Topic: First Drive: 2016 Subaru Crosstrek

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Most of the manual 6 speeds have the same gear spread as the 5 speeds they replaced. All a person ends up doing is shifting more.

Yeah, the only reason I prefer six-speeds now is because owning two cars, one five-speed and one six-speed, was annoying.

That's a very practical reason Oliver. 

[TroyGLS]

The Crosstrek would absolutely be at the top of my list as a possible next vehicle, especially in that new blue which I'm actually digging... but a cousin and an aunt of mine both drive 2015 versions and are still battling Subaru Canada over horrible oil burning issues with that 2.0L engine.  Seems to be very widespread with Subaru doing very little to combat the issue.  As much as I like the Crosstrek, that's a battle I'm not willing to risk partaking in.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I had a 2013 and it didn't use any oil between changes. I believe that to be the case with Weels' Crosstrek also. Blotter has recently bought one and so far hasn't had issues that I'm aware of.

[tooscoops]

subaru has been rather lucky that they have had a host of engine issues, but even car enthusiasts (myself included) seem willing to forgive and forget. i think actually the fact that people buying them used are willing to forgive and forget is the more important factor... keeps resale up incredibly high.

i find it interesting that this is the case... fgc's are usually leased because of the fear of out-of-warranty fixes and the people driving them usually prefer to have the newest and shiniest thing on the block... subaru drivers tend to (at least think they will) drive the car until it becomes dust and feel the reliability is second to none... even more reason to keep those old oil issues in the back of your mind.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Subaru's reliability isn't an illusion. Most of the issues have been with older cars. I've had three, though I didn't keep them for very long, they were completely reliable and without any unscheduled stops to the dealership.

[Ex-airbalancer]

Crosstrek is nice but I would go with the Outback

[Solstice2006]

Subaru's reliability isn't an illusion. Most of the issues have been with older cars. I've had three, though I didn't keep them for very long, they were completely reliable and without any unscheduled stops to the dealership.

That's great and all.  But I have high expectations.  A four year old car shouldn't have any problems...

[Solstice2006]

Crosstrek is nice but I would go with the Outback

CX-3 is ok, but I would go with the CX-9! :-)

[drive67]

subaru has been rather lucky that they have had a host of engine issues, but even car enthusiasts (myself included) seem willing to forgive and forget. i think actually the fact that people buying them used are willing to forgive and forget is the more important factor... keeps resale up incredibly high.

i find it interesting that this is the case... fgc's are usually leased because of the fear of out-of-warranty fixes and the people driving them usually prefer to have the newest and shiniest thing on the block... subaru drivers tend to (at least think they will) drive the car until it becomes dust and feel the reliability is second to none... even more reason to keep those old oil issues in the back of your mind.

The latest is an oil consumption issue but they are not alone. " Subaru considers a quart burned every 1,000 to 1,200 miles to be acceptable"
I would like to know what is the problem, not every car but enough to be sued.

[safristi]

   "Crosstrek is nice but i'd go with  tha OUTBACK"!! Always taking the DESERT   before the main course  Mmmm pudding has an Xtra "S"... a 4 wheeelllled  puddin would be amazin............signed Bill Subie COSBY

[Solstice2006]

subaru has been rather lucky that they have had a host of engine issues, but even car enthusiasts (myself included) seem willing to forgive and forget. i think actually the fact that people buying them used are willing to forgive and forget is the more important factor... keeps resale up incredibly high.

i find it interesting that this is the case... fgc's are usually leased because of the fear of out-of-warranty fixes and the people driving them usually prefer to have the newest and shiniest thing on the block... subaru drivers tend to (at least think they will) drive the car until it becomes dust and feel the reliability is second to none... even more reason to keep those old oil issues in the back of your mind.

The latest is an oil consumption issue but they are not alone. " Subaru considers a quart burned every 1,000 to 1,200 miles to be acceptable"
I would like to know what is the problem, not every car but enough to be sued.

Even the Toyota Camry has had reports of this oil consumption...

[Ex-airbalancer]

Crosstrek is nice but I would go with the Outback

CX-3 is ok, but I would go with the CX-9! :-)

They are close in size , couple of inches here a couple inches there , and at least I did not mention Kia, Mazda or Toyota 
http://www.truedelta.com/Subaru-Outback/specs-253/vs-XV-Crosstrek-1091

[neil]

Crosstrek is nice but I would go with the Outback

CX-3 is ok, but I would go with the CX-9! :-)

They are close in size , couple of inches here a couple inches there , and at least I did not mention Kia, Mazda or Toyota 
http://www.truedelta.com/Subaru-Outback/specs-253/vs-XV-Crosstrek-1091

It's no GTI  

[Ex-airbalancer]

Crosstrek is nice but I would go with the Outback

CX-3 is ok, but I would go with the CX-9! :-)

They are close in size , couple of inches here a couple inches there , and at least I did not mention Kia, Mazda or Toyota 
http://www.truedelta.com/Subaru-Outback/specs-253/vs-XV-Crosstrek-1091

It's no GTI

Yes, it is no  Maserati 3500 GTI from 1960

[makuribu]

New colors availability is great.  Wondering what they have had done to eliminate the head gasket oil/coolant leak, spark plug tube seals oil leak that frequently occurs just past factory warranty?

I think they fixed that about 10 years ago.

[Solstice2006]

Crosstrek is nice but I would go with the Outback

CX-3 is ok, but I would go with the CX-9! :-)

They are close in size , couple of inches here a couple inches there , and at least I did not mention Kia, Mazda or Toyota 
http://www.truedelta.com/Subaru-Outback/specs-253/vs-XV-Crosstrek-1091

In terms of size not that big of a difference.  Was referring more to power differences and pricing, when getting into the higher trims...

[drive67]

subaru has been rather lucky that they have had a host of engine issues, but even car enthusiasts (myself included) seem willing to forgive and forget. i think actually the fact that people buying them used are willing to forgive and forget is the more important factor... keeps resale up incredibly high.

i find it interesting that this is the case... fgc's are usually leased because of the fear of out-of-warranty fixes and the people driving them usually prefer to have the newest and shiniest thing on the block... subaru drivers tend to (at least think they will) drive the car until it becomes dust and feel the reliability is second to none... even more reason to keep those old oil issues in the back of your mind.

The latest is an oil consumption issue but they are not alone. " Subaru considers a quart burned every 1,000 to 1,200 miles to be acceptable"
I would like to know what is the problem, not every car but enough to be sued.

Even the Toyota Camry has had reports of this oil consumption...

It start with the Matrix and spread through Scion and Toyota models but still you have to use a lot of oil before they will fix even thou there is a fix.
Honda also have problems with oil consumption with the CRV ,probably many more car makers.
I would like to know the problem if it is a common part or design flaw.

[Noto]

New colors availability is great. 

...you mean swapping the Blue for the Tangerine?  That's the only change in colours (in Canada, at least - lucky US gets all kind of colours...)











I'm just sore that I can't get it in Red to match our 2011 Fozzie XT

Nice updates - hopefully soon Subaru will see that Mitsu offers a 2.4L I4 and Subie will then drop the FB25 in the lil' engine bay

[redman]

In order for Subaru to further distinguish the Crosstrek as a mere "jacked up Impreza" they need to offer either the 2.5 or low boost turbo engine option.

Not confirmed but the Impreza offering the same engine would weight less than this "sporty" raised variant and make it quicker and more nimble.

Crosstrek buyers like any buyers who pay more want more, not less and not just new makeup and package rearranging. Engine option would fit nicely.

[blotter]

No oil issues or ANY issues to date.  However I did find it interesting at the time of pick up, they gave us a maintenance schedule sheet which at the bottom says "please check engine oil at first fill up"

I really don't understand the "underpowered" statements or concerns.
After reading so many of these comments on the Crosstrek since it came out, that was a big concern going into the test drive.
The test drive confirmed this wasn't an issue at all for us.  It's actually a pretty peppy car.  No problems merging or making fast passing moves.
Faster and more powerful is always welcome, but really, this car is fine.
If you want a sports car, go get a WRX.    This car has a somewhat "sensitive" throttle which reminded me a lot of our RAV 4 (minus the V6 power)
It's certainly faster, smoother and more quiet than the Matrix I used to have.  It's definately a faster reacting throttle than the Tacoma.

So the "not powerful enough" comments I guess depends on what you're used to driving and how much you want to mash the throttle.



Subaru head gasket issues:
I had them with my 1999 Forester.   They corrected these issues long ago.

In order for Subaru to further distinguish the Crosstrek as a mere "jacked up Impreza" they need to offer either the 2.5 or low boost turbo engine option.

I've said it before.....   the differences aside (IMO) the Crosstrek looking better is
1) ground clearance
2) some small towing capacity (1,500lbs - although I wouldn't try it)
3) factory roof rails and cross bars not available on the Impreza

To me Subaru turned the Impreza into a mainstream looking daily drive / everyday car and the Crosstrek became the "outdoorsy" quirky option.
The Crosstrek to me is almost like the old Impreza Sport which back in the day was almost a mini Outback.

For us it was a no brainer picking the Crosstrek (we wanted and needed a vehicle with roof rails)
my wife also liked the look better and wanted to extra ground clearance (which I agree with)