2015 Subaru Crosstrek Pros vs Cons
When it comes to cars, James Murdock has the real-world experience to back it up. With an economics degree and over 20 years running the family dealership, he's managed it all - from sales to service and marketing. His role is to provide his expert opinion on vehicle performance and value. He meticulously fact checks all features and data with vehicle manufacturers to ensure the upmost accuracy.
The XV Crosstrek is a crossover whose origin is Subaru’s legendary all-wheel drive system and reliable flat-four engines, so beefing up the suspension, and toughening up the appearance of the Crosstrek was an easy move. With a reputation of longevity and high resale value, choosing a Subaru is not only a mode of transportation, it is an investment.
Ten Reasons to Buy a Subaru Crosstrek - The Pros
1. Drivability
As a small SUV for daily treks, the Subaru XV is well suited for trips around town. Standard all-wheel drive will keep you going when others must stay home. The handling of the Crosstrek is all Subaru, it exhibits good road manners, and the all-wheel drive will give you confidence when the going gets tough.
2. Reliability
Subaru vehicles have a reputation of reliability and dependability. We expect no less of the Crosstrek. Although the flat four engines are not known for refinement, they are rock solid dependable. Kelley Blue Book named the Subaru Impreza compact car for resale value in 2014. It would be hard to imagine that the Crosstrek will not be in the same category as its siblings.
3. Subaru Reputation
As one of the holders of numerous Rally medals, Subaru has proven themselves on the track and on the street. They build the car that you drive through the snowy streets of your hometown, with the same tough reliability that is required when slogging through the racecourse.
4. Nicely Finished and Equipped Cabin
The Crosstrek has a cabin with a simple functional layout and high quality fit and finish. Ample head and legroom is also a benefit of the small crossover. The standard Infomatics systems are easy to use and well placed on the Subaru XV.
5. Capable
The ground clearance of the Crosstrek gives you the ability to slog through the slush of winter with relative ease. Combined with the five-passenger capability and cargo capacity, especially when you add a roof rack, you will become the go to person in the neighborhood when others are sitting still.
6. True Off Road Ability
Not just a complimentary all-wheel drive system, Subaru’s are legendary leaders in tackling rough terrain. Participating with your friends when they go off-road will be possible with the Subaru Crosstrek. The seventeen-inch wheels and 8.7-inches of ground clearance give it a tall stance so you can give all but the hardcore off-roaders a run for their money when you take to the trails.
7. Great Fuel Economy
The base Premium trimmed Crosstrek, when equipped with the five-speed manual transmission returns, 23/30 mpg, city/hwy. Surprisingly, when equipped with the same 2.0-liter engine and Subaru’s constantly variable transmission, it returns and estimated 27/33 mpg, city/hwy. These are respectable numbers for a crossover with true off-road capability.
8. Well Equipped
With standard all-wheel-drive and strong off road capabilities, the Subaru stands out amongst its peers. Standard cloth, upholstery, heated drivers and front passenger seat, heated mirrors, remote keyless entry, external temperature display, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control, and a six-speaker AM/FM stereo are part of the long list of standard equipment.
9. Complete Electronics
even in the base model. Standard rear view camera, and Starlink infotainment system with a 6.2-inch touch screen, smartphone app integration, Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port gives you a well-rounded system, standard. Of course, upgrades are available, such as a voice activated navigation system and a sunroof, as well as an upgraded 7.0-inch touch screen.
10. Safe
With a standard rearview camera, all-wheel drive, four wheel anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, emergency brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, head rests all round, and front and rear air bags, the Crosstrek is a safe vehicle for you, your family and friends. Safety by design has been one of the hallmarks of a Subaru.
Reasons that you may not want to buy a Subaru Crosstrek - The Cons
1. Appearance
Even though it has tough good looks, its appearance if very close to the Dodge Caliber and the fact that it is a raised Impreza is evident. It looks like what it is, a modified, jacked up Impreza with different wheels. Not sure about those wheels, either.
2. To Small
Although classified as a five-passenger vehicle, it will be a tight fit to get more than three children or small adults in the Crosstrek’s back seat. If you want to haul more than three people and their gear, you might consider an outback or Forester.
3. Not Enough Power
With only the available the 2.0-liter, flat four engine that produces 148 horsepower and 145 foot-pounds of torque, an engine option for the Crosstrek is lacking. Mated to either a five-speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission, it offers acceptable acceleration, but another engine choice would make the Crosstrek more appealing.
4. Limited Transmission Choice
1) 2015 Subaru Forester
5) 2015 Subaru Crosstrek
2) 2015 Subaru Impreza
4) 2015 Subaru Outback
3) 2015 Subaru Legacy
2014 Subaru Buying Guides
1) 2014 Subaru Crosstrek
The Base model Premium edition is the only model that is available with a five speed manual transmission. The Limited model is only available with the CVT transmission. The addition of the six-speed that is used in other Subaru models would be a nice option on the Crosstrek.
Conclusion
If you are in the market for a small crossover vehicle, the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek is worth taking for a test drive. Slightly more expensive than its competitors, its value will be there long after you have it paid for. The competition can’t make that claim.
