Looking at Crosstreks

[Mikeharold]

Hey all,

We are looking at Subarus for my wife and are considering either a Crosstrek or Outback. Wife likes the looks of the Crosstrek and either one would suit our needs. I've been reading up on Outbacks and know what I'm looking for on that end. Looking hard for a 2017-19 3.6R.

Haven't started researching Crosstreks yet so not sure what to be looking for and what to try and avoid. We are looking used and around $20k.

Appreciate any and all input! Thanks.

 

[bmart]

She likes them both? They're very different vehicles to drive. Very different sizes, etc. Both have sucky CVT transmissions. Crosstrek is more utilitarian. Outback is more refined. She may want to compare to Mazdas...all of my friends who did that bought the Mazda.

 

[piste]

Start by figuring which size is best for u and go from there. We have both

 

[Mikeharold]

Either size works for us really. We are getting rid of her honda civic so that tells you how much cargo capacity is important! We also have 2 trucks as well so that's not an issue. We just bought a new property in the PNW and we are down 2.5 miles of gravel road that is gonna get beat up in the winter so the honda isn't really a good fit. That's the only reason we are looking to get rid of it and move to something like a subaru. But after researching not sure if that's really the route we want to go due to reliability? Heard lots of good about the Mazdas as well. All these newer cars suck unfortunately.

 

[bmart]

You could buy an older Subaru. They're MUCH better. Put some PPF on it and roll in an older (pre-2010) Outback or Outback sport...probably for 300k miles if you like.

 

[piste]

Either size works for us really. We are getting rid of her honda civic so that tells you how much cargo capacity is important! We also have 2 trucks as well so that's not an issue. We just bought a new property in the PNW and we are down 2.5 miles of gravel road that is gonna get beat up in the winter so the honda isn't really a good fit. That's the only reason we are looking to get rid of it and move to something like a subaru. But after researching not sure if that's really the route we want to go due to reliability? Heard lots of good about the Mazdas as well. All these newer cars suck unfortunately.

Reliabilty and ur use case...u want the best awd on the market and that is subaru. Only symmetric one and as an engineer what sold me on our first. We hated it so much we now have 3. I have xtrek and to do it again would have got 2.5 engine. Put dedicated snows on any of em and u will get anywhere u wanna go. Ck out reports..subes are equally or more reliable than anything else. Good luck.

 

[piste]

Reliabilty and ur use case...u want the best awd on the market and that is subaru. Only symmetric one and as an engineer what sold me on our first. We hated it so much we now have 3. I have xtrek and to do it again would have got 2.5 engine. Put dedicated snows on any of em and u will get anywhere u wanna go. Ck out reports..subes are equally or more reliable than anything else. Good luck.

Also...look for any prior to current generation..like every other mfr they getting stupid with electronics interfaces.

 

[bark]

we have both the outback and crosstrek. Outback is more solid but that being said it has poorer gas mileage. Our 2025 crosstrek easily gets close to 40 mpg. It is also a little noisier ..not as much insulation i suppose. You can tell a difference when you shut each of their respective doors.Outback has that nice solid "thunk" crsostrek a little tinier. Both however awesome snow vehicles ..also yes for sure go the 2.5 engine for crosstrek..a little rocket especially when you click sport mode

 

[HMW]

Hey all,

We are looking at Subarus for my wife and are considering either a Crosstrek or Outback. Wife likes the looks of the Crosstrek and either one would suit our needs. I've been reading up on Outbacks and know what I'm looking for on that end. Looking hard for a 2017-19 3.6R.

Haven't started researching Crosstreks yet so not sure what to be looking for and what to try and avoid. We are looking used and around $20k.

Appreciate any and all input! Thanks.

Unless you have a lot of snow (Crosstrek sits higher), the Impreza Limited is less expensive for basically the same car (and I have no issues with snow especially I use snow tires)

 

[sailmaster]

we have both the outback and crosstrek. Outback is more solid but that being said it has poorer gas mileage. Our 2025 crosstrek easily gets close to 40 mpg. It is also a little noisier ..not as much insulation i suppose. You can tell a difference when you shut each of their respective doors.Outback has that nice solid "thunk" crsostrek a little tinier. Both however awesome snow vehicles ..also yes for sure go the 2.5 engine for crosstrek..a little rocket especially when you click sport mode

HI
I read your post where you said you got close to 40 MPG. Is that all the time? That's impressive. We just bought a 2025 Crosstrek sport. Hope we get that kind of MPG.

 

[Hjulbyhavn]

Short trip/town driving choose emotionally - whatever you like. Long trips chose Outback (we have an AWD Prius but the Outback is better/more comfortable for trips).