Subaru Crosstrek - Manual VS CVT - Diagonal Fun !

Canadian Versions of the Crosstreks
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Outdoor 2.5L CVT
2019 Subaru Crosstrek Sport 2.0L Manual
Both cars are using Winter tires that are very equal in performance.
The 2021 has Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 (studded)
The 2019 has Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 (non studded)
Manual vs CVT
It was the first time that the driver of the manual Crosstrek tried this type of maneuver. Although the car stalled a few times, he managed, even in an incline, to bring the Crosstrek over the obstacle with very little to no reversing, holding the car stable in it's track.
Hope you enjoy the video!

[@pauldenali6367]

Well to make this an accurate comparison you have to use someone who knows how to drive a manual without stalling it thereby loosing all momentum. I'd say that's a driver issue not a car issue.

[@OutdoorFun01]

Actualy, even with my cvt I use little momentum to none... check my other solo video!

[@pauldenali6367]

@@OutdoorFun01 OK but very little momentum is way different than starting from a dead stall.

[@gohst777]

Exactly, a skilled driver with a manual is far more capable than a cvt with all that mumbo jumbo in my old school ghetto ass redneck opinion 😂

[@Raevenswood]

The manual is better imo just because it has the more classic Subaru viscous coupling and 50/50 split for the powertrain. The CVT might have the xmode but the power train is front wheel bias 60/40 and it has a multi plate clutch instead of center diff. Not as simple or robust as a viscous coupling.

[@YBY3]

Do more cvt vs manual, interested in how they compare

[@OutdoorFun01]

We will! 😉👍

[@YBY3]

@@OutdoorFun01 Sup, for the manual, should take off the clutch spring under the pedal, it really helps to feel the clutch especially offroading.

[@OutdoorFun01]

@@YBY3 I'll do the message. 😉

[@jjbinks117]

Great vid! Fun to see the comparison

[@Tazman3551]

I have 2023 Crosstrek 6spd manual always drive in snow without traction control with no issues!

[@victorteran9766]

great vid! I'm in the process of getting a manual Crosstrek but wasn't sure how the different AWD system in the 6 speed would perfom when compared with the CVT's X-mode, but now I see they are on par. Thanks!

[@OutdoorFun01]

I'm glad it help you out. Enjoy your Crosstrek!

[@calvinloney5996]

I got a 2016 manual and it has been awesome in deep snow and rocky steep trails up in northern ontario!

[@victorteran9766]

@@calvinloney5996 sweet! cant wait to get mine, however just test drove one and the gears seemed a little rough, is that something that wears off or will it remain clunky all the time? couldnt get myself to do any smooth gear transitions,

[@mikez0]

0:25 Read carefully. X-Mode was not used. And even then they aren't on par - if you've seen the engine stall moments, of course. ;-)

[@OutdoorFun01]

@@mikez0 True. I didn't want to use x-mode since the manual version doesn't have it. But it does make a nice difference having x-mode.

[@Chubbydippin]

Interesting video. Thankyou for sharing. Weird Subaru calls it "Outdoor" traction control. Makes me wonder who in Japan drives them indoors? Who knows, maybe they have a indoor shag carpet mode. The more I look into Crosstreks the more intriguing they are. Thanks again.

[@AWDfreak]

Now I want to see a difference between a dual-range manual transmission and standard single-range manual transmission.

[@tomkirchhoff4672]

My manual xv will go nuts on that little bunny hill

[@stackinpaper]

Is the Black one really a Sport? The Sport model has the same fender flares as the Outdoor and on the Black one the flares looks smaller. Great video though.

[@stackinpaper]

Oh nevermind. I see its the Canadian Sport model.

[@OutdoorFun01]

@@stackinpaper 😉 Thx!

[@kenhoward3512]

The Sport model in the video is a 2019.

[@TagTab637]

I own a 23 Crosstrek 6 spd. Is the 50/50 split superior to the 60/40 split front wheel bias in snow, mud or climbing? If so why is that the case?

[@OutdoorFun01]

Thx for your question. It's a good one that keeps coming back... My one answer that no one talks about is simple: It comes down to tires. You can have the perfect awd distribution system (not talking about locked diff), but the limiting factor is the TIRES. For this video, both cars have the same tire, one studded, not the other one, but in deep snow, it doesn't matter... Perhaps a slight advantage for non studded (barely since they are high-end make/model. See the video description) This is a Subaru that most users drive 99% on the paved, gravel, and snowy roads. Off trail, muddy, and hill climbing on more extreme conditions, the Subaru will still shine. My CVT has never let me down. Perhaps the perfect split 50/50 would be better, but I challenge anyone to make a video on pushing the boundaries comparing both systems in real life... see who is better. Perhaps they will both be winners. If not, then put on shoes and walk up the darn hill. Haha! Cheers!

[@TagTab637]

@@OutdoorFun01 Thank you for the response and clarity! Love the vids! Keep up the great work friend and hope to see you on the trails!

[@newamsterdanm]

the black crosstrek was the manual ?

[@OutdoorFun01]

Yes

[@theamazinggoldfish8713]

And now for the fun meter test.......

[@Dumontjon]

Dude has no idea how to drive a manual

[@neilmurphy845]

Why do they stall I've never experienced that in any outher manual

[@OutdoorFun01]

First timer trying out his manual crosstrek. He enjoyed it!

[@neilmurphy845]

@@OutdoorFun01 That's great it's tricky at first he'll get used to it fast

[@charliemcawesome5012]

@@OutdoorFun01 What?? So that’s not a fair comparison then…. It’s been my experience that the manual Subarus with the mechanical AWD typically do a lot better than the CVT version of electronically controlled trickery AWD….

[@OutdoorFun01]

@@charliemcawesome5012 Well now you know. Haha!

[@peaceonearth8693]

In English we say performed well. And, we say working as expected. I say, fire your translator.

[@OutdoorFun01]

Bravo! Tu as quand même réussi à comprendre. Je te donne une belle étoile.

[@onehundredpicks5531]

Good test but learn how to drive stick

[@clou1969]

Yep manual stalled :D

[@scott8919]

And then people wonder why automatics are more popular.

[@lilfamine9955]

Why?

[@Kburd-wr6dq]

This test shows nothing. Different tires, and the driver sucks.

[@RKmndo]

With decent low-range, torque, and flywheel weight, manuals work great offroad. Check out a manual Jeep TJ Rubicon sometime.

[@Raevenswood]

because you can be a moron and still drive.