Subaru Leads The Pack | 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport

[@immutablecantrip]

I've watched just about every Crosstrek review on KZbin at this point and this was one of the most informative and useful

[@bct2255]

Agreed, excellent video

[@JustAnotherPersonHere]

Absolutely agree!

[@NobodyUR]

Imagine how damn popular it would be with a regular automatic transmission. Literally one of the most popular vehicles on the market and that's with a cvt. Impressive

[@immutablecantrip]

@@NobodyUR it wouldn't get anywhere near the gas mileage it does without the CVT, and the fuel economy is a big reason why a lot of people get the Crosstrek

[@NobodyUR]

@@immutablecantrip lol there are many better options if mpg is the main selling point. And that maybe true but that benefit is still an pro vs con until that CVT has a larger set of data in terms of failure rates. That particular cvt is np Jatco from Nissian but it is certainly not the track record as of yet you'd feel comfortable with. Time will tell but very few have perfected their CVT to this point. I almost gaurentee if they had a standard automatic 6 speed transmission it would be impossible to find one. Again time will tell fuel injection started off just as Shakey so as with anything if it can be improved it will be less it goes the lightbulb consortium route which is a very real concern as a consumer

[@antouab221]

I would give up on cargo space over the ground clearance any time of the day! The main reason why I went ahead and purchased a Crosstrek 2021 was indeed the ground clearance, symmetrical all wheel drive, decent mpg and lots of simple, regular old school options like non-powered hatch, and option to opt out on a moonroof (not all people love that roof "window" lol).

[@MaxwellWilliams42]

Recently bought a new 2021 Crosstrek Premium 6MT in plasma yellow. As a rock climber, this is the perfect vehicle for me. I wanted something easy to find in a parking lot and a manual but also capable of getting past the shitty roads to climbing areas. Forgot to mention: I drive like a maniac with the 6 speed manual and generally get about 26 MPG combined. About 18 to 20 city, between 30 to 35 highway.

[@brianaustin1328]

I’d buy this car too (premium with 6MT), if I could also get it with a sunroof. Too bad Subaru.

[@MNsaint]

I agree. I have a '20 Premium 6MT and, after 10K miles, I'm averaging 27 MPG. I was stunned when Alex said the combined for the 6MT was 20.

[@danielbliss1988]

@@MNsaint That's an error. The EPA for the 6MT is 25 combined (22 city 29 highway).

[@steve8803]

@@danielbliss1988 The EPA's rating is based on how they test it. ymmv depending on many factors.

[@5610winston]

@@steve8803 I have a four-cylinder manual 2013 Frontier that barely cracks 20 mpg highway, been like that since it was new. My old Frontiers never got less than 25 MPG city, 30 highway. I've come to the conclusion that I don't really need a truck so I started shopping.

[@RLTtizME]

Again....the best car reviews on You Tube.

[@blobeyeordie]

savagegeese nuff said

[@sritt34]

Can't recommend this car enough. It's a great 2nd car for a family particularly those with a mini-van as their primary car. Its AWD systems is steadfast and can get families through any bad weather or terrain they face.

[@clou1969]

Really love the Outdoor edition in Canada. Big head unit, heated steering wheel, front camera, back seat arm rest, the FB25 engine is just 👍 ok, Center display is nice. Traded my 2018 Crosstrek and had an amazing resell value. The Outdoor edition is the one to get in Canada. Hands always warm and toasty in our long winter.

[@shunzhang838]

Thats what I bought last month too and indeed its a really comfy and practical ride, leasing 4 years then time for a EV

[@mlinton3007]

Thanks Alex. You pack so much info into the time. Great teaching skills. You are the Gold Standard.

[@kenhoward3512]

Check out "savage geese" for gold standard reviews within a very different format.

[@mlinton3007]

@@kenhoward3512 thank you. I did do that. Appreciate it

[@hc2cox]

@@kenhoward3512 I can't stand savagegeese, esp Mark. So pretentious. I can listen to Alex all day long.

[@kenhoward3512]

@@hc2cox Yes, you're right about Mark at savagegeese being - at times - pretentious. Alex, meanwhile, is obsessed with nonstop comparisons of tiny details between different cars, while Mark gets into real insight into a particular vehicle's design and driving behavior, and the likely intention of the manufacturer in building it that way, with a background as an engineer and offering a more artful presentation. This channel is all about endless statistics and comparisons. Both channels have a place.

[@kolt9051]

@@kenhoward3512 SavageGeese and Alex are the ONLY two reviewers I still watch! You have good taste :D

[@theBatmanGoeth2]

One of the underrated things I like about Subarus is their fuel range. Just about every Subaru you'll find has a fuel tank big enough to get at least 400 miles of range

[@Bartonovich52]

My F-150 had that. 600 miles to a tank. They need it to disguise their terrible fuel efficiency.

[@Vanilla_Donut]

@@Bartonovich52 For Subaru tho, they have a very competitive fuel economy compared to some FWD vehicles and their AWD models as well.

[@kolt9051]

Oh really? I was not aware. Thank you, this is fantastic to hear!

[@5610winston]

@@Bartonovich52 How big was the tank? My Dodge Coronet six had a 26.5 gallon tank and 30 MPG highway rating with the three-on-the-tree (YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY).works out to something approaching 750 miles highway range (YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY). Still, for the time, a 500-600 mile range was far greater than the capacity of my bladder.

[@BillJones]

That middle shoulder belt in the back detaches easily from the lap belt, and there's a holder for it in the retractor that keeps it out of the way when you're not hauling three people in the back seat. It should not be a negative in the review.

[@GeorgeStar]

We put down a deposit on a 22 Limited lease. We went to 4 different dealerships and no one has these in stock so apparently they're very popular. Lease deals vary widely. The highest was $420/mo (Bayside Subaru). The best deal by far was Kolb in Orangeburg, NY - $330/mo, hundreds less in fees plus $2500. trade in for our 06 Outback. Other dealers offered $500.-1500. Pays to shop!

[@mindspinn311]

I loved that almost half of this video is you driving it on what is essentially a fire road. And like you said, this is exactly what the car was designed for. The ride quality is no joke. Subaru did an excellent job with the suspension tuning and amount of stroke in the geometry. The Crosstrek feels like nothing else when you drive it, almost strange, like floating, but it’s still very composed. Drive it back to back with an Impreza and you’ll see how different the suspension tuning really is. The Crosstrek is not simply a lifted Impreza.

[@guylr289]

Why no mention of the Crosstrek's 55.3 cu. ft. cargo volume with the seats down? That's nearly as much as the 55.8 of the Kona and more than the Kia Niro. I believe this vehicle appeals mostly to young couples and that much cargo space plus the lower roof rack height works really well for camping, biking etc.

[@colechapman6976]

Also unlike the Hyundais, this Subaru won’t catch on fire

[@5610winston]

Three sacks of horse feed, two bags of dog food inside, a couple of bales of timothy hay on the roof rack....

[@smithe68]

I bought a ‘21 Crosstrek Sport and really enjoy it, it’s not a ton of power but the 2.5L is night and day better than the stock 2.0L motor. Great review!

[@firstchoicelastchoice28]

I have the 2021 crosstrek basic with the 2.0 and there is absolutely nothing wrong with the engine

[@thundergato84]

@@firstchoicelastchoice28 Seriously? I'm thinking about getting a base trim.

[@firstchoicelastchoice28]

@@thundergato84 Mine takes me anywhere I want to go.

[@kenhoward3512]

@@thundergato84 The base engine is probably enough for most people who simply want to get from point-A to point-B while thinking about things other than "driving enjoyment."

[@mart0225]

@@firstchoicelastchoice28 I love my 2.0 with CVT. It’s very smooth. Just returned from a road trip to 3,000 ft. Had no problem with power in spite of three people on board and luggage.

[@bugman5380]

I love the fact that you're giving decible level numbers now instead of saying "it's loud".

[@kolt9051]

that's why I love Alex! He is extremely objective, unlike anyone else I've come across.

[@5610winston]

I wasn't shopping in this segment, but the limitations and changes in the markets I had considered led me to the CT, specifically availability of manual transmission, seating position, outward visibility, ease of ingress/egress. I liked the Impreza, but the seats were too low for easy ingress/egress.

[@IIBundo]

I can not believe how well these cars are holding value, the cheapest 2021 Crosstrek limited on the internet right now is 25,000 holy moly

[@locoraindrops7653]

Powerseats never made sense to me on a 4 door vehicle. If you are the primary driver how often do you adjust it once you get it dialed into where you want it? Very rarely. Same with power liftgate. They are horribly slow which can suck in a downpour. Not too mention more things to go wrong and more cost to repair if it goes south once your warranty is up.

[@Sacto1654]

One thing I'd like to see is the Crosstrek offering the CB18 turbocharged engine rated at around 177 bhp (but with 221 lb-ft of torque!) on the higher-end models. It would make the Crosstrek very viable even operating in the higher altitudes of the Rockies.

[@michaelcj51]

I went from a 20 year old Cherokee that sadly had to be temporarily retired after 230k, to a '21 Crosstrek Ltd. So far I'm very satisfied. All the "bells and whistles" are taking some getting use to and many of them I could have done without, I suspect, but they are "standard features". The CVT has a quite different feel from the Asin automatic in the Jeep, but seems to do its job very well. I live 1.5 miles up a semi-improved dirt road on an rural island and do a fair bit of mountain dirt rd. driving when on the mainland.... Even with the Jeep I was never into Rock Climbing [Moab], Stump jumping or Mud Bogging so I suspect that the Subaru will handle my needs just fine... I can only think of a few circumstances where I might miss Mechanical Transfer Cases, Live Axels, and All Terrain Tires and that'll just require some planning. I expect the Subaru to be more comfortable on the Highway than the Jeep and the 10 to 15mpg gain in fuel economy doesn't hurt at all especially when you consider I only lost 8 horsepower in the bargain. Nicely presented review here especially the comparison with other "in-class" vehicles.

[@My-Channel_forever]

Sorry about your Jeep. Sounds like it had a good run. Does “temporarily” retired mean you’re getting it fixed? In what way does the CVT feel different? I have never driven a car with CVT.

[@michaelcj51]

I sold the Jeep to a friend who has the facilities and time to repair the cooling issues. His dad actually worked on the assembly line making Cherokees when mine was made. So I expect it to have another quarter million of life. The CVT in the Crosstrek is just a different animal. As it doesn't have actual gears it drys to maintain the most efficient "gearing" for conditions and throttle input. It does that quite well and I have gotten use to the "feel" of it. You don't feel upshifts or downshifts in the same way as a traditional auto. After 4000 miles in the new rig all I can say is that I'm satisfied with my decision. The Crosstrek isn't a sports/performance car nor is it a Moab capable rock crawler but it suits my needs very well. The 30+mpg is a bonus.@@My-Channel_forever

[@nicolegresham8797]

Great review and beautiful scenery. I just bought a 2022 Crosstrek Sport and brought it up the hill last weekend to show Linda :-)

[@soy1700]

this is the most impressive review I've seen and I've been binging quite a few. bravo

[@tah6746]

Manual Transmission should be offered with the other Trims as an option.

[@Hallowsaw]

Cant wait for a wilderness crosstrek with this engine. You know its coming. The outback wilderness is sick.

[@charleybarley914]

Crosstrek Wilderness edition? Shut up and take my money!

[@digitaldoc100]

@@charleybarley914 Would rather have a Crosstrek STI. Give it the 2.4T, and this would get a lot more interesting, but so far, does not make my list to go and test drive.

[@charleybarley914]

@@digitaldoc100 hopefully both will exist and we can try em both out and decide.

[@fd4795]

genesis is much better

[@digitaldoc100]

@@fd4795 No doubt Genesis is better, bit a few bucks more. Also, no subcompact SUV yet.

[@johnreese3762]

Great/well done review, Thanks! Just bought a "Sport" and love it!!!!

[@bryanmchugh1307]

I have a 2017 Crosstrek Limited. It has thus far been as reliable as a hammer. Love the LED lights front and rear. Love how those Limited edition LED headlights "turn with the road". I would say I would love to trade up into the more powerful 2021 Crosstrek but the one I have is paid for. Will hold out until Subaru releases a new clean sheet redesign.

[@kolt9051]

Yes, Once you have side-turning headlights it is hard to go back. I had side halogens on my 97 Lincoln Mark VIII and I sure do miss them now.

[@My-Channel_forever]

Paid for is such a great feeling!

[@OBrandt-i5c]

Alex provides a TON of information in his videos, but the only gripe I have in his videos, is a bias against the Manual Transmissions. There are only a few models remaining, that do provide a Manual, and if such influential reviewers talk them down, that's not helpful at all.

[@autonewstv86]

Sweet -- The Outdoor Edition -- looking forward to the Indoor Edition to safely get me to the bathroom, kitchen or,...anywhere else I'll need to go in my house.

[@Ooblar_Yimblap]

Sweet - An Idiot - looking forward to the next video where this is copy and pasted, with exact punctuation, verbatim,...again

[@peterscott2662]

It's not the boxer Engine that places it ahead of the front Axle. That's because of the AWD system, and it front power takeoff from the transmission.

[@nosah8415]

My new Crosstrek got hit and they gave me a Trailblazer as a rental. Total garbage. Could not wait to get my Subaru back.

[@Smegma_pirate]

Yup…. If you want a really good laugh, take a look at the trailblazers undercarriage… straight garbage

[@shimoncohen95]

I just got my Subaru Outback Touring XT Green. I love it! Thanks Alex for all your videos!

[@kolt9051]

oooo...I love green in this! Good choice :)

[@shimoncohen95]

@@anonymous00117 I think it’s more for more off roading than luxurious.

[@pbm12q12q]

I ordered a 2022 Crosstrek Limited in December. Mid March now…Still waiting ☹️. But worth the wait.

[@jaredstephenson6468]

I had a 2019 Crosstrek. Sold it at 1000 miles solely because of the lack of lumbar. Everyone that drove it would be so uncomfortable after about 5 miles. WORST SEATS EVER.

[@kevinW826]

Why didn’t you go for an extended road test before you bought it? You would have found this out then. I had this problem in the Jeep Cherokee I test drove.

[@frankweathersbee2553]

Lol I hate seats with lumbar & feel the crosstrek is very comfortable for 1 to 2 hrs drives.

[@jaredstephenson6468]

@@kevinW826 I had a motorcycle accident right before buying it that left me basically numb from the waist down, not to mention missing a leg, and was on a lot of painkillers. Couldn’t feel it when I bought it. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@gregread973]

I own a 2019 limited. I love the drivers seat and visibilty.

[@My-Channel_forever]

At 1,000 miles, I assume you were able to sell for (close to) what you bought it for?

[@vernonbennettiii3646]

Alex, how do you do it?? I mean, you dig sooooo deep, day after day, on all of these new vehicles!

[@pwilliamssa]

Don't know where you got 20mpg on the 2.0l w 6sp manual. I have it and I'm getting 32mpg combined. I live in Texas and I'm a lead foot. Wish the 2.5 also came in a manual.

[@ronny-drz]

I agree with you, he made a mistake. I get 30mpg no problem.

[@Ichibuns]

This is a great economical vehicle for those older folks too. Smooth ride and step-in height is more approachable than most in its class. It's weird that this doesn't sell more than it does. It also should have a lot of appeal to younger couples and families that like the outdoors.

[@chrismeyer1856]

I was hoping you would compare it to a cx-30 :(

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

He did, in the middle-ish of the video. @15:44. He said, CX-30 significantly faster, but much worse fuel economy, and you are not going to get the same feel off road.

[@kolt9051]

@@ragweedmakesmesneeze Oh, I missed that too (Have to put Alex on 1.5 speed for my brain, lol). Thanks!

[@orlandos2000]

@@kolt9051 he briefly mentioned it but not in detail like some of the other vehicles. Also the non turbo cx30 gets better fuel economy and isn’t a CVT. But I don’t think the cx30 is meant to go off road like the cross trek. They’re different in many ways I think.

[@martinmartin5904]

A 'power hatch', why ? Has the human race mutated to the point of not having the strength to close a trunk ? & it makes one less thing that can break . If you have your hands full, bend over and drop them on the ground, that’s it.

[@marcbroka8235]

The hatch is so light too, I can close it with my pinky.

[@jiayaw]

If power hatch is broken, you can use it in the manual mode but it is especially with newer cars that have foot sensors when you have your hands full

[@ggpkgman]

I could not agree more with you

[@danielfair4675]

Laziness has gotten to be the norm in 2021.

[@JeremyFacer]

People have become weak and lazy

[@floppinfish]

I gave you a thumbs up for 1 reason only. Having almost a full tank of gas. All these other review videos are running almost on E.

[@cajunqueen1971]

I am in the process of watching all of the Crosstrek Sport videos that I can find. I put a down payment on a 2023 Crosstrek Sport. I need a small SUV for trips, around town, National parks, trail rides, etc. I think the crosstrek is the one, especially the Sport. I live my mustangs, they will get driven, but for a daily, I am going with the crosstrek Sport, hubby's big truck is just too big for me, I thought I could drive it, nope!

[@rbielarski]

Hi Alex! Great video review. I really like the Crosstrek. How would the Kia Seltos stack up against this SUV in your mind? Thanks!

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

Price update for 2022 each model is now $1000 more expensive according to the list price, if you can get that with the car shortage right now. Great review, thinking of getting one in a couple of years.

[@sgtpepper6379]

Yeah I was considering a Crosstrek, but a Rav 4 TRD can tow 2000 more pounds, is larger, and gets the same fuel mileage so I'll probably go with that.

[@mindspinn311]

The Mazda CX-30 may be the direct competitor, but the CX-5 is arguably the better vehicle. You can get a Sport AWD with plenty of standard features for the same money as the Crosstrek Sport and have tons more room.

[@cusebike5391]

I know in the U.S., bigger is better but that's not always the case. I could have bought a CX-5 but opted for the CX-30. It fit my needs in a smaller package. And I think it's a tad more fun to drive although fun might not be the right word. :-)

[@ronavena]

I love Mazda, but I'm old school. No CD player, though.

[@theBatmanGoeth2]

Question, why did you not include the CX-30 in the comparison? It was mentioned a couple of time in the video, and it seems like every other reviewer is comparing this and the Crosstrek

[@LuckyJack99]

Great review - love the Crosstrek

[@aztronomy7457]

I actually like that it has more of a sedan feel. Feels more sporty on the road.

[@Central-Scrutinizer]

Toyota needs to make a Corolla wagon with 8.7" ground clearance, AWD and the 2.0L with the 6 speed and the CVT with the physical 1st gear. Or perhaps the Corolla Cross with the same ground clearance and powertrain. The TJ Cruiser would also be a good thing. Such a config would sell like would sell like hotcakes.

[@tmoss1994]

Is that an Accord I see in your driveway?

[@LordBass]

Did I hear the 2.0L manual is 20mpg combined? That's not accurate. It's rated 22/29. Shame manual is not offered on the 2.5L.

[@bryanmills2295]

I heard that too. I think it's actually 25 mpg combined, which should be an easy number to beat in real life driving.

[@xTouragx]

Alex...good review...one additional competitor I would add is the Impreza itself....if you can live with the slightly lower ground clearance, you can save almost 3K buying going with a regular Impreza. I test drove a base Impreza and was very impressed...Im still on the fence between this or the Compass myself....the 3k savings could buy you some nice aftermarket goodies for the Impreza. Keep up the great work.

[@jessebrinker3706]

Compass is one of the worst vehicles on the road.

[@5610winston]

I looked at the Impreza, and liked it, but it was enough lower that ingress and egress were less than graceful. Ordered the Crosstrek.

[@jasonnelson5251]

Great work, Alex. My pick for subcompact under $30K would be the Mazda CX-30. It has the most power, good reviews, and excellent safety ratings.

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

Same and don't forget the premium near luxury feel to everything.

[@princedarkness8029]

And no cvt

[@kolt9051]

Very true! I would only still choose the Crosstrek is for that Groud Clearance - the roads in Michigan are not great and I like my state parks. Also, I am partial to my manual transmission but I get for most people I would recommend to THEM the Mazda CX-30, or CX-3, then the Crosstrek. Better reliability than a small engine Chevy, though! Anyway, I am appreciative of how sensible you are.

[@eldev4432]

Tight rear seating, visibility is not that great especially in the rear, AWD is not standard, lower ground clearance than the crosstrek. People pick the crosstrek not because they want a luxurious feel of the interior, or the most power. People pick it over other cross overs because its practical, safe, and its all weather/season. Its for people who loves the outdoors.

[@AmmaLove24]

They don't drive the same. I have a CX 30 and the ride quality is VERY firm, meaning rough. I live down some rough roads and while it handles curves exceptionally well, I feel literally every bump on the road. The Crosstrek absorbs the road much better, but isn't as fun to drive. Now that I've lived with the CX 30 I would gladly sacrifice excellent handling for a softer ride. I'm tired of feeling the entire road.

[@bushanliger]

Great video as always Alex, I buy a manual crosstrek if it can with the bigger engine. Always found it a bit underpowered.

[@frederickmoller]

No dealer for 180 miles so it's a not an option for servicing, though I love the Canadian 'Outdoor' package that is the same as the 'Sport' package but has a heated steering wheel and a front camera!

[@jiayaw]

No sunroof though in Canada for the "outdoor"

[@frederickmoller]

@@jiayaw personally not having a sunroof isn't a game changer, I've had both.

[@jiayaw]

@@frederickmoller not a game changer and I rarely use the sunroof in my car and without sunroof one less area to worry about leaks, but it is still a nice to have for a nice car

[@cabaneencac5168]

Drawback of the boxer engine is to have two heads and therefore to have twice as many moving parts with the camshafts and duplicate timing chain. More moving parts more risk.

[@vulcangunner58]

I was ONLY interested in the manual....With everything you mentioned Plus the 6 speed, the Crosstrek is a winner!

[@kolt9051]

If I was shopping, I would totally get the Crosstrek - with a manual :)

[@buildmorefarms1007]

It isnt a good manual...its sloppy and rubbery

[@MrBugdocky]

As a recent buyer of a cvt Crosstrek 2.5, I can see why people have issues with them. The "sport mode" is great, though, and the paddle shifters give the feeling of a stick shift. For some reason when you use the paddle shifters, it's a 7 speed. Weird.

[@immutablecantrip]

@Alex on Autos I just watched your Crosstrek Hybrid video and you recommended it over a regular Crosstrek back in 2019. Would you still recommend the Hybrid over the Sport/Limited now?

[@traelee7576]

4:39 20mpg in 2.0 manual?! No way… I haven’t found anyone in city/highway driving with lifted fully loaded roof basket and gear that has returned anything less than 27mpg will traveling. Alex I always like your stats and details given in your videos. BUT this isn’t right by a long shot. Older video I guess it doesn’t matter, but I just ordered a 23manual and the friends I know that have past years beat EPA in both city and Hwy still with 3 and 5 year old crosstreks I CANT WAIT For MINE!

[@gwlane5509]

Check the dimensions….take an Crosstrek add 12”, raise headroom slightly….and wala…behold an Outback! Almost forgot…minus the backseat armrest….some bean counter slipped up there. 30k and no armrest. My 07 Forester has one! My late model Outback has one too!!

[@dannytse8767]

The Limited has a backseat armrest with cupholders. In normal times, one can pick up a Limited for under $30K. However, Crosstrek shortage has driven prices up.

Just bought my 2021 premium outback. To be honest, my target was a F150 and wrangler before making the decision. We travel a lot here in Texas and highway mileage take up 75% of our trip while others are forest service road, mountains and desert on the border with Mexico. There are several highlights for the outback: 1. The best mpg. The EPA said 26/33 and during the break in and aggressive driving I got combined 26mpg ( 75%highway, 25% busy city in Houston ). The best I can do for the same trip on the wrangler and F150 2.7l eco is less than 20mpg. The gas price in Texas is booming to $2.6/g these days and having a bad mpg truck is painful. 2. The most comfortable in- car sleeping area. I hate sleeping in a tent: on the beach at night, it become super noisy because of the wind; in the forest, everywhere is snake and insects at summer night; In the desert, coyotes, bears and bulls are passing by our camping site at night-It's just unsafe even if we have guns. Fk that a black bear even tried to break in my tent. So the in truckcar sleeping area is very important for us. We had a NISSAN FRONTIER crew cab and the front seat can fold flat so I usually sleep just on the driving seat. However, the seat of new F150 can't be folded down to flat and wrangler have some brackets between the rear seat and back storage area. Thank means sleeping in truck need extra wood work to build a sleeping frame...PAINFUL 3. The CVT is actually not bad from my experience. My dad has the same outback model 2015. Both cars are super steady and comfortable to drive, just lack some fun. TBH, not fun at all. However, duing our long trip 10 hours driving fun is not something we care. 4. Outback has sort of off road ability to reach somewhere we want. We have been anywhere in Texas with our 4x4 lifted frontier w/ BFG KO2, including the deep deep west and the border to louisana so we don't need to explore anywhere else. From my personal experiecnce even with the cvt outback can get to 99%of the destination. Just don't go in the terlingua ranch or deep in desert youll be fine with a highway tire. I used to have a fwd ford escape and with it, I have been more places than 99% of natve Texans. Vehicle's off road ability is not something that can stop you from exploring. It is your mind. Driving a 4wd and lifte truck is both fun and boring that there are no limits at all. Driving a fwd, increasing your driving skill is kinda fun when you do something looks impossible in a 'car'.

[@winstondeocampo699]

Alex I would suggest instead of the trunk comfort score maybe you should try folding the rear seats to see if people can lie down flat in the vehicle your testing. I think that would be more useful information in case people would use it as a camper in a pinch.

[@rhondaw5615]

I love mine. I chose the sport for the 2.5

[@pedrofernandez8729]

Here we go once again, the most misused word in the auto industry: SPORT

[@moeanthony9308]

Marketing Geniuses

[@MarksTech]

not really misused. the Crosstrek sport IS the fastest Crosstrek. so in that regards, it is the sport model. has nothing to do with marketing. anyone with an IQ over 20, will realize that a 2.5l engine and a CVT isn't a Ferrari.

[@gregnote771]

How reliable are Subaru CVT transmission? Will it last 50k? 100k?

[@bradcomis1066]

Why would you want an electric auto rear hatch? More weight and more things to break, ugh, no. Also, the 6 speed manual gets 25mpg combined, not 20. Save the manuals people. Gotta be honest, I'm kinda thinking about buying one of these things.

[@Deetroiter]

Great video! Can I ask where that forest road is at that you were off roading?

[@thehumblepundit9790]

I love this vehicle. The biggest issue right now is availability. And that there has been no 2022 release. Apparently, a redesign is coming for the 2023 model year.

[@gokuvegeta3946]

I just ordered the 2023 model and they told me it's basically the same as the 2022.

[@5610winston]

@@gokuvegeta3946 Likewise. The dealer tells me they can get my manual 2023 model by April.

[@gokuvegeta3946]

@5610winston I'd call them and see if they have any manuals coming in. My dealership called me when someone backed out of a order and got my trd OR in just two months. Heads up check everything on your tacoma before leaving the dealer. I didn't look at the roof of my tacoma and it had a big dent. Luckily they fixed it after I came back a week later.

[@5610winston]

@@gokuvegeta3946 I looked at a Taco in 2014 when I bought my Frontier. I am not particularly tall, but the inside rearview mirror was directly in my line of sight, and no matter how I adjusted the seat, I had to hunch my neck down to see ahead and to the right. I went across the street and sat in the Frontier and that made the decision for me. The salesman kept trying to sell me an automatic off the lot instead of finding a manual for me, so I went on eBay and found the exact truck I wanted four states away, wired the money, and they shipped the truck to me. The Tacoma looked better on paper, but nothing beats a test drive.

[@vampyrelycan99]

Inclusion of proper LSDs on top of ACT-4 and VDC would make the XV drivetrain even better and more useful esp. for light to med-duty offroading......

[@bovineexcrement8635]

This....☝

[@kristians2704]

It’s sad that the subcompqct crossover segment is so mediocare in the US. In Europe cars like the Peugeot 2008, Škoda Kamiq, Renault Captur, Ford Puma, Nissan Juke, VW T-Cross are very stylish and premium subcompacts for ~$20k

[@pedrofernandez8729]

Americans only want huge, V8 powered monsters.

[@RLTtizME]

All of them will stall or not start periodically to give your motoring some variety and excitement. All of the mechanics servicing those cars have all retired.

[@kevinW826]

@@pedrofernandez8729 it’s also to compensate for their weight issues and their lack of self confidence

[@mountainhobo]

@@pedrofernandez8729 "Americans only want huge, V8 powered monsters" -- Bullshit. There are very few of those left, unless you are stuck in the 1970s. The problem here is, why buy a subcompact when a bigger vehicle gets the same fuel economy and costs practically the same?

[@Vanilla_Donut]

The Nissan Juke didn't do well in the North American market so they replaced it with the Kicks which has been doing well. Now with the new Juke, if Nissan brought that out sooner, I think it would have been a great seller in the current climate as the old styling was just not great.

[@Ficon]

That's 182 hp at wide-open throttle at sea level. I live in the mountains and I hate Subarus for clogging up mountain climbs because they are so gutless. On a 10,000-foot mountain pass the Crosstrek makes about 110 hp and the torque peak is at 4400 rpm. You can choose mechanical abuse coupled to a CVT that inherently cannot handle power or struggle to keep up with semis. I dare Subaru to post a video of a Crosstrek "Sport" loaded to rated GVWR with five adults climbing a 4-6% hill in the mountains and maintaining a 55-65 mph speed limit.

[@velavanlaack9134]

elegance is not a language for Subaru, everyone buys a Subaru for the engine and AWD. Once you've driven, you got hooked onto it

[@DavidDLee]

Subaru needs to make the 2.5L and Blind-spot monitoring / cross-traffic alert standard, otherwise their pricing does not makes sense. Might as well get a similarly priced RAV4.

[@OBrandt-i5c]

"Manual transmissions don't sell" is probably true.....but not for the reason you state. I know several folks, including myself, have been hunting for a 6MT Crosstrek and NONE available in a 500 mile radius of where I live. I am willing to put up with the wheezy 2.0 engine to get the 6MT, but NONE available. I think stating that a 6MT is standard in the Crosstrek, is a pure scam, if they don't make any available. If they make a 2.5T with a 6MT and the STI bits, I will buy that in a heartbeat.......the current STI/WRX is sedan-only, and I have no use for a sedan.

[@danielfair4675]

Go to your nearest dealership and order one, it's just that simple. I ordered a loaded Limited had had to put down a whopping $200 deposit to do so.

[@althepal530]

After doing some research I’m looking to purchase a Subaru Crosstrek sport. Just seems to find my needs.

[@dadadadada17]

How does the Crosstrek behave on high speed thight highway curves? Does it roll a lot?

[@MrBugdocky]

Not really, no. I drive tight mountain roads. At first, I noticed a bit of a roll, as I upgraded from a sporty coupe. Now, not so much. I did upgrade the tires, though.

[@paulfortman5834]

I want a Crosstrek with a manual transmission. I can't find one, but that's what I want.

[@5610winston]

Check with your dealer and get your order in before they stop taking orders for the 2023 manual. I'm getting the Premium in 'Pure Red'.

[@jeffmorse645]

I so wish that if automakers insist on calling vinyl seats an upgrade over cloth they would at least include ventilation for them. I grew up and learned to drive with cars with "naugahyde" and it doesn't breath. Sweaty backs in the summer.

[@NisuUuno]

200hp and DCT/manual would be nice.

[@truckercowboyed2638]

Im actually considering one of the premium trims of the crosstrek

[@mountainhobo]

Strange that whenever I had a manual transmission car, I always got better mpg than rated, and whenever I have an automatic, I always got much worse mpg than rated. This is particularly true for Toyotas (which I mostly drive), where auto mpg numbers are sheer fantasy.

[@robertbenz]

Love the Plasma yellow color but I don't have a garage at home and at work there's no cover parking. Car will be parked 10 hours a day in the Sun and heat of the Gulf Coast. I am planning to order the car in white because that color will be more resistant to the Sun. Will the Plasma Yellow color be also resistant to the intense heat and sun light?. I don't want the Plasma yellow color to be faded in a few years.

[@reginaargentin2864]

I agree with the seat thing. I just bought one and I love it except for that

[@bryanclark7608]

A key deal with the Crosstrek: It's the most reliable Subaru.

[@jessebrinker3706]

But still subpar.

[@honnorgaurd]

i REALLY hate how people keep claiming that "manuals dont sell in great quantities"..... it doesnt sell in great quantities because the companies refuse to GIVE great quantities of it. literally every place i went during my cross trek shopping, manuals were always the rarest. and when a dealership DID finally get one, it would be bought out almost immediately. this isnt a problem with demand. the demand, especially for utility vehicles is very much there. the problem is politics and agenda pushing from these big companies. i absolutely LOVE my 2021 sport crosstrek but i wouldve taken a manual version of the sport with the 2.5L engine in a heartbeat....

[@danielfair4675]

So you think a 10% - 15% sales portion of manuals on average of all manufactures combined merits a concern? And I'm including sports car sales in that 10%. Folks are lazy nowdays, that's the reason for abysmal manual sales. When Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Chevy with the Corvette, ect. have erased the manual, that says everything you need to know. And 2 of the 5 vehicles we own are manuals ..... thats rare.

[@honnorgaurd]

@@danielfair4675 did you not fully read what i said? its only 10% - 15% of their sales because they ONLY SUPPLY 10%-15% of their vehicles as manuals. it has nothing to do with people being lazy. the type of people who buy this type of vehicle WANT manuals. but companies are being pushed by political agendas and other outside influences. Seriously, go to any subaru dealership and ask them just how long manual crosstreks last on the lot - if they get any at all. Trust me there's definitely alot higher of a demand vs supply than they would lead you on to believe.

[@danielfair4675]

@@honnorgaurd not true, manual sales have stunk for more than a decade ... call any manufacturer/dealer you'd like and ask. I ordered my '21 Crosstrek Limited from the 9th oldest Subaru dealer in the U.S. Their yearly allotment of vehicles will rival pretty much anyone. The major majority of manual sales for them have to be ordered. Dealers don't put manuals on their lots, because they don't sell, and thats what they'll tell you. Younger folks aren't buying these types of vehicles if they want a manual. Sports/Exotic/Supercars are the premium vehicles sold with a manual. But why do you think Lamborghini, Ferrari, McClaren, and even Porsche have limited theirs. Most don't offer a manual anymore Porsche is the lone one in this parade. Even the C8 Corvette offers no manual. I have a c6 6-speed GS Corvette, even back a decade ago they were offered in less than 15% of Vettes. I rarely see a manual Vette anymore, unless it's a c5 or c6 Z06 or a c6 ZR-1 (which are both like seeing Bigfoot anymore). Even the c7 Corvette with a manual is a hard find for alot of buyers. The sad thing is, a manual has almost always been cheaper than an automatic. The manual will be extinct in another 5 years I'm afraid.

[@honnorgaurd]

@@danielfair4675 just reading this i can tell that you have absolutely no idea about the real market for the crosstrek and just spewing stuff without any personal experience. the very fact that youre trying to compare supercars to a utility vehicle alone confirms this which is rediculous. the reason newer sports cars are going automatic is because theyve advanced enough to shift much faster than manuals. a utility vehicle doesnt care about speed, it cares about reliability and getting the most out of their little 180 hp engine in the middle of the wilderness.. idk what part of the out-of-touch area you live in to come to this conclusion but over in the areas where subarus are actually popular and needed, crosstreks are very popular with young adults. Just take a trip over to Bend, Oregon if you need confirmation. cant throw a rock without hitting a cross trek that some college kid owns. especially those who like to go off the main roads. Say what you want but every place that gets a manual cross trek sells it in a matter of days. ive seen it firsthand in mutiple cities in mutiple states. dont just go off of spreadsheats or statistics or whatever dealers and manufactures tell you. try to remember that car companies are getting MASSIVELY pressured by politics and government into making fuel efficient vehicles (even if its just 1 mpg extra) regardless of the reliability loss. theyre obviously only going to tell you whats in their best interest both politically and for business. go and actually talk to people who actually own them or seeking crosstreks. and dont just go asking the 'outdoorsy wannabes' who drive around all the time in cartoppers but never leave their big city. actually go out to the REAL areas where people USE these things and NEED them. trust me, there is a market for it. ask anyone who actually uses their crosstreks to go off the beaten path and they'll tell you flat out theyd take a manual version if they couldve. especially those who REALLY go off the beaten path and trust me, they do. ALOT of them.

[@SIGINT007]

No LED lights in 2021? Come on! My 2008 Impreza had LED brake lights FFS.

[@MrDarthvis]

Yeah only in limited trim =(

[@rivercitymetaldetecting9854]

Why is it when people do these reviews they slate the Sport being higher in the foodchain model wise and totally ignore the Hybrid which is priced higher than the Limited?

[@baronvonjo1929]

I would have totally gotten one of these or a outback but I dont trust the reliability

[@jessebrinker3706]

Same here. Subarus would be such great cars again except for the couple glaring issues they currently suffer.

[@baronvonjo1929]

@@jessebrinker3706 yup

[@aussie2uGA]

The biggest issue here is the same with the Honda Ridgeline, they both need more power. If these were cheaper you might accept that but they’re not. In the price ranges they sell for, the cross trek needs more hp, the ridgeline needs more torque.

[@williamconrad1087]

Most definitely. 290 hp was acceptable ten years ago but not today.

[@Hallowsaw]

Its a 3200lb wagon. It really doesnt need 200+ hp to be usable. Yes a higher trim with more power would be nice but its really not necessary. Cars in the 2010s had 140hp at the same weight and did just fine

[@aussie2uGA]

@@Hallowsaw Cars were far less money back then, even adjusting for inflation. The levels of performance and safety have both grown substantially over the years. There’s no reason to pay this much now for this level of performance.

[@mattyvisionz853]

Is there more cargo space than a civic hatchback?

[@craigt9415]

SUBARU. Please put the manual on the larger 2.5L motor instead of the 2.0L. The 2.0L is simply too slow for the enthusiast buyer that will actually purchase the manual version.

[@RLTtizME]

They want to sell more than 5 cars per year in that configuration. Not likely.

[@RLTtizME]

@@MarkMonolithOfficial No. The marketplace no longer supports manual transmissions in America. The majority of buyers want an automatic and most women and younger drivers now ....don't even know how to drive a manual. Ask any car salesman.

[@joeohara3746]

@@MarkMonolithOfficial unfortunately even in examples like the Honda Accord, where a 6MT was available with the very peppy 2.0 turbo, the sales numbers were so low that for 2021 even they have killed tht manual option... I'm a big fan of the manual myself, but like many people have a partner who never learned, and has limited appetite to do so now, so justifying that purchase is a challenge. The best I can think of is a third car like an MX-5 to satisfy the occasional fun driving urge.

[@NobodyUR]

Love my premium 22 trek only thing I'm cautious on Is the cvt Just makes me iffy doing any hard acceleration and hard braking. Granted I'm covered with both the warranty and gold plus warranty but eh it makes me nervous still. Also I only average 26 mpg mostly highway but I usually have it on sport for better merging so perhaps that's why Cause I don't drive it like I stole it by any means. Get the best mpg if you believe the readout at 80mph + but I doubt that's accurate

[@KingOfShadows1500]

What about the Toyota Rav4?

[@jakemccoy]

7:20 A manual power hatch is better. I have an auto hatch on my 2018 Outback, but I wish it was manual.

[@brocklanders6969]

2021 Mazda CX-30 Preferred AWD. Better engine and power, real auto transmission and more premium interior. Very close in size.

[@danielfair4675]

Then buy it.

[@brocklanders6969]

@@danielfair4675 I did. I had a 2013 Crosstrek. Very unreliable and underpowered.

[@marktepper3440]

It does have a subframe and the suspension is different than the Impreza. As noted it has 55 Cubic feet, when the rear seats are folded. I have a sound meter, the noise level is under 70 decibels at 50MPH. More like 73 decibels over 70MPH. Other than those discrepancies an accurate review. The sport is the one to get and btw all the other subcompact suv options have horrible reliability and resell value.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Almost without exception all unibody vehicles have subframes. The only major difference between suspension in the Crosstrek and Impreza are the springs and arms. Ask Subaru, it is quite literally a lifted Impreza hatch and they don’t deny it

[@georged822]

I like how you assume your decibel reading is accurate and Alex's is wrong 😅

[@marktepper3440]

@@georged822 He is wrong. Consumer Reports states otherwise.

[@georged822]

@@marktepper3440 I suspect microphone placement affects the readings, but good information to know, thanks, now just need to find $30k laying around.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

2 things I dont like about the Crosstrek: the CVT and it handles like a stagecoach. Otherwise, solid little car.

[@hoser7706]

Crosstrek Sport or Outdoor because of safety. Best crash test results and phenomknal Eyesight system. In this day and age of congested roads that matters. To us at least.

[@car24dude]

Please bring back the Hybrid Crosstrek, but with a spare tire.

[@daadimooch]

Wasn't ready for 8:28

[@npsquire19]

April foo... Oh wait 😅 But seriously, thanks for another great review!