Subaru Crosstrek Review: 5 Years Later - Is It Worth The Investment?

Subaru Crosstrek, is this a good car, should you buy a Crosstrek? In this first episode of "Real Car Reviews by Real Owners" we take a look at this 2018 Subaru Crosstrek to provide real owner's insights on having driven this car for almost 5 years. The aim of this video/series is not to provide you with your stereotypical car review, but rather make it more personal and give you insights from real owners who have owned their car for several years.
Also forgot to include my thoughts on the interior design quality since I am a snob when it comes to that. And I gotta say, the interior of this car was very well designed, the orange accenting all throughout is eye catching and adds a nice personality to the car. This is a better looking interior than alot of cars on the road and personally I really like it. Too many car interiors look like the designers didn't put any thought or effort into making it a cool environment to be in. Luckily we are in a new era of car design and more and more car manufacturers are starting to put more effort into the design appeal of their interiors.
Also regarding the cheap build quality, some of you might not consider some of the things we mentioned to be the major issues as we made them out to be, but to me they are a red flag because this car is only 5 years old, and no car should have interior pieces starting to delaminate and "decay" if you will after only 5 years. Both of us recently just sold our first cars which we had for 10 years, and neither one of them had a single issue after 10 years. The infotainment system has also been very gltichy at times and to the point once that my wife thought the car was starting to fail in regards to the infotainment. The AC controls are alittle glitchy as well and you gotta fight them sometimes when changing the fan speed or temperature. It'll revert back to previous temps or fan speeds while turning and you just gotta keep turning the dial till it finally goes to where you want it. So the fact this car already looks like its failing the test of time makes us slightly concerned for its longevity.
In the end, is this a bad car, no, its not. This is a good car and one of my favorite SUVs i have ever driven, I seriously do love this car from a drivers standpoint and its utility/offroad capabilities. If you are wanting a lot of car and features at a very affordable price, then this is definitely the car for you. Just be aware of some of the cons we mentioned if buying used. I cant speak to the new year models since I have not driven one.
Vinyl Cutout for Gear Shift Trim: premiumautostyling.com/premiu...
#subaru #crosstrek #carreview
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro to series
1:07 Owner's Review
2:07 Acceleration
2:42 Seats
3:33 Gas Mileage
4:01 Owner's Final Thoughts
4:31 Hammy's Review
4:45 Handling/Drive Feel
5:31 Acceleration Discussion
6:36 Offroad Capabilities
7:36 Transmission
8:22 Cheap Build Qaulity
11:00 Feedback on the Series

[@HammysShowcase]

Please see video description for additional commentary and talking points I forgot to add. Thanks!

[@user-du8tg4wh3k]

There is definitely a line between Japanese built and America built crosstrek as far as quality and fit and finish. It appears the made in Japan may be a better built vehicle.

[@anthonymarte8776]

I have a 2021 with the 2.5 and the difference is actually significant. It has the forester/outback engine but the crosstrek is much lighter. I can get it from 0-60 in under 8 seconds while the 2.0 is near impossible to do that in under 10.
Great video btw

[@user-du8tg4wh3k]

For acceleration, remove the charcoal filter in front of the air box. Add K&N or similar air filter. Own a 2017 2.0 and does amazing on hwy and around town. Just allows for more response. There is a TH-cam video for the charcoal filter removal. Amazing in the rain.

[@user-du8tg4wh3k]

For acceleration, remove the charcoal filter in front of the air box. Add K&N or similar air filter. Own a 2017 2.0 and does amazing on hwy and around town. Just allows for more response. There is a TH-cam video for the charcoal filter removal. Amazing in the rain. There is a difference between the Japanese built compared to the US built. Japanese is better build quality. My 2017 is 7 years old and no issues.

[@barnellwilliams4721]

Hey, great review guys! I own a 2023 Crosstrek Premium 6MT. It is SLOOOOW but it's a plus if you have a manuel for more control. I would DEFINITELY buy another Crosstrek if I had to but in a higher trim. Also, piggybacking from what you said, this thing is great in the snow!!

[@HammysShowcase]

I'd consider buying a newer model, but is my wife's car and she just really doesn't like it lol. I'm not a fan of the infotainment system in it, I just don't find it intuitive at all compared to other cars. And the big massive screens in thr new ones are even worse imo lol. To each his own. I really do like the car tho, it drives great, just too many things here and there that make me not want to get another one

[@AtomBoy2023]

Great content as always. Love the new drone shots

[@HammysShowcase]

Much appreciated!

[@cfh899]

Thanks for the helpful commentary! Was looking at buying a used one.

[@HammysShowcase]

Glad I could help!

[@CyberSkunk90]

Love the Crosstrek as well, but yea, build quality not the best at times. Drives great

[@hmongxas1642]

2018 has the 2.0L, boosting to only 150 hp. the new crosstrek with the 2.5L has 182 Hp. Just make sure your cvt fluid is not over filled and use only cvt 3 on the 2021 crosstrek. bought the 21', I change oil and cvt fluid asap out from the dealership lot, used car but runs like new... =D I can easily pass most cars. using the 0w-20 oil, so far hasn't consume oil as to some subaru before 2017 model years.

[@doogmar19]

I traded in a 2005 wrx for a 2022 Crosstrek Sport, and my biggest worry was the power difference. I will say I have no issues with my Crosstrek. Sure its not a wrx, but it actually did better than I expected. My main reason for going Crosstrek was because of the added clearance, which is needed since I live in snow country. I have to say I am perfectly happy with my crosstrek, it's a great snow car.

[@HammysShowcase]

for sure, offroad capabilities of this car are great and that ground clearance is a huge plus. Interesting to hear your take on the acceleration. My wife, who is not a car person, cannot stand how slow this car is. She gets so frustrated in it when im riding with her lol

[@frumo.too.e6965]

Maintenance?? Do you do your own maintenance? Any recalls? You keep mentioning superficial items…you name dropped Audi BMW G70s….are you really comparing a Cross Trek to them? Repair cost? Tire wear? C’mon Dude…