Subaru Crosstrek – 3,000 miles and One Journey Later

"Dakotahound" (dakotahound)
11/07/2019 at 08:32 • Filed to: Crosstrek, Subaru, Subaru Crosstrek

We have owned our 2019 Subaru Crosstrek for over three months, and just returned from a one week vacation that included about 1,400 miles of driving. These are some of our impressions.

Crosstrek at home.

So far, after a little over 3,000 total miles, it has been trouble-free (which, for a practically new car, should not be surprising). It still looks and feels like a new car, except for the dog hair. We are getting about 25 mpg, and drive the car daily.

One of the first questions that people ask about the Crosstrek: “Is it underpowered?” With a published 0-60 time of 9.2 seconds, I would not want to challenge anyone off the line but, in general, it does not feel underpowered. Accelerating to highway speeds is no problem, and it never lags behind traffic. Of course, our Crosstrek has a manual transmission, which may make it feel sportier; and by manually controlling the shift points, the 2.0 L engine provides a noticeable boost in power above 3,500 rpm (the maximum torque, 145 ft-lb, is at 4,000 rpm). Now that the engine is broken-in, I generally shift at about 4,250 rpm when acceleration is required. The engine produces a maximum 152 HP at 6,000 rpm, but I never really take the tachometer that high.

Crosstrek at St. Johns River.

We live in Florida, and most of our “off-road” driving with the Crosstrek is beach driving. It is not very treacherous, but the symmetrical AWD and 8.7 in. ground clearance are nice features - you would be surprised at how many cars get stuck in the sand. The Crosstrek gets us onto the beach with everything we need, and without fear of being stranded in the surf. Prior to owning the Crosstrek, we drove a Jeep Wrangler on beach trips. Admittedly, the doorless, Bimini-topped Jeep won hands-down in the coolness category, but the Crosstrek gets the job done nicely, and with a little more comfort.

Crosstrek on the beach.

Every year, we also take a few trips to the Smoky Mountains (usually two, but sometimes more). Our most recent trip was near the end of October. Having owned a Jeep for many years, one of the first things that I noticed was how nicely the Crosstrek drove at highway speeds. From where we live, gravel roads through the mountains are about 6 hours away (OK, there are some alligator-infested mud pits nearby, but that kind of driving does not really interest me). The Jeep always provided a somewhat loud and rough trip on route to the mountains. For this journey, it was nice to ride in relative comfort on our trek northward. Yes, we are giving up some off-road capability, but the Crosstrek holds its own on gravel roads, which comprises most of our unpaved driving anyway.

We spent the first day of our Smoky Mountain trip in downtown Asheville, within easy access to the many local breweries. For anyone who likes beer and has never been to Asheville, I highly recommend it. Asheville boasts 26 downtown breweries and 60 in the general vicinity. Most of the downtown breweries are within easy walking distance to convenient hotels. We went to Wicked Weed, Bhramari, Hi-Wire, and the Asheville Brewing Company on our last trip. Every brewery had beer that I enjoyed.

Asheville breweries.

For this trip, we went to the Funkatorium, Green Man, Twin Leaf, Sierra Nevada, and Burial. All of these, except for Sierra Nevada, were also within walking distance.

More Asheville breweries.

My favorite lunch was at Wicked Weed – a short rib burger topped with fried green tomatoes and bacon. It was probably the best burger that I have ever tasted – no exaggeration.

One final note about Asheville, it appears to be a very young city. Most of the people that we saw on the street looked like they were in their 20s and 30s. Beards are common everywhere in the USA, but they seemed to be required for Asheville men. I did a little research and found that the average age is 38.6, which is above the national average. I guess either the older people stay indoors, or everyone just looks younger.

After Asheville, we headed south on Blue Ridge Parkway to our rental cabin just outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The last time that we were here, we brought the Porsche and drove Tail of the Dragon, but this was a different type of trip. While the Crosstrek does not even remotely compare to the Porsche in speed and handling, it allows us to take gravel roads where I would not think of taking the Boxster.

At the cabin, close to Blue Ridge Parkway.

Unfortunately, it rained for the rest of the trip. The first two days, in particular, were filled with very heavy showers and wind that toppled some trees. Power was out in the park for several hours. Also, to our surprise, some of the roads in the Smoky Mountain National Park were closed due to winter weather (mostly ice). Living in Florida, the concept of winter weather in October seems very foreign (it is in the 80s at home). Our previous trips to this area were in early October, so it appears that the weather changes quickly in these parts. Despite the closures, we were still able to get into some areas that are off-limits to the Porsche (self-imposed off-limits).

Snow in the mountains, just before the rain.

Many of the streams were near flood stage.

We were able to take some short walks. Here is an old water-powered grist mill, built in 1886 with its 11 HP turbine still operating.

Wet leaves make the road surprisingly slick.

By our last day, even the main road through the park, Route 441, was closed. The temperature dipped to 26F for the first part of our ride home, and we had to be diligent watching for patches of ice on the roadway. The rest of the trip was comfortable and uneventful, which was appreciated.

Our next trip to the mountains will be in the spring. Mid-April seems to be a good time to avoid the cold mountain weather. We also know that September or early October is better timing for a fall trip.

Kayak season is soon approaching here in Florida, and we just purchased the hardware necessary to transport our Eddyline kayaks. Now that the weather is cooling, we also need to get a bicycle rack, and I am leaning towards a trailer hitch model. I will post something about kayaking and cycling with the Crosstrek later this fall.

Some Miscellaneous Observations and Suggestions

There is a g au ge labeled MPG in the lower left corner of the speedometer with only a + and – to indicate gas mileage. It basically just pegs from all the way + to all the way -. Everyone should know that you get worse gas mileage when you accelerate and better gas mileage when you coast. This gau ge is fairly useless.

A fairly useless gauge.

To operate the windshield wipers, down is on and counterclockwise increases intermittent speed. Every other car I have owned was exactly the opposite, and it caused a bit of confusion the first time it rained.

Our Crosstrek has no digital speedometer. The digital speedometer is an option, and I would have ordered it, but it cannot be paired with the manual transmission.

A sunroof is also available for CVT Crosstreks, but it also cannot be paired with the manual transmission.

DISCUSSION (25)

Chuckles > Dakotahound
11/07/2019 at 09:07

Thanks for the review. I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying it so far.

Asheville is one of my favorite places. I used to live in eastern NC, maybe 5 hours from there . I’ve often said that if I had taken a job in Asheville instead of Greenville, I’d still be there.

Dakotahound > Chuckles
11/07/2019 at 09:12

We have been driving and camping near Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway for many years but, for some reason, only discovered Asheville two years ago. It is a really great town.

CalzoneGolem > Dakotahound
11/07/2019 at 09:15

Just wanted to let you know that I get similar mpg in my 2nd gen Forester.

dumpsterfire! > Dakotahound
11/07/2019 at 09:15

looks like a nice little fall trip. i don’t understand the gauge choice Crosstreks at all. totally agree the MPG needle is just plain stupid. and trading a temp needle for a thermometer idiot light still annoys me.

Dakotahound > dumpsterfire!
11/07/2019 at 09:19

Interestingly, the Crosstrek displays a digital speed when cruise control is enabled , so the information is available.

Chuckles > Dakotahound
11/07/2019 at 09:34

If you ever find yourself on the BRP near Fancy Gap, Virginia, and you want some interesting accommodations, check out Grassy Creek Cabooses. They own a handful of train cabooses that have been converted into rooms with full amenities, a jacuzzi tub, and a king size bed. Pretty neat place. You get a whole caboose to yourself for like $100 a night.

http://www.grassycreekcabooses.com/

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Dakotahound
11/07/2019 at 09:38

Great writeup! I’ve always thought these were neat little cars and wanted to get one back when I got my Cruze, but they were just trickling into dealership lots, and no manuals were available yet.

Also, I never understand some of these options - like why can’t I get a sunroof and a manual?

Ash78, voting early and often > Dakotahound
11/07/2019 at 09:46

Asheville is definitely cool, but there’s also an inverse bell curve on the age thing. It’s all either idealistic 20-somethings working in beer, tech, or tourist-related or food services; or retirees looking for a cool town nearby.

I found it just had a general lack of employment unless you’re in a really small company or startup (ie, if you know someone). A tough job market, not helped by the fact that everyone wants to move there. Chattanooga and Greenville are two of my targets — most of the cool vibe of Asheville, but with much more robust economies.

Driving on the beach? I take you’re near Daytona?

smobgirl > Chuckles
11/07/2019 at 09:49

AHHHHHHH YOUVE CHANGED MY LIFE. Not that I’m going to be in that part of the country any time soon, but my childhood dream is a caboose for a vacation home.

Chuckles > smobgirl
11/07/2019 at 09:54

You can find them on Airbnb. The one we stayed in had a full bathroom, jacuzzi tub, king size bed, kitchenette, sofa, and satellite tv. You definitely won’t get cell phone reception in a big metal box, which is nice for getting away. The only food in the area is a nice little bar, and a gas station with a grill (owned by the people that own the bar). And it's maybe a mile off the BRP.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Snuze: Needs another Swede
11/07/2019 at 09:56

It’s because the sunroof controls are built into the eyesight module and eyesight doesn’t work without the CVT. Subaru decided against making another roof control module so that non-eyesight cars could have sunroofs.

Dakotahound > Chuckles
11/07/2019 at 10:41

Th ank you, it is definitely on our list. We have passed through Fancy Gap many times, but never left the Parkway.

Dakotahound > Snuze: Needs another Swede
11/07/2019 at 10:45

There were no manuals available in the entire southeast - we had to order it from the factory. The wait wasn’t too long - about 8 weeks.

Chuckles > Dakotahound
11/07/2019 at 10:48

We stayed there a few years ago on the way to a wedding. We'd absolutely stay there again.

Dakotahound > Ash78, voting early and often
11/07/2019 at 10:52

We’re in DeLand, about 25 miles west of Daytona. It is a straight shot to Daytona via International Spee dway Boulevard which, as you may have guessed, goes right by Daytona International Speedway . There is beach driving in Ormond Beach, Daytona, and New Smyrna Beach.

I definitely noticed the abundance of young workers at the breweries.

Ash78, voting early and often > Dakotahound
11/07/2019 at 10:56

Most of my family is from NE FL — Volusia and Flagler counties

My uncle lived in DeLand for several years, most of it on a houseboat on the St. John’s (before moving to Costa Rica full time). My mom actually went to Stetson for a couple years, too!

Snuze: Needs another Swede > TheTurbochargedSquirrel
11/07/2019 at 10:58

That makes sense. I mean, it doesn’t, but at least I understand now. Thanks!

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Dakotahound
11/07/2019 at 11:00

Wow. I’ve never ordered a car before, that’s pretty cool.

I got the Cruze at the end of 2011, the Crosstrek had just debuted . My Slobalt got totaled so I needed a car right then and couldn’t wait for a manual Crosstrek to show up or to order one. Also at the time I was driving close to 25k miles a year and the Cruze offered better fuel economy, which was another point in it’s favor. But I still like the Crosstrek!

Dakotahound > Ash78, voting early and often
11/07/2019 at 11:02

There are still a lot of people living in houseboats on the St. Johns River, mostly near Hontoon Island. They also rent houseboats at Holly Bluff Marina, and people cruise in them from Lake Monroe up to Lake George.

Ash78, voting early and often > Dakotahound
11/07/2019 at 11:13

That’s the spot! Years before that, he lived full time on a sailboat on the Intracoastal near Flagler Beach. We used to call him our Pirate Uncle and he looked the part. He’s clean-shaven now but still surfs every day at age 69.

Khalbali > Dakotahound
11/07/2019 at 12:33

Awesome car, best color too. I've only driven the old five speed Crosstreks, how's the six? I'd rock one someday, just way out of my price range, even used, stupid Subaru resale values.

Dakotahound > Khalbali
11/07/2019 at 14:04

The six-speed has a nice range of gears for highway driving, and the RPM s stay relatively low on the Interstate. For gravel roads and sand , first gear is OK, but it could stand to be a bit lower. An additional “crawler gear” would be ideal, but that would raise the price.

(I think that I remember an old Honda that had a special “crawler gear” that could only be accessed when in 4WD/AWD .)

Khalbali > Dakotahound
11/07/2019 at 18:17

Old Civic wagovans and tercel allt racs had crawler gears I think. Sounds good though, I'm jelly, love that color and the car, just don't see myself being able to afford anything over 10k any time soon.

ADJ1223 > Dakotahound
11/08/2019 at 18:48

I ordered a manual premium sunshine orange from the factory. In late July, I moved my grandma from Portland to Scottsdale, and back home to Montana . 4,700miles roundtrip. Mountains , rain, desert, big city , villages, highway... It handled it all well. I h ad the same wiper confusion as you and also wish there was a digital speedometer .

M ain annoyances: cupholders are too far back. USB ports require me to move my seat back to easily plug something in. I’m 5'7", not terribly short. I’ve had a few glitches (possibly due to Android Auto issue?) and one instance o f the media center locking up. The volume also blares immediately when starting the car when there’s a level differences between media inputs (phone media prior, car starts in XM). I wish it ramped up the volume like my old Fit and allowed you to immediately turn off or adjust volume... but it takes a few seconds. XM is just piped in a LOT louder than even my local FM.

Overall, it fills my need for a halfway point between the Honda Fit and Keep Grand Cherokee.

Dakotahound > ADJ1223
11/09/2019 at 06:52

T he Crosstrek looks great in orange.

I know what you mean about the USB ports. They are inconveniently located. Once you get the cable plugged in, it is out of the way, but connecting the cable is difficult.

I use Apple CarP lay, and have not had any problems, but the volume does sometimes start out too loud.