Crosstrek or ????

Kinja'd!!! "hedbutter" (hedbutter)
07/18/2017 at 08:09 • Filed to: None

Kinja'd!!!0 Kinja'd!!! 51

Oppo- I’ve decided that its time to get rid of the truck (2015 Sierra SLT) and move into something smaller and more fuel efficient that can still handle a little bit of off-roading for hiking/camping/kayaking. Below is what I’m looking for. Located in the Pittsburgh Area.

Must Haves:

Heated leather (AC seats would be nice but not needed)

Fit adults in the backseat comfortably

Cargo area can fit clubs without folding down a seat

Max price at 35k (prefer lower)

Sunroof/MoonRoof

Towing options

Nice to Haves

AC Seats

Heated steering wheel

Ones that dont fit the above

Jeep Renegade Trailhawk


DISCUSSION (51)


Kinja'd!!! random001 > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 08:12

Kinja'd!!!2

You want to fit adults comfortably in the back seat, skip the Crosstrek, go with the Outback. Fits all your needs. The new ones are super efficient, tons of room. I’d say it’s the most versatile vehicle in America. Get the 3.6, it can tow 3000 lbs. The Crosstrek is severely limited to 1500 lbs, and that is really scary. I think a 3.6 limited works for almost everything you’re looking for.


Kinja'd!!! OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 08:18

Kinja'd!!!1

4Runner TRD PRO or 4Runner Limited. Rode in a buddies TRD PRO in Atlanta this weekend and was absolutely shocked. It was comfortable, it gets better MPG, backseats we’re very comfy, heated seats, the works. If you get the limited that comes it’s AC seats I believe.


Kinja'd!!! Patrick Nichols > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 08:20

Kinja'd!!!0

I’d say taco, but they haven’t ever needed to boost sales with interior amenities so that’s out. So Juke, CX-?, Forester (do they have leather seats?), 4Runner (CPO), X1?


Kinja'd!!! OPPOsaurus WRX > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 08:24

Kinja'd!!!0

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/703043736/overview/

Kinja'd!!!

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/703234204/overview/

Kinja'd!!!


Kinja'd!!! Tripper > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 08:31

Kinja'd!!!1

Another vote for the 4 Runner


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars
07/18/2017 at 08:34

Kinja'd!!!0

The 4Runner gets the same mileage as the GMC, so I’d rather keep the GMC then go to something slightly smaller (the truck hits everything else of the must haves other than mileage/size).


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > random001
07/18/2017 at 08:37

Kinja'd!!!0

I’ve sat in the back of a crosstrek previously and never had any issues. Granted, it was only for 30ish minutes but was still comfortable with it. If i was going with one of the wagons, I’d lean towards the forester as I like the way it looks a little more. I’d only be towing drywall/mulch infrequently so nothing to crazy (and only a few miles at most).


Kinja'd!!! pip bip - choose Corrour > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 08:41

Kinja'd!!!0

Jeep of some description?


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > Tripper
07/18/2017 at 08:44

Kinja'd!!!0

The 4-runner gets right around the same mileage as my GMC, so I’d rather just keep that.


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > Patrick Nichols
07/18/2017 at 08:48

Kinja'd!!!0

Have any idea how the Juke/CVs do offroad? The 4Runner only gets me being a little bit smaller, but the mileage is the same/worse as my truck (i routinely get 23 highway). I’m not big on the BMW looks unforunately, but I am looking at the forester sometime soon as well.


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > pip bip - choose Corrour
07/18/2017 at 08:53

Kinja'd!!!0

I was hoping the renegade could fit clubs, but there isn’t a chance on that. I’m going to look at the Compass Trailhawk today to see what its like. I dont want to go to the Grand Cherokee as the mileage is the greatest (I’d sa 15k of the 18k on my truck are highway) and I just dont like the way the Cherokee looks.


Kinja'd!!! PS9 > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 08:56

Kinja'd!!!0

Just be warned that the Crosstrek is a snail. Waaaaay slower than a Sierra. It’s not gonna get out of it’s own way when you need it to.


Kinja'd!!! jvirgs drives a Subaru > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 08:57

Kinja'd!!!0

I hear the cargo room in a Juke is pretty useless for its size due to the rear shape.


Kinja'd!!! Tripper > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 08:59

Kinja'd!!!0

Fair play. My wife has a 17' Forester 6spd manual. We do a lot of camping/things of that nature with the dog and it has been great! We don’t tow anything...yet but we’ve got a Ranger that would probably be the vehicle of choice for that anyway.


Kinja'd!!! Stapleface > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 08:59

Kinja'd!!!0

How about a Ford Escape Titanium? You can get one loaded for under 35k.

Not trying to sway you from the Crosstrek, as it’s a decent vehicle. I owned one for about two years. But, what they say about it really is true, it’s glacial. I traded mine in on a Civic because I figured if I’m going to deal with lousy acceleration, I might as well get better gas mileage.

Kenny Ross has a couple on the lot

http://www.kennyrossfordsouth.com/new/Ford/2017-Ford-Escape-8bc04f870a0e0adf4dcd53fbcd9316a2.htm?searchDepth=1:45

Sturman & Larkin seems to have more on the lot, and better deals

http://www.sturmanlarkin.com/new/Ford/2017-Ford-Escape-075223c60a0e0a6b30c7f01bce38914b.htm?searchDepth=8:36


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > Tripper
07/18/2017 at 09:02

Kinja'd!!!0

Yeah, the towing would be light and over short distances (i live a mile to Home Depot/Lowes and 10 miles from the place i get mulch) so it wouldn’t be anything too crazy. I originally had the GMC to tow my sidebyside around, but I sold that and really only need the towing for the 1 or two times a year I’d get something to big for in the back (and i could always rent a truck for 20 bucks to get that home if needed).

I’m def looking at a forester today too.


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > PS9
07/18/2017 at 09:04

Kinja'd!!!0

I haven’t test driven a new one yet, but drove my brothers a few times and it seemed alright. Definitely something i’ll be looking out for.


Kinja'd!!! interstate366, now In The Industry > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 09:05

Kinja'd!!!0

Acura RDX?


Kinja'd!!! Tripper > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 09:08

Kinja'd!!!0

Yea renting the home depot truck is one of the best deals around. We found ourselves doing that constantly however, which is why I bought the ranger.

Good luck shopping.


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > Stapleface
07/18/2017 at 09:11

Kinja'd!!!1

They havent really struck me in the looks department but that is a pretty solid deal. I may have to look at them more.


Kinja'd!!! Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 09:13

Kinja'd!!!0

I drive lots of new cars for work. You can get into an Outback Premium or Limited for well under 35k. But then, being in western PA, you’d have trouble finding your car in a parking lot. (I grew up in Johnstown)

The forester is also a good choice - bigger than the Renegade by quite a bit. My Renegade is nice in the front but seriously lacking in the rear/hatch areas. We treat it like a small hatchback and we’re not disappointed when you look at it like that.

Here’s one that just tickles the top of your budget, but it’s got everything you want, plus Turbo.


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > Tripper
07/18/2017 at 09:13

Kinja'd!!!0

Thanks! And my dad has a truck (lives 2.5 hours away) but i use the truck for truck duties like 3 times a year, so i could always just wait and do it all once and borrow his (he may also buy my GMC from me for the heated/cooled seats and mileage over his 2014 Silverado, haha)


Kinja'd!!! Quadradeuce > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 09:15

Kinja'd!!!0

The new Buick regal wagon? Not sure it can tow. Details are supposed to come out later this week.


Kinja'd!!! Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 09:15

Kinja'd!!!1

Toyota Rav4, Subaru Outback. You say you could live with a cross trek but when you see the cargo room in the Outback and rear seat room you will be sold. Still close to 30 mpg highway and resale is very good. I have driven the toyota too and really like it. It’s just a tad smaller than the outback more forester sized.


Kinja'd!!! Ash78, voting early and often > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 09:22

Kinja'd!!!0

I test drove the Golf Alltrack the other day and it might fit your needs, but IMHO didn’t seem worth the extra cash over the regular Sportwagen. The 1.8t comes in at a modest 170hp, but can run on 87 octane and a $600 chip tune will take it to nearly 250hp. It definitely drives well, a pretty good all-around car but too small in the back for my growing family.


Kinja'd!!! DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 09:27

Kinja'd!!!0

I saw in the comments you’re considering the Forester, so definitely check out the Forester XT. It has the same 2.0L FA20DIT that is in the WRX.


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > Quadradeuce
07/18/2017 at 09:30

Kinja'd!!!0

One i havent considered. Have they announced the price points yet?


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > interstate366, now In The Industry
07/18/2017 at 09:30

Kinja'd!!!0

I’m not a fan of the look of them.


Kinja'd!!! MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 09:32

Kinja'd!!!0

I see the requirement that it not be a Renegade Trailhawk.

Have you considered a Cherokee Trailhawk or Overland?


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection
07/18/2017 at 09:33

Kinja'd!!!0

I was happy with the back seat space sitting behind where i would be comfortable driving in the Renegade, but not being able to fit clubs in the back is a dealbreaker for me. I’m leaning towards the forester over the outback if i dont go with the crosstrek


Kinja'd!!! TheRealBicycleBuck > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 09:34

Kinja'd!!!0

An Outback might fit the bill. It will have more capacity than the Crosstrek, the back seats are spacious, and it can be optioned with a sunroof and heated seats. It also makes a pretty good offroader. Just ask Wes .

Ours is a 2014 with the 3.6 and is optioned for towing. I’ve used it for that without any issues. Over the last 1,200 miles, it’s returned 22.3 mpg with a mix of highway and city driving. Wes has seen 29 mpg with the 2.5.

I really like ours. It’s not as sporty or fun as my WRX, but it will hold five adults and a bunch of bags in the back. It’s much quieter than my WRX, but not as quiet as our Explorer. I’m not a fan of the sunroof. It contributes to the noise level and it’s too hot down here in Louisiana to make much use of it except during the winter.

If you have any questions about it, feel free to ask.


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
07/18/2017 at 09:34

Kinja'd!!!1

I cant get over the looks of the cherokee unfortunately. It hits everything but i can see myself spending 37k on something i dont care for the looks of :/.


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back
07/18/2017 at 09:35

Kinja'd!!!0

Yeah, it looks like one of the dealers near me has a ton in stock so I’ll be checking them out today.


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > Ash78, voting early and often
07/18/2017 at 09:39

Kinja'd!!!0

Would you happen to know the ground clearance on it? I did a couple quick searches but cant find anything on it


Kinja'd!!! Quadradeuce > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 09:40

Kinja'd!!!0

Base wagon starts at a shade under $30k. Nicely equipped at $35k. Hopefully we’ll know what that means by Friday.


Kinja'd!!! random001 > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 09:46

Kinja'd!!!0

Ok. I’m very tall, so the back of the Crosstrek behind another moderate to tall sized person doesn’t work for me. But the Outback has an acre of rear legroom.

Fozzy and Outback have nearly the same cargo space, but the Forester is much taller inside, and shorter front to back, so for clubs the OB would work somewhat better.


Kinja'd!!! Ash78, voting early and often > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 09:50

Kinja'd!!!0

I believe it’s around 7", so you won’t have the Crosstrek’s clearance or breakover angles, but the longer wheelbase would likely mean a nicer ride. Probably a worthwhile tradeoff, YMMV.


Kinja'd!!! MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 09:51

Kinja'd!!!0

Would you like it more if you knew the Cherokee Trailhawk starts at 31k?

Haha

Personally when it comes to smaller crossovers the GMC Terrain is the best looking one to me. Also, don’t forget that the Lincoln MKC is available in your price range. Options bring it out of range really quick, but I imagine you could talk the dealer into almost anything haha.

I see your requirements are for towing capacity - this is always a tricky one when looking into smaller crossovers. What kind of capacity are you looking for?


Kinja'd!!! promoted by the color red > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 10:43

Kinja'd!!!1

Unless physical size is a constraint, step-up to the Forester.


Kinja'd!!! interstate366, now In The Industry > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 11:18

Kinja'd!!!1

Fair enough.


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
07/18/2017 at 11:34

Kinja'd!!!0

Na, theres just something about the front i cant like, hahaha. And towing capacity would be random trips to the hardware store for lumber/drywall for small projects or getting a load of mulch (I could also rent a truck from the hardware store for like 20 bucks and a uhaul for the mulch for like 30). Also just nice to have for hunting season.


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > random001
07/18/2017 at 11:35

Kinja'd!!!0

Yeah, i plan on taking my clubs with me today when checking out a few different rides :D.


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > Quadradeuce
07/18/2017 at 11:37

Kinja'd!!!0

That’s good news as its a sharp looking vehicle.


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > TheRealBicycleBuck
07/18/2017 at 11:37

Kinja'd!!!0

Did you look at the forester at all? I feel like the outback is a hair to big for my liking/I like the way the forester looks a little more.


Kinja'd!!! random001 > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 11:59

Kinja'd!!!0

Good luck! and keep us updated!


Kinja'd!!! TheRealBicycleBuck > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 12:11

Kinja'd!!!0

I inherited the Outback from my mother when she passed, so no, I didn’t look at the Forester. To my eye, the Forester cabin looks too tall and ungainly. I prefer the proportions of the Outback.


Kinja'd!!! MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 12:48

Kinja'd!!!0

OK So probably not more than 2,000 pounds.

Could take a look at the Terrain or the MKC for something nicer that should have no problem on the dirt road that would probably cover your mild off roading.


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
07/18/2017 at 15:01

Kinja'd!!!0

Right, at most it’d get close to 1500, but if it was going to go much higher I’d just rent a truck for the day.

I have concerns with the ground clearances on the terrain/MKCs as I cant find any info on what they actually have clearance wise. They also seem to have a pretty massive front overhang.


Kinja'd!!! hedbutter > TheRealBicycleBuck
07/18/2017 at 15:02

Kinja'd!!!0

Ah, I’m sorry to hear that. I’ll be hitting up a subaru and jeep dealer tonight and hopefully by tomorrow i’ll have a better idea.


Kinja'd!!! TheRealBicycleBuck > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 15:05

Kinja'd!!!0

Thanks. Good luck on your search!


Kinja'd!!! MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > hedbutter
07/18/2017 at 16:54

Kinja'd!!!0

Well, edmunds says the 17 Terrain has 6.9 inches of ground clearance vs 8.7 in a 17 Crosstrek. The new 18 Terrain actually has 7.9.

random 3rd party site says MKC is 6.8