Author Topic: Quick Spin Winter Style: 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek, Forester and Outback (Read 10249 times)

Autos_Editor · « **on:** February 04, 2015, 06:28:26 am »

Winter wonderland shows off Subaru's SUV big guns
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mixmanmash · « **Reply #1 on:** February 04, 2015, 08:19:21 am »

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The Outback was a 3.6L V6 model, thankfully because that engine is the only I think is worthwhile in the Outback.

JacobBlack · « **Reply #2 on:** February 04, 2015, 08:20:37 am »

Quote from: mixmanmash on February 04, 2015, 08:19:21 am

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The Outback was a 3.6L V6 model, thankfully because that engine is the only I think is worthwhile in the Outback.

Oh goddamnit

Thanks mate, good catch.

Sir Osis of Liver · « **Reply #3 on:** February 04, 2015, 09:33:17 am »

Nice write-up Jacob.

I miss the outright comfort of our Outback, but the XV has been exceeding expectations. I really like the little critter, CVT and all.

Noto · « **Reply #4 on:** February 04, 2015, 09:53:34 am »

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Such was the case when this one came across the desk. Jonathan: “Hey ~~Jacob~~Noto, there’s an event in Quebec in Janu–”
“Yep, mine. I’ll take that”.
“But it’s SUVs.”
“~~Hmmm, maybe I shouldn’t hog all the winter launches~~STILL MINE!?”
“They’re Suba–”
“Done. Mine. I’ll take that, thanks”.

^^ fixed for next time.

Don't get me wrong, I'm appreciative of everything you guys have given me!!!, but you've read my post about this weekend - I'm all booked, going, and am doing the car rental with dreaded all-seasons. I'm very afraid (funny thing, those Winter Tires, how they give you that sense of safety...). So, to see that you got Subies with Winters in Quebec, I'm just floored with jealousy...that's all...and that I could have gone on a road trip with my bestie!

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We whined about the CVT (because we’re auto journalists and if we don’t the other auto journalists get suspicious and ask if we float like a duck then burn us for witchcraft)

Classic, Jacob. Classic.

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My issues with the interior and the infotainment system have now been addressed with the next generation of radio and user interface in the Crosstrek – bravo Subaru!

I didn't know the interior updates came to the Crosstrek! Very exciting!!!

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Rapid U-turn completed we headed back to the entrance of the driveway but silly me drove past it by mistake. Three times.

Goddamn it, again, you now owe me a new keyboard...so filled with coffee

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And if we’re honest, it’s the confidence you’re buying. Even in remote parts of Ontario or Quebec you can get to most things you want to get to with just about any winter-tire shod rig, be it SUV, sedan or otherwise.

^^ I think that's the best way a Subaru's charm has ever been put. I wish I could show you a picture of the steep hill Lady Noto climbs and descends each day to/from work, but Google Street View doesn't cover it (Coincidence? I think not). She says that every day she has to drive around folks who can't make it up/down those hills. I used to freak out and sit on the phone with her every day (bluetooth) until she was home, but the Forester takes care of her. I wouldn't even dream of owning any other brand.

Kris78 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 04, 2015, 09:54:42 am »

Thanks for the fun read - that was great!

...of course, would have been even funnier had Subaru brought a couple of WRXs along. For contrast, of course. Purely in the name of informative discourse.

As for the CVT vs manual thing, I guess fans of a standard should be happy that Subaru offers it at all. It would be nice if at least one of their CUVs offered a manual with the upgraded motor. I vote for the XV Crosstrek to get the WRX's powertrain options...

Noto · « **Reply #6 on:** February 04, 2015, 10:30:41 am »

Quote from: Kris78 on February 04, 2015, 09:54:42 am

I vote for the XV Crosstrek to get the WRX's powertrain options...

Fobroader · « **Reply #7 on:** February 04, 2015, 10:40:06 am »

Quote from: NoTo on February 04, 2015, 10:30:41 am

Quote from: Kris78 on February 04, 2015, 09:54:42 am
I vote for the XV Crosstrek to get the WRX's powertrain options...

Great review Jacob, that was really informative and entertaining......as always yes, moar turbo, moar manual, death to CVTs

nlm · « **Reply #8 on:** February 04, 2015, 12:30:31 pm »

Quote from: Kris78 on February 04, 2015, 09:54:42 am

I vote for the XV Crosstrek to get the WRX's powertrain options...

Easy now, the Focus RS thread is taking up all of Subaru's wish quota.

nlm · « **Reply #9 on:** February 04, 2015, 12:32:14 pm »

What do you guys think about changing the title of the review/article to include the specific trims?

"Quick Spin Winter Style: 2015 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, Forester XT and Outback R"

random006 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 04, 2015, 01:22:02 pm »

Great review, Jacob.

Although, I must say that the first image that came to mind when you described your obvious enthusiasm for the job was those Disney seagulls:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-3e0EkvIEM

redman · « **Reply #11 on:** February 04, 2015, 01:23:00 pm »

Great write up. Sounds like you may be a convert. As great as Subbie's are in the country snow I find them to be equally sure footed in the city ice capades.

I'm for the 2.5L with CVT being an option in the XV and Impreza.

Trainman · « **Reply #12 on:** February 04, 2015, 02:52:28 pm »

Nice article, thanks! Very timely as well as I spent some time on the Subaru web site last night looking at trims, features and prices for the Forester, Legacy, Outback and WRX. Meeting with the financial adviser next week and will be letting him know I may need some cash come June.

One thing I wish Subaru would do is make the Touring trim on the Forester the same for the 2.5i and XT. For example, on the NA you get the heated windshield, but on the XT you need to go the Limited before getting that. Some of these sorts of decisions I shake my head at.

Solstice2006 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 04, 2015, 03:00:49 pm »

^^ Heated windshield. Now that's a feature I would pay for. Not enough cars have them. I would rather have that a sunroof, or heated steering wheel.

johngenx · « **Reply #14 on:** February 04, 2015, 03:25:39 pm »

Quote from: Solstice2006 on February 04, 2015, 03:00:49 pm

^^ Heated windshield. Now that's a feature I would pay for. Not enough cars have them. I would rather have that a sunroof, or heated steering wheel.

A fairly large section of the base of the windscreen on the Highlander is heated - it's a fantastic feature. Our old Forester has the same thing, but the section is quite small and not as effective as the one on the Toyota.

The Mercedes' also had heated washer nozzles and the washer fluid was heated too. I really appreciated those things.

Noto · « **Reply #15 on:** February 04, 2015, 03:31:50 pm »

Quote from: Solstice2006 on February 04, 2015, 03:00:49 pm

^^ Heated windshield. Now that's a feature I would pay for. Not enough cars have them. I would rather have that a sunroof, or heated steering wheel.

The windshield isn't heated - there's a small element only under the wiper (it's called a Windshield Wiper De-Icer). That is odd regarding the XT touring not having it. The 2.5 Touring also gets the roof rails, while the XT Touring doesn't. Other than those two items, they are identically-equipped.

Trainman · « **Reply #16 on:** February 04, 2015, 04:10:39 pm »

Quote from: NoTo on February 04, 2015, 03:31:50 pm

Quote from: Solstice2006 on February 04, 2015, 03:00:49 pm
^^ Heated windshield. Now that's a feature I would pay for. Not enough cars have them. I would rather have that a sunroof, or heated steering wheel.
The windshield isn't heated - there's a small element only under the wiper (it's called a Windshield Wiper De-Icer). That is odd regarding the XT touring not having it. The 2.5 Touring also gets the roof rails, while the XT Touring doesn't. Other than those two items, they are identically-equipped.

Lawyers, always having to be so picky

But I will say the windshield wiper de-icer (is this acceptable your honor?) on my '09 is very effective and has been a real blessing on many a drive. I would not get a Forester without it now, and if I want the turbo, then that means a Limited

Don't like nor want leather.

KD · « **Reply #17 on:** February 04, 2015, 04:26:08 pm »

Quote from: Trainman on February 04, 2015, 04:10:39 pm

Quote from: NoTo on February 04, 2015, 03:31:50 pm
Quote from: Solstice2006 on February 04, 2015, 03:00:49 pm
^^ Heated windshield. Now that's a feature I would pay for. Not enough cars have them. I would rather have that a sunroof, or heated steering wheel.
The windshield isn't heated - there's a small element only under the wiper (it's called a Windshield Wiper De-Icer). That is odd regarding the XT touring not having it. The 2.5 Touring also gets the roof rails, while the XT Touring doesn't. Other than those two items, they are identically-equipped.

Lawyers, always having to be so picky

But I will say the windshield wiper de-icer (is this acceptable your honor?) on my '09 is very effective and has been a real blessing on many a drive. I would not get a Forester without it now, and if I want the turbo, then that means a Limited Don't like nor want leather.

Subaru have had that feature for a while now as my 97 OBW hadi it and is a fantastic idea. Any manufacturer that offers a winter package should include this as well imo. I'd pick that over heated seats any day.

Brig · « **Reply #18 on:** February 04, 2015, 04:45:46 pm »

My Santa Fe has it. It's been so nice to have these past few weeks. And, when I set my heater to Front Defrost, it not only turns on the wiper de-icers, but it also heats my side mirrors. Awesome!

Solstice2006 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 04, 2015, 05:25:10 pm »

Quote from: Brigitte on February 04, 2015, 04:45:46 pm

My Santa Fe has it. It's been so nice to have these past few weeks. And, when I set my heater to Front Defrost, it not only turns on the wiper de-icers, but it also heats my side mirrors. Awesome!

I believe most cars do that, the ones equipped (which are most cars).