Nice review, Sam. You covered just about everything. I actually own one of these and like it so far (I haven't put too many miles on it yet). Two items I wish it had were a front camera and a heated steering wheel. Our Canadian neighbors actually get a heated steering wheel. I guess Subaru doesn't think the US gets cold enough. I was delighted to see it made your "I'd Buy It" list. Take care and thanks for the informative content.
how much is a heated wheel and what fuse number is it? I wonder if US models are pre-wired for a heated wheel. you just need the wheel, the switch and the relay.
Great review, Sam, thanks for this, and if you use this car for its intended purpose, it is an intriguing choice. The kind of roads you were on off-pavement are in my mind what I see for this vehicle--it's meant to get you to a trail head in the back country, or to a lake, river, cabin, etc., just not meant for serious rock-crawling once you get there. That's fine by me, so it's all about understanding what you want to use the car for, and when you stay within its limits, it should serve you well.. I know this car is built to a price, but still, though, why not make a heated steering part of an option package? After all, this is designed for getting out and in to nature, and naturally, that means you'll encounter cold. You cannot have everything, of course, and let's face it, crank the heat on a cold day and eventually the steering wheel will warm up a bit. Anyway, great job as usual--thanks and happy holidays from a fellow Arizonan.
This is a great Swiss army knife. It's a fantastic value too. I test drove it but passed due to the engine. I would have liked the WRX engine as an added cost option, for most though wouldn't matter
We have a 2019 crosstrek limited, never had a problem with it. Just bought a crosstrek wilderness in black because I just liked the looks of it. The white one looks to much like a cop car.
The infotainment and locking certain things behind it is what has had me hesitating. X mode is now no fewer that 3-4 button presses to change a setting while the old manual dial takes a 1/4 of the time. The most critical issue is what happens if there is an issue with the infotainment. You lose access to Xmode, all climate controls, etc. Worse yet, it's become a distraction while driving. Manual controls are much easier to operate if you need to make changes on the move. This will require drivers to take more attention off the road. For a company that raves about their safety rating, they sure made a big misstep here.
Happy Holidays Sam. Sadly, this is looking like a "next car" for me (or the Outback Wilderness). Very tough to give up the 3rd pedal. Do I need it in OH, no, but it offers the mostest capability. Not feeling the Limited trim in this model (WRX and BRZ are different stories and are a must in Limited trim). If Allroads weren't $50k+ and if I had more faith in Volvo, I'd go that direction...but... the money saved can go towards sound deadener and other cool options.
I agree 100% about the lack of Navigation. The vehicle's main focus is to be out in the "Wilderness" where there is no cell signal and they omit one of the most important tools for that task. It boggles the mind!
Sam. Very thorough review. Liked the dirt on the floor mats The camera angle on the 11.6 touch screen was impressive. Not an iPad glued to the dash. Impressive interior. Loved the seats. Did you mention the 3500 lb tow capacity ? Think I will get one of these. Thanks
It's not that, it's just that people keep demanding more and more features + increasing safety and emissions regulations from the government keep forcing automakers to make more complex and expensive vehicles thus increasing cost. I think subaru would LOVE to sell a 22k crosstrek if they could but it's just not feasible.
