Just a normal dude's review of the XV Crosstrek.

[Jinesh]

I have a 2014 XV Crosstrek, It's Subaru's attempt a Cross of a hatchback and SUV, so basically a small SUV, probably about the same idea as a Rav 4, (Kinda-sort-of)

I have lots of feelings about it so here it goes:

There is only one major con, its a little gutless, and by gutless I mean its not the most powerful car out there. It has a 2.0 Liter w/ 4 cylinders, which gives you about ~120 hp. The only time I really notice it is going into the mountains, it shows its weakness. This may not be a con for most people but I kind of wish I had a faster car, because I'm a gear head. BUT This leads to the pros, which there are a lot:

Great gas mileage, in my manual i get about 36 highway, 28 city, when I really try to be conservative, when i'm being a speed demon on my way to work i get about 24, but that is with a spoob ton of stoplights, I don't have it, but they also just made a hybrid version which gets even better gas mileage, if that's your thing. Also they claim that the auto gets better gas mileage, but codswallop that, sticks are the way to go. The Auto has "CVT" this new tranny on the new subarus, I've heard good and bad things, but codswallop that get a stick. (Sorry I'm not sorry about my opinons in that section )

Great suspension, the car is pretty much a Subaru Impreza with better suspension, that added more weight, so they put bigger breaks on it, I also think the frame is a bit stiffer? Don't quote me on that. It has about the https://speedtest.vet/ https://vidmate.bid/  same clearance as a Rav4, so it rides high. One of the best features in my opinion, it EATS UP bumps when driving around in the city which makes for a great ride, you're high above all the sedans so there are no lights in your face when driving at night. But, this gives you more body roll when taking turns, so again if you're a speed demon, not the best choice.

AWD, obviously because its a Subaru, I drive around with stock summer tires and just eat up the snow, combined with the good ground clearance you'll never get stuck unless you jump in the biggest piles of snow, if you put some all-season or winter tires on there you'll be a codswalloping snow beast.

The interior... it has a bunch of room, as much room as an actual SUV? No, but it does have decent amount of room on the inside. Nothing special, not too ugly, not too beautiful.

I got the basic package, all i have really is heated seats, and it cost me around 23 ish thousand, there are other fancy things you can get if that's your thing. (Actually I leased it, kind of a dumb decision, lets not get into it) I also put in a day or two of work and put in a Sub woofer on top of the stock sound system, best 500 dollars I ever spent. (Shhh, Don't tell the dealership who i leased it from!) If you want more details I'd be happy to share.

Overall, its a great city car, its very very practical, if you're a speed demon, its not for you, the only complaint i've ever had is that the engine is a little small. If they would have put a turbo on it, it would have been perfect.

Another thing I've heard complaints about on the internet is that its a CROSS of a SUV / hatch. Its trying to be both an SUV and a Hatch, and its kind of half rump roast at both. It has the ride height of an SUV, but the gas milage and interior space of a Hatch-back.

So it's trying to be both and it is kind of half-rump roast at both. If you want a bigger good SUV snow car, maybe the Forester would be better, if you want a smaller more nimble snow car, the impreza would probably be better. I kind of agree with that, I kind of don't.

I love it, haven't decided if I want to keep it yet after my 3 year lease is up!!!

People who have a Crosstrek? How do you feel about my feelings? Have you put any mods on? Did I make any blaring mistakes in my review?

Cheers!

Edited November 9, 2020 by Jinesh

[ezapar]

I'll just say this.  I laugh out loud at folks who claim Subaru but say 148hp isn't enough.

You see, a LOT of us here have been here the whole life of the USMB and are very familiar and fond of the early Subarus.  We were just fine with 72hp.  

The 2021 Xtrek has an additional 30hp.   Maybie it's time to trade up and get you some XMODE.

 

rav-4.  lol