Back to back test drives sold me on the outback. My 2 cents

And nice looking rig

 

Right?! Thanks - I'm just panicking before committing, but I had a GT I drove for 350K, I love my '18, honestly, I've treated it so well for the last 3 years, why even second guess myself?

 

I had a 2015 Limited. Got totaled by a Ford F250. I wanted the turbo ever since I heard the rumor in 2018. Overall, the 2015-2019 are very similar to the 2020. The 2021 Crosstrek needs to be driven. Drive the 2.0 and the 2.5. Is it noticeable? Yes. Is it the same as the 2.5 vs 2.4T? NO! Its 30hp difference. My wife drives a 2018 Impreza 50th Anniversary. She likes her car but wishes it had more power. She loves my 2.4T Outback. I drove the 2.5 Crosstek to see if it would make a good car for her. It's ok. Its better than the 2.0 but still needs another 30hp to make it really worth it.
Go to the dealership and test drive it. Drive both the 2.0 and the 2.5.

 

I had a 2015 Limited. Got totaled by a Ford F250. I wanted the turbo ever since I heard the rumor in 2018. Overall, the 2015-2019 are very similar to the 2020. The 2021 Crosstrek needs to be driven. Drive the 2.0 and the 2.5. Is it noticeable? Yes. Is it the same as the 2.5 vs 2.4T? NO! Its 30hp difference. My wife drives a 2018 Impreza 50th Anniversary. She likes her car but wishes it had more power. She loves my 2.4T Outback. I drove the 2.5 Crosstek to see if it would make a good car for her. It's ok. Its better than the 2.0 but still needs another 30hp to make it really worth it.
Go to the dealership and test drive it. Drive both the 2.0 and the 2.5.

Thanks! More than the power issue, my concern is how it feels on the road. The Outback's feel solid - I like the way the sit on the road. I loved, how the '07 and '08's did, because they were a little lower I think... never felt like they would hydroplane - but the Crosstrek's I drove in 2017/18 did... they just didn't feel solid on the road - I guess I was wondering if they made any changes to make them feel more like the older outbacks. Honestly though, I love my '18 Outback, I should just shut up already.

 

Outback is a lot more car, a lot more space. Since you know how well you've taken care of yours, seems like an easy decision to keep it. Next big change will in a year or two with the outdoors version, whatever that is, along with 360 Eyesight.

 

My lease on my Outback just ended and I'm in the process of purchasing it, as it's been a great car for me, has only 37K on it ... I just want to make sure I'm making the best choice ...

If your Outback is mechanically sound and you like it as much as you say, just buy it and don't look back.

... never felt like they would hydroplane ...

Hydroplaning is primarily a function of water depth vs. remaining tire tread depth, road speed, and inflation pressure. (Source: U.S. Federal Aviation Administration) Other vehicle design factors aren't significant.

 

If your Outback is mechanically sound and you like it as much as you say, just buy it and don't look back.

That's what I am thinking, thanks!

Hydroplaning is primarily a function of water depth vs. remaining tire tread depth, road speed, and inflation pressure. (Source: U.S. Federal Aviation Administration) Other vehicle design factors aren't significant.

Yea, bad word choice on my part - just trying to describe how the Crosstrek's I test drove felt - they didn't do that, but felt like they would, or, didn't have that feeling of being on rails that others have. If that makes any sense?

 

I had a recent model (19?) Crosstrek loaner when my 11 Outback needed some work done. It was peppy and good but felt it a little small. Good for some cargo or people but not both at the same time. It had that “hot hatch” handling feel to it.

The Outback was definitely smoother driving and has a longer wheel base. The Crosstrek power was fine around town in the 2.0 but I did find myself pushing it when I had to pass at highway speeds for the day or two I had it.

 

Yea, thanks, I think my urge to try a Crosstrek has passed! I actually really love my car, just last minute jitters! Thanks so much!

 

I owned an XV and it was dependable. I liked the color. I liked parking it.

It got about the same MPG as my 2.5 Outback.

Was much louder on the highway. Cramped inside. Definitely not an ideal road trip car.

I traded for a 2.5 OB and later for a 3.6 OB and never looked back.

 

I owned an XV and it was dependable. I liked the color. I liked parking it.

It got about the same MPG as my 2.5 Outback.

Was much louder on the highway. Cramped inside. Definitely not an ideal road trip car.

I traded for a 2.5 OB and later for a 3.6 OB and never looked back.

Oh you had to say 3.6.... definitely something I'd like too... Thanks!!

 

 

Great review.
Just wish they'd... Ever?... Done one of an outback.

 

Woah!
(Admittedly scrolled a bunch for gen 5 before really looking. Right on.)

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If we are comparing 2020/21 Outback versus a 2021 Crosstrek with 2.5L engine, I would go with the Outback.

Having leased two 2018 Outbacks myself, I would go with a 2021 Crosstrek Limited over either.

 

Interesting - Why is that, Kevin? I know the 20/21 Outback is supposed to handle a lot better - I just honestly, don't like how it looks. 🤷🏻‍♀️

 

I love my 2020 Outback but I don't need the extra space it offers most of the time. Since I already have the Outback, I'm wanting the 2021 Crosstrek 2.5 to replace my Honda Fit.

If I had to just have one Subie though, and I just bought a large screen TV that fit easily in the Outback but would have been questionable in the Crosstrek, I would keep the Outback.

For daily driving though, I think the 2021 Crosstrek 2.5 would be my go-to if I had both.

 

For daily driving though, I think the 2021 Crosstrek 2.5 would be my go-to if I had both.

Word.

Someone mentioned hot hatches earlier. I totally agree with that. When I picked up my 2015 R, I test drove four different cars in a row back to back knowing I would pick one of them. Outback, Crosstrek, Forester, WRX.

From anticipated/justified tickets to cargo space... I went sleeper-ish then cargo/utility equally.

Now you wanna talk two cars??!!
[emoji2957]

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I've got a buddy that works for SOA and just got a 2021 pre production, but I haven't had a chance to talk to him about it yet. Dealers will be getting the chance to check them out so they can let potential customers like you make educated decisions.
I had a 16 Crosstrek and have a 19 Outback. The Crosstrek was more nimble and handled better than the outback, but the outback is more comfortable. My only real complaint with the Crosstrek was the lack of power, but Subaru has solved that now with the new model.

 

Here is a review from someone who I trust who got the 2021 Crosstrek I would get myself:

2021 Pure Red Limited! Initial thoughts ...

So, my beloved 2013 Crosstrek had a high-speed encounter with a suicidal deer on a rural Montana highway a few days ago. It was pretty exciting -- the airbags deployed and everything, and my dog is probably going to need extensive canine psychotherapy. 😏 I just had a few cuts from the airbag...

www.subaruxvforum.com

Also I wanted to mention that the wheels on the 2021 Crosstrek look absolutely fantastic! Subaru is definitely going in the right direction with wheel styling in recent times.

 

still a few options the Outback has, that they haven't given the CT/XV to keep the price down, but admitedly i have seen the YT reviews on the new Sport (OB beats that trim), but top CT/XV trim is close to what i have in my 2.5 SR Prem OB, i get to use the loner XV's when my OB is in at the local indy dealer, though only 1.6L model, quite handy about the city, but long drives to the west coast of Scotland (i live on the east coast) would not be as comfortable (only 2 of us), and all our overtake lanes are uphill, so the 2.5 OB engine (175PS in UK/EU) just copes. I'd like to see turbo engines for sure, that were a little less fuel thirsty.

 

In addition to my '12 Outback, we have my wife's '18 Crosstrek, which is essentially the basis of the '21 model, with the '21 being a mid-generation refresh. The 2nd Generation Crosstreks (18+) drive well, really well. Good bump absorption, steady, comfortable, and handle pretty darn well, being almost playful in nature. The only short coming is the 2.0 is a little shy on power, when loaded up, or with 3-4 adults onboard, which the 2.5 option in the Sport & Limited sure help a lot. (The '21 should be around 8 seconds 0-60, vs the 10+ seconds it takes the '18, which makes them feel much quicker, especially passing or coming off an on-ramp onto a highway). - Keep in mind, I have a 3.6R with the 5EAT in my '12, and might be a little spoiled by the throttle response.

We were just looking at '21 Crosstreks and '20 Foresters on Saturday, as her lease is also coming up in around a month. She loves her Crosstrek, although sometimes, not often, she'd like a little more room to stuff things in the back. - The Outback is way bigger than she wants. The '21 rides pretty similar to her '18, although the CVT, even in the 2.0 models, feels even better than her '18. The new global platform really pays dividends in ride quality, with most bumps, pot-holes, and such well muted and absorbed, yet they handle surprisingly well. I'll go so far as to say the 18+ Treks & 19+ Foresters ride significantly better than my '12 Outback, even with new springs & struts. (I came from a GMC Envoy, so to me the Outback is just right in size, and 'just fit' into a Crosstrek for a longer drive, at 6' 2 1/2" large framed body).

Either make for a great vehicle, it's more how much car do you need or want, and does it justify the approximately $4k-$5k difference between an equivalently equipped vehicles. The Crosstrek is more fuel efficient, the Outback a bit more substantial feeling, although, the Crosstrek drives/rides really solid feeling.

 

Glad I'm not the only one that thinks the design folks screwed-up the '20 and '21 Outback looks. That and the stop/start nonsense. Where I would have ordered a 2021, I'm sticking with my '19.

 

The deciding factor, well..the one that sticks anyway..in choosing the 20 OB over the 20 CT was electronic lumbar support. I really enjoyed driving the CT, and would have been happy, but the OB is just a more comfortable ride. Yes, over 60

 

I'm 6'2" with broad shoulders. I don't fit in the Impreza platform. I'm planning to run my 2015 3.6R as long as I can. I'd like my next car to be an EV with autonomous driving capabilities and the technology is churning too quickly to buy now.

 

The primary reason I have an Outback, instead of an Crosstrek, is because I want the option to sleep in the back and stretch out. With the Crosstrek, that is not possible with my 6'2" frame. Otherwise, the Crosstrek is a better ride to me. It is easier to whip around and command, easier to park, looks cooler, is less expensive, has better mpg, handles snow just as well, has oil filter on top just like my 2.5, fits in my garage better. I have not driven the 2021 Crosstrek, but that review from Redline shows that many things are improvements. So that only makes me more excited about the 2021 Crosstrek.

 

The primary reason I have an Outback, instead of an Crosstrek, is because I want the option to sleep in the back and stretch out.

I am seriously thinking about trading in my 2018 OB 2.5 for a 2021 Crosstrek 2.5. The Crosstrek of 2021 is everything I wanted it to be in 2018.

So, is the cargo space in the 2021 longer or have you had your feet amputated since then?

 

I am seriously thinking about trading in my 2018 OB 2.5 for a 2021 Crosstrek 2.5. The Crosstrek of 2021 is everything I wanted it to be in 2018.

 

here is my take

1. crosstrek does not ride as well as an outback
2. fuel economy difference is not enough to justify size difference
3. cabin feels a wee bit small in the crosstrek
4. 2.0L does not feel like it has any guts compared to 2.5L which is adequate for the outback... but not stellar

both cars. the new gauge layout stinks

 

2021 Crosstrek has the 2.5. That is what I wanted for the Crosstrek back in 2018, and that is why the 2021 Crosstrek is so intriguing.

 

Just ordered a Crosstrek Sport in Plasma Yellow; due to arrive last week of October. Drove an identically equipped black version this morning (Option package 22 (Moonroof etc.), Sport Model Only Package and a Cargo Net). Drives and handles well and is reasonably peppy. It has surprising interior space, including rear legroom. Should be a decent Subaru addition for us. Our 17 OB with the puny 356 CCA battery and just under 23K miles continues to impress.

 

Our car showed up at the dealership yesterday; all appears well with it. We pick it up Monday morning. Here are some random pictures; 24 miles on it after a decent test drive.

 

I like the color. Don't care much for the funny-shaped wheel arch moldings. I like that it has round fog lights instead of square.

 

So picked up the car today. Everything went well. The dealership was fantastic to work with. If you are in the Pittsburgh area, I highly recommend Subaru of Moon Township. My initial internet contact was Dawn Wilson. She finalized the price with me through emails and internal discussions with their sales manager, Jay Bradshaw. The salesman who worked with me at the dealership is Michael Lewarchik, a down to earth and low drama person. I highly recommend these folks.

Basically, I did not go to the dealership until the price was settled via email communications in one day. As part of their dealer preps, they even added plasma yellow pearl door edge guards; I was not expecting this. However, this accessory was thrown into the agreed upon price; it blends in, looks harmless and is quite well done.

 

I like those gunmetal wheels.