Opinion: Subaru Crosstrek (lifted) as Daily Driver

[Ekliptix]

My current DD is a 2003 BMW X5 IS 4.6L V8.
Love: Power, exhaust sound, massive 315 rear tires look badass, winter traction, looks (blue), comfort, lots of cargo room, was cheap ($12k).
Hate: High insurance, premium gas + guzzler, really expensive tires and wear poorly, maintenance costs can be insane (@160k now).

I've been attracted to Crosstreks because:

• ~30mpg
• Available in 6 speed manual (2018+)
• Newer tech
• They look super badass with a 1.5" lift and some tires.

The base models are ~$26k new at a dealer. Used ones are low-mid $20k.
I'm aware the power is weak at 150hp.
I already have a 3/4 ton pick up for towing, etc.
I currently live out of town on an acreage so 4x4/awd is a must.

Looking for input, alternatives, etc.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

I have a friend who had a lifted one and he got fed up and traded it for a Colorado ZR-2. He does do a lot of wheeling though which made sense. I rode in his with the lift and bigger tires and I would say it’s the second slowest vehicle I’ve ever been in. My parents had a stock Crosstrek and it was painful going over the coquihalla with four people and ski gear in it. The oil temp hit 130 Celsius in the middle of the winter as we were flat out in third most of the time to keep around 10km/h over the limit.

[revelations]

150hp with massive wheels is a poor combination. If you had the option of adjusting the final drive ratios, like you can in many trucks, sure ... but this isnt realy feasible here.

[npham]

The first thing you listed that you love about your X5 was power. This Crosstrek is literally the polar opposite to your most loved feature about a car. Unless you plan to LS swap the car, it's probably time to search for a different option.

[Mitsu3000gt]

I looked at these when I was shopping because I like the way they look. I don't know how much you care about the driving experience, but what I can tell you is this is one of the most underwhelming cars I have ever driven. It is just so under-powered. You're looking at ~10+ sec 0-60 times when Calgary's altitude sucks another 25HP or so off the already ridiculously underpowered 2.0L. You won't be passing anyone on the highway without a really long time to do so, which IMO boarders on unsafe depending on the areas you drive in most often (if you're on an acreage I assume lots of highway driving). Other than the FRS/BRZ and the Miata, I'm not sure I have ever driven a car that needed a turbo so badly, and the frustrating part is that Subaru is a master of small turbo 4cyl - for the prices you can option these up to, they should be adding a turbo. YMMV of course but I couldn't get over how gutless it was. If you are used to a 4.6L X5 this is going to be a heck of a lot different.

The car mags have similar comments about it, mostly poking fun at how sluggish it is. Apparently the 6MT doesn't help things much as the ratios aren't great (from Motor Trend).

I will say it looks pretty cool with that lift though! I can't imagine what those wheels would do to the already extreme lack of power though - can't be good.

If you want an AWD hatchback that isn't a CUV/SUV though, your options are rather limited. I'd suggest a Forester but I believe they neutered those now as well and there is no longer an XT model (new, anyway).

[Ekliptix]

Wait, I can't have mpgs, awd, and decent power?

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

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Wait, I can't have mpgs, awd, and decent power?

Yes. Get a base model VA WRX, mine was really good on fuel for a turbo 4 cylinder with all wheel drive. I was averaging about 8.8L/100km 2/3 city 1/3 highway.

[jwslam]

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Wait, I can't have mpgs, awd, and decent power?

2019 RDX. Hands down.
I just doubled your budget

[The Cosworth]

I hate that Subaru took the FXT out, then made a sweet crosstrek with no turbo option and with only a CVT or a base one with manual and base options. I really really want a turbo manual one and do exactly what you would do to it. Even after all that, I am tempted to buy a base manual one and lift it. Do it so you can blaze a trail around here and I can avoid your mistakes.

[redblack]

...

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Crosstreks are gutless as hell from the factory, add larger rubber without regearing and that thing will be just fucking awful, not to mention it will probably overstress the shitty CVT if you don't go with the basic-bitch 6MT model.

[ExtraSlow]

Best way to kill fuel economy and acceleration, ESPECIALLY on a smaller vehicle, is lift and larger tires. This thing would probably be good on trails, because you take those slow. It'll be awful on highway, and around town, and get HORRENDOUS fuel economy.

But hey, looks cool, so it sounds like a winner.

[Mitsu3000gt]

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Wait, I can't have mpgs, awd, and decent power?

May not be your style but something like a CR-V meets all those criteria now that they are putting the 1.5T in it. Or something like a Kia Sportage SX with the 2.0T. I would take either over a Crosstrek any day and you get acceptable power, great fuel economy, AWD and tons of space. Won't look as cool though

[The Cosworth]

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Best way to kill fuel economy and acceleration, ESPECIALLY on a smaller vehicle, is lift and larger tires. This thing would probably be good on trails, because you take those slow. It'll be awful on highway, and around town, and get HORRENDOUS fuel economy.

But hey, looks cool, so it sounds like a winner.

You just described every Jeep Wrangler I've ever seen.

[ExtraSlow]

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You just described every Jeep Wrangler I've ever seen.

Yes, they are awful.

[Mitsu3000gt]

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You just described every Jeep Wrangler I've ever seen.

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Yes, they are awful.

I rented a Wrangler Sport last time I was in Hawaii - holy crap was that ever an enormous POS. I had some fun offroading with it though.

[Brent.ff]

Virtually the only good thing is the way it looks. Even 'offroad', its just going to be able to handle the same stuff as when it's stock. A 1.5 inch lift isn't going to change the lack of power, no low-range 4x4, etc..

[tonytiger55]

The Crosstrek just does not have the amount of juice for what you need it for. Dont bother.

Tootling around town, AWD, small/medium size and the odd trip to the mountains makes it just ok. Thats a spefic income level and demographic in Calgary.
Don't bother with the used 5 speed manuals. The ratios are shit. They need a 6th gear pretty bad. The shifter rattles around the same way in my Dads Datsun Sunny back in the 80's. Ive not driven the 6 speed yet, but I don't think thrashing the engine is going to help.

But for your driving, lifted, big wheels... nooooo. I mean your going from a V8 Beema to a basic all round niceness. Thats like going from dating a hot porn star to a east indian chick who just does the starfish in the bedroom. She will do the crazy stuff, but only if you ask on specific snow days.



But if your willing to sacrifce the bedroom for basic bitch stuff. Then the crosstrek is not bad. I mean you have a another truck for towing. So this could be a good compliment that solves a MPG and AWD problem in terms of basic commuting.

Alternative is pre 2019 Forrester or Outback. They stopped the manuals 2019 onwards.
The manuals that are available in other brands like Honda or Mazda are FWD (Dont bother with Mitzubishi, its shit). They also have the same problem in terms of power to weight ratio.

I got the same dillema. Not manuals suv around with decent oooohmph.

Would Audi a Q5 be a option..? I know sod all about these. Maybe someone else can chime in.

[Brent.ff]

reminds me of this:

[bjstare]

Get a couple-year-old forester XT. Or if you need manual, get an older Forester XT. Or a WRX hatch.