2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium | New Car Review + Black Hills Test Drive

[@JonathanKayne]

Thanks for this review! Literally everyone on KZbin reviews the limited trim so no attention goes to the trims people might be interested in. (some of us don't need to go from 0-60 instantly) I have a Crosstrek premium on order and was glad to only pay for the features I actually plan on using.

[@theyknittoo2360]

I hope your Premium has the "So" drive feature. Helps you take off a bit faster and merge into traffic better. I must say however, I traded a (used) limited Impreza for the Crosstrek, and while I love the car, I'm missing some of the over-the top extras like the keyless entry/start! That was an easy habit to let go of, and one that is hard to relearn!!

[@JonathanKayne]

@@theyknittoo2360 I'm pretty sure the 2021 Crosstrek has the SI drive on it last time I checked the specs. Also I know for a fact that it has keyless start because I honestly prefer using a key to start my vehicle so I would have chosen that if it were an option but only keyless was

[@theyknittoo2360]

@@JonathanKayne On your package it may not have been an option. On mine it was. This isn't even a flip key. It's an "out all the time" key. All models have different versions/packages. I can also pay to get an upgraded key, which I'm probably going to do. Or, we could just trade cars. What say you?

[@JonathanKayne]

@@theyknittoo2360 Nah, I'm fine with what I got regardless of the method used to start the car.

[@TubeBrowser2]

Ordered 22 Premium 6-speed manual a few days ago. 10 week delivery estimated. I liked my 17 Outback with 165K miles now so much I got another Scooby.

[@nathancooper4954]

6'4" can confirm everything he said. I have 1500 miles on mine and I'm loving my first Subaru! Great review, keep up the excellent content. I learned a few things about my own car.

[@roadorama]

Thank you for watching! I appreciate the comment!

[@edsmith9855]

Glad to see someone give a reasonable assessment of the power and not complain about the CVT. I have an Impreza with the 2.0L. Power is perfectly adequate in normal driving. Only time I have had it seem marginal is driving in hilly terrain with a full load of passengers. Even then, it had enough power, but light throttle response was sort of flat, so you had to apply more throttle, which then tended to speed up too much, so it was difficult to maintain consistent speed without cruise.

[@mviper13]

I'm enjoying my 2021 Premium 6MT. Without all the nannies and sensors my car has not beeped at me a single time. Plus I get to drive it instead of it driving itself. :)

[@mviper13]

@@zzz...3837 Nope I don't. Sunroof wasn't a big deal to me. I believe the aftermarket has them though.

[@tracygullage6083]

Just bought the 2021 Crosstrek Limited and trying to educate myself on all the features. Your video was helpful. Many thanks and safe travels!

[@duolccmjohn]

Great video, I own a 2019 Crosstrek premium in the cool grey khaki. I love it, Its a great commuter and off road SUV. I have never had any issue with the power, Its great on the freeway in Dallas. The only think I didn't like when I bought My Crosstrek new was it didn't have led headlights, I bought and installed Sealight LED fan less bulbs. What a huge difference it makes at night, I like to camp and fish at Lake Ray Roberts near Denton Texas. Its out in the middle of no where, I will by another Crosstrek again. Thank you for the video, Wyoming is beautiful.

[@Curiousi_tea]

I like this vlog style video, just ordered my Crosstrek and I am very excited about it

[@warriorsharp4608]

Just ordered my 2023 special edition comes with 2.0 wanted the 2.5 but I work remote and go out weekends fishing this is more than enough and saved almost 5 grand and still received the 8 inch screen for 600 dollar package. Great video helped me decide and save some money.

[@johnjanoscrat8000]

2020 Crosstrek Limited in Pure Red and loving it in SW Penna. Great in snow this past winter. Superb review of the 2021. I agree with all your comments, and I learned a numbers of things from your video. Great Job! Thanks.

[@jlegasp]

Thanks for the great review!! Just placed my order today. Eta is 12 to 14 weeks but still excited!! Can't wait to take it off the paved road 💯

[@zillennialj8125]

I think the engine upgrade is great, I just don’t think that 30 hp is enough to get me to upgrade to the more expensive trim!

[@CorkKNIFE]

Just complete a 1,900 mile road trip. No issues passing semis going 70 on the highway with the premium (2.0 liter engine). I'm sure bigger engine is great, just not required.

[@martqbd]

Great video. I have had my Crosstrek sport for about 3 weeks. I am still learning what the features are and what they mean. You gave a great explanation.

[@paulhoffman8329]

Great vid. Truly appreciate that you took the vehicle on a realistic trip.

[@ronaldmantila5599]

Great video. We just bought a used 2021 Crosstrek Premium with only 10,500 miles on it. Lots of extras on it. It belonged to the Suburu dealers daughter and was a leased vehicle only highway driven. We previously had a 2010 Rav 4. Loving the Crosstrek so far. We live in snow country in the U. P. Of Michigan.

[@frankweathersbee2553]

Love my 2021 sport, sold my old trusty international scout, love the ride, power & traction for pulling my 14' boat.

[@martqbd]

I am supposed to get mine in a week. They are getting hard to get.

[@tastybrownie7448]

@@martqbd I gotta wait till i start my new job and move to my new apartment. Then it will be time to get the ol subi

[@jamescarter2534]

I have nearly the exact same model/trim on order. I should be getting it within two weeks (knock wood). The purchase was made, in part, because of this outstanding video.

[@theyknittoo2360]

Great, detailed review of car features. Thanks! Just picked up my 2021 Crosstrek yesterday.

[@maryhelenpineda9060]

What trim did you buy? I’m planning to buy the limited

[@frankweathersbee2553]

I love my 2021 sport, the home link is great also as when your ignition is off the home link is non operational that will foil thieves if your vehicle is parked outside.

[@Hampteronit]

So I purchased a 2021 model, I fixed the issue of the lack of power by buying a manual transmission premium. The biggest problem is the CVT transmission, it's designed to maximize GPM's not power.

[@danielfair4675]

Lol, that manual transmission does nothing to increase power or performance over the 2.0 CVT. The 0-60 times and so on are identical to the 2.0 automatic version.

[@kellyw5304]

I just ordered me one yesterday. Identical features yours has. Just different color interior and exterior. Love black hills. Was there there June 2020. Also went up to big horn mountains in Wyoming. That’s gorgeous!

[@keatonsouthard101]

Great review! I have a 2021 Crosstrek Sport in Cool Grey Khaki and despite it's flaws, I love it. I haven't had the chance to test it in the snow yet but I know the Crosstrek will be able to handle the harsh Wisconsin winters.

[@roadorama]

Definitely love my Crosstrek even with all of the quirks! It's just so practical! Make sure you subscribe, we've got more content in the pipeline!

[@immutablecantrip]

What are its flaws? I'm about to buy a Sport in Cool Grey Khaki as well

[@keatonsouthard101]

@@immutablecantrip They are very small flaws that kind of annoy me. There aren't any flaws that are necessarily deal breakers. What's important is that it is a well built and reliable car that gets you from point A to B. The Sport trim doesn't come standard with blind spot monitoring or the bigger 8 inch screen (you get a 6.5 inch screen). Those are options so if you want those, you'll have to ask for those. And if you want a moon roof or arm rest cup holders in the back, those don't come standard on the Sport. I'm not sure if you can even get those on the Sport. You'll have to ask if you want those. It doesn't have rear collision breaking but it does have pretty much all the other eye sight safety features. If you want everything I just mentioned, you might be better off getting the Crosstrek Limited. It comes standard with all of those. Also, there are no vents or charge ports in the back for passengers. Again, not that big of a deal but still. And definitely go over all the options. The Crosstrek is my first car and I rushed through it because I was too excited. Still, I recommend the 2021 Crosstrek Sport or Limited especially if you just want a nice, new, and simple car.

[@keatonsouthard101]

Plus, the Crosstrek rides so smooth. With it AWD, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, X mode, and soft suspension, it will handle bumps, snow, and even some light off roading.

[@roadorama]

@@keatonsouthard101 during the week of this video shoot, we did some offroading on "Jeep trails" to get to camp sites, and I will say moderate offroading is possible. Just have to pick the right lines and take it easy.

[@InstinctiveFirearmReviews]

I test drove the touring 2.0 and it seemed fine I merged on highway with no drama. I have a 21 touring white in colour coming.

[@gobear83]

I had a 2019 with the smaller engine …now I have the Outdoor with the 2.5 …amazing difference no more worrying when I pass a car…great Subie

[@chad3122ctb249]

"I'm getting sick and tired of driving manual car". Definitely something you want to hear from someone reviewing cars.

[@roadorama]

Driving traffic daily, I will stand by my comment. However, when it comes to fun cars and weekend drives I will forever miss the rowing of gears. Thanks for watching!

[@WRXinthe410]

I never get tired of shifting gears. Been doing it for 30 plus years

[@thespig13]

Just put a deposit on one that's coming in August, i wanted white but to get a 6pd, i settled for the the charcoal grey

[@vanesaarteaga9931]

Just put a deposit in, also settled for a charcoal grey, not what I wanted but it’s no biggie

[@DerekFletcher1]

Great video my guy. This should have far more views!

[@roadtyre]

Great Video. I love my 2021 Crosstrek Premium.

[@vikashdutt124]

A very well-explained friend has given me a lot more ideas on buying one for myself.

[@mattboeding3694]

Great video! I’ve been thinking of buying one. I live in Wisconsin and got my Mazda3 stuck in the snow up north this past winter. AWD would have helped. The fact you can put a trailer hitch on the Crosstrek makes it so practical for a subcompact SUV. Also ride is amazing with the new Global Platform

[@confidentlocal8600]

Snow tires work wonders with two wheel drive, until it's so deep that the control arms and bumper are plowing it. They're well worth the investment.

[@louisvilaros9066]

Just bought a new 2023 cosstrek 3wks ago can't wait to test her out those mudflaps u put on your are they no drill required I'm in texas and next wk they say we will have frozen streets plus snow I can't wait

[@roadorama]

Non drill from Rally Armor! Definitely worth it if you drive on gravel roads or off road!

[@TheFelixsKitchen]

Great Video! We love our 2021 Sport can't wait to do our Cooking shows on a Hawaiian mountain. Aloha and thank you for this video.

[@Romee_rome]

Great review! When is the next review?

[@christopherbarahona8983]

If you are jolting it, is because you don’t know how to regulate the clutch when you shift gears. It should be a smooth shift if you know what you are doing.

[@scottrothman5064]

Great video. Really enjoyed it

[@MonkeyPunchZPoker]

It seems to me if you wanted a CVT and an engine upgrade the base Forester makes more sense. You're losing the push to start but most other things are optional accessories you can order at time of purchase or bolt on later.

[@RoelLopez92]

The other difference is the Impreza has different gearing for mpg, while the crosstrek is geared more for low end grunt which I’m assuming is for offroad. Gen 1 crosstrek used to to have the same gearing as the Impreza and it was a dog and felt like it always needed more power. Impreza has like a 12:1 crawl ratio and the crosstrek has like a 15.85:1 crawl ratio. Sport and limited are 15.04:1 crawl ratio.

[@Richardofdanbury]

Are you guys using HAM radios to communicate? If not what is it? Great review!

[@roadorama]

Thank you! We're just using some basic Cobra handheld radios!

[@DavidMichaelKalman]

Not exactly the same as an Impreza. Crosstrek has a larger gas tank (16.6 gallons) for more range, and Crosstrek is rated for towing 1,500 lbs while Impreza is not rated for towing. From the Impreza (2017) manual: "Your vehicle is neither designed nor intended to be used for trailer towing. Therefore, never tow a trailer with your vehicle."

[@roadorama]

I appreciate the feedback! Those would be two differences that I definitely overlooked in my research for this review, however structurally they're relatively the same vehicle. Thank you for watching and I hope you otherwise enjoyed it!

[@441meatloaf]

The only difference for towing is probably the cvt transmission, which the crosstrek probably has the higher torque version. But everything else its the same chassis except for suspensions

[@DavidMichaelKalman]

@@441meatloaf and brakes....

[@441meatloaf]

@@DavidMichaelKalman brakes arent that big a difference. Crosstrek has maybe 0.5 inch larger disc brakes, still the same pad material. Crosstrek has squishy brakes, i prefer firm brakes.

[@edsmith9855]

Seems to be differing information on towing, depending on the source. Most sources I found say you can tow up to 1000 pounds or 2000 pounds if you have trailer brakes. That rating includes passengers and luggage though.

[@psylencer2003]

Clark County and Wood County still have lots of dirt roads that you can Scandi Flick around.

[@migueljauregui8884]

The first thing you should tell us I where is mde this car Japan?????

[@lweleven3423]

In the UK it only seems available in a 1.6 and 2.0 N/A , should have had the 2.0turbo like the Impreza or even a 2.5 n/a that was used in the forester

[@chloebaker77]

What tent is being used on top of the car in this video?

[@TheCaptainZJ]

If you took that long road trip shortly after buying it, were you not worried about the break in period?

[@WRXinthe410]

Im looking to trade in my 20 Mustang GT for a Crosstrek because im looking to experience the outdoors more but i cant decide between the 2.0 /2.5 engine and cvt /manual. Decisions decisions decisions

[@kuppacakes9724]

Nice review!

[@krosstrain]

Great video! I couldn't figure out why the Starlink Infosystem looks different on yours (mine's the same) comparing to other models. It seems like they are both 6.5 but some doesn't have the bezel/frame and it's fully integrated. Is this the difference between Premium v.s. Sport and up?

[@rbluesu44]

If you are six foot two, do you have enough room to be comfortable and does it handle better then Forster ? What do you average on gas mileage?

[@remyrippinn]

Great video!

[@concernedcitizen2898]

I’m not lazy and I enjoy a manual transmission everyday.

[@gabrielstanghier6754]

Have 2019 limited,it’s just awesome.

[@Bobherry]

24:54 did I really just see a uhaul offroad

[@anthonytran98290]

Great brother thanks!

[@vettedsin]

6mt. thats the only thing i care about tbh. such a shame they only offer it on the lower trims with no sidrive to boot!

[@gabriellarodriguez3294]

If any of you got new wheels and tires, did you keep the stock ones to sell?!?!

[@sansupadri4418]

HOW much??

[@provax4925]

Bro may I ask what's your height? I haven't seen crosstrek in person so I don't have idea how tall is the car.

[@d46895]

Hows the sound system in the premium trim version? Is it a make or break if you desire good audio?

[@CorkKNIFE]

I would call it a little muffled, had to tweak it to get away from it sounding like all the music was coming from the front speakers. I don't think it's horrible, just remember you must test drive before you buy, so check out the system with a known tune (car has apple car play so easy enough to bring an Apple USB cable and play your tune as part of the test.

[@grantferrigan3837]

What is the front passenger room like? Thanks.

[@woolfy02]

I got my first Crosstrek ever and really enjoy it. While driving for about 30 minutes, I notice my left hand goes numb. Strange cause I never had issues with my Dodge ram I owned before this. Anyone else deal with that? I assume I can adjust the steering wheel, and hope that will fix it. It's just very strange.

[@mikes8179]

Where did you get the red mud guards?

[@balwindergill5486]

Do you need to do alignment every time after outdoorsy trails?

[@ryanblubaugh4868]

Talking about driving on dirt and gravel and such , and a U haul goes by on oncoming side...... distracted i start to think what in the hell is that guy doing? Where did he come from, where did he go ? Was his name cotton eyed joe!?

[@TerrapinStation]

Can you turn off the start stop feature when in normal driving mode? Not a fan of that.

[@roadorama]

There is a button that disables it to the bottom left of the steering column in the dash, however you have to press it every time you drive the car.

[@frankweathersbee2553]

I notice my start stop will not work if I do easy stops, mash the brake pedal harder & it will engage.

[@danielfair4675]

@@frankweathersbee2553 99% of folks have no clue about this. 😉

[@InstinctiveFirearmReviews]

How are the headlights and fogs at night?

[@caros4279]

Does the hybrid gives you 90 Mpg?

[@lkw5699]

Did they fix the mice soy wire eating problem? Still on the fence about Subaru

[@danielfair4675]

More than a few manufactures use the same wire coating.

[@charlesmagno28]

called Subaru canada, this is in backorder for 5 months, anyone from Canada able to purchase it?

[@stubskututstuy]

How's the lack of lumbar support coming along after months of use? I also have a lower back issue and it's the one thing that holds me back on getting this vehicle.

[@roadorama]

Surprisingly it has been the most comfortable vehicle I've owned for lower back, in regards to vehicles that do not have support. After hours upon hours of driving I have yet to feel uncomfortable!

[@norabufrieh40]

Where can i get those red flaps?

[@upperhutt101]

Do the reversing mirrors fold in when the car is locked?

[@danielfair4675]

No, they're no bigger than 99% of other vehicles available.

[@jlegasp]

I've been getting 23mpg with my new 22 Crosstrek. No mods, i drive split between street and hwy. I guess I got a heavy foot, idk, worried that once I get bigger tires and a roof rack that my mpg will tank below 20. Anyone getting lower than usual mpg?

[@CorkKNIFE]

Just complete a 1,900 mile road trip on a 22' Premium (Philly, Niagara Falls, Montreal, Philly). Averaged 33mpg on Sport mode including daily local driving / sight seeing. Pure highway (on the way back) is closer to 34.4mpg, this is with the factory crossbars. Stick to stock tires unless you are actively going on an off road adventure and don't keep anything up on the roof that you are not using. You must be doing a lot of stop and go driving to get down to only 22mpg.

[@bsr6823]

Totally disagree with the CVT versus manual on this car. I found the CVT unbearably slow and boring. I drove the manual and bought one the same day I drove it.

[@hungryman313]

Can you remote start through the starlink app?

[@danielfair4675]

Yep, along with setting the interior temperature for those cold winter or warm summer days/nights.

[@stevensmith8648]

So what it's slow! God does every car have to be blazing fast to be useful? I bet I could deal with the so called slowness

[@YoYo-vc1os]

i had those rally flaps on my car they fell off my car lol

[@roadorama]

Did you rip them off on something? Or just not bolt 'em on tight 🤣

[@jonb7597]

I had them on good they were on for a few years until u noticed 1 missing

[@biblestudyministries1793]

Good video young man Hebrews 12:14

[@bryanbambrick4826]

To much drama for situations - city boy?

[@freddubedaris]

Vos pneus est ce que c'est un Geolander CV G058.

[@memoalonso3317]

No CVT for me.

[@roadorama]

I'm definitely a manual transmission lover, but for all purposes, I don't mind the CVT in the daily! Be sure to Sub!

[@danielfair4675]

Your choices are very very limited in the sub-compact & compact crossovers then.

[@beth3853]

Ll

[@alsemi-back-up579]

NOT ELECTRIC!!!!!

[@Lkjnn2287]

ugly mud flaps