Subaru Crosstrek vs Outback

Xtrema wrote: ↑ Insistence of 2 will make you car search next to impossible. May be hang around your local Subaru forums and see what comes up.

ES_Revenge wrote: ↑ [Legacy] Outback is the better vehicle--larger, more powerful engine choice (just the 3.6L but also that is only paired with CVT as well). Also Crosstrek is just an Impreza so it's far smaller.

As Xtrema said the insistence on MT is going to make your search pretty hard and when you do find one the owner may be smart enough to know they are rare and demand a premium for it.

Best idea here is to split the difference and get a Forester. You can also get an XT which is much more powerful...of course again they only offered this in CVT in recent gens.

Badman wrote: ↑ TBH with the requirement of manual transmission you probably need to buy whichever one that comes first.

Crosstek should be easier to find but still hard to find them in decent spec with manual transmission. But you can still buy them new.

If space is a main concern, what about buying a cargo carrier? Possibly even a hitch rack.

JeganV wrote: ↑ VW Golf Sportwagen. This is a wagon that can be had in AWD, just make sure its a 4MOTION one and because its a wagon the manual transmission is less difficult to find as a sizeable amount of wagon buyers do want MTs. 2019 is the final model year for these. Its a fantastic vehicle to drive, very practical inside and with the 1.8TSI engine its reasonably quick too, I assume with a MT its even better but I've only driven the DSG ones.

If however you worry about ground clearance you can get the Alltrack version which is this same car lifted although its a bit trickier to get one with MT, it does exist though.

Manual transmissions for the SUV type vehicle though has almost entirely died off. Crosstrek will not have a MT going into the future. That leaves literally 3 new options if Subaru stops the Crosstrek manual, Hyundai Venue in base spec, Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco(not the Sport).

omegas_decree wrote: ↑ I didn't know that the Golf came in an extended version. I feel like finding this vehicle would be even rarer as it would most likely need to be lifted whereas the Subaru's have a higher standard clearance. Will keep this in mind though. Thank you for the suggestion.

BeaverLiquor wrote: ↑ Not all Subaru AWD systems are the same, the manual transmissions in anything but the WRX/STi are 50:50 open diff so there is a chance of getting stuck, even when soft-roading.

If you're willing to buy new and go with a CVT automatic, Subaru will have a new version of the Outback https://www.subaru.ca/WebPage.aspx?WebS ... geID=23929

JeganV wrote: ↑ The wagon isn't too bad to find in MT, but the higher Alltrack version is rather rare specifically with a MT. I did find this in Burlington though,

https://www.autotrader.ca/a/volkswagen/golf%20alltrack/burlington/ontario/19_11964435_/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=4_11_11&pc=M5H%202N2&sprx=100

This one is in Western Canada if you're closer to there but its expensive, wondering if its because its so rare out there:

https://www.autotrader.ca/a/volkswagen/golf%20alltrack/edmonton/alberta/5_51320707_200418101051706/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&ursrc=hl&orup=1_5_5&pc=M5H%202N2&sprx=-1

omegas_decree wrote: ↑ Thanks for checking. I'm in Vancouver area and I've noticed alot more availability of MT vehicles in Quebec. I wonder if more people drive manual there or there's greater availability simply because of population?

omegas_decree wrote: ↑ When I've seen the Foresters at the dealer, they appear much larger than the Crosstrek and feel a step up from the Outback. They are listed as a compact-SUV, but they have a feel of a mid-sized SUV. I'm looking for a balance between size and available cargo space. I don't think a turbocharged engine is necessary; I'd just like to be able to feel that the vehicle can handle hills and passing without the sluggishness.

omegas_decree wrote: ↑ Thanks for checking. I'm in Vancouver area and I've noticed alot more availability of MT vehicles in Quebec. I wonder if more people drive manual there or there's greater availability simply because of population?

jzmtl wrote: ↑ Outback is bigger and wider than Forester, the cargo area is maybe 20 cm longer which would fit long things that wouldn't fit Forester otherwise, but roof is lower so you can't fit tall things as easily. The NA engine can handle hills and passing if you are willing to rev it, there are 6000 RPMs, use them. XT on the other hand will easily boost you to 160 even loaded and on uphill stretch.

STi aren't open diff, it has torsen front and back, but with that ground clearance you wouldn't want to take it off pavement anyway.

IlanaG757921 wrote: ↑ Cuz we're poor. There's a reason we still get base models with crank windows - people love them. I always smile when I see a well maintained Tercel still buzzing around.

I own a Forester and yes, its taller than the Outback but its shorter and easier to park. The Forester also weighs a good 100-200kg lighter. I appreciate the higher ceiling for visibility and loading awkward cargo, it's so much easier to climb into the rear. But the downside is your kayaks will definitely be even higher off the ground on the roof. I struggled between the Crosstrek and the Forester - but try a night test drive - there's a huge difference in visibility - not just windows but the headlights too. If you're in the wilderness, I'd take the headlights that can shine the farthest - and that's the Forester, even more than the Outback.

The Crosstrek and Forester can't tow anything beyond an empty cargo box (1500lbs). I know people who have towed more, but that's your choice. If you have future plans of bigger gear, I would steer to the Outback.

Just putting it out there, but the CVT on the Forester just glides up hills. I haven't been out to the Adirondacks or anything, but its a really nice experience. Not responsive if you want to drive like a jerk, but in normal driving , I don't notice it.

A former coworker had a VW Alltrack and that is one nice car. Subaru interiors are ok, but the VW interiors are so much nicer. And yeah, you'd probably have more luck finding one here in Quebec as people love their Golf and Jetta wagons here.

Notsojdmgc4 wrote: ↑ As a Subaru owner, get the Golf Sportwagen.

omegas_decree wrote: ↑ I'll have to take another look. I was pretty set on Crosstrek the last time I was at the dealership so I only glanced at the other models. Forester seemed bigger I guess because of the height.


Not planning on towing anything in the near future. Eventually want to get a Zodiac type boat, but those and a trailer should be under 1500lbs.

I don't drive like a jerk, but just want to avoid a sluggish feeling vehicle. I'm also pretty set on a manual for a few reasons: fun to drive, anti-theft, control in snowy conditions, avoid some of the negatives I've read on the CVT's. I miss out on better fuel economy, but that's a compromise I'm willing to make.

Actually walked past an Alltrack on the way to work today and they aren't the most aesthetically pleasing from the outside.