Subaru Crosstrek Owners' Experiences: A Comprehensive Review
Choosing the right vehicle can be a daunting task, especially when you're evaluating options for their AWD capabilities. Subaru Crosstrek owners share their experiences ranging from its practical usefulness to the limitations they have encountered over the years. In this detailed review, we explore the journey of a car enthusiast who prioritized AWD and the unique features that came with it.
Introduction
As a car enthusiast, my quest for a Subaru Crosstrek began with a simple requirement: All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Starting from my 1994 Jeep Cherokee 4WD, my thoughts were wrapped around the likelihood of needing AWD in real-life scenarios. Driving on freeways where black ice is a concern or navigating gravel roads require traction, yet the odds of needing to shift into 4WD were low. However, the underlying need for AWD remained paramount.
Exploring the Options
The search for a suitable AWD vehicle was extensive. I came across several options within my price range, but many brands made sweeping changes to their AWD systems, such as Hyundai's transition to 2WD above 25 mph. These changes left me questioning the reliability and performance of these systems. What intrigued me about Subaru was the consistent focus on AWD drivetrains and their reputation for reliability.
Subaru Impreza Legacy
I delved deeper into the options, considering the Subaru Impreza and Legacy. The Impreza offered many appealing features, including various engine sizes. However, its design wasn't as youthful as I desired, leading me to reconsider. The Legacy had better performance and features, but it was noticeable how outdated it looked. The final push towards the Crosstrek came from the realization that it was essentially an Impreza with a 8-inch lift and a different body shell. This unique blend seemed to fit my needs perfectly.
Owner's Experience with the Subaru Crosstrek
Upon purchase, the experience was overwhelmingly positive. The previous version of the Crosstrek, with a manual 4.0-liter inline-six engine, had a few challenges, primarily during gear shifts. However, the overall performance and reliability of the vehicle rendered any inconvenience worthwhile. The drivetrain's all-weather traction capabilities proved invaluable, particularly during my frequent excursions through the foothills.
Adapting to a Lifted Vehicle
Recent insights into the lifting height of the new Crosstrek have shed new light on its performance characteristics. Originally, I believed the lifting height to be 3 inches, but this has now been clarified as 8 inches. This slightly higher lift has indeed led to some issues, such as reduced power and acceleration, especially on the freeway. The 2017 or 2018 model is significantly lighter at 200 pounds and boasts 5 horsepower more than my current vehicle, making it much more efficient and responsive.
Conclusion
The Subaru Crosstrek has proven to be a reliable and practical choice for those who prioritize all-weather driving capability and are willing to consider a compromise in performance. For my needs, the benefits outweigh the occasional inconveniences. Yet, the evolution of the vehicle design and performance continues to influence future models, pushing the boundaries of AWD performance and urban utility.