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Used 2017 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Limited PZEV SUV Review

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Limited PZEV SUV.

5 star(78%)
4 star(11%)
3 star(11%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
4.7 out of 5 stars
9 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

5 out of 5 stars

2017 Hyper Blue with moon roof and eyesight

Jolly, Fayetteville, NC, 07/03/2017
2017 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
I wanted a small economy car with something extra. Over the last 20 years I have owned a jeep, F250 diesel, an expedition and a ford mustang.I prefer driving from more of a siting position in a jeep / truck than laying down like in a mustang and like a good view I get with my truck. I travel for business a lot and have driven ever 4 cylinder rentals for years and have hated them. The … thought of looking for small and economic wasn't something I was thrilled about. I did a lot of research and came across the crosstrek. I watched videos of the car in snow and dirt and it sold me and I went out and test drove it. I like the feel and suspension, it seamed healthy, stout and something more than it was. My test drive was short but I liked it. I did a lot of research after on the car after I test drove it and heard the complaints,,,cheaply made, slow, crapy stereo nd road noise. After a month drove it again looking for these things and finally bought one with all the trims for 3K under MSRP. Drove it for a weekend on a trip put 500 miles on it and love it. This is my wife's primary and now I drive her mustang giving my truck a break. After the trip this is what I have determined. Radio gets some complaints,,,,mine is great. Best sound system I have ever had stocked. Driving and steering is great, easy no effort and smooth. Bumps and pot holes are not bad, suspension handles it without breaking your jaw, road noise, yeah a little high but I drive a diesel so no issues and have no problem talking to my wife. I guess 2017 they worked on it some. The eyesight is amazing, while on cruise control a car cut me off,,it is what those people from VA do. The car slowed, got to distance and then picked up speed to where it was set. While at a street light, eyesight saw the car in front on me move and told me to get me moving :) I hate 4 cylinder cars,,,,this one I love it and wish I could afford two! There are tons of complaints on pick up and RPMS, In town I have no issues, the little beastie gets to 35 quick and then kind of lags a little. Getting on to highways is slow and so is passing but once your up to speed I had no issues up to 80 and the RPMS were at 2500. In VA I see a lot of crosstreks, not so many in NC but the ones in VA are mostly in the fast lane :) While this isn't the mustang it does what it should and it's fine for me. I have driven a lot of 4 cylinders that did a lot worse over the years. Overall the car is a simple build, interior is basic but I think it will last and the orange stitching is a nice touch. Just be advised on rainy days eyesight doesn't work and neither does that navigation LOL but works on my cell so I don't care. I love my truck,,,,,and love this car to. It isn't my truck but enjoy driving it just the same and to be honest,,,,,I enjoy driving this a hell of a lot more than our mustang. I have never cared enough to write a car review,,,,but the little beastie deserves some praise with all negatives I have read. Funny even the negative reviews all say it is a great car LOL. Will see in 100,000 miles what it does but my hyper blue gives me faith it will last along time rjolly8@nc.rr.com
5 out of 5 stars

Happy

Happy Buyer, McMinnville, OR, 02/06/2017
2017 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
The car is very new for me, and I've driven only about 250 miles so far, but so far I am happy because the car is both capable and has some personality. Mine is crystal white with black leather interior and I love the appearance. It makes me feel happy to walk up to it in the parking lot because it is really cute, and the interior is also attractive. The orange stitching on the seats … give the interior a little style; the navigation is bright and clear; and the moonroof keeps it feeling open and airy inside; and the interior is overall logical. The handling is excellent. I've driven in snow on roads where some cars are sliding and my car was driving along just fine. I haven't had issues with acceleration and have been driving 65 mph on the highway without problems. The gas mileage seems quite good and the gas tank seems to be big enough as I still have half a tank of gas after going about 250 miles. The Eyesight and other safety features also give me a feeling of security. Visibility is also great. There are just a few negatives that I've noticed so far. The biggest negative I've noticed is that the bottom cushion of the driver's seat is too hard. The back of the seat and headrest are actually very comfortable so it's really just the bottom. I also wish that the seat could be adjusted electrically instead of manually. The other thing that I would change is the placement of the buttons for the seat warmers. When driving, I have to reach behind and feel around to try to find it or look back for it. Other than the padding in the bottom of the seat, the lack of electric adjustment to the seat and the placement of the heat seater button, I really am happy with this beautiful and capable car. 7/6/17 Update: I continue to be very happy with my car. I love driving it. I like the adaptive cruise control on the highway as well as the little beeper that lets me know if the car in front of me moves when waiting at a traffic light for a while. The seats even became much more comfortable after a few months of use. I have, however, had a few issues with the connection to Audible on my iphone dropping and I really don't know why this happens. Overall, though, very happy with my car and would buy the exact same car if I were to do it again!
4 out of 5 stars

Two Years 28K miles. Like a Favorite Pair of Jeans

AWD Behavior, Torrance, CA, 03/25/2019
2017 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
I have always driven economy compact and subcompact cars. So the engine performance with the Crosstrek doesn't disappoint me. I find it acceptable. My average fuel economy over the 28K miles has been 26 MPG, which is about the same as I had gotten with a Pontiac Vibe, and that is a smaller, lower riding, two wheel drive car. I am not disappointed with the Crosstrek's economy. The higher … ride height coupled with great outward visibility creates an amazing driving experience. I always want to be driving, even if I don't have anywhere in particular to go, I just love driving this thing. The HVAC system is logically setup with large rotary controls that have a high quality movement as you twist them. The air-conditioner works good in the desert climate where I live. The heater and windshield defogger work good in winter here, and in the snow up in the mountains. The backup camera displays a very good, clear image of whats behind you, and paired with rear cross traffic alert. really makes backing up less stressful. I LOVE the Eyesight system! I use it everyday commuting to work on the freeway and city streets. Doing my own oil changes is simple with the oil filter on top of the motor, and I installed a Fumoto valve to replace the oil plug. My Crosstrek is Crystal White Pearl, and I have no issues with paint quality. In fact it is a beautiful pearl when kept washed and waxed. For having a small footprint, the Crosstrek is roomy and airy inside. Negatives are a windshield that chips easy, and headlights that are crap. I replaced my headlights with LED's, much, much better now. So, just like a favorite pair of jeans, I always want to be in it. I am ready to take on the day, and whatever the weather and road conditions dish out.
5 out of 5 stars

New Subaru Crosstrek

AnnM, Las Vegas, NV, 11/29/2017
2017 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
It's a really great car; I love that it is so roomy and comfortable for a small SUV. It handles REALLY well in the rain and mud due to the standard AWD. I haven't gone off-road much but the little that I have done, the car has handled very well, as expected. Really LOVE the sun visors with their extensions, which block the sun when I'm heading east in the morning and west in the … afternoon. Other things to know: Gas mileage is a bit tricky and takes some practice to make sure you get the mileage you expect. Lights and wipers work the opposite as they did in my previous car (Ford), and figuring out how the heating and cooling works with the 3 knobs has taken a little practice. And this new vehicle has way more electronics than my prior vehicle so it is an ongoing learning process. Overall, it is a great vehicle that I am enjoying driving and hope to have for a long time.

Edmunds Summary Review of the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Limited PZEV SUV

Pros & Cons

  • Pro:All-wheel drive and tall profile combine for strong off-road ability
  • Pro:Offers adult-sized front and rear legroom and headroom
  • Pro:Achieves good fuel economy for a rugged all-wheel-drive car
  • Pro:Big hatchback utility means room for loads of lifestyle gear
  • Con:Underperforming engine makes Crosstrek one of slowest in class
  • Con:CVT exacerbates the engine's droning sounds
  • Con:Infotainment interface isn't as user-friendly as many competitors'


Which Crosstrek does Edmunds recommend?

If you can handle a manual transmission, get a 2.0i Premium and add the EyeSight safety system and upgraded touchscreen infotainment package. This saves you from the disappointing continuously variable transmission (CVT) experience but still brings niceties such as heated front seats and infotainment voice controls. Even with the CVT, though, we feel the Premium gives you the most flexibility for getting the features you want. You might want to spring for the optional speaker upgrade, too, because we've found the base systems to be underwhelming.

Full Edmunds Review: 2017 Subaru Crosstrek SUV

What’s new

For 2017, the Subaru Crosstrek offers a new trim level, the 2.0i Premium Special Edition. Highlights include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and ambient cabin lighting. The Crosstrek Hybrid has been discontinued.

Vehicle overview

There's a lot to like about the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek. It offers standard all-wheel drive, a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, and a roomy interior and cargo area. If you're an outdoor person and you don't like trucks or tall SUVs, or you live in snowy, slippery winter weather, it's a compelling choice. At its core, the Crosstrek is a more rugged version of the Subaru Impreza, with a beefed-up suspension, higher ground clearance and trail-ready styling. You can even get it with a manual transmission if you prefer commanding your own gear changes.

For 2017, the Crosstrek carries over largely unchanged from the current model, with the exception of a new trim level — 2.0i Premium Special Edition — that adds a few desirable features and cosmetic upgrades from the Premium trim.

Despite its all-weather and off-road capability, the Crosstrek isn't the first pint-sized crossover we'd recommend. An underpowered four-cylinder engine makes it one of the slowest among its competitors that we've tested, requiring almost 10 seconds from 0 to 60 mph — and that's with an empty cargo area and no traveling companions. The Crosstrek's noisy automatic transmission is also annoying, especially under hard acceleration when it fills the cabin with a loud drone.

If you spend most of your drive time on urban/suburban roads, better options include the Honda HR-V or Mazda CX-3. The Jeep Renegade is also a capable small crossover with bonafide off-road chops if you get the Trailhawk model. But if you're looking for an inexpensive and fuel-efficient (29 mpg combined) hatchback that you can regularly get dirty off the beaten path, the Subaru Crosstrek is a solid pick.

2017 Subaru Crosstrek models

The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is available in four trim levels: 2.0i, 2.0i Premium, 2.0i Premium Special Edition and 2.0i Limited. All trims come with all-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (148 horsepower, 145 pound-feet of torque). The 2.0i covers all the basics, while the 2.0i Premium adds nice touches such as heated seats and an upgraded stereo. The 2.0i Platinum Special Edition offers a few feature and cosmetic upgrades, and the 2.0i Limited introduces leather upholstery and the top-end infotainment system.

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Highlights for the 2.0i include a five-speed manual transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, roof rails, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, a 6.2-inch touchscreen display, smartphone app integration (including Pandora, iHeartRadio and other music services), and a four-speaker audio system. Hill hold assist is also included.

The 2.0i Premium adds heated side mirrors, heated front seats, an adjustable center armrest, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a cargo cover, a removable cargo tray and a six-speaker audio system.

There are a handful of options for the 2.0i Premium, including a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a sunroof, a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, the EyeSight Driver Assist system (bundles adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and front collision mitigation), Starlink connected services (roadside and emergency assistance, automatic collision notification), and an upgraded infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, dual USB ports, voice control, satellite radio and all the base system's features.

The upgraded infotainment system requires opting for EyeSight, and the sunroof is only available with the CVT.

Moving up to the new 2.0i Platinum Special Edition (note that it can also be considered an optional package from an ordering standpoint) gets you special exterior and interior styling details, the sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Finally, the 2.0i Limited builds on the 2.0i Premium with the CVT, automatic headlights, a sound-insulated windshield, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, upgraded gauges and instruments, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Depending on the trim level, other notable options include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a navigation system and upgraded sound-system speakers.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Premium (2.0L 4-cyl.; CVT). Our findings remain applicable to this year's Crosstrek.

Driving

3.0
The Crosstrek is a sure-footed machine with coordinated steering, handling and brakes. It's quite capable in snow and on dirt roads, too. But the engine isn't powerful, and the continuously variable transmission's tendency to keep it revving high only underscores that fact.

Comfort

3.0
The Crosstrek is comfortable enough in many respects. It delivers a smoother ride than its high stance suggests, and its seats are reasonably accommodating. But this is not a particularly quiet car, with abundant powertrain noise when accelerating and wind and road noise while cruising.

Interior

3.5
The Crosstrek offers a decent amount of head- and legroom front and rear. The cockpit is adjustable enough for the driver to settle into a comfortable position that gives a good view of the outside, but some controls are easier to use than others.

Utility

3.0
The Crosstrek's utility is solid but stacks up differently depending how you compare it. It can tote more than similarly priced subcompact crossover rivals such as the Jeep Renegade and Mazda CX-3, but it lags behind pricier compact crossover SUVs including the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5.

Technology

3.0
The Crosstrek's smartphone convenience features make it look reasonably competitive on paper. But in reality it's missing some of the latest tech and what it does have feels a generation old. The opposite is true of the optional EyeSight driver aid suite, which works quite well.

Edmunds Insurance Estimator

The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek in Ohio is:

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