That is a great comparison article and the Crosstrek is one of the other vehicles that I am considering. it gets pretty great reviews across the board. Thanks for posting this.

 

Crosstrek is a good car. However I just saw one in the parking lot and is way too short height wise to carry tall items in the back. I would have to go with Forester if I chose Subaru.

 

The add lists
Crosstek 26/34 HR-V 27/32

The US websites state
Crosstek (up to) 26/34 HR-V 28/35

Note the "up to", and think who the review is done by, Subaru
So do your own independent research.
I like the subaru, but their flat boxer engine has been plauged with oil problems. There is a class action law suite that is on right now with people having problems.

 

The add lists
Crosstek 26/34 HR-V 27/32

The US websites state
Crosstek (up to) 26/34 HR-V 28/35

Note the "up to", and think who the review is done by, Subaru
So do your own independent research.
I like the subaru, but their flat boxer engine has been plauged with oil problems. There is a class action law suite that is on right now with people having problems.

I am concerned about the oil thing too. That would have to be remedied before I would buy one.

 

not a bad car

My neighbour has a new Crosstrek, it is not a bad car, i car pool with him once a week on a 120 km round trip, here are my thoughts:
First the good:
The finish seems ok, although the touch screen seems to be in a bit of an odd place, almost like an afterthought.
The awd seems good, (my wife has an outback, so it feels decidedly Subaru)
Space is not bad, we fit 3 guys and our hockey equipment in, it is tight but the seating position seems good.
TH cvt is a lot less annoying than some, although it does get the revs up a little too much when passing.

The not great:
The fuel consumption is not very good at all, granted it is winter driving but it is about the same as my wifes outback and marginally better than my ridgeline, we drive the exact same route same speed, he averages 11 litres per 100km we drive around 95-100 km/h. On the same route i get 12 with my ridgeline.
It has developed a slow oil leak - about 8000km on it.........

If I had a dealer locally i would probably look closer but our nearest dealer is 350km away and it is a terrible dealership, my honda dealer on the other hand is stellar.

 

That issue is not effected by the 2015 Crosstrek.

All wheel drive is always better than what Honda uses and the ground clearance is amazing, plus an additional airbag. Will come down to Hondas pricing has superior ownership costs along with quality and reliability.

 

Are you saying the 2015 Crosstrek is not affected by the oil-consumption issue?

 

But it does say the 2013 Crosstrek was. Are we sure that is fixed or is it just that the lawsuit involved people who had the 2013?


"The suit seeks to represent buyers of 2011-14 Foresters, the 2013 Legacy and 2013 Outback, all with 2.5-liter "Boxer" engines; and the 2012-13 Impreza and 2013 Crosstrek, with 2-liter "Boxer" engines."

 

I think a more correct answer is the current Crosstrek engine is not part of the current class action law-suit.
As experienced with bikerider's (above) neighbor's oil problem at 8,000, it's still not fixed 100%. Just not class action lawsuit yet.

A friend of mine at work bought a new Subaru, engine went at 40,000. Replaced on warranty. Second engine went at 80,000, sold for scrap rather the fix it again.

I know lots of people that have great experience with Subaru, and swear by them.
Depending on how the HR-V tests for me, and pricing, I'm still contemplating the Outback as an alternative.
But I also think it's only fair to warn people that these boxer engines have had more then their share of problems.

 

There are Subaru lovers and Honda lovers so difference just simple I like Honda doesn't matter what I will buy one(same as Subaru),so we can compare 10 mln times and still you will go for what you think.My personal opinion Honda more reliable then Subaru and again never had Subaru base on my neighbor experience,always have Honda (4 cars).

 

The comments at the following page (by owners) leaves me with reservation about Subaru at this point, especially about the overfilling to mask the problem: http://www.torquenews.com/1084/why-subaru-s-excessive-oil-consumption-issue-could-spoil-their-party

 

The comments at the following page (by owners) leaves me with reservation about Subaru at this point, especially about the overfilling to mask the problem: http://www.torquenews.com/1084/why-subaru-s-excessive-oil-consumption-issue-could-spoil-their-party

Some of those comments are just from the past couple of months. The comments are just too numerous. I cannot buy a Subaru not matter how much I like their product otherwise.


They will regret not acknowledging and working on a fix early on. Their reputation will suffer and it will be reflected in reduced future sales.

 

Keep in mind this is just one issue and if you go back you can find similar situations with Honda.

 

A friend of mine has a 2014 Crosstrek and absolutely loves it. Said the sale was an amazing process and their service since then has been top notch! Seems like Honda could learn a thing or two from Subaru.

 

I actually didn't care for the styling of the Crosstrek at first, but now I really like it and will definitely age well over time.

 

It's not bad at all as far as being a cheaper subaru that still has all that you expect in a subaru inside and out.

Seeing them on the street in orange will leave you more impressed

 

I believe Honda was #2 last year for the most recalls of all automakers.

 

Watch out, Motor Trend reviews small CUVs and the CrossTrek comes out on top. Interestingly those that had problem with it and could never own one due to the exterior design and so called oil issues, sudden are amazed by the review. LOL ENJOY!

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1506_the_big_test_2015_2016_subcompact_crossovers/

http://www.hrvforum.com/forum/505-h.../505-hrv-versus-competition/11426-big-test-2015-2016-subcompact-crossovers.html

 

Is the Crosstrek one of the cars you are considering buying? Is the oil issue a concern for you?

 

The cross trek was a GREAT test drive. Ultimately, they didn't have the level trim I wanted when it was time to buy.
If I end up hating the hrv(doubtful) I can always trade it in!

 

The Crosstrek is a great vehicle. Know a guy who owns one and loves it. However, the engine is worst than the HRV. Meaning if you have issues with the HRV engine, you won't tolerate the Crosstrek.

I like how exterior design and oil issue cause some to cross it off their options list, but its almost as if since Motor Trend ranks it #1 , bam its such a great review and vehicle. Amazing how some are influenced so easily.

Interesting info from the article:

 

1) there literally were no cross treks when I went to buy- everyone was out, and I needed to get the sale done

2)If the Subaru salesman hadn't told me how valuable his time was, he would have had the sale and I would have waited the couple days for a dealer trade....

 

Both are excellent vehicles, all comes down to your interests and preferences.

 

As the former owner of an over 200,000 mile Dodge Grand Caravan (that besides rust, was in perfect condition and relatively problem free over my ownership), you can't convince me the Subaru would likely be a bad, unreliable car. Chances are excellent that it will be a very good, reliable car.

 

Have to comment and agree that Subaru dealerships are fantastic. It is the only good dealership experience I've ever had.

My 15 WRX was still an oil burning, no starting, won't go into gear pig though.

I'd still have kept it if I wasn't moving 70 miles away from the closest dealer. I didn't even mind hanging out there. Going to "any" Honda is like having to visit the dentist where the old dr is mad at world & hates you for being there.

 

And your needs. I had to get a car that week...the HRV is like an old friend with a few fun perks.

We will see in a few years when I go to trade in- if honda gives the HRV a better motor, it'll be a better car.

Don't get me wrong- I do love my HRV, but the cross trek really impressed me too.

 

Did you think the engine in the Crosstrek then was better than the HRV?

I test drove both vehicles and found the Crosstrek to be very appealing but the engine in the Crosstrek was a deal-breaker. However just like in the HRV engine selections were likely made in order to keep cost in line as well as achieving the corresponding gas mileage.

 

HRV is like driving a fit.. going uphill I have to floor it until it achieves its speed- I know the car is working hard...
I feel like both actually had the same acceleration, but the cross trek was no where near as loud in acceleration, you didn't know it was working so much.
cross trek gave a much smoother ride, especially over pot holes.

The Subaru is a much more floaty ride, the HRV, you feel the road.

 

Motortrend never "loved" the XV prior to the segment developing... I recall it consistently being rated with 3 stars. Now the segment is mature, saying "its the slowest but its the best" and putting it at #1 while knocking Honda down to #4 for being "slow and noisy" appears to be more personal sentiment than factual. I attribute this loyalty to the 'buzz' around Subaru right now combined with its so far preserved "niche status".

And all things aside, its absolutely ludicrous that Jeep's reliability pittance is being ignored when estimating repairs and maintenance.

https://www.cars.com/articles/2015/.../2015/02/toyota-gm-top-jd-power-dependability-study-fiat-chrysler-still-trails/

116 problems per 100 vehicles with Honda vs. 197 with Jeep and I'm supposed to believe repairs on the HRV will be higher than the Renegade? Keep smoking, Motortrend.

 

Motortrend never "loved" the XV prior to the segment developing... I recall it consistently being rated with 3 stars. Now the segment is mature, saying "its the slowest but its the best" and putting it at #1 while knocking Honda down to #4 for being "slow and noisy" appears to be more personal sentiment than factual. I attribute this loyalty to the 'buzz' around Subaru right now combined with its so far preserved "niche status".

And all things aside, its absolutely ludicrous that Jeep's reliability pittance is being ignored when estimating repairs and maintenance.

https://www.cars.com/articles/2015/.../2015/02/toyota-gm-top-jd-power-dependability-study-fiat-chrysler-still-trails/

116 problems per 100 vehicles with Honda vs. 197 with Jeep and I'm supposed to believe repairs on the HRV will be higher than the Renegade? Keep smoking, Motortrend.

The authors did slam the Renegade pretty hard on it's transmission which reflects news reports of it's failures.


I think if they didn't rank them, and that has been the most complaints about this review, everyone would like this article. That is what made it good to me.....the plus and minuses of each vehicle seemed pretty spot on.


The rankings didn't matter to me that much. I usually consider that most reviewers are speed and performance nuts, which makes them pick their favorites accordingly. (And most likely to not put as much value on the HRV'S excellent cargo capacity). They pretty much admitted that in the article which is another reason I liked it.

 

I'll agree with that, the rankings are the largest err.

Hopefully, as these vehicles age, Honda's assessment will be more fair to its strengths and reliability.

 

I bought a Crosstrek over the HRV and I find the engine smoother and more responsive. The interior is far better looking to my old eyes.
To each his own!!

 

Great to hear. Hope you enjoy it.

 

I just got back from test driving the Crosstrek. I like it, and now I am so confused! I did not get a chance to take it out onto the highway as I was test driving around 5pm. I may go back tomorrow to take it out on the highway.

I brought a smaller dog crate with me, one that I bought to use for when I get my new vehicle. My other crates are 28 inches tall and would not fit into the Crosstrek, but my 24 inch height crate fits in there just fine. I like the fact that the rear inside sides are molded plastic, and not whatever the fabric is that Honda is using inside of the HR-V. But I LOVE the magic seats! The seats in the Crosstrek do lay almost flat, and there is a little bump down from the seats folded, into the cargo area (if that makes sense).

What I really like with the Crosstrek is I can get the eyesight package, and true car says it should be $26,990, about $1500 off MSRP. My neighbor who is the sales manager, was not there, he had already left for the day. I can see what kind of price he will give me. I am 54, will be 55 next month. I plan on keeping this vehicle for a long time (assuming I live that long). Knowing that my reaction times may slow down as I age, having the eyesight package is a nice perk.

There are things I like better about both vehicles, so now it is down to a decision between the two. I like the lane watch and the magic seats in the HR-V. I like the eyesight package in the Crosstrek. If only I lived in CANADA I could have it all!!

 

Only you can decide what is best for your needs.

I just got back from test driving the Crosstrek. I like it, and now I am so confused! I did not get a chance to take it out onto the highway as I was test driving around 5pm. I may go back tomorrow to take it out on the highway.

I brought a smaller dog crate with me, one that I bought to use for when I get my new vehicle. My other crates are 28 inches tall and would not fit into the Crosstrek, but my 24 inch height crate fits in there just fine. I like the fact that the rear inside sides are molded plastic, and not whatever the fabric is that Honda is using inside of the HR-V. But I LOVE the magic seats! The seats in the Crosstrek do lay almost flat, and there is a little bump down from the seats folded, into the cargo area (if that makes sense).

What I really like with the Crosstrek is I can get the eyesight package, and true car says it should be $26,990, about $1500 off MSRP. My neighbor who is the sales manager, was not there, he had already left for the day. I can see what kind of price he will give me. I am 54, will be 55 next month. I plan on keeping this vehicle for a long time (assuming I live that long). Knowing that my reaction times may slow down as I age, having the eyesight package is a nice perk.

There are things I like better about both vehicles, so now it is down to a decision between the two. I like the lane watch and the magic seats in the HR-V. I like the eyesight package in the Crosstrek. If only I lived in CANADA I could have it all!!

 

Note that Subaru does say the driver is responsible at all times, even with the cool driving system.

You have to get whichever feels right to you. I got the HRV because there were no cross treks available when I was buying.

The HRV is fun to drive, easy to control, and the lane watch is incredibly useful.
It's a firmer ride than the crosstrek.

The crosstrek is barely bigger (by an inch maybe?) but it felt like a bigger car to me.

 

I agree, it does feel like a larger vehicle when driving. I like both vehicles, and I do like the lane watch. Salesman did tell me that the eyesight does not work in extreme weather conditions, and it will tell you when it is not able to function.

 

I am glad I went with the HRV- I like driving something that seems bigger on the outside- but drives like a small car.
The crosstrek did not drive like a small car, it definitely felt like an suv