Is The New Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Actually A Capable Off-Roader? 

Bean Camper - Beantrailer.com/bean-stock-minimalist

Roman's hair piece 😂

The little Crosstrek keeps getting more and more versatile. 3500lb towing capacity is wild. The roofrack is useful. A winch, steel bumpers, and locking diff can be added too. I use my 1st-gen Crosstrek for all kinds of shenanigans, and it has been VERY economical for as versatile as it is.

That Crosstrek Wilderness has almost the same ground clearance as Andre’s Trail Boss. 😆

Great video, I love my first-generation crosstrek. it's lifted with all terrain tires and has continually impressed me with its versatility.

Around the same price you can get the Forester Wilderness, that's the route I went for my 2024 Forester.

Subaru really improved the cvt capabilities for off roading

I’ve had several outback’s & found them to be reliable and generally good in all conditions. Much better than any of the jeeps I have owned when it comes to mpg. I’m seriously considering getting a wilderness outback to replace my current jeep as I never do difficult trails anyway. I wish you could patch things up & do some more reviews on them.

Can only remember two songs with subaru in the lyrics... 1st song was a fave back in 81' I believe & that was Blondies "Rapture" and the other one was Bruce Springsteens "Pink Cadillac"

That is a $8,000 trailer max. Idk why all these camp trailers try and add overland tax

Wife has a forester wilderness and I was amazed at how well it off roads in snow.

Glad you guys got a chance to review a ctw, cool little cars. The revised cvt and gearing is lot beefier than they used to be but man that thing would be awesome with a turbo on the 2.5l. Stump puller mode.

I appreciate the extra storage with the elimination of the galley 12:36 - But, BEAN, y’all need to have some kind of rear access hatch to it. Ever try to put a child seat in the back of a 2-door Wrangler? Probably about the same feeling getting a GoalZero or anything else in/out that “potato hole” back there.

Another great video fellas

More subaru wilderness content would be nice!

Why do car reviewers not realize there are rear air vents under the front seats? Puting them on the rear of the front armrest is a new fangled thing that serves no purpose. Manufacturers have been puting the vents for the rear passengers under the front seats for decades. Just because you dont see it doesnt mean it isnt there. You can also choose to turn them on\off in the climate settings.

Just got mine! Beast of a little car

3:41 Nice diss Nathan ;)

Good review! I really like this model, CVT or not. People are still afraid of CVT because of Nissan. This isnt an infomercial, they were probably invited to test a car and camper. Any of us would have said yes.

Intriguing to say the least. Thought it was an awesome job by TFL. Loved seeing the Bean. I thought the Crosstrek did a nice job. The big question is what's the back story with Subaru?

Any issues with power when towing that Bean while driving on freeway UPHILL? I know the CVT has extra oil cooler, but I'm just curious how the CVT performed uphill with respect to power and if any overheating issues? Cheers! Great video!

I owned one of the first gen cross treks and loved it. My only gripe was rear storage. But it was great to drive.

The wilderness trims are awesome!!!! The biggest fault is the “skid plates” aren’t really skid plates and are more like “shrouds”

I have to argue that car has good economy. A friend of mine drove his from tucson to Denver and averaged 19-21 mpg. For this car, that's stunningly bad. But you can't argue with the tires and the ground clearance. its probably the most off-road worthy subaru. Since they mentioned the Bronco Sport badlands, I have driven one in a gilpin county snowstorm, and it was quite good in a very slick situation-- though i would expect the subaru to be as good or better.

I love stuff like this. How much utility can you get out of so little. Great video.

Why these trailers have just as bad price per square foot as houses 💀💀💀

I bought a crosstrek wilderness this week and my only gripe is the locking fuel door. I trained myself to lock my doors when I get out of my car at gas stations before I fuel up. All 4 doors on the Subaru have to be unlocked to open the fuel door. I live in Los Angeles so not leaving a door open on the opposite of where I am is bad. So now it’s extra steps I take like lock doors open doors open fuel door lock doors real quick. It could have been avoided with a button in the car……..I know first world problems but I’ve been the victim of a gas station theft from an unlocked door so this means a lot to me.

I believe Subaru has upgraded the cvt and some susension components for the Wilderness. I like the fact it doesn't have turbo - the old fashioned put a bigger engine in a small car trick is nice. I drove a Forester with same engine - it's perfectly fine for most people in that car, so will be more than fine in the lighter Crosstrek I think. Hoping they bring this to Aus.

got my 24 crosstrek wilderness and for the price its the best awd for the price compared to jeep and 4runners

You had me on the outdoor Wok On the trailer… I already have this cross track on the trailer

2023 Maverick=250 hersepwrs and 277ft/lbs o' torque. the 178 on this boo has 178 which is better than the last gen Taco. so generally hitting above its weight.

Got the 2023 Outback wilderness which has the turbo, a front camera and vents in the back seat

Subaru should look into making submarines 4:14...that's alota water there

Bronco Sport is not really a direct competitor. It is a size class up, competes more directly with the Forrester.

Not sure if anyone mentioned about the three songs, some songs that mentioned Subaru that I can find and or know of are: Bruce Springsteen - Pink Cadillac, Fountains of Wayne - '92 Subaru, and Chousand - Subaru. A couple of mentioned are: The Rubberbandits - Horse Outside, and Damaskas - Making Love In A Subaru.

8 months ago I would have said no way to the CVT and the Crosstrek. In fact I steered my brother-in-law away from these about 2 years ago. He has a Mazda he is very happy with. 2 years ago up to 2023 the CVT Crosstrek was better than I knew or thought, the 2024 (with the 2.5) is even better and has impressed me in the Limited trim (I’m in Canada, so top trim before the Wilderness). They aren’t totally an off-roader, true. The CVT is nothing like the CVTs in the Nissans, Hondas etc. they build their own CVT and for 2024 they made big changes in the CVT. It’s so much more robust than the Aisin models the other builders use. I was very much like you but my wife insisted on downsizing from her Grand Cherokee and the Toyota Corolla Cross was gutless and the CVT had a lot of slip in comparison. The Bronco Sport is bigger inside, not as comfortable and EXPENSIVE. It was comparable to the RAV 4w Prime to get the Badlands with the 2.0 litre. That smaller 1.5 is a no-go for her and definitely not for me. She bought the Limited version so it gets their standard CVT for the Crosstrek. It’s quick! The Wilderness has a much more robust CVT and that’s where the 3500 lb towing comes from. The CVT is that tight! It tows more than the Outback with the same CVT. Not all CVTs are the same! Only Subaru have the Subaru CVT. With the 2.5 litre motor the CVT even “shifts” vs just revving to one point and sitting there under harder acceleration. Light acceleration does just reach a point and sit there. The shifting under harder acceleration is there to maximize the balance between hp & torque. It works! The standard CVT is only 1500 lbs towing like the Corolla Cross. The Crosstrek is definitely small, likely too small for a lot of customers. The local Subaru dealership had sold their entire 2024 allotment in September last year. They had them delivered by the end of October. They are into their 3rd increase in allotment so far, almost 3 times the number of sales vs all of 2022 & 2023 of the ‘23 version. The 2024 versions are very different. You would truly be surprised. I was not doing my family & friends justice by steering them away from the Subaru products. They are good and the CVT is not the detriment in them like it is in others especially with the very recent upgrades/revisions. I still am not impressed by them for slighting TFL, but as far as the rest,,, I can’t honestly “deprive” people who ask of the information that the vehicles are much improved. Even a year or more back TFL tested the Outback Wilderness that has their strongest CVT in it and the vehicle surprised them vs the standard Outback Andrey had. That CVT didn’t give up like Andrey’s did. As far as towing the maximum, the 182 hp 2.5 will be working I suspect. It can definitely do it with a teardrop trailer etc! I have seen it at the dealership with a client that tows a teardrop that’s about 3400 lbs wet. They don’t complain, but then the Rockies here are not nearly as tall as they are in Colorado. We do get 60 mph wind though and they say it does highway speeds no problem. I just may not do that myself. My wife’s Crosstrek tows the maximum 1500 lbs very well actually. I wouldn’t hesitate to tow that in the Crosstrek at all. The vehicle is very comfortable with 4 adults in it as well. I still drive my trucks as that’s just me and I use them as trucks often. I have hauled lumber for a 24 x 10 deck with the Crosstrek though. It was with a 10 x 12 flat deck trailer. No issues and that was in hilly country and at highway speeds.

You guys were really trying to be nice and enthusiastic, at least in the beginning 😂 But good for you for doing this review. I have a bronco sport badlands that has been both super reliable and gone all places I want it to go. I do like Subaru. I encouraged my sons to buy a Forrester over a Jetta, which I think my 6’4 340 lb son is probably happy about. Interesting video guys.

For and Off-road build I would say having fully rubberized flooring is a great idea. Any carpet is a bad idea.

I really like the Bean Stock 2.0. You can customize them up to a point. Kind of like car makers and different trim levels. I wanted to have a door and window on the Bean Stock 2.0. You cannot get it on that model. It is only offered on higher priced models. I would definitely recommend trailer brakes on ANY trailer you tow with a small vehicle like the Crosstrek.

I think that's really about all I would expect from a small crossover. I think Nathan is Right about getting a truck if your serious about towing. And if I planned on doing harder than this offroading I think I would want something Truck based with actual 4x4. So it seemed pretty good to me for a small crossover. Although more power probably wouldn't hurt. But then again is more power really needed? Or is it just that for some reason we ALWAYS dream of more power? I find myself being guilty of that.

I remember you guys were bashed when you took a Subaru up through that hill somewhere in Colorado. I think it was the Outback that had a really tough time clearing an obstacle. Why dont you re do that using the Wildnerness Subarus.

Thanks for the video. Will you make a detailled video about 2025 Forester, dear fellas?

How did it manage the water crossing？ I lost the two fuse of the cooling fans

I'm the proud owner of a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, and I'm loving it !!!!! 🏆🏆SUBARU🏆🏆 Best Bang for your Buck 🤑💰

You guys should do all this texting with the other vehicles in this class like the jeep compass/and the bronco sport/ and whatnot

6:20 😮a Grenadier behind you! Yours! 😮😮😮

I'd love to see someone take a vehicle without a 2 speed transfer case (any subaru wilderness/bronco sport/maverick tremor) on a long, uphill, offroad trail at a slow and constant pace and log the trans temps. In my vehicle, my trans would absolutely cook over a long uphill climb if I didn't drop to 4-lo. Many trails can be somewhat steep but not difficult, and I'd be curious to see how these types of vehicles fare in the real world. Hell even sand trails can really generate some heat.

Wow you guys actually got a Roo. How did that happen?????

I have a 2016 crosstrek with a 2” lift and smaller wheels with bigger tires. I go places that tacomas balk at. The only issue is front end clearance. That stupid plastic bumper wrap.

Can you guys do the Crosstrek vs compass

You towed it...but did you flick the bean? 😂

I just traded my 18 limited (89k) for a full spec wilderness and I’m happy!

What road is this in Moab? Taking my OBW down there next week. Got some skid plates and a some food experience and want some fun ones! Let me know! Thanks!!!

9.3" is more than the lexas gx 550 if I remember correctly.

Wish they made a real 4x4 Subarus with larger tires and even higher ground clearance.. plus better front and rear departures..I would buy one, two..? My fishing grounds ..need to go on lava roads and trails..

The 90's Subarus had air suspension. I am surprised an off road vehicle that tows 3500lb doesn't come with adjustable height air ride as standard equipment.

Should have used a Kier. The slightest resistance and they do a U TURN.

Imagine if they redesigned the front bumper for better approach

Just get a tent. All in all way cheaper, more comfortable in most cases, and don’t have to worry about towing.

You towed it but did you flick it?

This was a little strange review. I think to properly feature the Bean and any CVT equipped Subaru, the review should have consisted of realistic examples of Crosstrek use. Nobody is using a Crosstrek to trailer on anything other than the highway and some light soft-roading. It would have been best to see the Crosstrek evaluated on its mpg towing capability while towing the bean. Let perspective Crosstrek owners see how easy it is to tow doing something more closer to how they'd use their cars. I assure you that the vast majority of them ain't rock climbing and puddle crossing in Moab. As for Bean's paid advertisement here, I'm a fan of the Bean but I have yet to be able to build a Bean Stock for under $20K, or even $20K, for that matter. Please find a way to get people there with a moderately equipped Stock, and your phone will ring off the hook with those who are sitting on the fence. Ask me how I know...

This must be Christmas :)

9:00 Woow!!! That’s crazy! My Jetta & son’s Compass can tow it!! Sweet!!! 😅 9:46

The subtle or not so subtle digs at Subaru throughout make me laugh. It's so unnecessary guys 😂

Still very expensive for a hard shell tent

Make sure you don't flick that bean lol😂😂

You should make nice with Subaru. I'd like to see reviews of their stuff on your channel.

What road are you guys on? Good vid!

No vape holders?

When it's new it works

It takes a fast car lady to lead a double life. It takes a slow star lady if you want to do it twice. ~ the Cars (1979) 🏁

Would appreciate more Subaru content.

It’s crazy Subaru still has beef with y’all

Wish someone did a Crosstrek vs Forester vs Outback all Wilderness head to head

Manual transmission and WRX drivetrain and I’ll buy one today.

Looks nice, but eh you can chop up a cargo trailer and make your own for a fraction of the price.

What are the odds of an Ike run with this setup?

The weird thing is, because of the bad blood between tfl and Subaru, anything nice they say about the Subaru cars has more weight to them.

Go Subaru - luv my 23 Outback Xt - just want 300hp in the next gen

Subaru really holds a grudge wow

1:11 Jeep compass no longer has best in class towing 😮

So the Subaru did everything asked of it.

I still don't get the manufacturers giving such large rims and small side walls for off road vehicles

Booyah 👊🏽 😁 👍🏽 🇺🇸

The profit margins on small trailers is out of this world. Probably making $12,000 profit on this $16,000 trailer.

Today we're going to try to 💀 this Subaru😂

Owned a 2015 xv crosstrek , no issues but boring , their interiors are still 1980’s. Prefer my 2023 mini all 4s countryman! Great video as always , cool trailers !

You guys need to sit down with Subaru and have a beer and hug it out. Their vehicles would do well with the stuff you guys do out there.

I have a 9 year old Subaru Forester, has been a great vehicle with the exception of getting it serviced. Subaru does not listen to American customers anymore, they have not expanded their service centers to accommodate the increased sales so even an oil change still takes 2 hours or overnight and dealer/service centers are very spread apart so not convenient either. Then the ly dumped the Turbos in the USA. I want a turbo and a local dealer that can service it regularly without it taking days to complete, Subaru refuses to do that, so I will not be buying another Subaru and I won’t recommend Subaru to anyone.

You could buy an entire Mitsubishi Delica for the price of that thing. It's just not worth more than $5-7K, especially since it has about as many creature comforts as my dog's tent.

Look, Crosstrek can't drill an oil well, that is definitely because of the CVT or at least because Subaru is not working with us...

Like how does it compare to a jeep Patriot that's an suv would you say it compares to Mazda Cx3 that's almost similar to the crosstek and why does it have to be Utah you guys go off-roading!!! Why can't the TFL team try going someplace different like New Mexico or Arizona go off roading there!!! No offense Utah is nice the scenry and everything I just think the team at TFL needs to try off roading in a different place!! I think miranda lambert or carrie underwood mention something about a subaru and toyota in one of there songs and another was where Adam Lambert mention about something about a subaru off-roading or was it Post Malone ugh geez Idk.

For those not aware, the reason Subaru still refuses to work with TFL was Roman decided to go buy an Outback and literally named it after their Subaru rep after they cut them off, so thats why they give vehicles to channels that test them like DrivingSports and not Roman, he basically shot himself in the foot when he pulled that stunt

Why is Subaru so stubborn in using CVT?

AC/DC Jailbreak. All in the name of Liberty

For 16k im getting a Scamp....

I can buy a lot of tents for 16000.

Subaru + River = you will need wheel bearing replacement soon

Low cost as possible and 16k for the camper. 😂

Boring blamd and stuff sprinkled with love