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Used 2016 Subaru Crosstrek Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
79 reviews
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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

GREAT CAR WITH POOR PHONE CONNECTION

David, 04/04/2016
2016 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
52 of 52 people found this review helpful

I have owned several Subarus and love the overall quality and drivability. My last one was an Impreza and I traded it in on the CrossTrek. The Impreza was great but the CrossTrek is better. Terrific all wheel drive and road clearance, nimble driver, the new safety features, especially the warning system for lane changing works really well and addresses shortcomings of the Impreza related to visibility. The tie-downs in the storage area are a nice touch, as I carry lots of freight, and getting in and out is much easier due to the height. The only aspect that is truly mediocre is the sound system and phone connection. The software is klutzy with lots of little delays and the best system for phone linkage with an iPhone, called CarPlay, is not available. I just used a new GMC truck with CarPlay, and it was a delight compared with the CrossTrek. Oc course, the sound/phone system is a lot better than it was last year in the Impreza, but its still second class. I don't understand why Subaru does not fix this ongoing problem. You talk to people at Subaru and they are in total denial that it is a problem. Clearly they don't try any of the competition or they are afraid to pass the word upstairs as they don't tolerate negative feedback very well. Also, why they bury the USB socket in the bottom of the bin between the seats is beyond me. Please put in on the lower dash where it is easily accessible.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Not too big, not to small, just right

Terry, 03/30/2016
2016 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
49 of 49 people found this review helpful

Criticisms of this car I've read about are: noisy ride, CVT noise, poor acceleration. I must disagree. We enjoyed our 2014 Forester, but disliked the infotainment/navigation system and the noisy, rough ride at highway speeds. We traded for the 2016 Crosstrek because it offers great ground clearance, because it drives more like a car than a taller SUV, resale value is superb and the exterior design is just cool--nothing like most boxier competitors. Comparing it to our 2014 Forester, Honda HRV and a few other small/compact/subcompact SUV's, the Crosstrek is far better. Price points for various trim levels are excellent. The ride both in town and on the highway is smooth, the interior is quiet (apparently Subaru made major improvement in NVH recently), the seats are extremely comfortable (even though no power seats or lumbar support are offered,) entry and exit are great with a high hip point, visibility is excellent and it's a nimble car to drive around town. We don't notice any CVT noise. Acceleration is smooth and non-eventful. Yes, more power would be nice, but we in no way feel challenged for lack of power--except occasionally when trying to pass in fast moving highway traffic. Most important is the Eyesight system. This has been upgraded since our 2014 Forester and each and every feature makes me wonder how anyone can live without it. The interior is not plush, but it beats the competition, ergonomics are excellent, and storage space in the back with seats up or down is more than competitive in its class. My only complaint so far is that the power steering feels very light and over boosted at all speed levels. Also I wish Subaru would make navigation an option on the Premium edition as it does with Eyesight. In short, with just a few quibbles, the Crosstrek is just the right size, looks great, drives well, provides a comfortable ride, it's versatile and Subaru's legendary quality and retained value sealed the deal for us.

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Edmunds review is wildly overly critical

Thomas R., 06/16/2016
updated 06/17/2020
2016 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
151 of 156 people found this review helpful

*four year update* Four year’s into owning this car and it has been a wonderful car to drive, every day. Still no mechanical problems to report. Everything still operates perfectly. Paint still looks good, interior looks great. No complaints. I still believe the lack of engine power complaints are bunk unless you are expecting it to be a pickup truck. That is foolishness of course. The crosstrek is a nimble, able and stalwart companion on dirt trails, smooth suburban roads and inner city streets. Great buy. *original post*The cons pointed out by edmunds above are not accurate and it's not even clear which vehicles have been compared to the Crosstrek. In the mini utility class of vehicles that get decent fuel mileagethe crosstreks engine power is actually comparable (see the Honda HRV for example) Okay edmunds, the crosstrek is underpowered if you're comparing it to say the jeep renegade, but the renegade also gets far worse mpg. Next, the sound system is absolutely fine unless you want to listen to classical and hear each breath of the first violinist between measures. it's not a Harmon Khardon system but then again were aren't rating a Mercedes or BMW. Lastly, edmunds acceleration critique makes it seem like the crosstrek barely outruns Barney rubble in the flinstones car which simply isn't true. There is plenty of power as I've survived many a Los Angeles highway and dusty backroad hazards. Come on edmunds, be a little less partial next time. After 3 years of ownership update: still a wonderful car; everything above still applies!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Great small SUV

cati2ude, 02/09/2016
2016 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
30 of 30 people found this review helpful

Okay, I have only driven this car a short time, but I have driven it for long periods at a time. I can say the Crosstrek has good acceleration; I have had no issues merging on to busy freeways. It has very responsive steering and braking; it's easy and really fun to drive. The audio system is fine; cd's sound good, am/fm could use improvement. The level of road noise is dependent on the quality of the road; less noise on a well paved road, more noise on rougher pavement. It's not loud enough to interfere with normal conversation. Many of the standard features on the Crosstrek are extras on other cars; power windows, heated seats, rear view camera, etc. I ordered the eyesight package for the added safety features. I am very happy with this purchase, but what I have noticed is that the drivers seat isn't the most comfortable when sitting for long periods. The seat back is fine and supportive, just the seat is a little too firm for my comfort. Maybe it will get more comfortable with time; maybe I buy a gel cushion. Also, a very minor thing, is that the trunk lid doesn't have enough weight to close well without a little extra muscle. Not a big deal, just know that it may not be closed completely unless you really slam it. Other than those two little observations, I am very pleased with the Crosstrek. I would buy it again and recommend it. <br><br>,br><br> P.S. I am updating this review a/o 2/10/16: I have been using the adaptive cruise control and have to share how awesome it is! I set the cruise at 55 mph with a two car length between my car and the car in front on a two lane road. Shortly I caught up to a delivery truck ahead going just 47 mph. The adaptive cruise control slowed my car to 47 mph and maintained the requested two car distance between us until we came to a stop light. At that time the engine slowed the car to zero without me having to apply the brake. Awesome, awesome, awesome feature. Other auto makers offer adaptive cruise control; I wanted to share my experience with it. This should be obvious, but just in case, the adaptive cruise control slowed the engine to zero because the car ahead slowed to a stop. Awesome feature, check it out.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

...and 3 make's us a 'subie family'

Jimie, 05/27/2016
updated 05/31/2019
2016 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
30 of 31 people found this review helpful

First, let me explain my title. We (up until about 2 weeks ago) owned 2 Subaru's and one Hyundai. I have always loved Subaru's but somehow ended up driving the Hyundai, my wife the Forrester (2014) and my daughter the Outback (2009) . My daughter will be entering college in 2 months so my wife and I thought it was about time to get her into a new vehicle that we could count on for her safety and security. Of course we started at Subaru and to be honest did not go any farther. The Crosstrek immediately became our car of choice. From the interior and engine to the AWD and Eyesight package this (for us at least) was a no brainer. We already know of the Subaru quality and of course I expect nothing less from this vehicle. Engine seems quiet (despite some reviews). The ride is very good for a small vehicle (again despite some reviews). The power of the engine is just fine unless I guess you plan on drag-racing! The interior really nice as it appears Subaru added a few more 'classy' touches to the standard Subie package. Very easy to get in and out of as well as being comfortable. The eyesight package was an added bonus (mostly for the wife and I as it made (us) feel more safe for (her)). The AWD is always a plus on any type of roadway but especially wet and/or snowy. We are all very pleased with the car...and the best part is I got rid of the Hyundai and get my daughters 2009 Outback with 60,000 miles! YEAH!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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