this is the first time i've ever heard "droped the manual in europe and kept it in the US" lol

I just acquired a 2018 Crosstrek after trading in my 2015 Crosstrek for it, and there's only one point in this video I would disagree with. That point is that I absolutely find thrills in driving my new car. However, they are different thrills from the ones I used to find when I had a Mustang GT or my Mazda Miata. What I find thrilling in the Crosstrek is seeing a dirt road and being able to say, "Hey, let's see what's down that way!" instead of just glancing wistfully as I drive by. I was quite thrilled to be able to drive my 2015 right out onto the beach at the cape on Hatteras Island instead of having to park on the pavement and trudge through the hot sand. I'm also very thrilled every time I can look back on a fun day of driving through the country roads (paved and dirt) of West Virginia and then realize I still have gas left in the tank :D Great video summary of the Crosstrek, thanks for sharing it :)

The eternal dilemma of car buying - wait for the unproven, next year generation with better tech; or buy the previous generation with proven components.

Manual in the US, automatic in Europe? Are they mad?

I miss the old Subaru where they'd throw the Wrx motor in everything (Legacy, Forester, ect.) this car deperately needs more power.

I already liked the Crosstrek. The 2018 just seems like an amazing package. If I was buying a new practical car in the next year, this would be it. Bravo Subaru.

I just purchased my 2018 Crosstrek with 53k miles on it, felt like a brand new vehicle. Started to adjust to my driving habits and now fits me like a glove. The acceleration is decent and good enough for me to safely pass anyone on the highway or merge onto a fast paced highway easily. It’s comfortable and quiet. I am not sure what you mean by there’s no excitement with the way it drives, it drives just fine. We are not at Le Mans 😑🤣

So Better trans Better engine Better chassis Better suspension Better tech Sounds like you should trade up Lel for not being a sports car you seemed to enjoy this one alot

The new infotainment system is why I went with the new Impreza. It's worlds beyond the old systems Subaru's used in the past.

Thanks for the review. I just bought a 2020 6sp MT Premium Crosstrek and I couldn't have said it better. This is a great daily driver, having the manual was a highlight for me, it gives you that much more connection to the driving experience and with the 4 wheel drive, cargo capacity, 27-30 MPG and 5 star safety rating for under $27,000 all in...it's easily one of the best values anywhere.

Thanks for the informative and objective review. We bought a 2016 Crosstrek on an impulse buy, and ended up LOVING it! Like it so much, even though the 2018 is improved in many ways, no way we could trade it in on a new one.

I picked up a Sunshine orange '18 about 3 weeks ago. I'm 6'7" and absolutely amazed at how I fit in the front seat. My last ride was a 4 cyl automatic (had to be auto or I grinded my shins into the firewall!) '97 Wrangler, so this Crosstrek is a roomy speed demon compared to my Jeep! Have to say I love your videos. Keep it up man! Thanks.

Coming up next. Engineering Explained adds turbo charger and upgrades suspension components of his 2016 Crosstrek to make it better than the 2018 model.

They need to bring back the WRX hatch. The used prices on those show there is pent up demand for a new one.

I just purchased a 2023 Crosstrek Limited, which is the final year that the 2nd gen Crosstrek will be built. The larger 2.5L engine with 30 additional horsepower and torque which became available on the Sport and Limited trims starting in 2021 really helped the Crosstrek. Great cars.

This is the review I have been looking for! My new commute will be roughly 130 miles round trip so I have been heavily researching the subaru lineup and have been debating between the Legacy and Crosstrek. This video may have made my decision for me.

I dont understand why they dont offer the Crosstrak as a manual in Europe.. People here dont like automatics, yet they refuse to give us this existing transmission.

Thank you Subaru for keeping the manual transmissions! at least in the US lol

Ooooh man! You really study your stuff! And respect your audience! Thank you

I have the Premium trim 2018 Crosstrek. Always really wanted one, test drove one in early 2016 and it didn't end up working out. Bought my 2018, then, last August after my mom totaled her Forester and was amazingly protected from any major injury. I have about 6500 miles on it now and I am loving it. Great handling, fuel economy and infotainment, just an all around fantastic car. Hoping I can keep it (problem free) for years to come.

All the reasons mentioned are why I’m happy with my 2019 base manual...but 30 more hp would be perfect!

Had anyone noticed that the text that appears on the video (top left) for each improvement indicates 6. infotainment/audio 4:48 and also 9. infotainment/audio 6:46.

I love my 2016, too. Hope I can avoid temptation for a couple of years at least! Great review. Your point of view is unique in the automotive review world, and totally aligns with mine.

I just got a new 2018 pearl white crosstrek premium and I really like the smooth suspension and the stereo system. So far loving the car. Previous car 2007 Mazda CX7 awd.

Number 9 is not labeled right I think.

Wait. Removed manual from Europe but it's still available in America, which is notorious for their "lack of" manual driving skills? - I don't understand, Subaru... Edit: I have to edit this. In Switzerland you can get the 6 gear manual transmission if you get the 2.0i or 2.0d engine. Probably because Subaru is quite successfully selling their cars there? Well I know that Subarus are popular there for sure. So my guess is it's only for selected countries?

Thank you for the details in your review, very helpful as I was looking at a 2016 but I will now look at the 2018 based on your information!

recently got a 2017 used and I'm loving it. There are some quirks to work out but im hooked.

Was testing cars yesterday and actually bought the 2018 model. I was thoroughly impressed with this Crosstrek

"If the sides were wider, it'd be easier to slide it in" ;)

This is one of the videos that i watched before buying my 2018 over the 2017. Thank you.

Great video! I hope Subaru sends you a present for your informative review. You have a typo in section 9 of the video. I like how they have improved the power issues which were very noticeable during passing events both in city and highway settings. We went with a Kia Forte in 2016 and will be considering a trade now!

Just sell your old crosstrek and go for the new one with i-sight. Worth it My friend did the same and he can tell there is at least 40% difference

The only reason I've not upgraded my 2011 Legacy is Subaru stopped offering higher trim packages with the manual transmission. I really don't understand why they do that...

Picked up a 2018 Crosstrek last week. It has many improvements and a great all around vehicle.

awesome video. I'm also looking at a crosstrek as my next vehicle. the appeal of a manual trans coupled with the AWD system is a HUGE plus for me.

I have a 17 Impreza sport and it's on the same platform. I love it. Very slow in a straight line but handles amazing. And it's my first car.

Subaru really made huge improvements throughout with the 2018 Crosstrek! I would normally choose the manual and usually wouldn't even think about the CVT when a manual is offered. However, I would choose the CVT in this for no other reason than to get X-Mode, which provides Hill Decent Control and what is essentially low-range for off-roading, going up steep inclines with loose terrain and ice surfaces, getting through really deep snow, etc..

I just purchased a new 2019 Impreza Base 5MT and I love it, the global platform is very good.

Love your videos 👍 They dropped the manual transmission in Australia too

+Engineering Explained - I would like to see a comparison to the VW Golf Alltrack. It has a much more peppy engine that is hard to not like. The Subaru 2.0 N/A is so underwhelming to the point of poking my eyes out. I drove it for 5 minutes and returned it to the dealer and was like not a chance in the world you could sell that to me. Subaru: 152 hp, 145 lb tq - 33 mpg highway VW Golf Alltrack: 170 hp, 199 lb tq - 32 mpg highway Both AWD, both have raised suspensions over their sibling variants. Both have automatics and manual transmission options. For me personally, the new Gen 3 1.8 TSI engine found in the VW is far superior to the new 2.0 N/A engine in the Subaru line-up. And both use their company's new global chassis. Please do a comparison video!

Am i living in a dystopian future where i have to live in fear of the extinction of manuals and v8s?

I bought the new 2018 crosstrek, getting it this week. So excited.

I've had my '18 for a month. Given that I wanted a manual, I went with the premium, and therefore couldn't get the HK audio. I did get the Rockford Fosgate upgrade, and it does sound very good.

I want the high end stereo & a manual transmission!!

Well, I suspect that Subaru sales will continue to rise steadily for the foreseeable future.

I have a 2018 Crosstrek Sport and some of the options mentioned are in the sport package (steering adapative headlights for one) or available for add on. It's a great car and I so happy with my purchase.

Just got my 2018 premium Crosstrek ! Love it !

New drinking game: take a shot everytime Jason says "you know"

This would appeal to a lot more people if they would just put a detuned version of the fa20dit in there, and call it the crosstrek xt!!!

As someone with a 2016 Impreza, I was especially interested in hearing _your_ opinion about this car, because most reviewers just focus on how nice everything looks, the better sound system, and how its all based on the new global platform. They don't say anything else that's really useful when compared to previous years, especially regarding the manual. I feel a little bit resentful that I don't have the 2017 model.

Thanks for this comparison! I'm actually on the fence between the 2018 Crosstrek and the 2018 Subaru Forester...I do light off-road, 90% city driving for mainly 2 adults...sometimes 4 adults.

Igual wander... How come Honda had a 240HP 2.0 i4 in 2000 and 17 years later we are not getting even 100HP per litre?

how did they kept the manual in america and sell automatic only in europe?

I love the way you approached this review. Most reviews of this type car I see are done by people (including you) that drive sports cars or cars verging on super cars etc. Then they expect every car/crossover/suv to have the most sporty transmission, tightest stearing, and able to throw the back of the car out through every corner... You approach this as the car it is, "it can get up to speed easily to get on the highway and overtake, but it's not an exciting drive". And I appreciated how you almost mocked it at the end. No one buys a crosstrek to drag race their friends haha

thanks for the very informative review. You hit on all the spots of interest.

Subaru needs to make a Crosstrek XT with the WRX motor. That thing would sell like crazy.

Here's my "beef" with Subaru; I love them.. Love my forester 6m (2015). However; Subaru falls "flat" with their engines (pun intended). Good engines; decent power. However; if Subaru can offer a 2.0 non turbo in the cross trek, why not offer a "performance" version with the WRX 2.0 turbo? As well, why offer a 2.5 170 hp in the Forester and then offer the 2.0 as the only engine options? Subaru needs a "midrange" flat 4 that is normally aspirated (for fuel mileage) yet puts out around 200 hp.

Breathaking & Congrats 👍 for your stunning explanation of the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek😊💪👍👌👊👏👐

I bought a Crosstrek Limited last year and it has been an absolute dream.

This Fall, it will be: "10 Reasons I should've waited for the 2019..."

I thought he said the Virginity of this car has been totally RENEWED... 🤣🤣🤣

Thanks for the details. Rode in a new Impreza vs the older version recently. Truly night and day difference. Hope the new lighter engine doesn't eat itself or oil like the last generation.

great video! seems like they did improve their formula, no wonder i see them all over the road

Turbo Crosstrek when?

do a video about runaway diesels

Well done review. I hope you enjoyed your time in the Black Hills.

Awesome video! I was thinking of buying a crosstrek because I go to school in Morgantown WV and the roads are terrible here so I need a practical AWD vehicle. I think you may have sold me on it!

You want boring? Drive my 04’ Outback. Looking at Crosstreks, but having no car payments for the last 10 or so years has been nice. Hmmmm

The driving range for commuting is fine, but on long drives I drink enough coffee that I cannot go 500+ miles on my tank.

Very comprehensive review. Nice one Sir!

I traded up from a Kia Forte and have absolutely zero regrets. I was getting 38 mpg in the forte and I get 34 in my crosstrek. I love the storage capacity and safety and the way it drives.

It would be cool to see an STI trim level for the Crosstrek I think.

Trade it in :)

Great review. I test drove a wrx with a CTV, the Crt is really good. A friend has a crosstrek and he loves it. This looks better. I will definitely look at this when my current lease expires.

Dayum! This was the LAST thing I needed to see. I even like your color choice. Good review.

Never buy the first model year of any vehicle. Give them some time to iron out the kinks

Wait, what? 5 speed in a 2016 Car?

I've had my 2018 for 3 weeks now, and I love it. I test drove the 2016 and liked it. I held off until they made the changes or I found something better. It was definitely worth the wait. Fuel economy is slightly better than EPA ratings. There's very few things about the Crosstrek that feel anything less than solid.

Bought my "18 XV (= Crosstrek) a couple of months ago. I absolutely love it! Awesome vehicle. Not super powerful but it's got all you need, especially if you want to avoid speeding fines. It handles better on 225/65/18 tyres than my previous 2006 Liberty (= Legacy) 3.0R on 215/45/17s, and despite a lot less power, is more fun to drive around town.

just trade yours in...

One reason your outgoing model is better: that hyper blue tho

Just leased a 2019 Crosstrek LTD and I love it , it's got plenty of power, I'm not going to win any burnout contest but it goes just fine and it handles well and it's very easy to drive. Compared to my Roush Mustang it's a dog but we didn't get it to race. I can't think of anything I don't like about

The 2nd gen fits bigger tires. It's available with a 2.5L now. It has a temp gauge now. It lost the rear bumper cutout for a foglight or hitch. It still doesn't offer the manny-tranny with a sunroof...or the powerful motor. It still can't "lock" the center diff. Until I can get an affordable replacement at any autoparts store, I don't want factory LED lights.

No trolling here. I have owned my new 2018 Crosstrek for a week now and absolutely glad I traded the Rav4 for the Subaru. The Crosstrek's safety features is way ahead of Toyota Rav4, gas mileage and travel range is far greater, the AWD system is superior, the handling/cornering is far better. Try a Crosstrek before you buy a Rav4. Sorry Toyota fans, like I said in a post earlier I have and owned Toyota's for over 35 years and will sing their praises but the Rav4 AWD system sucks! Toyota needs to step up how their AWD system works in my professional opinion.

Please review the 2018 Camry 4 cylinder

Jason - great review - I have a 2013 and 2016 Crosstrek - would buy the '18 before anything else based on the cost of ownership (zero issues on both cars to date). Won't win any time trials but I have found that both cars can merge effectively onto the highway without a struggle. Can carry more than you might think in these cars. All round - as you say - ultra-reliable, fuel efficient - albeit a bit boring - daily driver.

I've had my 2023 Premium six-speed for 2 1/2 months, and aside from tire noise from the G91 Geolandars I really like it.

The 2016 Crosstrek looks so much better from the outside !

152 hp? Still so slow. The forester xt turbo is the only way to go. Yes I know, no manual but 250 hp in the xt wins that argument.

We bought the 2018 Crosstrek in the cool grey khaki for my wife back in the summer of 2018 with the mid tier upgrade package. No complaints so far my wife loves the car.

Great review.....punchy and to the point.....I've got a 2017 and love it.....feels like a sports car....super cheap to run.......but jeeeeez.....I like the upgrades...........greetings from Straya

The styling of this doesn't look as good as the previous Crosstrek. The lines of this doesn't match the lifted rigged look.

why would anyone want a 150hp crosstrek?

Can't wait to pick mine up already!!

Just purchased a 2018. It's awesome!!!!!!

Even as an owner of a Crosstrek, I still don't really get why it is so dang popular. It sucks at many things. Namely power and towing. I turn on the AC and feel my car drop HP like it's a disease.

EE uploading videos or "How americans are discovering the beauty of driving with a stick"...Funny that in other countries we've been driving with manual gearbox since you learn how to drive. Congrats Jason.

Nice new video. I'm about to order a 2018 Crosstrek this week. I really wish the LED headlights and upgraded 8" headunit/speakers were offered in the "Premium" model as I dislike leather seats.

I bought a new 2018 Subaru XV (Crosstrek) a month ago after much review watching/reading and test drives and I'm very happy I did. The interior is spacious and comfortable. Living here in Sydney, Australia our roads are very average so the ride in the Subaru is comfortable. Acceleration is more than adequate in city/suburban settings and the steering is light, responsive and confident. The CV transmission (we don't have the manual option but there are paddles if you're into that) is solid though tends to need high revs for a change in the upper gears. I've recently taken it out onto motorways and highways that included significantly steep inclined mountain climbs and, even though it had to work at it, the Subaru did keep up with other cars doing 100+ kph but I was conscious of not letting the revs go too high for the first 1,000km of its life. Everything worked well - the sat. nav., the music system, the a/c, lane departure (which can be turned off), voice recognition and brakes. I haven't used the cruise control yet as I'm wanting a change in speeds and revs to help the engine settle in. Another trip outside the city limits also had the same results and the XV (Crosstrek) had a respectable 6L/100km fuel economy.