In order to use the Subaru Lane Centering feature, you're supposed to turn on the cruise control then turn it'll work properly. At 9:01, you didn't have the CC on which explains why it crossed the line. I know this from experience as we have a 2020 Subaru equipped with the lane-centering feature. Great review though!
Really appreciate the well-rounded review as I’m looking at these right now. It’s also nice to watch a respectful father/son review rather than “TFL”, where the super chill dad has to endure his patronizing son. You just gained one more follower.
I bought one the first year they came out in 2013. I've had some ups and downs with the vehicle but all in all its a winner. Horsepower was an issue back then, but no other manufacturer touches the all wheel drive.
I had a crosstrek and loved the car! It was good on fuel good in poor weather. Yes it wasn’t a fast car but I was able to pull my little trailer and 2000lbs ... perfect for HD trips etc. overall it was a great car!!!
Nice job with this! I had Subarus for years; 4 Spd auto's, a 5 Spd shift (01 Impreza), and CVTs. My first CVT was with a 13 Crosstrek, but I also had those in the 15 Outback and 17 Forester. The only time I ever really noticed the CVT was under hard acceleration, which doesn't happen more than 3% of the time (in my life) and the fake shifts made it OK. I compare all the negative comments about CVTs (all of them from CVT owners, no doubt!) to all the reviewers' positive comments about the new Ford Ranger's 10 Spd auto and how its shifts are seamless. (That's not the only good auto, of course, just an example.) Why do people like "seamless" shifts in an automatic transmission, but hate truly seamless shifting in a CVT? Live with it before you hate on it.
My grandma gave me a 2014 Crosstrek and although I love trucks and think a Toyota Tacoma would be ideal for my lifestyle, the Crosstrek has been awesome! Here are my main critiques: 1: The engine is definitely underpowered especially where I live at 7000ft. I also am not a fan of the CVT that it’s paired to. However, I average 25 miles per gallon in the city with a bunch of stuff in the back so that is super nice. 2: I can fit a TON of stuff in the back with my seats folded down. If I pull the passenger seat all the way forward, and put a little box between the passenger seat and the folded down back seat, I can actually SLEEP in it. And I’m 6,4”! That’s pretty cool. 3: The all wheel drive truly is awesome. Coming from 4 wheel drive SUV’s and pickup trucks, I absolutely prefer the handling of all wheel drive in the snow. It handles amazingly well . Off road is pretty good too. Obviously, it doesn’t have the ground clearance or the capability that my old Tacoma had, but its short wheel base and small turning radius makes the vehicle perform surprisingly well! All in all, even though it’s not my ideal car, it does what it’s supposed to do really well and I will always be so appreciative that I have it from my grandma.
I just bought 2021 Crosstrek. I got it for highway driving came from lifted Wrangler. With all the eyesight features it can take alot of stress out of long commute to work everyday. The car has 2.5l and has enough power to feel a little sporty but were this car shines is the suspension and awd it makes you feel planted and in control with no slip driving threw large puddles etc. Potholes get absorbed well for a car and rough road just isnt that noticed. The car has alot more room then it looks. I love trucks and Jeeps but this little car is built for everyday driving. So far im happy.
You mean, like, offroad? TFL showed that the Outback, despite having an excellent engine, was not only dog slow off the line because of the CVTs inability to get the gearing low (its like starting in 2nd gear) losing to an Alltrack by a mile despite the Alltrack having WAY less power, but the Outback also got stuck going up the same trail that lesser cars had no problem with thanks to having low enough 1st gears. No matter how you slice it, its an outdated CVT they haven't updated in over a decade. They need to either go DCT like the competition or hybrid CVT that has a real 1st gear like Toyota is using on some vehicles now.
@@BoopSnoot is that the only video you watched? Have you not seen how well they do now that they revamped the engine management? Just take a look at the outback onyx or the forester sport Off-road they get these things on 3 wheels and keep going...
I got the 2021 Crosstrek and I love it perfect for the cottage roads and city. The only thing I don't like is the auto start and stop so I turn it off but you have to push this button every time you get in vehicle. Wish you could permanently disable it. It does get excellent gas mileage and is very comfortable to me, the 2.5l is a must I would say I don't need to go fast but it's nice to have the power is you need it.
You can buy a device to splice into the line which will disable it permanently. It's the same on my 19, and I agree with you that you should be able to disable it from the OEM options.
Glad to see Subaru upped the power and displacement. We have a 2016 Forester and opted for the 2.0 L turbocharged 250 HP XT Touring model. It's no drag racer, but 250 HP is plenty enough.
Your reviews are so relevant for Canadians. Fuel numbers, prices and usage. Most reviews try to make vehicles do things that they are not designed to do. The Cross Trek looks like a good vehicle. I have to agree with Trail Seeker I do not like CVTs
I just bought one for a couple of reasons. First I work in health care so unless the road's are closed I'll be on them. Sometimes it's just me and the snowplows, sometimes it's just me. Secondly I camp, hike and fish. If I'm meeting up with the guys I often have to hike in from the road or someone has to pick me up in their truck. This way I should be able to get down the old lumber roads like a big kid. It's not a serious off-road vehicle, but then I don't really need one.
I just got a 2023 sport. Unfortunately the upgraded top screen with off road stuff is apparently unavailable in the sport in the US. I shut my lane assist off. Engine stop start off. I even shut off the seatbelt chime that never shuts up. The CVT is ok for normal driving conditions. I wish X mode features worked at all speeds. Otherwise this cross over handles great. Interiors decent. AWD is spot on. I'm happy
Lane keep assist gets turned off in the winter. The snow on the side of the road is seen as a line and it turns you back. And if icy it can try to turn you a big too aggressively.
Great common sense and practical review of a nice vehicle. On the fence with this little rascal . I have an F250 4WD for work which works great towing and load handling but 12.5 mpg is tough all around. The crosstrek seems a good alternative when I don’t need my truck and more than capable of handling rougher weather and roads and a dry tool storage area to boot....
@@TruckKing Sense your in a snowy area I hope to see some reasonably intelligent reviews in snow. As you might have guessed by the reasonably intelligent part I'm not to interested in 0-60 in the snow. Nor drag races in the snow. But where can you go with it while their is snow on the ground? If somebody is caught in a surprise storm will it get you home? And will it do that road in bad weather? I'm guessing you can also think of some more interesting and informative testing.Basically I'm not asking you to try your version of Goldmine hill for every crossover. But it would be interesting to see some rough conditions and mild offroading/softroading.
Stephen, Is it any wonder Subaru sells so many of these when Toyota clue-less-ly discontinued the Matrix while it was one of Canada's top selling cars? The Crosstrek could use the new 228 hp 2.4 engine and 6 speed MANUAL from the next BRZ. 181 hp from a brand new 2.5 engine is 20 hp less than other manufacturers are getting from NA engines of the same displacement. Subaru's Levorg would be a very popular choice in Canada as it would do everything this Crosstrek does while carrying more gear.
@@edsmith9855 If you go into the settings of the screen in the gauge cluster, I believe you can turn most of those beeps off. But I'm used to it as I've had subies for a while
@@DarkneszFalls I went into the settings. You cannot turn off the beeping entirely, but you can turn down the volume. I seemed like when I turned the car off and on again, it reset itself to default. I dont bother trying to turn it off now, like you said, I have gotten used to it.
@@edsmith9855 Bummer it seemed to go back. What absolutely drives me crazy now is the car yelling at me to keep my hands on the wheel when I'm driving in a straight line with cruise control on... Like car there's literally no reason to adjust the wheel... Stop telling me to keep my hands on!!!! They're they're they're just not moving!!!
@@DarkneszFalls It is probably 2 parts, the system cannot keep the car in its lane indefinitely, and it is probably necessary for legal protection. I like the slight tug you get when going out of you lane, but I simply cannot get used to leaving my hands off the wheel for more than a few seconds. (I have a 2019 Impreza, without the lane tracing feature, but it will correct to keep you in your lane, at least on straight roads.)
It has decent interior room. You and your dad weren't jammed in there shoulder to shoulder. I wouldn't want the cvt but the average consumer doesn't seem to care.
I have a 2021 Crosstrek and the steering assist confused me at first. With the cruse control on it provides very good lane centering all the way to freeway speeds, with the cruse control off it only provides lane keep assist (as it did in your test). There is no lane centering without the cruse control engaged. I have a Limited model I bought specifically for both on road and unmaintained back-country roads like what you tested and it does very well on both. Subaru must like Canadians more because we don't get the front camera in the US (or heated steering wheel). Great review guys!
I had a Touring 2018 and the power was ok for day to day drive and freeway. I switched for the 2021 Outdoor edition and yes I appreciate the FB25 engine with more power and torque, it makes the Crosstrek more enjoyable . Love the heated steering wheel. The front camera I don’t really use it. But yeah perfect car for Canadians and the Outdoor version is really the one to get.
Clearly Subaru loves Canada more than the US. You get the option of a heated steering wheel, a power seat in the Sport (Outdoor), a front camera, and that gorgeous dark blue paint. Grrr.
Nice review. I just picked up a 2022 Sport last week. Looking forward to the added clearance since I'm coming from a wrx. I need to get through a foot of snow at times, and this should make it a lot easier. I will say I was leery of the CVT, since I've only owned manuals, but I'm pretty happy with it. The bigger 2.5L engine is nice, I'm not really missing the power of my wrx like I thought I would.
@@TruckKing lmao. Its no 4runner😁 that video of you testing on the hydroline while all the puddles were a frozen muddy mess was epic. Made you instant reviewer legend status. 😸😸😸😸👍
I think it's kinda funny that it wasn't even pointed out in this review, but obviously fuel economy is a BIG reason why someone would choose this type of vehicle over a pickup truck. Is it because fuel is still relatively cheap in North America? Because believe me when I say it definitely is relatively cheap when compared to a lot of places 😆
There's a hole bunch of ppl that lift crosstreks and put bigger tires and do some good off roading basically anything but rock crawling. I've taken mine on a bunch of different beaches and and all over in the woods while off grid camping
There is nothing wrong with the 2 litre engine power and the standard 6-speed transmission. I used to have a Volkswagen beetle with 36 horsepower and it took me everywhere cross-country through forests
@@firstchoicelastchoice28 It's embarrassingly underpowered compared to other modern vehicles. I've driven it a number of times. Merging onto the highway or trying to pass is a challenge at times and it shouldn't be.
@@MrBobbyBrown2006 I had a 1968 - 36 horsepower Volkswagen beetle - 90 horse power 1972 Volvo etc many cars around 100 horsepower and never had a problem. My 2004 Imprezza which I drove for 16 years had 160 horsepower just a handful more than the Crosstrek - never a power problem and many other cars I have owned. I can hit a speed of 130k's on the on-ramp and blend into traffic. I can pass any slow traffic as needed. I usually set my cruise control at 98k's [ in a 100 zone ] and sit back and enjoy the radio and the drive. (2021 Crosstrek) You need to rethink what "power" is really needed.
@@firstchoicelastchoice28 That's all well and good, but what that tells me is that you're just satisfied with less than industry standard regardless of the decade or year. There is nothing wrong with that opinion, but you're 100% in the minority, so there really isn't any arguing against my point because it's the biggest complaint about the Crosstrek. Hence them putting the 2.5 in it this year. If it wasn't underpowered, why would they have done that? Apparently Subaru has the opposite opinion of you as well.
@@firstchoicelastchoice28 Would you say your 2021 Crosstrek with the 2.0L and manual feels like it has about the same power as your old Impreza? Because I have a 2003 Impreza with manual (and like you did, think it's power is just fine), and plan to get a Crosstrek, but am not sure which engine. A new one with the 2.5L is a lot more money, but it sounds pretty good. And it's hard to find Crosstrek a manual with the 2.0L to test drive around where I live.
Great breath of fresh air vs those others “haters”. Lol. Great review! I own the 2018. The lane centering assist is only a little bit into the eye site system. The cruise control and the front end collision monitor is the best.
Great car. Family member has the 2019 crosstrek. Gets through anything mother nature can throw out. More pros then cons......now to hear from the cvt experts on the disappointments, continue to scroll for those. 🤔
@@charisemixa776 The car is pretty quite. I just had it on snow and ice, and the car is excellent. I have a new Tacoma 4x4 and I like driving the Crosstrek more in the snow and ice than the Toyota.
Too bad there was no snow... One word about these Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 winter tires, I put those on my 2019 Outback and there are by far the very best tires I have ever had. We owned so far nine Subarus in my family since 1987 and I was always disapointed with the top brands pushed on by the dealers especially in deep snow. Even the handling was not to my liking with just a little ice and snow. But with these Blizzaks I feel so confident and I spoke to a coworker who uses WS80 (the older Blizzak) on his Outback and he owned many Subarus as well and agrees with me. I don't work for Birdgestone and have no personnal interest in this but I just want to mention it to you just in case you ever do a tire comparison test because I have yet to see them reviewed against other brands or the stock Nokians from the dealer. But I don't think it is entirely subjective because the difference is incredible. Best regards.
This video was made on my birthday and it's odd I've been looking at buying a Subaru Crosstrek...but it has to be a manual transmission. The CVT is a huge mistake in any car manufacture especially Subaru. Just read the Edmunds and Consumer report reviews on the CVT. All the CVT Crosstreks have pages of problems and the Crosstreks with manuals almost zero issues.
Well, with equal traction, AWD will always be better. I live in Minnesota, so I know winter driving as well. I got by with FWD for a lot of years, but just got an AWD Impreza, and it is much better than any FWD car as far as not getting stuck in deep snow.
I heard if one tire goes in awd rig, you gotta replace ALL 4 tires or the uneven amount of tread will confuse the traction system and where out the drive train. I guess you might be able to shave it down.
@@firstchoicelastchoice28 It is not nonsense. Different tire diameters will put stress on the AWD differentials. I depends on how much the difference in diameter is. There is a number specified by Subaru how much the difference in diameter is allowed to be.
Crosstrek 2021 is my first CVT. Better than any automatic I've ever driven, not that I've driven a 2021 Toyota automatic. Are you sure you just don't like it because it's different?
Not sure if it has to do with me actually owning the Crosstrek and driving it every single day….or maybe it’s all the extra in-depth research I did on everything that has to do with Eyesight…From when eyesight was not called eyesight and was really no more then just someone’s idea….akin to a vision….a futuristic vision that is…with huge safety potential! With every day use’s that at first seem out of this world!!!! Not to mention how old you may feel, for such autonomous AI technology comes off feeling almost too futuristic and even Magical!! That puts your life in perspective on how insanely fast time has travelled…or could it be that maybe it’s you who has travelled thru time? Instead of time traveling thru you…….to think or not to think, that is the question? Now I forgot what I was gonna say or what i wanted to say…ahhh….decisions…decisions….I tell you man, if they only made eyesight for your brain….now that right there would be something….oh yea I remember, i just wanted to say that I actually enjoyed all the eyesight features, especially adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and lane centering….I just found all the features so useful to me, it’s not that I’m a bad driver, it’s cuz I’m a crazy diver!!! But in all seriousness, I just love all the special programming and special technology that went into creating such a system like Eyesight…the end….toodole doo!!!
Eye sight is great for all of those people not watching the road. You know, everyone else. Is... is that person texting on their phone while driving?... yep. Eye sight!
You should check out his hydro line video with the 4runner on TFL. He tested the 4runner like Ive never seen any reviewer do, I mean he straight up punished that thing, used it as an ice breaker. 4runner did not care. Epic.
@@truckerrickakamanowar yeah, that's my favorite 4Runner test! Helped convince me to buy mine. Everyman Driver did a similar review a few years back too.
All season tires are not snow tires and they do poorly when the road is ice and snow, despite the name. Have a set of chains or similar and you never get stuck.
One thing I don’t appreciate about my car is the paint. My car was kept in a garage it’s entire life and in my time of owning the car, I’ve noticed the paint chip randomly without reason. I don’t think the paint is going to stand up at all as the car ages. Does anyone else have this issue?
@@reserva120 I'm actually one of the few that enjoys subaru CVT as i consider it one of the best ones out there. However, there's a fact nobody can reject, nothing is more reliable than a good old manual in the transmission world. subie CVT ain't bad for this, but manuals are the ones with least problems and more importantly the easiest and cheaper to fix in case of an issue.
Jeep Renegade Trailhawk is over $30,000 new, its made in Italy and is very pathetic off road. If you want to drop $30k on a Jeep just buy a new Wrangler Sport for the same money.
@@MartysDamnRelaxingSounds www.cargurus.com/Cars/new/searchresults.action?Zip=76014&selectedEntity=d2268&startYear=2018&endYear=2021 and I've seen many off rod reviews and it's good
I’m looking to buy but I see no button on steering wheel that says “view” for the front face cam. Just says S which I think is a “sport” mode or something. Is the front cam on all crosstreks?
Does anyone know how robust the undercarriage is? I live in Utah where its fairly common in winter to not just drive in snow, but drive over / back out over snow thats been packed into icy blocks, leading to lots of cars dragging or hanging a piece of plastic from the belly.
Also, pretty much every dirt road out here will have occasional rocks that are large enough to get kicked up into the belly. Its just fairly common to see cars around here dragging/hanging a piece of plastic for one reason or another
These are tough question to give opinions on. You know the terrain you'll cover and frankly it sounds to me like you need something with more clearance and skid plates.
The manual version only comes with the 2.0 engine... WTF? Um, hey, engineers..... People who prefer manuals like to drive... They aren't cheapskates. They want the manual AND the big engine! They want a sunroof, too... Hello!
How did you get a dark blue version of this? i thought the 2.5 sport version only had horizon sky blue. perhaps the canadians get better-different color options xD
Everyone who complains about the CVT would be the same people who would complain about the gas mileage if it had a more standard auto or manual. Boxer 4s are thirsty to say the least.
did subaru ever address the head gasket issue with 2.5? I had the Outback and was surprised how much i liked it even though it had no power. much more capable than i expected. after 220000 miles it wasnt worth maintaining anymore though. only had to do the head gaskets once at least. this model isnt bad looking, more power is always good!
The maintenance on a CVT is nuts....change fluid every 40 or 50 000 kms and the fluid is about $40/litre and needs 6 or so....the boxer engine with head gasket issues...no thanks. The RAV 4 is way more reliable.
no Subaru does not recommend that you change the CVT fluid as regular maintenance not until 160k and even then there's nothing wrong with it that, I've owned 2 Subarus w/ CVT's and put over 230k on the first and 250k on the 2nd and did regular maintenance and no major issues either with the rest of the vehicle, i would still prefer a manual trans and that mens you go to a Impreza 4 or 5 door which is the same platform just less ground clearance, get your facts straight
@@99unclebob that's exactly the problem. They should be serviced. In Japan, they recommend regular service. In North America, I don't believe they recommend it, but they consequently also fail fairly commonly. We see the torque converters, valve bodies, bearings, and pinions fail on these CVTs *all the time*. That's not to say all of them will fail, because they won't. But it isn't uncommon and if you need a rebuilt or new CVT 5-10 years in, it's not surprising whatsoever.
@@thecommenter4933 I wish they'd go to an speed auto there's lots of good ones on the market and Toyota owns 20%of them now they could use the Camry 6 spd auto in it, my co worker has a 2015 Nissan Altima SL Jatco CVT and is starting to give him trouble ouch$,5/6000 ouch
![2021 Subaru Crosstrek | Is It The Best Crossover Yet? [OFF-ROAD]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/oPt1hUpWg_Y/mqdefault.jpg)
One of the cars at the top of my list for MPG, AWD, and reliability.
what else is in the top of your list with awd, mpg, & reliability?
@@valvaliant4433 honestly, bugger crossover. Honda Passport is one. But I already have a 4 runner, so I would probably stick with the Crosstrek.
@Andy Brian I think all of the major brands have had their issues.
In order to use the Subaru Lane Centering feature, you're supposed to turn on the cruise control then turn it'll work properly. At 9:01, you didn't have the CC on which explains why it crossed the line.
I know this from experience as we have a 2020 Subaru equipped with the lane-centering feature.
Great review though!
Really appreciate the well-rounded review as I’m looking at these right now. It’s also nice to watch a respectful father/son review rather than “TFL”, where the super chill dad has to endure his patronizing son. You just gained one more follower.
Lol
Tommy can definitely be a bit much at times
I bought one the first year they came out in 2013. I've had some ups and downs with the vehicle but all in all its a winner. Horsepower was an issue back then, but no other manufacturer touches the all wheel drive.
Audi has a very similar AWD system with a lot more power and nicer interior. Obviously more money though...
And shit for reliability. That’s why most people lease them and don’t own them outside of the warranty period.
I had a crosstrek and loved the car! It was good on fuel good in poor weather. Yes it wasn’t a fast car but I was able to pull my little trailer and 2000lbs ... perfect for HD trips etc. overall it was a great car!!!
nice to see a non truck on your hands, not a super deep test but touches most the topics. approved!
Nice job with this! I had Subarus for years; 4 Spd auto's, a 5 Spd shift (01 Impreza), and CVTs. My first CVT was with a 13 Crosstrek, but I also had those in the 15 Outback and 17 Forester. The only time I ever really noticed the CVT was under hard acceleration, which doesn't happen more than 3% of the time (in my life) and the fake shifts made it OK. I compare all the negative comments about CVTs (all of them from CVT owners, no doubt!) to all the reviewers' positive comments about the new Ford Ranger's 10 Spd auto and how its shifts are seamless. (That's not the only good auto, of course, just an example.) Why do people like "seamless" shifts in an automatic transmission, but hate truly seamless shifting in a CVT? Live with it before you hate on it.
My grandma gave me a 2014 Crosstrek and although I love trucks and think a Toyota Tacoma would be ideal for my lifestyle, the Crosstrek has been awesome! Here are my main critiques:
1: The engine is definitely underpowered especially where I live at 7000ft. I also am not a fan of the CVT that it’s paired to. However, I average 25 miles per gallon in the city with a bunch of stuff in the back so that is super nice.
2: I can fit a TON of stuff in the back with my seats folded down. If I pull the passenger seat all the way forward, and put a little box between the passenger seat and the folded down back seat, I can actually SLEEP in it. And I’m 6,4”! That’s pretty cool.
3: The all wheel drive truly is awesome. Coming from 4 wheel drive SUV’s and pickup trucks, I absolutely prefer the handling of all wheel drive in the snow. It handles amazingly well . Off road is pretty good too. Obviously, it doesn’t have the ground clearance or the capability that my old Tacoma had, but its short wheel base and small turning radius makes the vehicle perform surprisingly well!
All in all, even though it’s not my ideal car, it does what it’s supposed to do really well and I will always be so appreciative that I have it from my grandma.
I have a 19 crosstrek lifted with ko2s and it gets thrashed offroad pretty good.
i have a wrx sti can't wait to go drifting on snow when winter comes
I just bought 2021 Crosstrek. I got it for highway driving came from lifted Wrangler. With all the eyesight features it can take alot of stress out of long commute to work everyday. The car has 2.5l and has enough power to feel a little sporty but were this car shines is the suspension and awd it makes you feel planted and in control with no slip driving threw large puddles etc. Potholes get absorbed well for a car and rough road just isnt that noticed. The car has alot more room then it looks. I love trucks and Jeeps but this little car is built for everyday driving. So far im happy.
My wife’s ascent has the CVT. It’s fine. The car isn’t designed to go anywhere where having that cvt is going to matter.
You mean, like, offroad? TFL showed that the Outback, despite having an excellent engine, was not only dog slow off the line because of the CVTs inability to get the gearing low (its like starting in 2nd gear) losing to an Alltrack by a mile despite the Alltrack having WAY less power, but the Outback also got stuck going up the same trail that lesser cars had no problem with thanks to having low enough 1st gears. No matter how you slice it, its an outdated CVT they haven't updated in over a decade. They need to either go DCT like the competition or hybrid CVT that has a real 1st gear like Toyota is using on some vehicles now.
@@BoopSnoot I watched that video. The CVT had nothing to do with the computer cutting power to the engine.
@@BoopSnoot TFL are show off morons
@@BoopSnoot is that the only video you watched? Have you not seen how well they do now that they revamped the engine management? Just take a look at the outback onyx or the forester sport
Off-road they get these things on 3 wheels and keep going...
I got the 2021 Crosstrek and I love it perfect for the cottage roads and city. The only thing I don't like is the auto start and stop so I turn it off but you have to push this button every time you get in vehicle. Wish you could permanently disable it. It does get excellent gas mileage and is very comfortable to me, the 2.5l is a must I would say I don't need to go fast but it's nice to have the power is you need it.
You can buy a device to splice into the line which will disable it permanently. It's the same on my 19, and I agree with you that you should be able to disable it from the OEM options.
Glad to see Subaru upped the power and displacement. We have a 2016 Forester and opted for the 2.0 L turbocharged 250 HP XT Touring model. It's no drag racer, but 250 HP is plenty enough.
Your reviews are so relevant for Canadians. Fuel numbers, prices and usage. Most reviews try to make vehicles do things that they are not designed to do. The Cross Trek looks like a good vehicle. I have to agree with Trail Seeker I do not like CVTs
You have test the car in it natural environment. Not in some hard off road hill climb or mud pit. Another good review
I just bought one for a couple of reasons. First I work in health care so unless the road's are closed I'll be on them. Sometimes it's just me and the snowplows, sometimes it's just me.
Secondly I camp, hike and fish. If I'm meeting up with the guys I often have to hike in from the road or someone has to pick me up in their truck. This way I should be able to get down the old lumber roads like a big kid.
It's not a serious off-road vehicle, but then I don't really need one.
I just got a 2023 sport. Unfortunately the upgraded top screen with off road stuff is apparently unavailable in the sport in the US.
I shut my lane assist off. Engine stop start off. I even shut off the seatbelt chime that never shuts up.
The CVT is ok for normal driving conditions.
I wish X mode features worked at all speeds.
Otherwise this cross over handles great. Interiors decent. AWD is spot on. I'm happy
I love Subaru CVT and the way they programmed the shifting. It’s really not like the other cvts I drove when I rented cars as a frequent flyers.
Lane keep assist gets turned off in the winter. The snow on the side of the road is seen as a line and it turns you back. And if icy it can try to turn you a big too aggressively.
Looks so good. If only the big engine could be had with a stick. What a fun car it would be.
Great common sense and practical review of a nice vehicle. On the fence with this little rascal . I have an F250 4WD for work which works great towing and load handling but 12.5 mpg is tough all around. The crosstrek seems a good alternative when I don’t need my truck and more than capable of handling rougher weather and roads and a dry tool storage area to boot....
i liked them but i liked the forester better more cargo room.
But forestor is slower, with the same engine.
I like it but outback xt is bigger and faster 👌🏼😜
My wife had 2 Crosstreks. She loved them. My only complaint was that it was a bit small inside for me.
You also get a heated steering wheel and center armrest for backseat passengers. Not available in the American Crosstrek Sport.
Congratulations on testing this on the surface it and others like it are designed for. Very good review.
Thank you!
@@TruckKing Sense your in a snowy area I hope to see some reasonably intelligent reviews in snow. As you might have guessed by the reasonably intelligent part I'm not to interested in 0-60 in the snow. Nor drag races in the snow. But where can you go with it while their is snow on the ground? If somebody is caught in a surprise storm will it get you home? And will it do that road in bad weather? I'm guessing you can also think of some more interesting and informative testing.Basically I'm not asking you to try your version of Goldmine hill for every crossover. But it would be interesting to see some rough conditions and mild offroading/softroading.
Stephen, Is it any wonder Subaru sells so many of these when Toyota clue-less-ly discontinued the Matrix while it was one of Canada's top selling cars? The Crosstrek could use the new 228 hp 2.4 engine and 6 speed MANUAL from the next BRZ. 181 hp from a brand new 2.5 engine is 20 hp less than other manufacturers are getting from NA engines of the same displacement. Subaru's Levorg would be a very popular choice in Canada as it would do everything this Crosstrek does while carrying more gear.
And now the Forester!
I've had a Crosstrek Sport for 2 months now - you get used to the lane centering. It becomes natural after about a month.
Yea, I like it, and love the adaptive cruise. The only thing that bugs me is the constant beeping of both the adaptive cruise and the lane centering.
@@edsmith9855 If you go into the settings of the screen in the gauge cluster, I believe you can turn most of those beeps off. But I'm used to it as I've had subies for a while
@@DarkneszFalls I went into the settings. You cannot turn off the beeping entirely, but you can turn down the volume. I seemed like when I turned the car off and on again, it reset itself to default. I dont bother trying to turn it off now, like you said, I have gotten used to it.
@@edsmith9855 Bummer it seemed to go back. What absolutely drives me crazy now is the car yelling at me to keep my hands on the wheel when I'm driving in a straight line with cruise control on... Like car there's literally no reason to adjust the wheel... Stop telling me to keep my hands on!!!! They're they're they're just not moving!!!
@@DarkneszFalls It is probably 2 parts, the system cannot keep the car in its lane indefinitely, and it is probably necessary for legal protection. I like the slight tug you get when going out of you lane, but I simply cannot get used to leaving my hands off the wheel for more than a few seconds. (I have a 2019 Impreza, without the lane tracing feature, but it will correct to keep you in your lane, at least on straight roads.)
That’s really a little beast as far of AWD. Love it with winter tires in the snow.
It has decent interior room. You and your dad weren't jammed in there shoulder to shoulder. I wouldn't want the cvt but the average consumer doesn't seem to care.
I have a 2021 Crosstrek and the steering assist confused me at first. With the cruse control on it provides very good lane centering all the way to freeway speeds, with the cruse control off it only provides lane keep assist (as it did in your test). There is no lane centering without the cruse control engaged. I have a Limited model I bought specifically for both on road and unmaintained back-country roads like what you tested and it does very well on both. Subaru must like Canadians more because we don't get the front camera in the US (or heated steering wheel). Great review guys!
I had a Touring 2018 and the power was ok for day to day drive and freeway. I switched for the 2021 Outdoor edition and yes I appreciate the FB25 engine with more power and torque, it makes the Crosstrek more enjoyable . Love the heated steering wheel. The front camera I don’t really use it.
But yeah perfect car for Canadians and the Outdoor version is really the one to get.
Clearly Subaru loves Canada more than the US. You get the option of a heated steering wheel, a power seat in the Sport (Outdoor), a front camera, and that gorgeous dark blue paint. Grrr.
Nice review. I just picked up a 2022 Sport last week. Looking forward to the added clearance since I'm coming from a wrx. I need to get through a foot of snow at times, and this should make it a lot easier. I will say I was leery of the CVT, since I've only owned manuals, but I'm pretty happy with it. The bigger 2.5L engine is nice, I'm not really missing the power of my wrx like I thought I would.
I’m 6’10”... and I fit perfectly with room to spare!
Absolutely fabulous! Just waiting for a ‘23 to see if they put a turbo under the hood.💪🏼😎
Gotta wait for the ‘24 now
Take it through the hydro!!! I would love to see stock Subaru through the hydro line :)
Fun? yes. Realistic? no.
@@TruckKing lmao. Its no 4runner😁 that video of you testing on the hydroline while all the puddles were a frozen muddy mess was epic. Made you instant reviewer legend status. 😸😸😸😸👍
Haha with that extra horsepower anything is realistic ;)))
I think it's kinda funny that it wasn't even pointed out in this review, but obviously fuel economy is a BIG reason why someone would choose this type of vehicle over a pickup truck.
Is it because fuel is still relatively cheap in North America? Because believe me when I say it definitely is relatively cheap when compared to a lot of places 😆
There's a hole bunch of ppl that lift crosstreks and put bigger tires and do some good off roading basically anything but rock crawling. I've taken mine on a bunch of different beaches and and all over in the woods while off grid camping
I tried the lane assistants and I was like WTF! I will never do that again.
y'all should have taken it down the hydro line and the new course!
If they put a manual with that engine, I would legitimately buy it.
There is nothing wrong with the 2 litre engine power and the standard 6-speed transmission. I used to have a Volkswagen beetle with 36 horsepower and it took me everywhere cross-country through forests
@@firstchoicelastchoice28 It's embarrassingly underpowered compared to other modern vehicles. I've driven it a number of times. Merging onto the highway or trying to pass is a challenge at times and it shouldn't be.
@@MrBobbyBrown2006
I had a 1968 - 36 horsepower Volkswagen beetle - 90 horse power 1972 Volvo etc many cars around 100 horsepower and never had a problem.
My 2004 Imprezza which I drove for 16 years had 160 horsepower just a handful more than the Crosstrek - never a power problem and many other cars I have owned.
I can hit a speed of 130k's on the on-ramp and blend into traffic. I can pass any slow traffic as needed.
I usually set my cruise control at 98k's [ in a 100 zone ] and sit back and enjoy the radio and the drive. (2021 Crosstrek)
You need to rethink what "power" is really needed.
@@firstchoicelastchoice28 That's all well and good, but what that tells me is that you're just satisfied with less than industry standard regardless of the decade or year. There is nothing wrong with that opinion, but you're 100% in the minority, so there really isn't any arguing against my point because it's the biggest complaint about the Crosstrek. Hence them putting the 2.5 in it this year. If it wasn't underpowered, why would they have done that? Apparently Subaru has the opposite opinion of you as well.
@@firstchoicelastchoice28 Would you say your 2021 Crosstrek with the 2.0L and manual feels like it has about the same power as your old Impreza? Because I have a 2003 Impreza with manual (and like you did, think it's power is just fine), and plan to get a Crosstrek, but am not sure which engine. A new one with the 2.5L is a lot more money, but it sounds pretty good. And it's hard to find Crosstrek a manual with the 2.0L to test drive around where I live.
Great breath of fresh air vs those others “haters”. Lol. Great review! I own the 2018. The lane centering assist is only a little bit into the eye site system. The cruise control and the front end collision monitor is the best.
Thanks for the info!
Great car. Family member has the 2019 crosstrek. Gets through anything mother nature can throw out. More pros then cons......now to hear from the cvt experts on the disappointments, continue to scroll for those. 🤔
I have a 2021 sport, I love it. It just snowed and it's great.
Hey Bruce. The '21 sport is on my short list. How's the road/wind noise when at highway speeds on pavement?
@@charisemixa776 The car is pretty quite. I just had it on snow and ice, and the car is excellent. I have a new Tacoma 4x4 and I like driving the Crosstrek more in the snow and ice than the Toyota.
Too bad there was no snow... One word about these Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 winter tires, I put those on my 2019 Outback and there are by far the very best tires I have ever had. We owned so far nine Subarus in my family since 1987 and I was always disapointed with the top brands pushed on by the dealers especially in deep snow. Even the handling was not to my liking with just a little ice and snow. But with these Blizzaks I feel so confident and I spoke to a coworker who uses WS80 (the older Blizzak) on his Outback and he owned many Subarus as well and agrees with me. I don't work for Birdgestone and have no personnal interest in this but I just want to mention it to you just in case you ever do a tire comparison test because I have yet to see them reviewed against other brands or the stock Nokians from the dealer. But I don't think it is entirely subjective because the difference is incredible. Best regards.
This video was made on my birthday and it's odd I've been looking at buying a Subaru Crosstrek...but it has to be a manual transmission. The CVT is a huge mistake in any car manufacture especially Subaru. Just read the Edmunds and Consumer report reviews on the CVT. All the CVT Crosstreks have pages of problems and the Crosstreks with manuals almost zero issues.
Impressions are ok, but if you test something add some facts (fuel consumption, speed-up time) please
Good review! Got a US one without the front camera and miss that feature.
I really wish you guys would have pushed the xtrek, because there are in fact folks that hard core offroad these things.
AWD means nothing without traction. FWD is perfectly fine for winter, with the right type of tires. I live in Wisconsin, I know
Well, with equal traction, AWD will always be better. I live in Minnesota, so I know winter driving as well. I got by with FWD for a lot of years, but just got an AWD Impreza, and it is much better than any FWD car as far as not getting stuck in deep snow.
All wheel drive is far superior to front wheel drive. I have driven in Canadian Winters for more than 30 years I know what I'm talking about
I heard if one tire goes in awd rig, you gotta replace ALL 4 tires or the uneven amount of tread will confuse the traction system and where out the drive train. I guess you might be able to shave it down.
@@NRGRX Nonsense
@@firstchoicelastchoice28 It is not nonsense. Different tire diameters will put stress on the AWD differentials. I depends on how much the difference in diameter is. There is a number specified by Subaru how much the difference in diameter is allowed to be.
Just don’t like the CVT.
@Lawrence Chiasson The CVT 8 speed is perfectly fine in the Subaru.
@@441meatloaf Absolutely! Long live CVT!
Crosstrek 2021 is my first CVT. Better than any automatic I've ever driven, not that I've driven a 2021 Toyota automatic. Are you sure you just don't like it because it's different?
Not sure if it has to do with me actually owning the Crosstrek and driving it every single day….or maybe it’s all the extra in-depth research I did on everything that has to do with Eyesight…From when eyesight was not called eyesight and was really no more then just someone’s idea….akin to a vision….a futuristic vision that is…with huge safety potential! With every day use’s that at first seem out of this world!!!! Not to mention how old you may feel, for such autonomous AI technology comes off feeling almost too futuristic and even Magical!! That puts your life in perspective on how insanely fast time has travelled…or could it be that maybe it’s you who has travelled thru time? Instead of time traveling thru you…….to think or not to think, that is the question? Now I forgot what I was gonna say or what i wanted to say…ahhh….decisions…decisions….I tell you man, if they only made eyesight for your brain….now that right there would be something….oh yea I remember, i just wanted to say that I actually enjoyed all the eyesight features, especially adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and lane centering….I just found all the features so useful to me, it’s not that I’m a bad driver, it’s cuz I’m a crazy diver!!! But in all seriousness, I just love all the special programming and special technology that went into creating such a system like Eyesight…the end….toodole doo!!!
Needs a turbo, a 2" lift, AT tires, skid plates, and a stick
That’s my dream!
I'm sure there are plenty of shops out there that will do all that for you.
@@nicholassmith7048 Be better if it came like that from the factory.
@@IronmanV5 it’s the TURBO part that’s the problem...
@@matthewjohnson1211 just stick the turbo motor from the Ascent/Outback, or from the WRX
Man in the US don't have front view camera, neither that cool dark blue color .
I would love to see you put it on the gnarly stuff and see what ti can do
Eye sight is great for all of those people not watching the road. You know, everyone else. Is... is that person texting on their phone while driving?... yep. Eye sight!
You are right, despite what I thought - I'd rather have it than not.
Don't challenge it to much Subaru will ban you like TFL. lol
😸
8.7 inches of ground clearance, I measured under the front aftermarket skid plate on my 5th gen 4Runner, I have 7.5" LOL.
You should check out his hydro line video with the 4runner on TFL. He tested the 4runner like Ive never seen any reviewer do, I mean he straight up punished that thing, used it as an ice breaker. 4runner did not care. Epic.
@@truckerrickakamanowar yeah, that's my favorite 4Runner test! Helped convince me to buy mine. Everyman Driver did a similar review a few years back too.
See so many Subaru's down here in Vermont and see a lot of them off the side of the interstate during snow storms right along with the Toyota prius..
Most people can’t drive and do not have the correct tires.
All season tires are not snow tires and they do poorly when the road is ice and snow, despite the name. Have a set of chains or similar and you never get stuck.
Subaru need to keep making more manual transmission in all of their models.
Have you actually searched "Crosstrek" on UA-cam? Lol
It also gets about 1” ground clearance.
1'
One thing I don’t appreciate about my car is the paint. My car was kept in a garage it’s entire life and in my time of owning the car, I’ve noticed the paint chip randomly without reason. I don’t think the paint is going to stand up at all as the car ages. Does anyone else have this issue?
Give me a manual transmission and I’m there.
Absolutely!
Manual a Big waste of time, rather stupid really.. not good off road an worst fuel mileage on Road.. Like I said Stupid..
@@reserva120 much more reliable than most CVT these days
@@6788tappleton that's not really true in most cases..
@@reserva120 I'm actually one of the few that enjoys subaru CVT as i consider it one of the best ones out there. However, there's a fact nobody can reject, nothing is more reliable than a good old manual in the transmission world. subie CVT ain't bad for this, but manuals are the ones with least problems and more importantly the easiest and cheaper to fix in case of an issue.
lost me when you said it had the same ol CVT....subaru should wise up, everyone hates those...
I take my crosstrek hard core mudding.
"This isn't the kind of vehicle you normally see on the channel."
Am I sure this isn't TFL???
It isn't.
@@jtr990 I know. Just a joke as Subaru boycotted TFL
@@joetool4016 silly subaru boycot, they just put their cars in a little bit too much trouble for our enjoyment
How would you compare the 2021 Crosstrek with the 2021 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk? Thanks
Jeep Renegade Trailhawk is over $30,000 new, its made in Italy and is very pathetic off road. If you want to drop $30k on a Jeep just buy a new Wrangler Sport for the same money.
@@MartysDamnRelaxingSounds www.cargurus.com/Cars/new/searchresults.action?Zip=76014&selectedEntity=d2268&startYear=2018&endYear=2021 and I've seen many off rod reviews and it's good
Look for the Trailhawk it's at $25000
Nice vehicle except for the CVT!
What's interesting is the lower trim models can have a manual transmission but they only get the 2.0 engine.
Really enjoyed this video
Awesome, thank you!
Good Test guys!
bronco sport is going to put this one down eh
Great review. Did you track the MPG's?
Not this time.
I’m looking to buy but I see no button on steering wheel that says “view” for the front face cam. Just says S which I think is a “sport” mode or something. Is the front cam on all crosstreks?
If you are in America, I don’t think the Crosstrek Sport has this feature. Only the Canadian Outdoor model has this
Does anyone know how robust the undercarriage is? I live in Utah where its fairly common in winter to not just drive in snow, but drive over / back out over snow thats been packed into icy blocks, leading to lots of cars dragging or hanging a piece of plastic from the belly.
Also, pretty much every dirt road out here will have occasional rocks that are large enough to get kicked up into the belly. Its just fairly common to see cars around here dragging/hanging a piece of plastic for one reason or another
These are tough question to give opinions on. You know the terrain you'll cover and frankly it sounds to me like you need something with more clearance and skid plates.
Curious how Legacy compares to Crosstrek?
The manual version only comes with the 2.0 engine... WTF?
Um, hey, engineers..... People who prefer manuals like to drive... They aren't cheapskates. They want the manual AND the big engine!
They want a sunroof, too... Hello!
NICE
Man the Canadian version comes with a bunch of stuff the US sport version doesn't have. kinda ridiculous.
How did you get a dark blue version of this? i thought the 2.5 sport version only had horizon sky blue. perhaps the canadians get better-different color options xD
It's what they gave us. lucky I guess.
@@TruckKing yea. i wish we had that color here.
Everyone who complains about the CVT would be the same people who would complain about the gas mileage if it had a more standard auto or manual.
Boxer 4s are thirsty to say the least.
Too bad there's no heated steering wheel option for the Crosstrek.
I believe there is heated steering wheel on the outdoor model
Is it the 2 litre or 2.5 ?
Where did you get that hat, I want one
My Mom got it for me.
I'd buy a Subaru if they didn't have the CVT, why can't anyone make a CVT that feels as nice as a Honda's? haha
I just can’t do a cvt. It’s a decent vehicle otherwise. Owners generally like them.
What kind of tires are on the crosstrek?
Lucky US version does not have front camera
I hate CVT'S with an absolute passion...
did subaru ever address the head gasket issue with 2.5? I had the Outback and was surprised how much i liked it even though it had no power. much more capable than i expected. after 220000 miles it wasnt worth maintaining anymore though. only had to do the head gaskets once at least. this model isnt bad looking, more power is always good!
Head gaskets haven’t been an issue since like 14 lol
I want to see it buried in mud. Really test out that xmode.
We drove it in conditions that would be typical for a Subaru owner - no hydro-line for this one
Boys, you didn't even test it.
We went as far as 99% of Subaru drivers will go.
God I hate the stupid "safety" features on subarus.
u cannot get a truck worth buying for that price
The maintenance on a CVT is nuts....change fluid every 40 or 50 000 kms and the fluid is about $40/litre and needs 6 or so....the boxer engine with head gasket issues...no thanks. The RAV 4 is way more reliable.
It's more like 20 bux a liter. No big deal
no Subaru does not recommend that you change the CVT fluid as regular maintenance not until 160k and even then there's nothing wrong with it that, I've owned 2 Subarus w/ CVT's and put over 230k on the first and 250k on the 2nd and did regular maintenance and no major issues either with the rest of the vehicle, i would still prefer a manual trans and that mens you go to a Impreza 4 or 5 door which is the same platform just less ground clearance, get your facts straight
@@99unclebob that's exactly the problem. They should be serviced. In Japan, they recommend regular service. In North America, I don't believe they recommend it, but they consequently also fail fairly commonly. We see the torque converters, valve bodies, bearings, and pinions fail on these CVTs *all the time*. That's not to say all of them will fail, because they won't. But it isn't uncommon and if you need a rebuilt or new CVT 5-10 years in, it's not surprising whatsoever.
@@thecommenter4933 I wish they'd go to an speed auto there's lots of good ones on the market and Toyota owns 20%of them now they could use the Camry 6 spd auto in it, my co worker has a 2015 Nissan Altima SL Jatco CVT and is starting to give him trouble ouch$,5/6000 ouch
We have Russian Roads In Canada. 😂
What? I thought outback is the best seller in Canada
I wanna see it in mud (I’m still at the beginning of the video)
Still has no torque.
Subaru is making so many of their cars disappointing to drive with the CVT... Garbage!