I looked at the Niro because I was coming from a Kia vehicle that I liked a lot. To start with it is a hybrid which is a whole nuther ballgame. It is also low and not at all an SUV or Crossover. It is not 4 wheel drive. I would think if you want what a Crosstrek can offer then there is no comparison. The Niro is all new technology for Kia. And as much as I like Kias, they are horrible on resale or trade. Just the opposite with any Subaru.

 

Yes, I understand these 2 cars are pretty much different but if AWD, or resale/trade, or height ( i know its more of a hatch vs suv) did not matter, could you see if a Niro is more than compatible?
You also being from Florida also know we don't need the AWD as much and with our constant heat we shouldn't see any dip of mpg due to cold.

 

Really not a good comparison. I'd have a used sub over ANY new Kia.

 

Could you tell me why? With some facts besides resale value?

 

Not really a choice that anyone can make for you. We don't know your needs, wants, or preferences. If the Kia is more within your price range and does what you need it to do, maybe it's the right car for you. If you really want the Crosstrek and can afford it, then I'd say go that direction.

But honestly, I've never understood people who join a forum for a specific vehicle, and then ask whether they should buy a very different vehicle. I mean, what answer could you possibly expect a forum full of people, who liked the Crosstrek enough to join a forum just for it, to give? Of course we're going to say Crosstrek.

 

I know exactly where I am asking this because I want to hear the reasons why Crosstrek over the Niro. I honestly like the Crosstrek more in terms of looks and reliability, but things like push button, no back vents, no back seat cupholder unless you go to the top limited trim. Just trying to see if someone can tell me something that I have not looked at or thought about that can sway me to getting a Crosstrek.

 

I'm confused that you are comparing the Crosstrek to a hybrid Niro? They are two very different vehicles with very different designs.

Let me ask you a question first Data14: Why do you want a Crosstrek? By that I mean what is it about the Crosstrek that makes you desire it? Because if you are considering a Niro instead of a Crosstrek then that makes me really wonder why you are looking at the Crosstrek in the first place? :undecided:

 

TE]


I didn't want the Crosstrek until this 2018 came out. I did like the look of it before but it was too small and felt cramped inside, but the 2018 changes make it feel better and different. Other reasons why I desire it is because I hear of its great reliability, it has a good ride height especially for getting in and out of the vehicle.
Then they just added android auto which is a must for me now, then the gas mileage is pretty good for a AWD vehicle and I thought I wanted an AWD vehicle but figured it is just a bonus tool that I would only be able to really make use of it on rare occasions. Then its utilitarian uses as well for the trunk spacing, passenger spacing, overall space with seats down.

I don't see as much a difference in the Crosstrek and Niro though, Similar spacing, similar suv style cladding, similar tech. Yes ride height is different but neither are at the sedan lower levels. Price and having all the little things I want are what makes me turn Niro. If money wasn't an issue I would get the Crosstrek without a seconds thought.

 

It is snowing in Tallahassee:
It’s snowing in Florida’s capital for the first time since 1989 | Tampa Bay Times

 

I can only give you my reasons for choosing the Crosstrek:

1. Manual Transmission

2. AWD

3. Manual Transmission

4. Manual Transmission

5. Orange color.

Oh, did I mention I wanted a Manual Transmission?

 

I think we both had the same shopping list when we bought our Crosstreks.

 

Honestly if MPG and initial cost is that big of a factor and you don't need AWD or ground clearance, I would just get the Niro.

 

I was cross-shopping between the Kia Niro, Jeep Renegade and the Crosstrek. I test drove all three and they all seemed pretty good for what I wanted. I'll admit my first choice was the Renegade, but built up with the options I wanted it ended up being $3-4k more than a comparable Crosstrek, and that's for a stickshift version, not even for a Trailhawk. Not to mention the questionable reliability of FCA products and terrible resale of anything that isn't a Wrangler or Grand Cherokee. The Niro is a pretty good value for what you get, will obviously have amazing fuel economy, but I wanted something with a smidgen more offroad capability. So I went with the Crosstrek. It'll be arriving in a couple weeks. For the price you get quite a number of features and the resale value should be the best of the three.

 

When I shopped around---starting in January 2017!!---I narrowed it down to Kia Niro, Kia Sportage, and Crosstrek.

I loved how the Sportage rode: I could not hear any road noise and could hardly feel any bumps. (2017 Crosstrek failed me for just these reasons)

I had high hopes for the Niro, but it's too damn noisy and you can def feel every little crack in the road. That, plus the fact that it was a first year model for Kia, steered me away.

2018 Crosstrek improved over teh 2017 considerably: much better ride and less noise. Plus, it builds on a new platform (but the same as the Impreza, so NOT new)..

My 2 cents.

 

Interesting question, objective opinions are rarely given on an automotive enthusiasts board. It sounds like the OP doesn't really need the attributes of a Crosstrek but prefers the look. It also sounds like price point is more important. Let me add that lowest price doesn't always lead to the best overall purchase. As you have acknowledged, the Subaru holds a distinct advantage in resale value. While generally ignored at purchase time, when it does come time to tade in or sell, the resale value will contribute to an overall lower cost of ownership. I can't speak to Subaru's reliability or that of Kia's, but even if on par, I can say the build quality of the Subaru fairs top notch. The Kia's I have (albeit rental cars)seem to be cheaply made and that is an important factor to me. As others have said, only you can decide what works for you, price wise and utility wise, do your research, take some test drives and do what works for you, which may not be what works for me.....Good Luck in which ever way you go.

 

Kinda off-topic, but I have to say, I drove a Kia Soul (green to boot) rental when I was in San Antonio and I was very impressed with it. It was a nice driving, fun little car. Now I love my Crosstrek, but I would not be unhappy to buy and drive a Soul again if I had the disposable income and the garage/drive-way space. I also read an article (Consumer Reports I think, so of course grain of salt) that listed the Niro as being statistically the most reliable model in the Kia line-up, and Kia itself having very decent reliability stats. More on-topic: To the OP, count me as another to whom it sounds as if your only real interest in the Crosstrek is in the looks department (which does not surprise me one bit), and you don't really need the more substantial capabilities that the Crosstrek brings to the table. In that case, have you looked at the Impreza? It has the majority of the Crosstrek's looks, and it's great AWD if you need it (like when a hurricane washes out roads... I lived in Naples for a few years ), but a smaller sticker price which will allow a higher trim level. If it's definitely a no on the Impreza (I'd still advise taking a look though), then based on what I've read in this thread my advice would have to be to buy the Niro. You mostly going to see your own vehicle from the inside, not the outside, and your MPG and entertainment desires at a more attainable sticker price are going to help you avoid buyer's remorse or frustration with having to pay for features on a vehicle that you don't need or use. I don't use the ground clearance or AWD very often, but when I do, they come in very handy, like when I drive out on the beach down home or when I'm bombing dirt roads and light trails in WVA, NoVA or the Shenandoah Valley. For me the choice was easy. You just need to decide what is more important for you, the looks or the price.

 

Looks aside I do like the comfort and noise reduction is the 2018, then comes in the ride height and outward visibility that is definitely pleasing. As for the Impreza i would have to said a hard no on that due to the ride height being comparable to a sedan which I am trying to get away from also the body cladding is not the same (Crosstrek still looks way better:icon_e_smile. You are right about those washed out roads especially with our last hurricane but, needing it 5% of the time the car, Im just not sure if that is enough to sway me into getting it. I also saw that from Consumer Reports and wasnt quite sure how to take that but, also made me look at the Niro just a bit more.
If the Premium only had push button, seat cup holders, the better headlights and those sexy rims on the Limited it would be a no brainer for me. Still back to the drawing board and hoping to see 0% sometime this year on the limited and at 27k OTD lol.

 

Data,

You are perfectly right to be asking all the questions you have. I know nothing about the Niro. This is my first Subaru after owning Toyota's, Honda's and more expensive cars.
The Crosstrek is a wonderful car to drive. The fit and finish is excellent and the utility end of it is great as well. All of the controls are where they should be, the boot while not big, can swallow up a decent amount of stuff.
Visibility from the drivers seat is excellent. For a $25-$30k car it rides exceedingly well and has low cabin noise on the whole. Although I purchased a Limited, without a heart beat I would purchase the Premium if that was my financial decision.

No one can say what you should buy but, we can offer you all the reasons why we are happy with what we did purchase.
Best of luck with your decision and Happy Motoring. Btw..those trips to the mountains in a Crosstrek....you be smiling

 

Thank you and that is exactly what I am looking for, people's opinion/experience with the Crosstrek. Yes, I already thought about how the Crosstrek will do in the mountains and hoped it would be everything I expected. Last Halloween went to a cabin in Blue Ridge in a XT5 FWD and was really scared going up and down the cabin due to slipping on road because of its incline and gravel.
I would buy the Premium if it only had a few more things, such as push button start and those better headlights.

Quick question on your experience, first off how tall are you and how has it been on longer drives?

 

Back when I was car shopping, I was at a Kia dealer looking at the Sportage AWD when the Niro caught my eye and intrigued me, so I test drove it. I knew in my mind that I was shopping for a high seating position,
very maneuverable vehicle with AWD, but I wanted to test drive the Niro for fun and giggles.

I liked it. The Niro is an easy driving, very maneuverable and comfortable car. The seating position was noticeably higher than the Mazda3 I was getting rid of at the time. The Niro might be a contender if I was in the
market for a FWD only vehicle. A more direct competitor to the Crosstrek will be Kia's upcoming Stonic, I don't know the stats on the Stonic, but it looks like it should be offered with AWD.

The Crosstrek is an awesome daily driver. I love it! Its safety record, resale value, durability, unique looks, outward visibility and legendary AWD system will keep me in the Subaru family.

 

Glad to see I'm not crazy in looking at the Niro alone! and thanks for the info!

 

I did over 1000 miles in 3 days in the Crosstrek last week and it was extremely comfortable.

 

The Kia has a rear defroster so your hands don't get cold when you push them.

People mention snow and AWD. Slick/wet roads , not ice snow but rain the sub sticks like a magnet to the road.

 

When we were looking, safety tech features (e.g. Eyesight on Subarus) was a must have (along with AWD, high clearance, etc.). Is that important to you, and does the Niro you're looking at have anything like it?

 

"Plus, even if you only actually use the AWD and clearance capabilities in bad thunderstorms or to deal with hurricane aftermaths, when you do need the clearance & AWD, you'll be REALLY glad you have it."

Amen, Sigmund. I had a few who didn't share the "love" question why I bought a 4 wheel drive in FL. After Irma, they are feeling the love!

 

Sigmund, I suppose you opened my eyes a little. Its true, that those few times that you need some AWD, I will be glad I have it.
Also how would you find driving long distance is? I guess I just got convinced otherwise from friends and family that I didn't need it. My original purpose for going towards Subaru,
also I suppose I can try and forego on little bells and whistles that I want.

Then the question is, do I need Eye-Sight? I can get a Limited with no eyesight to be within my budget or get a premium with it
and still be in my budget. If TrueCar sales are correct then, people are getting Crosstreks at around 10-14% off msrp in my area.
The main thing I want Eyesight for is auto cruise control, sure the other things are nice and good safety but, I am a pretty alert driver
and have never needed it before.
With the Limited I get push button and bigger screens along with blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert. Then the better Rims
and headlights I want.

Also thank you to everyone who helped me and told me their stories and reasons. Its exactly what I was looking for!

 

Definitely get Eyesight. It could easily pay for itself during the time you own the car, if it saves you from just one fender-bender. Others have posted some videos here showing how effective it is.

We got the Limited because of the bigger screen (for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay). We didn't realize at the time that we didn't have to buy the nav package to get it but that's another story.

 

Yes, get EyeSight. So many useful features and added safey, very much worth it.

 

All that comes with a 30k OTD price

I really hope that number is on a Package 23!!(EyeSight® with Reverse Automatic Brake + High BeamAssist + Moonroof + Navigation System + HarmanKardon® Amplifier and Speakers?) if not, ahhhh. go to another dealer.

 

Are you feeling better today? ?

 

Definitely get eyesight. Worth its weight in functioning head units! :iagree:

 

I had a Kia Sportage SX AWD fully optioned out before I got my first Crosstrek. It was the ABSOLUTE WORST vehicle I ever had in bad weather, especially snow. I swore that vehicle was going to kill me and I traded out in just two years of ownership. If you're shopping for an AWD vehicle, steer far away from Kia's AWD system.

 

Eyesight is one of those technologies you truly didn't know you needed.

 

I have a 16 Khaki Premium. I’m totally happy with it. I would have liked to get leather, but didn’t want to put out an extra 2 or so grand. I had to have the moonroof, and really love it. The eyesight and larger radio screen didn’t mean anything to me. I know the 18 has better trunk access and slightly more room in the backseat. I have heard a lot of people complaining about the head unit, which is disappointing. I’m planning on keeping my ride, as with all my cars until it no longer functions. That being said, I would go for an 18 if in the market again, but have no plans to upgrade.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I also forgot to mention the Subaru has awesome accessories & not expensive. I do like the sound system that comes with the car. I also like that you can get a sound system upgrade from Subaru so its plug and play. They even have a subwoofer by kicker plus better speakers. I never saw this before with any car brand.