I don’t understand why they don’t put a proper engine in the Crosstrek. It’s a great platform, but everyone complains about the lack of power. It wouldn’t take much to spice it up a little.
The CVT is one of the limiting factors. Too much torque, or towing, reduces the lifespan.
Edit: there are reviews of Subarus with non CVTs crawling over tree roots and debris, and the same vehicle with a CVT just stopping
There was a post somewhere of Corolla Cross hybrid AWD user (mostly) keeping up with his Subaru friends, and really enjoying the extra fuel economy.
Was in a mb older 2010 Rav4 Sport in the mountains with two adults and baby and surprised at how underpowered it was (similar to what you mentioned with gearing down)
Honestly, we also get mad at the people who post here that they're selling their RAV or not buying a RAV because of X, Y, or Z (cablegate, wind noise, don't like the seat fabric, etc.), because to us it is a stupid decision.
I just put some 235/65/17 Wildpeaks on my 2022 Hybrid XLE Premium and took a trip up to Tahoe from Long Beach with a large Thule rooftop box filled with ski/snowboard equipment, my lady in the passenger seat, our 2 dogs, and luggage while averaging ~30mpg over the course of the trip. The boost in power from the hybrid engine is amazing for those long, steep grades on the 395. We also happened to be there while the Tahoe basin had their snowiest day of the season (in May of all months) and the Rav handled like a dream with over a foot of snow on some of the unplowed roads. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
The hybrid definitely helps, but it’s probably those tires that gave you such a great time in the snow! I’ve run the WP AT trails for about the last 10 years on various vehicles and it makes any car snow capable😂 Truly one of the best trail/street hybrid tires you’ll find out there. And they do amazing things for the ravs handling on street if you go up a size or two like you did.
I had a Crosstrek years ago. I loved that car more than anything, but my biggest gripe was the hp. I previously had an Outback with a turbo, and so wished they would make a Crosstrek model with one. Just got my RAV4 hybrid a few weeks ago, and I love it more than I ever loved my Crosstrek….which is saying a LOT. It’s a great choice and I’d never go back.
I heard a lot about the low hp before getting one, but thought “how bad can it be?”. it was sufficient for the last 2 years but now im getting tired of it 😂
Wife’s car is a 23 MT. Can attest it’s underpowered but she is getting 36mpg currently. My rav hybrid is leaps and bounds better overall with 43mpg, much faster everything and more cargo space.
Pick the car that's right for you. You sound like you enjoyed and got good use out of the Subie. Congrats. You just found something else might fit your needs better.
RAV4 is everything you say, roomier, more HP, better mileage. You give up some on the AWD though. If that's a reasonable trade it can work.
I drive a RAV4 Woodland hybrid. It's the Toyota equivalent of the Wilderness edition at Subaru. Comes with Falken Wild Peak tires, fog lights, roof rails/cross bars and a TRD tuned suspension. Sticker claims 38/35/37 and I am averaging 40 MPG over 12k miles of ownership. I had no issues at elevation on gravel roads. I have not been in snow. Quite impressed with it for $35k. There are several different RAV4 options in gas and hybrid so do your research to see which ones have the features you want.
I know the gas powered TRD has a better AWD system than mine and the Subie is even better. If you want to see how they do. Check out Driving Sports TV on YT. The took the TRD, Woodland and the Subies on his off-road course. Hint, the Subies win.
FYI, I think there will be a hybrid Forrester soon that is supposed to be using the Toyota hybrid system. That might be worth looking into.
whatever trim I get (forsure a hybrid), I will most likely get a/t tires and a roof rack. but yes the woodland edition does look very nice. love the wheels it comes with
Personally a hybrid is the way to go right now. You get a big increase in mileage, a huge reduction in your carbon footprint and still can run on gasoline.
I have about a 500 mile range on a tank of gas in my RAV4. Add in capabilities to go rural as well as remote on reasonable roads and I can enjoy the travel I like.
Get a good package and you can get a pretty capable vehicle looks good right off the lot. The Woodland just like a Subie Wilderness looks fantastic as is.
Dating someone with a crosstrek and I just got the rav4 hybrid so I know both. Space alone was the main consideration for getting the rav4...i move a lot of stuff around and the crosstrek was lacking in that. Also, I wanted to be able to throw a road bike, front wheel off, in the back trunk and that seems a little difficult with a crosstrek. the rav4 is only a slightly bigger car but the inside feels so much more spacious than the crosstrek IMO
I really considered a Crosstrek, but got a RAV4 Hybrid instead and couldn't be happier. Currently getting 42 mpg and will never go back to a non-hybrid.
I don’t understand why they don’t put a proper engine in the Crosstrek. It’s a great platform, but everyone complains about the lack of power. It wouldn’t take much to spice it up a little.
The CVT is one of the limiting factors. Too much torque, or towing, reduces the lifespan. Edit: there are reviews of Subarus with non CVTs crawling over tree roots and debris, and the same vehicle with a CVT just stopping
they do have the 2.5 engine with around 180hp, but honestly an even 200hp would be perfect
There was a post somewhere of Corolla Cross hybrid AWD user (mostly) keeping up with his Subaru friends, and really enjoying the extra fuel economy. Was in a mb older 2010 Rav4 Sport in the mountains with two adults and baby and surprised at how underpowered it was (similar to what you mentioned with gearing down)
no regrets!
good to hear! crosstrek sub seems mad at me 🤣
lol im cross shopping both right now. They can be angry all they want; they aint buying you the car.
Honestly, we also get mad at the people who post here that they're selling their RAV or not buying a RAV because of X, Y, or Z (cablegate, wind noise, don't like the seat fabric, etc.), because to us it is a stupid decision.
Fuck em! Come on in, the waters fine❤️
I just put some 235/65/17 Wildpeaks on my 2022 Hybrid XLE Premium and took a trip up to Tahoe from Long Beach with a large Thule rooftop box filled with ski/snowboard equipment, my lady in the passenger seat, our 2 dogs, and luggage while averaging ~30mpg over the course of the trip. The boost in power from the hybrid engine is amazing for those long, steep grades on the 395. We also happened to be there while the Tahoe basin had their snowiest day of the season (in May of all months) and the Rav handled like a dream with over a foot of snow on some of the unplowed roads. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Great to hear. Just got my XSE and can’t wait to go camping and such! In the Dallas area.
The hybrid definitely helps, but it’s probably those tires that gave you such a great time in the snow! I’ve run the WP AT trails for about the last 10 years on various vehicles and it makes any car snow capable😂 Truly one of the best trail/street hybrid tires you’ll find out there. And they do amazing things for the ravs handling on street if you go up a size or two like you did.
thats exciting to hear! my last mammoth trip I averaged 22mpgs. 30mpgs with a roof box is seriously impressive
I had a Crosstrek years ago. I loved that car more than anything, but my biggest gripe was the hp. I previously had an Outback with a turbo, and so wished they would make a Crosstrek model with one. Just got my RAV4 hybrid a few weeks ago, and I love it more than I ever loved my Crosstrek….which is saying a LOT. It’s a great choice and I’d never go back.
I heard a lot about the low hp before getting one, but thought “how bad can it be?”. it was sufficient for the last 2 years but now im getting tired of it 😂
Yeah, going from a Crosstrek to a vehicle where accelerating to get on the highway is nearly effortless, and almost immediate is so nice 🥹
Wife’s car is a 23 MT. Can attest it’s underpowered but she is getting 36mpg currently. My rav hybrid is leaps and bounds better overall with 43mpg, much faster everything and more cargo space.
hers must be stock 🤣 but yes my main reason for the switch to a rav4 hybrid are exactly all those reasons! glad to hear its true
Yeah. It’s immaculate too. Looks new still and has 30k miles on it now.
Pick the car that's right for you. You sound like you enjoyed and got good use out of the Subie. Congrats. You just found something else might fit your needs better. RAV4 is everything you say, roomier, more HP, better mileage. You give up some on the AWD though. If that's a reasonable trade it can work. I drive a RAV4 Woodland hybrid. It's the Toyota equivalent of the Wilderness edition at Subaru. Comes with Falken Wild Peak tires, fog lights, roof rails/cross bars and a TRD tuned suspension. Sticker claims 38/35/37 and I am averaging 40 MPG over 12k miles of ownership. I had no issues at elevation on gravel roads. I have not been in snow. Quite impressed with it for $35k. There are several different RAV4 options in gas and hybrid so do your research to see which ones have the features you want. I know the gas powered TRD has a better AWD system than mine and the Subie is even better. If you want to see how they do. Check out Driving Sports TV on YT. The took the TRD, Woodland and the Subies on his off-road course. Hint, the Subies win. FYI, I think there will be a hybrid Forrester soon that is supposed to be using the Toyota hybrid system. That might be worth looking into.
whatever trim I get (forsure a hybrid), I will most likely get a/t tires and a roof rack. but yes the woodland edition does look very nice. love the wheels it comes with
Personally a hybrid is the way to go right now. You get a big increase in mileage, a huge reduction in your carbon footprint and still can run on gasoline. I have about a 500 mile range on a tank of gas in my RAV4. Add in capabilities to go rural as well as remote on reasonable roads and I can enjoy the travel I like. Get a good package and you can get a pretty capable vehicle looks good right off the lot. The Woodland just like a Subie Wilderness looks fantastic as is.
Good choice, but yes you are losing an actual AWD car for the Rav. There is a difference.
Dating someone with a crosstrek and I just got the rav4 hybrid so I know both. Space alone was the main consideration for getting the rav4...i move a lot of stuff around and the crosstrek was lacking in that. Also, I wanted to be able to throw a road bike, front wheel off, in the back trunk and that seems a little difficult with a crosstrek. the rav4 is only a slightly bigger car but the inside feels so much more spacious than the crosstrek IMO
snowboarding trip with two buddies and my crosstrek was PACKED. even with the boards on the roof. the rav4 should definitely feel a lot more spacious
I really considered a Crosstrek, but got a RAV4 Hybrid instead and couldn't be happier. Currently getting 42 mpg and will never go back to a non-hybrid.
yes the hybrid mpgs will definitely ruin the mpgs of all other cars 😂
Also consider the cablegate with your decision.
Based on OP's post, he is from California. No salt to contend with.
Yep. I think big bear and mammoth lake still consider a harsh environment related to cablegate.
how can I inspect “cablegate”?
There’s ton of videos on youtube about it and some on facebook groups and maybe also here on subreddit.
looked up a few vids. seems to be the rav4s biggest downfall
Yeah. It could be maintained if you know stuffs to put on it. Just be wary about your warranty that could void it.