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2016 Subaru Crosstrek Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Reliable, fuel efficient, AWD, safe, and has good visibility. by walldaja

Member3222

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Introduction

When looking for a car with my wife I was also looking for myself knowing I'd replace my car about a year later. I was really taken with the Subaru brand and the more I drove my wife's Forester the more I really liked the EyeSight option.

I narrowed the search down to a Nissan Rogue, a Subaru Forester, and a Subaru Crosstrek. Looking at frontal crash data eliminated the Rogue. The real conflict was which Subaru. One of the biggest things I was looking for was a car that was easy to get into with push button start. The Crosstrek Limited had all of the options I wanted and was several thousands cheaper than the Forester. I also like the slightly better mileage.

Right after getting the Crosstrek we drove from Indiana to South Carolina to break it in. The car was plenty roomy for us, our bags, and Christmas presents for family. I had no problem keeping up with traffic on the highway or going through the mountains. Many reviews a critical of the low horsepower numbers--they didn't make any difference in the real world. Other reviews are also critical of noise in the Crosstrek. My previous car was a Toyota Camry SE--not a loud car but I believe the Crosstrek is quieter and smoother than the Camry. I especially appreciated not feeling the transmission shift (Crosstrek has a CVT).

One difference between the Crosstrek and the Forester is the center hump in the back seat. In the Forester it is barely noticeable but it is clearly present in the Crosstrek. I'm a musician and typically carry a bass in a hard case in the floor in the Forester. In the Crosstrek I drop a seat and load it through the back. The seat is easy to drop and raise.

That brings up space behind the rear seats. I'm surprised how much space is there. The space is readily useable and easy to load and unload.

Bottom line, I'm completely happy with this car.

Reviewed: 2016 Subaru Crosstrek

4dr Hatch 148-horsepower 2.0L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD

2016 Subaru Crosstrek Love Letter

Conclusion

This car is clearly smaller than the Forester and has a smaller engine (2.0 vs 2.5). However it is more than adequate for my needs. I like having the EyeSight option, getting great mileage for an AWD vehicle, and appreciate the safety I feel while driving. Subaru's were the first new car I ever bought that lowered my car insurance. I believe this is a result of their safety systems and history.

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Response from scumbling1

9:22 am June 24, 2016

Good review, thanks!

I still haven't had a chance to get any seat time in a Crosstrek yet, so I was surprised to hear that it was smoother than a Camry. Yours in particular was an SE, so perhaps it had 'sport tuning' and the largest tires available for it? That could be a factor.

I was also curious if you had compared the Crosstrek with the Impreza. My understanding is that the primary difference between the two is the ground clearance, but I don't know how that translates into noticeable benefits for the Crosstrek owner.
I'm glad you found the car to you're liking. I see plenty of Crosstreks around, and I think they're good-looking and seem to strike a great balance of utility, size, and efficiency. I'll keep it in mind when I'm shopping for a new car in a year or so!

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Response from Member3222

12:29 pm June 29, 2016

I never tried the Impreze at all. My selection was based on not having a car that was low and easy to get into. When I would get into my Camry I would usually manage to tag the top of my head getting in. The Forester was easiest to get into but the Crosstrek was also easy to get in to as well.


In regards to the smoothness, I'm wondering if what I'm sensing is the lack of vibration from the engine? The opposed cylinder design of the Subaru's engine provides a much smoother engine. The CVT also eliminates any sensation of shifting as well.

I gave my Camry to my son so I get to drive it every once in a while. While it seems a much faster accelerator I prefer the Crosstrek.

The benefit of the Crosstrek over the Impreza is not hitting my head.

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