Subaru’s Crosstrek agile, good on fuel
History/description
Manoeuvrable and agile, the Subaru Crosstrek crossover turns in confident, flexible operation for busy couples and families. Standard is symmetrical all wheel drive, a Subaru staple, which delivers added control and peace of mind on all surfaces.
Safety-minded shoppers will gravitate toward Crosstrek’s available Eye-Sight safety and hazard detection system, and the machine’s top safety scores.
Available were Bluetooth, a full driver computer, automatic headlights, a sunroof, heated leather seats, automatic climate control, cruise control, and a full multimedia interface. Consider the Crosstrek alongside other small utility vehicles like the Honda HR-V, Buick Encore and Nissan Juke.
All units were powered by a two-litre boxer four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower, teamed with either a five-speed manual or a continually variable transmission. Crosstrek Touring opens the model range, and a Sport Package model takes the mid-line position within the lineup. Crosstrek Limited was the top-dog model.
What owners like
Manoeuvrability, feature content, fuel mileage, abundant traction and a great driving position are common owner praise-points, as are decent outward visibility and easy entry and exit. What owners dislike Common gripes include awkward placement of the seat heater controls, a clumsy and slow-to-respond central command system, and elevated highway cruising noise levels. Many owners wished for a little more power, too.
The test drive
Shoppers should have little issue locating a lower-mileage unit still under factory warranty, though a few checks should be considered ahead of the purchase of any used unit.
First up, determine the vehicle’s current mileage, and which service intervals are approaching soon. Factor any soon-due servicing into your budget, and confirm that all past-due service jobs have been carried out, by looking at service records.
Ask a Subaru service advisor for help if required. If you’re unable to determine where the Crosstrek you’re considering sits within its servicing schedule, budget for a full check-up, tune-up and fluid change for maximum peace of mind.
Note that Crosstrek’s engine
■ WHEELS Manoeuvrability, feature content, fuel mileage, abundant traction and a great driving position are common owner praise-points of the Subaru Crosstrek. uses a timing chain, not a timing belt, which is typically considered a maintenance-free part, provided that oil changes have been carried out regularly using factory specified oil.
Note that most Canadian drivers should stick to the severe use fluid change intervals relating to the CVT transmission, and that changing this fluid regularly, at or before the prescribed interval, is ideal for added peace of mind.
Be sure that only a dealertrained technician does the work though, and that they only fill the transmission with the factoryspecified fluid. Failing to do so can cause issues.
Carefully inspect the driver’s seat for signs of excessive wear, as numerous owners have reported poor durability from the factory seats, with some needing a replacement driver’s seat after just a few years.
Any combination of warning lights (check engine, abs, traction control, cruise control etc.) and non-functionality of certain systems (eye-sight, cruise control, traction control, etc.) is likely the result of a bad engine sensor, which can put the vehicle into a ‘limp mode,’ evidenced by flashing or solid warning lights in the instrument cluster, and failure of certain systems.
If this is experienced, your easiest course of action is to have the vehicle inspected at a dealer who will use diagnostic equipment to pinpoint the problem. In some cases, the issue is caused by something as minor as a faulty brake pedal switch, or engine sensor.
On vehicles equipped with the Eye-Sight safety system, scrutinize the condition of the windshield. Cracks or chips can cause problems with system operation. Note that replacing a windshield on an Eye-Sight equipped Crosstrek may also require full system recalibration at the dealer.
Though information is largely inconclusive, unwelcome popping, snapping or clunking noises could be a sign of trouble with a
CV axle, a suspension component, or even the differential, so be sure to have a technician investigate.
Be aware that certain Subaru models from this generation may be affected by a well-documented issue with oil consumption.
The important stuff? First, note that the oil consumption problem didn’t affect all models.
Second, talk to a service manager at your local Subaru dealership about whether or not the model your considering may be affected. You’ll need the VIN number to check.
Third, note that from 2014 and on the issue appears to have been resolved in production.
Finally, check your oil weekly and report any oil-level issues you detect to your local Subaru service centre immediately, confirming that they’re documented and if the model is still under warranty.
The verdict
Most of Crosstrek’s common problems are far from serious in nature and should be easy for a technician to detect and address on a pre-purchase inspection.
The potential for oil consumption dulls the Crosstrek’s appeal slightly, though a 2014 or newer unit, or a unit previously repaired for this issue, should compensate.
Shop a 2014 or newer unit where possible for maximum peace of mind.
Justin Pritchard is an automotive consultant and a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).