Losing sleep choosing: VW TAOS, Corolla Cross, Subaru Crosstrek

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Apr 23rd, 2022 3:11 pm

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Mar 20th, 2022 11:27 pm

PennyPinchGrinch [OP]: Jr. Member; Mar 10, 2022; 118 posts; 550 upvotes

Mar 20th, 2022 11:27 pm

Losing sleep choosing: VW TAOS, Corolla Cross, Subaru Crosstrek

*edit....newb here...how the heck do I move this under automotive (I just found the forum for that), pls send help mods.* (insert sheepish face)

Hi RFD,

I would be grateful for some help and education in buying a new car as I'm going through this process alone atm and these options were shared with me by a contact who can help me secure it at a lower MSRP potentially.

If you had to choose the following, which one would you choose and why? And if you didn't – what's your alternative that's similar?

1/ VW TAOS Comfortline
2/ Corolla Hybrid
3/ Subaru Crosstrek

My guiding rubric atm: price between 25-40K, blind spot detection/and other safety features that a 2012 car does not provide, big trunk space, and vehicle is reliable (eg. I can take it to Whistler for a ski trip, and/or drive to the golf course for a business meeting without having to pinch my furry little jewels to close a deal and not be embarrassed/heckled by what I drive).

Yours truly,
A sleep-deprived grinch that just wants a car that has a balance for value and eye-pleasing in terms of comfort/feel.

not penny pinchin’ average deals | excel pricing grinch on luxe/BIFL male apparel
~ discount is in the eye of the beholder ~

Previous new brands I've brought in to the RFD community: ANIAN [1] [2] | Foreign Rider | Casca Shoes | YourSoles [1]

41 replies

Mar 20th, 2022 11:34 pm

jm1: Deal Addict; Jan 5, 2003; 4897 posts; 4727 upvotes; Toronto

Mar 20th, 2022 11:34 pm

The Crosstrek has a much longer track record and proven reliability vs. the others.

I haven't read the latest Consumer Reports Auto issue, but the Crosstrek is generally rated #1 or very close to it in its segment.

Have you not test drove any of them?

+6

Mar 20th, 2022 11:49 pm

blexann: Deal Guru; Mar 10, 2005; 11259 posts; 4504 upvotes

Mar 20th, 2022 11:49 pm

Crosstrek.

Make sure to take them out for a test drive, compare the specs that are important to you. Then get an "out the door" price on each and check availability.

"If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid." - Epictetus

+2

Mar 20th, 2022 11:55 pm

leeoku: Sr. Member; Feb 5, 2007; 837 posts; 414 upvotes; Mississauga

Mar 20th, 2022 11:55 pm

I think you can immediately remove Corolla if you want trunk space and want the backspace for putting gear. I personally almost bought a Crosstrek but didn't cause their CVT's have had an increase in recalls. Buy the car just for usability, not what others will think of it. You should also factor in repair costs/reliability, german brands known to be higher on average

+1

Mar 21st, 2022 12:07 am

PennyPinchGrinch [OP]: Jr. Member; Mar 10, 2022; 118 posts; 550 upvotes

Mar 21st, 2022 12:07 am

jm1 wrote: ↑ The Crosstrek has a much longer track record and proven reliability vs. the others.

I haven't read the latest Consumer Reports Auto issue, but the Crosstrek is generally rated #1 or very close to it in its segment.

Have you not test drove any of them?

I saw that they're rated high and amongst my outdoorsy friends, it's their favourite too.

I have set up a few appts to test drive but am absorbing as many inputs as I can to make a clear decision (on top of test driving).

Thanks @blexann. @leeoku understood.

+1

Mar 21st, 2022 7:39 am

jm1: Deal Addict; Jan 5, 2003; 4897 posts; 4727 upvotes; Toronto

Mar 21st, 2022 7:39 am

blexann wrote: ↑Then get an "out the door" price on each and check availability.

Due to the chip shortage, you'll be paying full sticker price and waiting for four months (and increasing...). If any dealership gives you a discount, it's because they're undervaluing your trade-in to show a discount on the new vehicle or you're buying high profit add-ons like extended warranty. Everyone's paying full MSRP nowadays.

If you're not in a rush to replace your vehicle, don't settle for one that's not your first choice just because you'll get it sooner.

+3

Mar 21st, 2022 11:49 am

gr8dlr: Deal Expert; Sep 1, 2005; 19070 posts; 13930 upvotes; Markham

Mar 21st, 2022 11:49 am

PennyPinchGrinch wrote: ↑ I saw that they're rated high and amongst my outdoorsy friends, it's their favourite too.

I have set up a few appts to test drive but am absorbing as many inputs as I can to make a clear decision (on top of test driving).

Thanks @blexann. @leeoku understood.

You could try and find vehicles on Turo for full day test drives and test "packing" it full with your gear. Yes you pay a few $ for a "rental" but in reality you also pay when you buy a vehicle. This will also help you decide if you really want to wait for supply to come in as well and whether the price premium if any is acceptable.

Alternatively you could buy a regular everyday smaller car and save money on upfront cost and gas etc. Use Turo for those trips which don't fit your all your gear. Unless you go many times a year, no need to pay for something you never really use. It's like buying a Van for 10 yrs of ownership and only needing for one time a year camping trip.

FYI you can also buy a roof topper if you can't fit all your gear for those periodic trips.

We're all bozos on the bus until we find a way to express ourselves...

Failure is always an option...just not the preferred one!

+2

Mar 21st, 2022 2:04 pm

Tango013: Member; Aug 18, 2009; 428 posts; 200 upvotes; Barrie

Mar 21st, 2022 2:04 pm

I own a 2018 crosstrek sport, previously had a 2016 forester limited. The biggest knock on these cars is that the engine is gutless, hence why they introduced the bigger 2.4l in some models. I'm not a speed demon so it doesn't bother me, plus with gas prices I save a little. The 2.4l is actually only marginally more thirsty, I test drove one and the extra power is noticeable. If power is an issue you'll want the bigger engine. Subaru service does tend to be a little more expensive, also you'll notice the car shakes a little compared to anything else and that's due to the boxer engine so don't be worried. I'm quite happy with it and would buy another subaru.

+3

Mar 21st, 2022 4:58 pm

jimmy-j: Deal Addict; Aug 12, 2008; 2933 posts; 596 upvotes; Newmarket

Mar 21st, 2022 4:58 pm

I have a 2019 Crosstrek Limited. Really love the car, AWD and the versatility. Drives like a car, clearance like an SUV. Tons of room in the back.

Very very minor but here are some things I don't like about it - if I were to get another Crosstrek again, I wouldn't get a model with eye sight. My personal preference. I turn off lane keep assist every time I drive it as I don't like the feeling of the steering wheel pulling when it thinks I've gone off the lane. It's my first Subaru so I have no experience with boxer engines and when comparing to my Civic, it's not as quiet and doesn't feel as smooth.

All in all I really do love my Crosstrek. I put some Falken Wildpeaks on mine with 16" Impreza wheels and it was a beast in the snow. So much fun.

+2

Mar 21st, 2022 8:35 pm

Klept: Jr. Member; Dec 6, 2005; 133 posts; 51 upvotes; Richmond Hill

Mar 21st, 2022 8:35 pm

Hi! I own a basic 2016 crosstrek model and am relatively happy with it. I owned an Impreza previously and enjoyed the look and the feel so the crosstrek was just a taller version of it.

Main issue I have is it was not as gas friendly asi would have liked which should have improved if you are getting a newer model and I had a tendency to hit my head on the way into the driver seat. I’m not a tall person either so you will definitely have to see if it happens to you.

Totally agree with jimmy-j. I felt safe in my Crosstrek during the winter and didn’t slide around much (with winter tires). While my coworkers were all shovelling their cars out of the snow, I just drove over it with my AWD.

+2

Mar 21st, 2022 9:13 pm

redsfan: Deal Addict; Nov 16, 2008; 3052 posts; 1114 upvotes

Mar 21st, 2022 9:13 pm

I have been looking at a Cross but not really getting much interest in any dealer providing me pricing. Not many on lots to test drive, and some descent reviews online. Also was considering a Crosstrek but haven't driven one, and hear potential issues with these as well. I am actually looking at a Kona N Line 1.6T, but missed the cutoff for 2022's and waiting for the portal to open for 2023 orders and to see of any changes. Kona is smaller, but I like the warranty and a loaded 1.6T can come with a reduced factory order price so seems to be good value. I have driven a few on test drives as well

+1

Mar 21st, 2022 9:15 pm

corvax: Sr. Member; Aug 9, 2008; 573 posts; 340 upvotes

Mar 21st, 2022 9:15 pm

Upvote for a Crosstrek. I got the outdoor model last July which has the Forester engine for more power as I felt the base engine doesn't have enough.

On a separate note, have you received your Foreign Rider order?

Avatar is familiar lol

Last edited by corvax on Mar 22nd, 2022 12:46 am, edited 1 time in total.

+1

Mar 21st, 2022 9:17 pm

aleks: Deal Addict; Jan 8, 2007; 3228 posts; 1821 upvotes; AB

Mar 21st, 2022 9:17 pm

jm1 wrote: ↑ Due to the chip shortage, you'll be paying full sticker price and waiting for four months (and increasing...). If any dealership gives you a discount, it's because they're undervaluing your trade-in to show a discount on the new vehicle or you're buying high profit add-ons like extended warranty. Everyone's paying full MSRP nowadays.

If you're not in a rush to replace your vehicle, don't settle for one that's not your first choice just because you'll get it sooner.

Subaru has a $500 discount off right now on all models in stock. Each dealer has a few cars but they are quickly running out and are starting to put orders in for 2023 models.

Mar 21st, 2022 9:58 pm

ES_Revenge: Deal Expert; Mar 23, 2004; 33306 posts; 15227 upvotes

Mar 21st, 2022 9:58 pm

The Taos is nice but it's expensive and if you're getting one that's optioned out you might as well buy a Tiguan instead. Though granted I see you said Comfortline which would be the base model but you also said...$25-40k which is a huge range TBH. So many cars in that range really, including the Tig.

Looks like you got a lot of votes and positive feedback for Crosstrek so that may be the way to go. Personally I'd rather a turbo engine but that's maybe just me lol.

Stay away from Toyblowta for sure though lol.

redsfan wrote: ↑ I have been looking at a Cross but not really getting much interest in any dealer providing me pricing. Not many on lots to test drive, and some descent reviews online. Also was considering a Crosstrek but haven't driven one, and hear potential issues with these as well. I am actually looking at a Kona N Line 1.6T, but missed the cutoff for 2022's and waiting for the portal to open for 2023 orders and to see of any changes. Kona is smaller, but I like the warranty and a loaded 1.6T can come with a reduced factory order price so seems to be good value. I have driven a few on test drives as well

Oh darn, I would have thought you'd have bought one already but looks like you are bit by the "shortages"; hopefully you won't get screwed with MSRP with a 2023 (that rhymes!) at least.

+1

Mar 21st, 2022 10:55 pm

r1lee: Deal Fanatic; Jan 17, 2003; 8953 posts; 1438 upvotes

Mar 21st, 2022 10:55 pm

If you're leasing, go with what you think you will like the best.

If you're buying, I would definitely remove the VW, due to reliability.

+2

Mar 21st, 2022 11:10 pm

KorruptioN: Deal Guru; Sep 3, 2003; 12905 posts; 2035 upvotes; Toronto

Mar 21st, 2022 11:10 pm

Subaru Crosstrek Outdoor with some upgraded mild all-weather tires will get you a long way, especially on your Whistler trips. The Outdoor trim for the upgraded 2.5L engine, and perhaps paired to the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail, or the Michelin CrossClimate2 will cover all your bases.

The Taos features a more conventional CUV bodystyle, but is very underpowered, and definitely built to a price.

The Corolla Hybrid is great if your #1 priority is fuel savings.

Deal with it.

Mar 22nd, 2022 1:48 am

spike1128: Deal Guru; Oct 7, 2010; 14085 posts; 4747 upvotes

Mar 22nd, 2022 1:48 am

Will choose Corolla for fuel economy.

Will choose Crosstrek light off-road use and good awd.

Will choose Tao if want more cargo space and ride height and awd.

All 3 had their own strength.

Also depends on money as a factor between the 3 as well.

Mar 22nd, 2022 3:09 am

MalikBrother: Penalty Box; May 3, 2010; 317 posts; 143 upvotes; Brampton

Mar 22nd, 2022 3:09 am

If I want fun and fuel economy, that would be Taos. I like Taos and overall VW engineering. 4motion is great all-wheel-drive but don’t know what they have done to dsg which is pretty much Americanized even though dsg offers lightening quick sportier experience. A little tune may change the throttle of the driving experience which somebody in Facebook group did that and more fun than ever.

But if you want dead reliable with cheap maintenance and worry-less experience, then get Corolla cross-sport.

Life is too short so my choice would be Taos. Hey, that is just me. If you are not car guy, then Corolla cross-sport. If you are car guy, then Mazda CX-30/5 and Taos are more fun to drive.

+3

Mar 22nd, 2022 5:54 am

kenchau: Deal Guru; Apr 11, 2006; 11553 posts; 5899 upvotes; Vaughan

Mar 22nd, 2022 5:54 am

Of the three vehicles, ditch the Toyota, the Cross trek is a raised hatch back, and the Taos is the only real compact SUV.

All these votes for Cross trek are misguided when OP states the need for lots of space.

No offense to Crosstrek owners, but it's not what OP needs.

Outside of the three, OP could consider the Forester, which will still be within the price range, gets the Subaru AWD, and a good sized vehicle with lots of space in the trunk.

+3

Mar 22nd, 2022 9:02 am

redsfan: Deal Addict; Nov 16, 2008; 3052 posts; 1114 upvotes

Mar 22nd, 2022 9:02 am

ES_Revenge wrote: ↑ The Taos is nice but it's expensive and if you're getting one that's optioned out you might as well buy a Tiguan instead. Though granted I see you said Comfortline which would be the base model but you also said...$25-40k which is a huge range TBH. So many cars in that range really, including the Tig.

Looks like you got a lot of votes and positive feedback for Crosstrek so that may be the way to go. Personally I'd rather a turbo engine but that's maybe just me lol.

Stay away from Toyblowta for sure though lol.

Oh darn, I would have thought you'd have bought one already but looks like you are bit by the "shortages"; hopefully you won't get screwed with MSRP with a 2023 (that rhymes!) at least.

Sold my Jeep and made the call to place a factory order March 7th and was told they are sold out on most Hyundai 2022's! Waited around and it cost me. Not sure if they will have any changes for 2023's, production is said to begin in June but who the hell knows. I can see a sligh price increase which I can't do much about, but uneasy about any major changes to the N Line, even though they just did a refresh in '22. Only reason I am looking at other options now, but in the same situation. Sucks bigtime, but it is what it is

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