Is Subaru XV Crosstrek a reliable car?

The Subaru XV Crosstrek is generally considered a reliable and dependable compact crossover SUV. It has earned a reputation for its durability, safety features, and off-road capabilities, making it a popular choice among buyers looking for a versatile and practical vehicle.

Reliability Ratings and Ownership Experiences

According to industry experts and consumer reviews, the Subaru XV Crosstrek has consistently received high reliability ratings from organizations like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. The vehicle is known for its robust construction, well-engineered powertrain, and overall dependability.

Owners of the XV Crosstrek have generally reported positive experiences, with many praising the car's reliability and longevity. The majority of owners report few, if any, major mechanical issues during their ownership period.p>

Safety and Off-Road Capabilities

In addition to its reliability, the Subaru XV Crosstrek is also known for its strong safety ratings and off-road capabilities. The vehicle comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides excellent traction and stability on a variety of terrain.p>

The XV Crosstrek has also earned top safety ratings from organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thanks to its robust construction and advanced safety features. This combination of reliability, safety, and off-road performance makes the XV Crosstrek a compelling choice for buyers seeking a versatile and dependable compact crossover.

Potential Drawbacks

While the Subaru XV Crosstrek is generally considered a reliable vehicle, it's important to note that no car is perfect. Some potential drawbacks of the XV Crosstrek include:

• Relatively low fuel economy compared to some competitors in the compact crossover segment.


• Limited cargo space and passenger room compared to larger SUVs.


• Relatively high starting price compared to some other compact crossovers.

However, these drawbacks are relatively minor and may not be dealbreakers for many buyers, especially those who prioritize the XV Crosstrek's reliability, safety, and off-road capabilities.

How many miles will a Subaru XV Crosstrek last?

Subaru vehicles are renowned for their exceptional longevity, often surpassing 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance and care.

What are the best years for the Subaru Crosstrek?

The best years for the Subaru Crosstrek are generally considered to be 2017, the final year of the first generation, and the second-generation models from 2020-2022. These models are often recommended for their reliability, as they are typically a few years into their production run after a redesign, which has often smoothed out initial kinks. Key upgrades in the 2017 and 2020-2022 models include improved safety features, updated technology, and for 2021+, the availability of a more powerful 2.5L engine in higher trims.
 
First Generation (2013-2017)

• 2017: Often cited as the best year for the first generation due to being the last model year before a redesign, which typically means potential issues were resolved. 
• Avoid: The first year of a new generation, like the 2013, is best to avoid due to a higher number of owner complaints. 
• Issues: Some owners reported issues with the CVT and oil consumption in earlier models, particularly those from 2013-2014. 

Second Generation (2018-2023)

• 2020-2022: These are often considered the "sweet spot" for the second generation, as they have received significant upgrades like the 2.5L engine option and had time for early-generation bugs to be worked out. 
• Avoid: 2018 is generally recommended to be avoided because it was the first model year of a new generation, and like 2013, had a higher number of complaints. 
• Other notable models:
  • 2019: A strong contender with the introduction of a more advanced safety system (EyeSight). 
  • 2021+: The 2.5L engine became available on higher trims, providing more power without a significant penalty in fuel economy. 
  • 2023: The final year of the second generation before the 2024 redesign. 

Third Generation (2024-Present)

• 2024: The newest redesign, but time will tell if the issues are as prevalent as in past first-year redesigns. It includes some major changes to the infotainment system, so some buyers prefer the physical buttons of previous years.
• Avoid: First-year redesigns are generally best to avoid in the Crosstrek lineup. 

What are the downsides of a Subaru Crosstrek?

Downsides of the Subaru Crosstrek include poor acceleration in the base engine, potential issues with the CVT and electrical systems, and a lack of cabin sound insulation. Other concerns involve easily chipped paint, fragile windshields, and limited cargo and interior space compared to larger vehicles.
 
Performance and mechanical issues

• Underpowered engine: The base 2.0-liter engine can feel sluggish, especially when merging or passing on highways. 
• CVT concerns: Some owners have reported premature wear, shuddering, or delayed acceleration from the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). 
• Excessive oil consumption: Older models have been noted for excessive oil consumption, requiring more frequent top-offs. 
• Steering and handling: Some earlier models have been criticized for handling issues, including fishtailing or pulling to one side. 

Electrical and technology problems 

• Infotainment glitches: Issues such as slow response times, screen freezing, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and unresponsiveness have been reported.
• Electrical malfunctions: Some models have experienced electrical problems with instrument panels affecting driver-assist features or infotainment systems. 

Body and interior complaints

• Poor sound insulation: The cabin is not well-insulated, leading to significant road, wind, and engine noise at various speeds. 
• Fragile paint and windshields: The paint can easily chip, and the windshields are prone to cracking from minor impacts. 
• Limited space: As a subcompact SUV, the cargo and interior space can feel cramped for families or those with a lot of gear. 

Other potential downsides

• High replacement costs: Issues like a cracked windshield with the EyeSight system require expensive recalibration upon replacement. 
• Overly sensitive driver-assist features: Some owners find the driver-assistance systems to be overly sensitive and disable them. 

What year to stay away from a Subaru Crosstrek?

Years to potentially avoid for the Subaru Crosstrek include the 2016 and 2018 models due to issues like drivetrain vibrations, infotainment problems, and oil consumption. The early years of the first generation, specifically 2013-2015, should also be approached with caution due to common issues like oil consumption and head gasket problems with the 2.5-liter engine. 
Years with more reported issues

• 2016: Has been associated with drivetrain vibrations and faulty infotainment systems. 
• 2018: This model year is known for excessive oil consumption, glitchy technology, and a serious safety concern regarding the rear wheels kicking out, causing fishtailing. 
• 2013-2015: These early models, particularly with the 2.5L engine, are prone to head gasket problems and excessive oil consumption. The 2012 Impreza shared this generation and also had issues with its CVT and oil consumption. 

Other years to consider

• 2017: Generally considered a safer bet with fewer reported issues and recalls. 
• 2019: While some sources suggest avoiding it due to numerous recalls and a significant number of complaints related to the ECM software causing unexpected engine stalls, other owners have reported it as reliable. 
• 2021: This model year has received positive marks for reliability. 
• 2023: This year is often recommended as one of the better choices in the second generation.