of both worlds.
Great honest review. I'm on my second Crosstrek. I don't have an issue with the driver's seat, as I am a lot shorter than you. My biggest gripe with the Crosstrek is the interior noise. It is a noisy car and all that noise gets picked up in the handsfree. Other than that, I don't miss the power. Before the last Crosstrek, The three vehicles I owned before that were all performance turbo vehicles. The Crosstrek is a very honest vehicle, that has lots of features, and really does everything well without making me wish I could get a 2018 or another Subaru. I even have a utility trailer I pull with it for my motorcycle and ATV and also a jet ski on its own trailer that I also tow. The CVT is fine. I have a heavy foot and it seems to have learned and expect it.
Hi your review is really good. Covered all the aspects that I would like to find out about this car (including noise levels... which is important for me). Thank you for your great work!
personally, i prefer a manual tailgate compared to a power one. because when I find myself using someone else's car with one, i feel like its too slow and i find myself ducking underneath before it finishes opening. just my hot take!
The one thing that drives me nuts about Subaru is how they offer their trim level packaging; since I prefer manual transmission, they do not offer it in every trim level. For example: in the case of the Forester, they don't offer the manual in the XT trim at all. This really irritates the heck out of me and makes look towards the competitors that have better trim level spreads and customizable options in every trim level that Subaru(Canada) doesn't seem to offer...
I currently own a '14 Forester 2.5i with the 6-speed manual. I really wanted the XT, but since they didn't offer any version of the XT with a manual, I passed on it. It's really too bad, if Subaru Canada was to offer the manual in the XT, I'd trade up in a heart beat! I certainly hope we'll get a 6-speed in the '18 Crosstrek as I'm seriously considering that car for a second vehicle...
I have the same problem with them and most dealers. Now that I know how to drive a standard I'm looking for a standard car but most cars severely limit their manuals by only putting them on the lower tier packages. It is sad. lol I would go to Canada to buy this and then keep in the us (if that's a financially viable option)
I have a 2017 XV (UK) diesel 6speed manual, 50mpg 0-62 takes 9.3 seconds, loads of low down torque. Not sure if this is an option for you guys in North America and Canada, the diesel is the best seller by far all over Europe
I was thinking as a second family car, it could be a good choice. If you have something bigger for road trips or piling hockey gear into, this could be a good secondary about-towner for families.
mac daddy I guess if your criteria for finding a family car are as simple as "it holds four people" your search will be really easy as that encompasses about 95% of all vehicles.
The headlines are: better interior, bigger standard infotainment system screen, more standard features, slightly more aggressive exterior lines and improvements to the AWD system with torque vectoring.
You have to be a subaru fan to love this car, I mean it's unrefined and lacking in features in my opinion, seats are a big thing for me and this one in limited trim has no power adjustment. Power is not ok, passing needs a lot of work too.
I'm highly considering the new Impreza Sport hatch or upcoming Crosstrek. There are conflicting reports about the crosstrek having a manual transmission available like the Impreza (in the US). I really want stick, but also Eyesight and better MPGs. I can't figure out why MT cars now seem to have a shorter highway cruising gear than automatics.
Do you have a link/source? I'm still finding articles from well known mags saying 6 sp stick and some saying only a CVT. I've even emailed subaru, but haven't gotten a response.
Cool, thanks. I really hope that's true. Now I need to decide between the Impreza sport hatch and if I really need the lifted version. Seems odd that the Impreza MT only gets 5 gears.
Hi Paul, I enjoy your reviews very much. Thank you. How would you compare this Crosstrek to the new Volkswagon Alltrack? I'm an avid cyclists and skier. I'm replacing a very old Audi A6 Quattro wagon that drove beautifully and was much roomier. I can't afford an Audi A4 Allroad. I would have liked the extra rear legroom, cargo area and snow ground clearance of the Outback but its roof seems too tall for me to throw bikes on a roof rack (I'm only 5'8" tall) plus I'm afraid of the CVT transmission. Also, regarding your noise level readings, your Outback review stated 68 db and your Alltrack review stated 72 db so is this Crosstrek actually quieter than the Outback and Alltrack or do db readings not tell the whole story? I always drove manual transmission before the Audi and live in the USA so the 6-speed manual transmission Alltrack is an option for me if I can find one to test drive. Your insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks again. -Phil
Hi Phil, the Alltrack has a more usable trunk and is more interesting to drive. I actually think the Crosstrek has better second row comfort, though. I think the Alltrack is an altogether tighter feeling car and it's cool you can get it in a stick, too. That would be a fun combination. Yes, the Alltrack was a noisier car but it also had winter tires mounted, if I recall. So that will effect road noise a bit whereas the Crosstrek was noisy even with all seasons on board. Both cars are on the noisy end, for sure. If you tend to have lots of gear or a family dog, I'd lean toward the Alltrack. It will feel a lot more like your Audi, too. Hope that helps.
Hi Paul, thanks for the prompt reply and yes it does help. I'm going to see if the local VW dealer near me can get a 6-speed manual transmission Alltrack for me to test drive and if the transmission and clutch feel good that's what I'll get. The stick doesn't come in the top trim level that you test drove but I assume the overall construction quality and mechanics are the same across trim levels. Hopefully the 4Motion AWD will be sufficient to get me to'from the skiing and any snow surprises I find myself in. Again thank you for the great job you do. -Phil
Trying to decide if I should take a chance on the subie with there history of oil and supposedly fix head gasket probs. Anyone found any news regarding this?
When I moved up from a Scion xB (5-speed, 100 hp) to a VW GTI (6-speed, 210 hp), I found I was getting the same gas mileage because the Scion was turning 3500 rpm where GTI is doing 2000 despite GTI being an immensely faster (and heavier) car. Subaru offering a 5-speed is just them not caring enough to put any effort/time/money into the manual and offering it as a token gesture. Considering that the Subaru permanent AWD system is already very inefficient, lack of tall gearing is a poor design choice.
Permanent AWD isn;t inefficient and Subaru is very well known for the AWD to perform at the highest degree. Imagine a part-time AWD system like VW's and BMW's. Once the system detects slippage your car would of already be losing traction and sliding before the awd can come in. For subaru they kept it permanent for the reason it will always have the availability to prevent traction loss.
The line about it being a squeeze for 2 kids is EXACTLY what I wanted to confirm. Thank you Mr Jay Crosstekowner.
Thank you for your in-depth, unbiased and objective reviews. You really are a cut above most other car reviewers I've seen on TH-cam.
Also, your dog is both adorable and well-behaved. He seems to enjoy car-rides as much as you enjoy driving!
Thanks, Jordy! Yep, Comox is a great co-pilot
At last,my favorite car.Thenks and all the best!
Bought one a month ago Loving it Great gas mileage
still loving, any pros and cons, im looking a pre owned 17 one
@@johnnylopez6825 haha same here! Literally but the one I'm looking at is 70,000 miles
I just bought the 2017 xv crosstrek premium with eyesight, so far I love it. I'm 5'10" and I have plenty of room to stretch out, the dash display is amazing. I've never had a bluetooth hands free car before and it's amazing for me. I did a lot of research before I settled on the crosstrek, I didn't want something too big like a forrester, I wanted something that has good horsepower but the acceleration takes a minute, and I wanted something that'll last a long time and can be driven across country without any problems. I settled on the Subaru crosstrek and so far I'm happy with my decision. However I haven't had it for enough time to give a pro vs con review of it.
RylieCollins Hey rylie, I'm about your height. Do you have enough headspace and have you had anyone about 6ft sit behind you yet? I'm conscious of rear passenger leg room :) What other models did you compare with, RAV4?
rear passenger legroom for a 6 foot passenger, they'd be a little cramped but theres about half an inch of leg space for someone that height with the front seat all the way back. I compared it with the outback since I wanted a subaru, they have a long life expectancy with very few electrical or engine problems which is the opposite of my nissan rogue. The outback has more space, not by much but its the medium sized suv they have. If you're really concerned for room I'd say go with the forrester, it's the biggest they have but it's nothing crazy like a suburban, more like a range rover in size. but back to my original point with the crosstrek, It's possible to fit someone who's 6" back there but they're not going to be happy being back there for more than an hour or so. Oh and headspace wise it's not even an issue, plenty of headspace.
@@RylieCollins Out of curiosity, are you still driving this? How is it holding up?
Do you still have this car? Would like to hear an update. Thanks!
Do you still have this car? Would like to hear an update. Thanks!
Just bought a limited w/ eyesight and STARLINK. There's more than enough room for my wife, nine month old (rear facing) and myself (5'9) And everyone that complains about it being underpowered I get on the highway and zip around in traffic with no problem. By far the best car I've owned.
bklyneny11208 Do you use the paddle shifters?
Sometimes. It does make it a quicker and fun. I just ordered the borla exhaust so I'm sure I'll be down shifting a lot more to hear the high revs lol.
How much did you pay for yours? There is one here in Florida for $24,577 for 600 miles
Linzy d $27,500 usd
Edgar718 So that seems like a good deal but my mom said she's just nervous of why it's being sold cheaper and not a lot of miles
I bought the Crosstrek for my step daughter to go to UVBC this year in Sport trim with the cvt and hind sight for my wife for a piece of mind. Meets a 21 yr olds needs in BC's crazy drivers but brings her home safe once every month and lets her go skiing to Blackcomb.
Perfect car for a mountain-going university student, Stephen. Nice choice.
Hi Paul, I think you got best Subaru review out there, can't wait to see review of 2018 Crosstrek from you
Great to have you watching, Willy. Thanks for the shout out!
I've got a UK spec 2017 XV Premium model with CVT, and I love it.
I can also select a 6 speed manual mode with flappy-paddle gear levers on the steering wheel, so I get the best of both worlds.
Great honest review. I'm on my second Crosstrek. I don't have an issue with the driver's seat, as I am a lot shorter than you. My biggest gripe with the Crosstrek is the interior noise. It is a noisy car and all that noise gets picked up in the handsfree. Other than that, I don't miss the power. Before the last Crosstrek, The three vehicles I owned before that were all performance turbo vehicles. The Crosstrek is a very honest vehicle, that has lots of features, and really does everything well without making me wish I could get a 2018 or another Subaru. I even have a utility trailer I pull with it for my motorcycle and ATV and also a jet ski on its own trailer that I also tow. The CVT is fine. I have a heavy foot and it seems to have learned and expect it.
Great real world feedback. Thanks for writing!
I have 2018 crosstreck love it
Sorry, what? That dog in the back is stealing my attention.
Great review -I've sat in the Cross-trek and its too small, as I'm 6.5....
Hi your review is really good. Covered all the aspects that I would like to find out about this car (including noise levels... which is important for me). Thank you for your great work!
Glad to help. Thanks for watching!
I think your dog likes the ride too.. nice dog
LOL your dog looking a little bored at 6:45. Mine does the same thing everytime he's in the car.
Yeah, she wanted to get to the park!
Well safest spot for rear seated baby seat is in the middle so shouldn't be an issue
Nice comprehensive review, but I think I'll hold out for the 2018.
Change tires to 225 65 17 and the ride will be much better . Same with some of the road noise.
personally, i prefer a manual tailgate compared to a power one. because when I find myself using someone else's car with one, i feel like its too slow and i find myself ducking underneath before it finishes opening. just my hot take!
The one thing that drives me nuts about Subaru is how they offer their trim level packaging; since I prefer manual transmission, they do not offer it in every trim level. For example: in the case of the Forester, they don't offer the manual in the XT trim at all. This really irritates the heck out of me and makes look towards the competitors that have better trim level spreads and customizable options in every trim level that Subaru(Canada) doesn't seem to offer...
You can get the manual in all trims of the Crosstrek in Canada. But I agree, the Forester XT screams for a stick! That would be fun.
I currently own a '14 Forester 2.5i with the 6-speed manual. I really wanted the XT, but since they didn't offer any version of the XT with a manual, I passed on it. It's really too bad, if Subaru Canada was to offer the manual in the XT, I'd trade up in a heart beat! I certainly hope we'll get a 6-speed in the '18 Crosstrek as I'm seriously considering that car for a second vehicle...
I have the same problem with them and most dealers. Now that I know how to drive a standard I'm looking for a standard car but most cars severely limit their manuals by only putting them on the lower tier packages. It is sad. lol I would go to Canada to buy this and then keep in the us (if that's a financially viable option)
I have a 2017 XV (UK) diesel 6speed manual, 50mpg
0-62 takes 9.3 seconds, loads of low down torque. Not sure if this is an option for you guys in North America and Canada, the diesel is the best seller by far all over Europe
Good car for a single person or young couple. Family no way!
Great review as always.
I was thinking as a second family car, it could be a good choice. If you have something bigger for road trips or piling hockey gear into, this could be a good secondary about-towner for families.
why not family? It holds four people..did you miss that part?
mac daddy I guess if your criteria for finding a family car are as simple as "it holds four people" your search will be really easy as that encompasses about 95% of all vehicles.
hey family wheels, what would be the difference with teh 2018 crosstrek
The headlines are: better interior, bigger standard infotainment system
screen, more standard features, slightly more aggressive exterior lines and
improvements to the AWD system with torque vectoring.
Loved the pooch in the back!
My co-pilot!
Thanks for another great review. I am waiting for the 2018 model but do you know if Subaru offers a factory installed trailer hitch?
I'm not sure, Luiz. But someone commented below that they have a small trailer they use behind their Crosstrek. It has a 1500 lb towing capacity.
You have to be a subaru fan to love this car, I mean it's unrefined and lacking in features in my opinion, seats are a big thing for me and this one in limited trim has no power adjustment. Power is not ok, passing needs a lot of work too.
I'm highly considering the new Impreza Sport hatch or upcoming Crosstrek. There are conflicting reports about the crosstrek having a manual transmission available like the Impreza (in the US). I really want stick, but also Eyesight and better MPGs. I can't figure out why MT cars now seem to have a shorter highway cruising gear than automatics.
Phrancis5 It is official, the 2018 Crosstrek will be available in a manual transmission. A 6 speed, no less!
Do you have a link/source? I'm still finding articles from well known mags saying 6 sp stick and some saying only a CVT. I've even emailed subaru, but haven't gotten a response.
Phrancis5 www.autoblog.com/2017/04/03/2018-subaru-crosstrek-still-gets-a-manual-transmission-in-the-us/
Cool, thanks. I really hope that's true. Now I need to decide between the Impreza sport hatch and if I really need the lifted version. Seems odd that the Impreza MT only gets 5 gears.
Phrancis5 What area do you live? If it's an area that gets snow, the extra clearance on the crosstrek really helps. It's also capable of towing.
I'm looking to buy a Crosstrek but not sure if I should just wait until the 2018 model comes out. Is it worth it? Or should I just get the 2017?
2018 model is coming out real soon. why not just wait a few days
2018 model is ugly af.
geminiwolf91 2018 is not ugly af it's basically the same and it's out
Get the 2017. They went down in price because of the remodeled 2018. And make sure its stick. Your welcome.
If this car is just a lifted Impreza hatchback then why is it so much more expensive? To me it seems like a gimmick because of that reason..
Very helpful!
Good review...you look sick. Get well
Hi Paul, I enjoy your reviews very much. Thank you. How would you compare this Crosstrek to the new Volkswagon Alltrack? I'm an avid cyclists and skier. I'm replacing a very old Audi A6 Quattro wagon that drove beautifully and was much roomier. I can't afford an Audi A4 Allroad. I would have liked the extra rear legroom, cargo area and snow ground clearance of the Outback but its roof seems too tall for me to throw bikes on a roof rack (I'm only 5'8" tall) plus I'm afraid of the CVT transmission. Also, regarding your noise level readings, your Outback review stated 68 db and your Alltrack review stated 72 db so is this Crosstrek actually quieter than the Outback and Alltrack or do db readings not tell the whole story? I always drove manual transmission before the Audi and live in the USA so the 6-speed manual transmission Alltrack is an option for me if I can find one to test drive. Your insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks again. -Phil
Hi Phil, the Alltrack has a more usable trunk and is more interesting to drive. I actually think the Crosstrek has better second row comfort, though. I think the Alltrack is an altogether tighter feeling car and it's cool you can get it in a stick, too. That would be a fun combination. Yes, the Alltrack was a noisier car but it also had winter tires mounted, if I recall. So that will effect road noise a bit whereas the Crosstrek was noisy even with all seasons on board. Both cars are on the noisy end, for sure. If you tend to have lots of gear or a family dog, I'd lean toward the Alltrack. It will feel a lot more like your Audi, too. Hope that helps.
Hi Paul, thanks for the prompt reply and yes it does help. I'm going to see if the local VW dealer near me can get a 6-speed manual transmission Alltrack for me to test drive and if the transmission and clutch feel good that's what I'll get. The stick doesn't come in the top trim level that you test drove but I assume the overall construction quality and mechanics are the same across trim levels. Hopefully the 4Motion AWD will be sufficient to get me to'from the skiing and any snow surprises I find myself in. Again thank you for the great job you do. -Phil
Trying to decide if I should take a chance on the subie with there history of oil and supposedly fix head gasket probs. Anyone found any news regarding this?
Great review! Thank you. Are you planning on doing a comparison review by getting your hands on the 2018 model when it releases?
Absolutely! Keep your eyes peeled.
Awesome! :)
Hey Paul, will you be checking out the 2018 model (and recording it for TH-cam)? :) Cheers!
Hope to have something for you within the next few months. Keep watching!
This Crosstrek starts a $30 ? For a couple thousand more get a Cx-5 which runs circles on any subaru. Better than rav-4 & crv by a 1000 miles
That dog was planning to eat us alive
Great video, but maybe less face more car
Grrrrrr when do 2018s come out? Like month?
Summer is all I was told, Ellysa.
Want thia as my first car
Your buddy couldn't be more stereotypical Subaru outdoors tree hugger if he tried. 😂
Jay defies all stereotypes!
do the rear seats recline at all?
I don't recall from our test. Anybody else care to chime in on Greg's question?
30k and no lumbar no thanks
5-speed manuals are unsuitable for highway commuters, the drone and fuel consumption at typical 75+ mph cruise are unacceptable.
Ficon Agreed. A six speed would be far better.
When I moved up from a Scion xB (5-speed, 100 hp) to a VW GTI (6-speed, 210 hp), I found I was getting the same gas mileage because the Scion was turning 3500 rpm where GTI is doing 2000 despite GTI being an immensely faster (and heavier) car. Subaru offering a 5-speed is just them not caring enough to put any effort/time/money into the manual and offering it as a token gesture. Considering that the Subaru permanent AWD system is already very inefficient, lack of tall gearing is a poor design choice.
Permanent AWD isn;t inefficient and Subaru is very well known for the AWD to perform at the highest degree. Imagine a part-time AWD system like VW's and BMW's. Once the system detects slippage your car would of already be losing traction and sliding before the awd can come in. For subaru they kept it permanent for the reason it will always have the availability to prevent traction loss.
Dude, show the car not your face...