GOLFMK8
GOLFMK7
GOLFMK6
GOLFMKV

2017 Subaru Crosstrek review

jstewart6

New member
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
I recently had to take in my 2015 GTI in for warranty and the newest recall so I was given the pleasure of taking a new Subaru Crosstrek again as a loaner. It should be noted that I had one of these before last year for a loaner also, so my perceptions are valid as it's now my 3rd Crosstrek I've driven.

I should also note that I love Subaru, although I'd never buy one again (long stories). I had an '05 WRX, '99 2.5RS [5 speed to boot], and a 2014 WRX. I've also had a Chevy Cobalt, Ford Escort, and a MazdaSpeed3, so I'm able to draw some comparisons.

Here we go:

Engine/Transmission: I hate everything. The CVT is incredibly loud. The car grunts so hard to go NOWHERE. Maybe it's seen as a benefit, maybe a drawback, but the car also loves to lunge forward at the slightest press of the gas pedal. It jumps but like I previously mentioned it just falls flat.

More on the transmission, this car will basically completely disallow manual shifting unless you're at a shift point that the car would normally shift at, like 3500-4500 rpm.

Chassis/Suspension: Again, hate everything. To me, the car really feels like it wants to roll over taking any bend over 30° at any speed over the speed limit. The body roll is atrocious at best. It handles bumps well but the steering is dramatic. Going down my gravel alley from the garage the steering wheel has so much play after hitting a bump its insane....which brings me to my next topic, the steering. There is absolutely no road feel to this steering wheel. None. At least my fiance's old tC and our GTI's give feedback with the system. Not this one! At a personal preference, the turn-to-lock feels like its 80 revolutions but the car doesn't want to begin to turn tight until you're almost keeled over.

Audio: This is the exact same system, minus the head unit (more on that later), that was in my 2014 WRX....which was identical to what was in my 2005....Not good Subaru. The glove box was quickly vibrating while listening to heavy metal with the volume not even half way. Cheap plastics shine here.
The one nice thing about this is the head unit. It's definitely where I wish my GTI was better at. The unit is much prettier, and it picks up the album art via USB on my iPhone 7 that my car refuses to do. The only issue I have with the head unit is Subaru Starlink is TERRIBLE. Seriously, a Windows 95 PC could handle this shit better. Unbelievably slow and times out constantly. The nice thing is all this can be avoided simply by using the regular audio selection whilst still keeping the phone plugged into the USB port.

Cosmetics: Another part of the car I like. You know it's a lifted Subaru 4-banger and it has the look. Its fascia doesn't over step its bounds and try to come off as a 5" lifted Jeep. It knows what it is and presents it well. It's a little goofy from the rear but nonetheless has a good appearance. I also LOVE the paint color. I'd really consider getting my car painted this gray. Love how heavy the metal flake is. The interior is pretty good but I don't like the limited options with the steering wheel, no matter where it's at it doesn't feel right for me (I'm 5' 7" so normal height). The seats and trim also look really cool with orange stitching on black cloth. The grey headliner is a damper though.

To be honest, I want to like this car. I really do. When I had my WRX my girlfriend was considering buying one. After driving her cousins, I understand why she opted for her GTI (which in turn convinced me to get mine). In my eyes, this is a rather unfortunate happening in Subaru's line of making decent cars at a cheap price. Yes the boosted EJ-motor cars tended to have a slew of issues but they were still fun and cool. The Crosstrek is not either, at least to me.

Would I recommend buying this car? No, absolutely not. Would I maybe get a super low mileage lease on it for weather when it's less than idea for my GTI with DWS's? Maybe.

If any of you read this...thanks for taking the time to do so. I've always wanted to do a half decent review on a car without simply saying "it sucks" or "I love it". I'll post some pictures of the car later.
 

jstewart6

New member
Location
Pittsburgh, PA













Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

FriskyDingo

Ready to race!
Location
STL
Yeah, this car is let down massively by it's drivetrain. If they made one with a 6MT and WRX engine, I'd probably overlook the small stuff and buy one.
 

jstewart6

New member
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Yeah, this car is let down massively by it's drivetrain. If they made one with a 6MT and WRX engine, I'd probably overlook the small stuff and buy one.



They'd create too much internal competition I'd think between the Forester XT and the WRX. I have heard however that the new WRX's CVT is actually legit and not a slush box. When it first came out a lot of professional car reviews were calling it the best one available.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Stage2Sasquatch

Go Kart Champion
I have heard however that the new WRX's CVT is actually legit and not a slush box.

You cannot tune the CVT past Cobb stage 1 91 octane. While the base gearbox itself is fine in stock form, it is EXTREMELY weak. I've driven it and feel like it has poor road manors at low speed. Drone's like a CVT and honestly it destroys the experience of owning an enthusiast car.
 

jstewart6

New member
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
You cannot tune the CVT past Cobb stage 1 91 octane. While the base gearbox itself is fine in stock form, it is EXTREMELY weak. I've driven it and feel like it has poor road manors at low speed. Drone's like a CVT and honestly it destroys the experience of owning an enthusiast car.



I can't say from experience. Just what I've read and heard. Although it doesn't surprise me if Subaru manufactured another junk tranny. I completely annihilated my '14 WRX's in 14k miles. Granted I beat the shit out of that car it was bone stock minus a catback. I'll be trading in my GTI when it gets close to the warranty being up. I plan on testing a Focus RS, ST, Golf R, and an STi if they have something other than the EJ255 motor. The R has a strong edge with the DSG and daily driving manners.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Top