2018 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Premium 6-Speed Manual - POV Driving Impressions (Binaural Audio)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- MSRP: $22,595
MPG: 23 city / 29 highway
Horsepower: 152 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Towing capacity: 1,500 lbs
Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
Curb weight: 3,142 lbs
Payload: 1,201 lbs
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The audio in this video was recorded with in-ear binaural microphones. If you wear headphones, your mind won't be blown, but it will go, "woah, that's cool."
I'm also the producer for the Winding Road TH-cam Channel:
/ windingroadmagazine
Here on TheTopher, I'm known for putting a camera on my face and driving cars. Whether it's about any of my personal cars or reviews on weekly press vehicles, the goal is to give you an idea of what a certain car is like to drive or live with. Most of my videos are filmed in POV, with my clothes on, and (for like the 5th time) with in-ear binaural audio. Which, if I haven't made it clear yet, is why you should wear headphones. Because of the whole "woah" factor. It's there, trust me. Try it, it's pretty nuts. Or don't. As long as you whitelist me on your adblocker I'm okay with whatever you do or don't do with regards to headphone usage. That is all. Oh and I guess you should also probably subscribe. Why are you still reading this, you should be watching the video. With headphones! Hah, had to sneak that in there one more time. Later!
Power seems fine for an everyday car. I don't know why people are expecting a WRX experience when they drive these things.
Exactly! I have a 2021 6spd Crosstrek and I love it! It has enough power for me to get up and go. It’s still a zippy car and its fun to drive 👍🏻. I admit that it aint super fast but people dont buy these cars for speed. Want speed? Get a WRX or WRX STI 🤷🏻♂️
@@newamsterdanm hey! Nope! No issues at all! Really great car for hauling stuff and travelling for sure 👍🏻. Added some mileage on it all ready (20k+ miles) and it still drives strong and healthy with no issues whatsoever 🙏🏻
if ur not rich enough yet, and ur a car fan. i think ud want something in between everyday use and a sports car feel
I'm shopping back and forth between the Crosstrek and the Impreza, the Crosstrek seems to have the advantage.
I mainly want something that will be pleasant for long-distance drives and practical and maneuverable for local errands, and am only considering manual models.
@@TastyTarco slow car fast is more fun
If they stop making a manual transmission, I will stop buying. There is nothing like the feel of a manual transmission. Lots of younger drivers are falling in love with them. Paddle shifters are not the same at all. A manual transmission with three pedals on the floor creates such a unique joy in driving, much more of a connection to the vehicle, and far better better handling and all circumstances. Subaru is awesome for continuing to make it! Subaru, if you ever stop making a manual transmission, I will stop by your product all together.
Anyone who is reading this should send emails to all the major car companies telling them that you will not buy their product if they do not offer a manual transmission in the vehicles you want to buy.
I’m considering trading my automatic cross trek for a 22 wrx manual. My parents tell me it’s gonna be too hard, but I’ve been learning and it doesn’t seem too hard lol. Is it worth it really? I live in Colorado, with lots of snow and hills. Does it make it hard with those conditions?
I will always be a manual transmission driver
PC Ce I so wish there were more options. A honda HR-V with cloth seats, 6-speed, sunroof, and 4WD would be a dream all-arounder. but I’m glad Subaru hasn’t completely fallen into the CVT trap just yet.
We only get the CVT in the UK :(
@@oddities-whatnot interesting, ive always associated the uk with manual cars
Simon George thats weird considering half the cars on the road are manual transmissions lol
Me too, I hate automatic
Everyone sitting here discussing its power, and I'm sitting here appalled at the lack of cup holders in the back seat.
LOL!
At least they had enough common sense to keep the manual hand brake
@@BlackNo2 Keep in mind, it has a hill-start assist. I think that's what they called a _hill holder_ in my '51 Studebaker. The Stude had a valve that held pressure in the hydraulic brake lines until the clutch reached the friction point.
I can heel-and-toe the clutch and brake in my Frontier, or hold the brake with the left edge of my right foot while pushing the throttle with the right edge. No real trick to it.
Literally it's biggest fault.
They do have cup holders in the lower part of the doors. They aren't very large, but it's something. My WRX has the same thing.
Most underrated subcompact SUV. If only they'd put the turbo under the hood.
TheMichaelRN it's not underrated, it's just not that great..
Stuff stuff and More stuff Why is not that great?
Cause Soccer moms want to do Drag races at the Walmart parking lot :D
Or at the VERY LEAST, they should put the 2.5L in the Crosstrek.
@Booboobear2388 The 86 engine, 50 more horsepower, and yeah, also a 2,5 could do
The perfect first car.
Stick
Reliable
Unique
Efficient
Spacious
...
Also AWD for those snowy days
@@maxmiau you don't need AWD everyday around the entire world. If you live in Spain or Italy or Miami why would you need AWD?
Subaru makes the most reliable AWD systems but c'mon it's also a lot more money to spend on maintenance.
@@chriskonte1909 what maintenance??? I’ve had a modified 2019 Impreza for over 2 years and no problems
@@Goyxrd3 that’s just two years
Were talking about 6+ years ( 100k+ miles ) in the future
Its a stick but have you actually driven one? Its the first stick I've ever driven, and I've seen a ton of really heavy aftermarket clutches, that was virtually impossible to be 100% smooth with. Almost as bad as the Renegade manual with its built in delay valve slipper that forces clutch slip. And at 15:00 when he's flooring it, a simple pickup truck in the side mirror driving normally is keeping pace...
I bought my son this car in the 6MT. And he loves it..... wanted a manual car and I wanted him to be safe in winter here in Canada....... this vehicle ticked all those boxes for me as I’m glad it’s slow for his first car.
In my day, my first car was a twenty-plus-year-old Studebaker Commander. Single-circuit brake system, vacuum wipers, starter button under the clutch pedal, overdrive lever under the dash, no power nothing (120 horsepower SAE gross rating), had to change out the rims to go to tubeless tires.
At the time I considered myself lucky just to have something to drive.
By the way, your TH-cam moniker reminds me of the breed of dog I have.
Looking forward to delivery of my new Premium six-speed in April, and so is 'Dash, the Wonder-Elkhound. ^-^
Turbo only exists in TH-cam comment section
People don’t buy turbo forester, outback and legacy so Subaru went n/a
Absolutely agree. The people who say they want one are usually too young for the market. If Subaru did it, the people screaming for it would just buy a wrx or the like. XT, 2.5gt, spec b, all cool but all sales failures.
The legacy is getting a turbo.
They never cared to sell them. Would have been impossible to test drive a Forester XT over here, for example. You could order them, though. A little to expensive to order without testing for my taste. A non-CVT Forester XT would still be interesting to me, as we don't get the 2.5l. and the 2.0l is a little uninspiring. ^^
I bought a 2018 Turbo Forester. I'm probably in the minority but the turbo is awesome for going up the mountain passes on ski trips.
Uh... so is that why they now have 3 Outback XT trims with turbo?
Nice vehicle! I can remember before this body style came out, Subaru was saying there will not be a manual option. Glad they changed their mind.
Countries who drive on the right side of the road are lucky because there is no manual for the left-hand drive version and most probably never will be.
Finally, something you and I agree on.
Yeah to be fare if you want a really nice MT, Honda and Mazda do much better manuals.
I love my Crosstrek! I put a 1.5 subtle solutions lift in it with 15 inch methods. Looks amazing and so fun to drive. Everyone is crying over the power but I haven't been in a situation where I've been like ccoommeee on hurry up! I can pass people just fine on the freeway. You don't need 200+ hp to go adventuring.
Great review. I love my 2019 premium, manual. The same steering ratio as the BRZ is such a wise decision by Subaru. It really helped eliminate the dead center feel compared to my old 2016 crosstrek's vague and wallowy steering feel. It's a good momentum wagon for drivers. Focus on driving and less distractions.
Is it weird I listen to you videos right before bed because your voice legit relaxes me? Wtf is wrong with me lol
If you're thinking of getting the Crosstrek. GET IT IN MANUAL! The CVT models won't last long sadly. You're lucky if you get over 100k. I'm not saying that to sell you on a manual. My mother and my uncle both had issues with them failing one at 80k and the other at just 44k. Both drive very conservatively. Plus, the manual will have better resale value in the future!
I don’t know how to drive manual, but I’m going to learn for this exact reason, getting my crosstrek in manual
I am in the process of getting a manual, fun, durability were reasons that pushed me to it, but also the fact that allegedly it performs way better off-road because the engine wont cut power like it does in the auto in order to protect the flimsy CVT transmission. What has been your experience on this?
Is the resale value of manual better than the auto transmission?
Ir doesnt matter already, I was about to get mine and the sales person told me no more manuals are going to be built anymore.. I hope its not real since that would be a huge letdown from Subaru
@@zacharyreynolds4303 fingers crossed! actually I just read a couple of posts stating that Subaru CVT´s usually last as long as the engine
These videos are always so soothing to watch. I really love how you go over everything about the car, so keep it up! Also, if you take requests, you should review the 2018 KIA Stinger GT, love those things!
A lot of people are complaining about this engine's lack of power, but most other subcompacts have less horsepower than this. Seriously, what are people expecting from this segment?
El Guapo exactly, at least in Europe in the same price segment we have, mazda cx5, 2L engine with 160hp AWD, which is slower, nissan qashqai AWD 1.6L diesel 130hp... And other cars can be found in this price segment.
Even if you manage to find something a bit faster, like a 2018 suzuki vitara S, which has 140hp, and while faster than the crosstrek, has a lot of plastic materials and a harsher and noise ride.
What I am trying to say, that every car in this segment, has pluses and minuses, no car is perfect, either you loose in HP and win great AWD system and great interior, or loose these and win a good engine.
It depends on a person needs after all :)
El Guapo this is a compact car. The Mazda3, Cruze, Civic, Jetta, Focus, Forte all have more power.
And none of those cars you listed are the Crosstrek's competition. CX3, CRV/HRV, Renegade, Trax, etc. are the competition.
The CX-3 is a "subcompact" The Crosstrek is the exact same as an Impreza with 8.7 inches of ground clearance. AWD is meaningless without decent tires.
The CX-3 has 146 hp and tq but is 234 lbs lighter than the crosstrek which makes it better.
It's like a modern AMC Eagle.
If Subaru offered the Forester engine in the Crosstrek, they would have just about the perfect small crossover ( in my opinion ). My wife’s Forester gets excellent mileage, so with the Crosstrek the mpg would be very acceptable plus you’d have a fun ride. I had a 2013, it was just to slow for me.
Rickoh75 I have one as well and don't get me wrong, there are a good amount of people who would love a bigger engine or more HP (myself included) but for a company as small as Subaru it isn't worth it. I can't find the article but, it said aprox 20% of Forester buyers opted for the engine with more HP. I'm not saying I'm happy about their decision but I get it...
Never say never ;)
This made me wanna get a manual over the automatic.
I've driven manual for, well, long before I took my driving test in a slant-six-stick Dodge Coronet, and I've never bought an automatic.
I can't imagine how lazy one would have to be to say a manual is difficult or inconvenient.
Subaru: Here you go, journalists. A manual transmission Crosstrek for you to test out
Also Subaru: Here you go America. Only 9 in stock nationwide
There are that many?? (Have only seen one locally since March.)
@@confidentlocal8600 Maybe there are fewer now since we bought two (a 2021 Crosstrek and a 2020 Impreza).
@@brotendo Ha! How are they relative to each other? What trim level Impreza? Is the Impreza any faster or better handling? I have a first-gen Mazda3 that's rusting out and have considered the Crosstrek for a replacement.
@@confidentlocal8600 I'm gonna be totally honest, I don't like the manual transmissions in either of them. They're so touchy and the clutch hardly gives much of a response. My 2004 Honda Civic was leagues better. The Impreza is the 5-door premium model. The steering is so weird as well--it feels like there's input lag, and the response curve is strange: you turn it a bit and the car doesn't respond much, so you turn a bit more and then the car turns more than you want. I'm sure I'll get used to all this stuff, but for now I try to tell myself, "It's ok. These cars have AWD and that's nice." The Crosstrek has a 6th gear which is good--I think it helps fuel economy on the highway, but I haven't driven it enough to make a good comparison to anything else. Each car has only about 300 miles on them so far, so it's been one fill-up since getting them on Halloween.
The MT will last MUCH longer than the CVT
Modern CVT'S are quite reliable. Don't forget, that you must change clutch disk in manual
@@druzzyaka I would rather pay $1200 to replace a clutch than $6000 to replace a CVT transmission. They are getting better, but an expensive gamble..
@@thomasward00 change oil in a CVT every 20k miles and warm it up - it will easily last 150k. Revising the rotors every 80k is also a good move. It can increse cvt's life to 300k. All this stories, when the CVT broke after 20k is because of poor maintance or production defect.
@@druzzyaka Subaru CVT work? Who are you gonna find to do that?
@@thomasward00 that is true
This thing looks gray, and it's called "Cool Gray Khaki", but it's actually much more light blue-ish in person.
“It’s a cool little car.” Great way to sum up the Crosstrek. Love my 2023 CT Premium 6MT.
😎👍
I love manuals, but 23 MPG in the city is really low for such a compact.
You have to consider that boxer engines are less fuel efficient than inline or V engines by design. The reason most vehicles with similar or slightly more power are more fuel efficient these days is primarily because of the tiny engines with turbines attached to them. Subaru still gives you at least a 2.0 liter or bigger which is nice if you want more low end power, they also give you better center of gravity which adds up for better handling and stability, especially on turns. So unless you drive your vehicle for a living, you're really not saving all that much on fuel on a weekly basis.
"Real world" fuel economy numbers with the manual are higher.
@@BlackNo2 why exactly would having cylinders arranged in a boxer configuration result in less efficiency than that of an inline or V?
@@rslover65 no clue, just some info I gathered when reading up on boxer engine history. It mentioned numerous manufacturers attempting to build on this configuration, but most couldn't or didn't find it worth their time investment to improve and build on it
I have the same car, just a 2019. I was cringing with the constant high rpm’s lol!!! But I love watching others drive them because I feel like I drive mine way better 😂.
I’ll say, the shifting is a lot to get used to, it is pretty clunky at times.. I’m also making like 40mpg.. i don’t know how people are really getting 25
Great video. Thank you for this information. Been considering an Impreza as my next daily driver, but seeing how much ground clearance the crosstrek has plus the 6speed. Looks like a fun vehicle to drive.
Shout out to manufacturers like Subaru for keeping the driving experience engaging with manual transmissions. I will always have a manual transmission. I detest automatics. So boring.
I mean if they put power into this thing no one would buy a WRX.
This car isn't just slow because it's low on power. It also gets terrible fuel economy because it's too heavy for that engine, so it has to rev high to get it going and that wastes fuel. The 2.5 H4 is the ideal engine for this car, not the 2.0 turbo. That engine would get this car to about 28mpg mixed driving and close to 35mpg on the highway. Right now, that fuel economy is horrific for such a small hatchback. The Forester does better!
Personally, I can give a crap about fuel economy. I want a practical go everywhere and do everything vehicle that handles decent, with a 6-speed manual, and good highway passing power. That formula is surprisingly hard to find, as most of the "do everything" vehicles are automatic only and have anemic weak ass engines.
@@BoopSnoot too bad everyone not like you. All the squares now care about mpg and how slow and safe it is.
Yep, I have one with a cvt that gets ~24 mpg combined.
3200 lbs is not that heavy. It's just not a car that's meant to drag race, that's for sure.
@George Lurye, agree. I rather pay more to have 2.5H4 or equivalent to get better mpg and lower rpm at 70mph and save a few thousand dollars for 100k-200K miles or 10-15 years of ownership. It's win win for both Subaru and its customers/drivers.
We love our 2018 Limited in this color. Perfect, but wish it had about 30 more hp.
Nate C uw ish it had 100 more..like the wrx lol
yea needs at least 280hp.
Guessing you notice how less pedal seems to give more? It has a screwy tune on the DBW.
so the soccer mom can load more toilet paper in the back , you need that extra 30 hp
Clint Caillouet wouldn’t want the outgoing 2.5. Maybe the one. Coming later this year.
I know what you mean about driving them smooth, ive been driving my 2011 wrx for 3 years and still have a hard time starting smoothly sometimes, especially with ac on.
Jeremy M had my 17 wrx for 3 years...still have a hard time to...especially in reverse the clutch is definately different than others ive driven
Would be nice with 230+ hp.. actually I think 230 would be a sweet spot!
Remember the SAAB 9-2X Aero? Basically a WRX with SAAB badges.
“Track day bro moments...” 😂 Thanks for the in-depth vid on the manual, been looking for something like this to make my buying choice!
2 years later with 30k milage I still love my premium manual Trek.
how about 4 years later ?
日本には、マニュアル車設定がなくなった。非常にうらやましい。
それも、2.0で6速。逆輸入したいくらいだ。
日本のスバルよ、なぜ、これを日本で売ってくれないんだ。アイサイト？そんな余分な装備はいらない。
I’m going to act like I know what you said
Incredibly disappointing options for a 2018 remodel. The “premium” with a manual trans doesn’t have a smart key, sunroof, or push button start. Not even as options. All of those were standard on the 2016-2018 Honda HR-V EX...with a really slick shifting manual and fun handling. Sadly FWD only but that’s what I am picking up anyhow.
Add the “meh” driving dynamics for the crosstrek (including awful clutch and shifter) and it’s just not something a driving enthusiast can live with. Being slower to 60 than a Prius is embarrassing.
Thanks for this review! From my experience..
Pros: ride and handling, body structure stiffness, is much better than previous gen;
Annoyances: rev hang in first few gears and drive by wire tuning; can’t get decent features w manual in US, whereas Canadian Sport trim is manual w blind spot monitoring, sunroof, 8” screen w SiriusXM, power driver’s seat
Thanks for doing this review on the manual version. There aren't many videos out there on the manual version. I'm curious if you've driven the manual version of say a Honda Fit or Civic. I wonder how the Subaru manual compares to the Honda manual? I heard that the Honda manuals tend to be light and very easy shifting and perhaps easier to drive smoothly?
T Sizzle (my opinion is based on a pretty old transmission) My Subaru transmission can be... Well I wouldn't say finicky, but if you let off the clutch just a bit too quickly and you'll get a clunk. There's some sweet spots where you can shift quickly and everything goes smoothly, but if you miss that spot you either have to wait or go clunk and get a bit of a lurch in the car. But other than that, it's been fine, considering the car is nearly as old as I am (97 outback sport)
Civics are definitly easier to drive manual than Subarus depending on the level of subaru you get will effect it to, my stock STI had a heavy clutch from factory and a high grab point compared to a civic which would be light and lower to the ground
The manual box of subaru is too heavy in traffic. You can see the lag when he changes the lever.
I’m surprised my 2018 Crosstrek 6 Speed is more loaded then what you get in USA, I’m from Canada, I get the bigger touch screen, orange stitching around the shift boot, LED steering responsive head lights, my climate control knobs are way different, got a full LED Dash Gauge, and even the top display is way different,
They can get all that but they gotta pay for option packages $$$
"it's pretty easy to rev-match down shift. Pedals are well placed for such shenanigans".
This cracks me up, and is probably exactly how I would phrase this if reviewing this (non performance) car lol. Awesome video and glad there are still manuals to find out there
One problem: dealers don't stock them. There are zero 6MT models within 200 miles of here. I can't even order one!
Way too much focus on the power of this engine. People don't buy this car for the power. Also why not mention that it has a different four-wheel drive system which is mainly mechanical versus the CVT version. The manual is more rear-drive focused and is a much better system in terms of durability. The manual transmission will last a lot longer and those who are concerned about gas mileage based on the EPA shouldn't be. If you drive it reasonably you can actually get better than the CVT.
I think the issue for me is not the peak horsepower, but how dead the engine is below 3500 rpm. A little more torque to get off the line would make it perfect. I have a Mazda3 with the same hp and torque peak numbers, but a much fatter torque curve. It can pull up a hill at 2000 rpm at 35 mph in 4th gear because what torque it has is much easier to access.
Manual also can get up to 40mpg unlike lies spread by EPA.
watching the POV drive is very helpful to learn how to drive a manual
Spark plugs aren't a problem. At all.
I didn’t know that came with a manual. That’s exciting!!
Very spot on excellent video articulating the manual Crosstrek pluses and minuses. I just picked up my 2019 this morning, and yes its a nice feel yet the 151 HPs is the distracting limitation. I dont intend to redline it in 2nd gear on the highway, but the power shortfall induced his fun attempts to get some surge out of that baby. Sure, I'd love to have another 30 horses and lose some gas MPGs...but its a nice package to tool around in. Fun transportation for us remaining manual enthusiasts.
It's a shame that Subarus burn oil. Nice cars but I can't justify spending all that money only to have to deal with oil consumption. And the fact they say that is normal is just pathetic. We have 3 toyotas In The family 2013 , 2006 and 2015 yrs none of them burn a drop of oil
Thanks for putting together this video.
I always have a soft spot for shifting my own gears! I have long accepted the relative sluggishness of my '17 Impreza CVT. It seems to go about doing its business in a relatively smooth and efficient fashion. It just doesn't like to be rushed! Well, at least the gas mileage is half-decent. The overall mileage after a full year of ownership is 28.7 USMPG or 8.2 L/100km in metric. I am sure, a turbo diesel engine would do wonders in both the Impreza and Crosstrek! But, please do not hold your breath on this one! One easy trick that Subaru could done now to keep Subaru loyalist happy is to drop on the current 2.5L engine (with the manual, of course) and call it the Crosstrek "Sport" or something. This will give them an excuse to charge us more though! I, for one, may just jump for it!
As a reminder to all who like to shift their own gears, comes the next model cycle, with the exception of the BRZs, WRXs and STIs, all Subaru models will likely not be equipped with manual transmissions.
As a matter of fact, Subaru is so far behind the curve in electrifying their vehicles that they would need to do something in the next few years to up their overall fleet fuel mileage figures to stay on the good side of the EPA!
Just my two cents worth!
The lack of turbo is a deal breaker for me, which is a shame because I love the look, the AWD system and the colours. I'll be finding myself a second hand Volkswagen golf alltrack instead and wait for the new 2023 Crosstrek/XV to be released with a 1.5L turbo engine.
Manual = thumbs up
How can owners remove that awful rev hang?
Greg L I hope they have a factory flash to get rid of it like the 17 forester
Greg L the Rev hang is by far the worst part of this car. It makes an otherwise completely capable car into an annoyance.
Yeah but who are they? Subaru dealers? Computer nerds who have hacking skills and then post the updated code online somewhere?
Greg L Subaru dealer.
Have we seen anywhere where anyone has had success with asking the dealer to get rid of the Rev hang?
I have a Frontier SV four cylinder manual, currently shopping.
I learned to drive on a three-on-the-tree with overdrive (remember Studebaker Commander?), and have never bought an automatic, and have never driven one that I didn't think how much more engaging the drive would be with a manual instead.
I haven't seen a manual Crosstrek for sale, but after seeing this video, I think it wouldn't take too much getting used to for me.
Remember, you can sell a young man's car to an old man, but you'll never sell an old man's car to a young man.
Great sounding engine, nice to see a video with a manual on one of these, they are all CVT in the UK. I like cars with character and a lot of people moan its not enough power etc, it is for most people. There is an obsession in the UK with torque for overtaking on the motorway blah blah blah, its NOT necessary in most situations. I have a 67hp 1 litre 3 cylinder car at the moment. Bags of character and sits happily on the motorway. If I'm already doing the speed limit, then why do I need to overtake anything? Only bad drivers with no patience need tons of power. 150hp is enough for the rest of us who DO drive properly.
67hp? I rather just ride the bus. At least I get to nap
@@tonychau1983 americans seriously underestimate horsepower. Everything under 200hp is considered slow apparently
Finally! Someone who actually drives the car like a real man!
very nice car i like the stick shift + all wheel drive capabilities and its affordable
Can you do a 2018 Legacy 3.6r next? The fully equipped one.
Pros of having a manual in the 🇺🇸 US, it won't get stolen, the thieves don't know how to drive manual.🤣🤣🤣
Notify my when 2.5 H4 w/6m available. Buyer!
I'll wait till June 2020 to get more info on the next gen WRX. If it doesn't live up to my expectations, I'll buy crosstrek.
I've got an 08 hatchback Impreza.
It's a love hate thing. It lives on very rough dirt roads. I hate going through full tire sets for every flat but this car can do what most suvs are small pickups are sold for when it comes to off road. Not a lot of power, fairly slow, high repair costs but after three years and 100 thousand miles, the fact that it's still alive, I'm a subie lover for life. You don't get these for speed, you buy them for the adventure, safety, and getting where you're going
Once again, subaru makes a decent car with a horribly under powered engine as the only option.
Don't buy one, then.
I wont buy one nor will anyone else.
Look ItsRain “nor will anyone else.” My family has 2. They’re fantastic and adequately fast.
The build quality is unbelievably good, everything feels much more expensive than it is. I’d recommend it to everyone.
@Look ItsRain You're an idiot.
www.autoblog.com/2018/05/02/2018-crosstrek-subaru-best-april-sales/
Look ItsRain they're selling every one they get
Please do a Volvo XC40 review
Needs the forester xt engine (wrx engine)
The Forester XT didn't sell well. What makes you think its engine would sell well in the Crosstrek?
mo 1 kai . It probably wouldn’t sell well. But I would buy it.
then it would be a 40 grand small suv,,,,, :D no one will buy it
Subaru are changing, and if people want to moan about the cars then fine, but Subaru will succeed because their cars are now aimed at a wider audience.
Is it me or does the rpm stays up there a little too long between the gear changes ?
Rev hang it's called, yeah I have no idea wat it is lol
@@5thgearedlined emissions
For an European this thing is so refreshing among all the 2wd shitbox competitors, really good ride quality, steering, suspension, simple all the way. Of course the AWD goes every damn road you want, climbs total mud and everything. Loved it. Seriously sad we only get the CVT here, i could get used to it but that thing is real bad for MPG too.
We just bought a used Cross Trek and we love it! It’s without a doubt the best little car we’ve ever had- and I’ve had some great cars including a 2015 Forrester, a 1928 Chevrolet, a top of the line Maxima, a Pontiac tempest,and various other cars including Chevys, Fords, Plymouths, and a 1982 AMC Concorde. Subaru knocks it out of the park with this great car! Put this Crosstrek up against any comparable car and there is no comparison!! Subaru rules as far as I’m concerned!
I HAVE a wrx, and it'll likely end up with the Crosstrek trans/rear diff... Slightly shorter gearing for rallyx. WRX is dead below 3300.
It's a shame neither crosstrek or impreza have a turbo...~150hp is gutless compared to its competitors. That's the main reason why I didn't go for either of these cars. Loves everything else for the most part but having a peppy motor is essential in traffic or getting out of spicy situations
Tech Defender at abt 15:00 he floored it and that f-150 kept up no problem
But it has 152hp, which is more standard horsepower than most in the category, more than the HR-V, C-HR and CX-5. Honestly, with the manual, I only find this motor gutless on hills, but that's not unusual in this segment or with any N/A 4 cylinders. It moves along relatively well is most other driving. With the CVT, it's something else, but plenty other vehicles in this category are quite sluggish.
emdec55 You mean cx-3? Cause cx-5 has a healthy amount more power
Sorry, I definitely meant CX-3.
Preach!
How many RPM's at cruise speed in 6th gear? It looks like 70mph at about 2800 rpm.. is that correct?
My impreza 2.0 5-speed goes about 60mph @ about 2700 rpm.
Too noisy. I wish subaru made the manual transmission a bit better for highway use. The auto is much quieter on the highway.
in 6th gear manual, it's 0.738 : 1 vs. CVT (manual control) 0.667 in 6th and 0.557 in 7th. Ideally, increase 20-30 hp and bring down the rpm to 2200-2300 in 6th.
I sure like mine. Anyone who complains about the engine is just mouth-farting and has no relevance to Subaru's customer base. I have a "fleet" of faster cars, but I take this one on trips and running around. It eats bumps with aplomb and handles well for a lifted car. Sure wish it had a sunroof, tho.
I don't agree that Subaru owners don't have balls or to drive aggressively. STI owners would certainly beg to differ.
I've never driven one of these, but I feel I would enjoy its underpowered engine. Driving a slow car to its limits can sometimes be more fun and rewarding than driving a fast car slowly and carefully...
I'm currently learning how to drive manual. I'd like to get a crosstrek but I'm not sure if I should get manual or the automatic CVT. Would you recommend this to a new manual driver?
Matt Cascini what I have heard is that they did not remove the rev hang that was a problem in older models like my 2016 crosstrek. It’s not the best car to learn on because of that but with time you should be fine but be prepared to stall a lot
My biggest complaint in my '23 Premium manual is the road roar from the Geolandar G91 tires. Like a Huebsch commercial clothes washer with a weak spin bearing.
This thing would be unstoppable in the snow with Nokian Hakkapelitta 9 winter tires, Finnish company, pretty promising start considering the Finn's invented the winter tire, routinely produce the finest motorsport competitors on earth, especially in WRC/F1 and that the aforementioned Finn's who invented the winter tire are the ones over at Nokian, (99% sure of that, I may be wrong but I do know Nokian H.9 is a tire people in more freezing climates of Europe will use to traverse chest deep, 4+ feet of snow, with it being pushed over the nose in their otherwise bone stock subaru foresters/outbacks etc.through trails in the woods.. Usually Russians do this as they have regions that produce these conditions consistently.
I know you like trying out different winter tires, next time you need a set of winter rubber, consider checking out Nokian Hakkapelitta 9's. They're studded but don't let the laws in certain states fool ya, you can still usually have studded snow tires in states that restrict them, just during winter months only, due to people in the past keeping theres on till they melt away in warmer months on dry pavement destroying roadways in the process (your state doesn't if you're still in the midwest for obvious reasons 🙂).
Hey Dan… those are the tires have on my 2018 Crosstrek and you are right. Great tires in the winter up here n the Geat White North.
9:30 The hill-start assist doesn't do us any favors, and is completely unnecessary with a hand-brake or with properly positioned pedals.
My '51 Studebaker had a more seamless hill holder that used clutch pedal position to release the brakes instead of an electronic timer.
You can't drive it smoothly because of REV HANG!
Am I the only one who experienced a bit of asmr watching this?
I found this to be awfully slow. Top gear at 60 with pedal down should have some more get up and go
No it shouldn't. If you're at the top gear going 60 in anycar, you're RPMs should be nowhere near enough to get acceleration, unless your driving a purpose built car. Most engines reach max hp, high in the rev range, which means you have to downshift to get the power. If you're in 6th gear at 2500rpm, you not getting anypower, and you're just wasting gas. That is the point of a final gear in any car. Downshift to 4th and then put your foot down, and you'll find the power.
I've never been uncomfortable while watching Topher caress vehicles until I saw him caress that same car I drive.
All this people complaining the lack of power, "no turbo", no "Turbo and MT" hahahahaha you are funny. I'm sure you must be from the US, the country that for ages wanted AT...when you guys had the option of buying a Forester XT manual brand new years ago, most of the few XT sold in your country where AT!. Most of the people asking on internet about MPG, and cries when the car doesn't give the MPG the manufacturer claims, yet you still want a supercharged V8 MT bla bla bla bla because if not "i wont give my money to Subaru anymore" hahahahahahaha you guys are so funny... always repeating same thing, yet people not only with Subaru, with other brands still choosing the more reliable "under power" option with AT or CVT...
Baltazar Campos Nieto This is unfortunately accurate. It's why I want to maintain my car as long as I can. Cars are expensive and MT's are getting rare. I'm forced to sticking to used cars for now.
But hey, someday, maybe, right?
Same with Jeep Wranglers. Everyone wants a hose-out version with a manual transmission and a diesel engine...but would any armchair "jeepers" buy one?
Count me in wit h 20%’ers here in US. IDK what it is, ever since high school I’ve been driving manual, I might go for the 6 spd Crosstrek vs the Forester XT turbo (non-stick). I need to test drive both asap.
Would this be a good car as a first manual transmission?
You would get used to it. But its not the nicest transmission and shifter I've used. It's slightly unwieldy like the stick is an inch too tall and the shifts don't notch in with purpose like some other cars I've owned.. ie mx6, 240sx, integra, fit
Chris, how do you get the camera placement for POV so perfect?
It looks like a GoPro on top of his head
A Manual transmission when available is always worth it to choose over an automatic. Don't be tricked into buying the boring CVT! #savethemanuals
I gladly passed over the 2.5 with more power so I can have my manual. 100% worth it!
@@jfazzuoli3813 Awesome !!!! Right on!
people from usa know how to drive manual??
Thanks for posting this video on the stick-shift X-Trek. I really like how a Subaru engine sounds. It is very mechanical. I used to own a 2012 Outback with a manual tranny, but I had to sell it due to a shoulder injury. I surely miss it a lot!
My current ride is a 2017 Impreza with the CVT. Other than the initial low-speed shuddering issue with the mapping of the transmission, it has been running fine. Gas mileage is a bit low due to the under-powered engine, I presume. The range on a tank of gas is really short for daily commute, I could barely get over 300 miles on a tank! Now, I have read somewhere that the X-Trek is equipped with a slightly large gas tank, so that should help on the range between pit stops on a trip.
Again, thanks for putting together this vid.....
Nice review on the Manual version. I recognized the 6 mile ramp which is on my way to work!
Does the manual have rev hang? Seemed like it did. My WRX does and its AWFUL
drepop803 Dear God this seemed like it had some bad rev hang. Seems that's been pretty common in newer Subaru models.
emissions
I read online about emissions. Still doesn't help me as my car has rev hang and it sucks. I have to get a 400-900$ tune to get rid of it all while risking my warranty
If it's for emissions then why some cars from some other brands don't have that problem?
driftbro which brands don't have it? My civic si previously had it as well
Great review and subscribed. Interesting to see that you are right next door in Livonia! The gray sky and 275 landscape was unmistakable. Keep up the great work Topher.
might buy one of these love my wife’s forester but want something smaller to zoom around in. just wish it had maybe 20 more hp
What’s funny is that the Manual transmission which is better over the CVT is that there is only 1 screen and that is the infotainment screen, while the center 4.2 inch screen eliminated and the 6 inch display above the infotainment being a analog screen along with the screen on the dash unless you get a higher trim level which kinda sucks. But everyone has different preferences.
Check out Tophers nite time hi speed cornering! Nice driving! th-cam.com/video/Le43bVP6n1I/w-d-xo.html
I've had 15 cars. My last two were an 08 corolla manual and now an 08 impreza. My only complaint with Subaru is the tires. One goes and they all need replacing. Outside of that, I've looked at all the other cars available in the USA and keep coming back to Subaru hatches. As a mechanic I can say that if you keep up with proper maintenance, they are one of the best cars ever
best thing it has going for it is it's looks, imho .... just a great look
My goodness...that rev hang is horrible. I’ve driven a 6-speed manual crosstrek and the clutch feel is absent and the shifter feels like crap. Subaru needs to take some notes from Honda on how to make a cable mechanism shifter feel better.
your video is so shaky i feel dizzy tho
I test drove a 17 5 speed and an 18 6 speed. The 6 speed felt so much slower I had a hard time pulling out into traffic. The 5 speed was so much more fun to drive and had no issues in traffic. Why? Was something wrong with the 6 speed car?
Don't recommend the CVT for driving in traffic TheTopher - this propels the myth that "driving a manual in traffic is too much work" That is entirely not true! Especially when the clutch is light like it is in the Crosstrek.
You are SO lucky to get the manual version over there. Here in Australia we now only get the CVT. LOL. Talk about a bad marketing decision.
There must be a heap of drivers who would buy this vehicle IF ONLY it came as a manual.
Auto's are not great at the best of times, but CVT is definitely a downer. I like to be in control, not the car ;)
The vehicle is selling well ATM but when those numbers drop maybe Subaru Oz will get some sense and bring in the manual.
Until then it's a no buy vehicle for me.
Oh really? I am looking at buying an XV and I wanted a manual 😫
A car shouldnt cruise on the highway at 70 mph at nearly 3,000 rpm
Not sure why can't Subaru drop the 6th gear and final drive numbers (manual)
What' are the rpms at 70mph in 6th?