[Sigmund]

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.

 

[Seattle]

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

 

[Cookie Monster]

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.

 

[Trekaroo]

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.

 

[Data14]

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.

 

[Data14]

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!

 

[Data14]

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?

 

[Seattle]

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?

I am 6 feet tall and 165 pounds. The first couple of months of ownership I was making 2-3.... 250 mile trips to Vermont. Comfort is very good. It is not as comfortable as the Toyota Highlander I traded in. There were times I would shift in my seat. I never had to shift in my seat in the Highlander. This is my daily commuting car which travels 35 minutes each way to work. The car is perfectly comfortable in doing that. Keep in mind that the Highlander was about $15k more that a Crosstrek Limited.
There was a discussion a while back in the forums about comfort. The vast majority found it to be perfectly comfortable on extended trips.
We do a lot of camping and kayaking. The Crosstrek is perfect for hauling stuff and getting you where you need to with the AWD.

 

[Cookie Monster]

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

 

[TnTrek]

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.

 

[AstroKats]

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?

 

[Sigmund]

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.

I certainly can't fault your taste in car appearance I also think the Crosstrek looks great, and having had both my knees replaced, as well as suffering from arthritis and bone-spurs in both feet, I also appreciate the ride height, so I can't fault you there. Based on that, I'd have to say it sound like the Crosstrek might be up your alley after all. 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. Plus, I've found since owning a Crosstrek (this is my second, had a 2015 initially, and have a 2018 now), I often seek out dirt roads and off-the-beaten-path places to go, cuz now I can I know there are plenty of sand roads (sand = dirt in FL) that are quite enjoyable to drive. We have to navigate one to get to my father-in-law's shooting range down there in Panama City in fact. I think perhaps at this point it might be useful for ya to start thinking about whether you can perhaps give up on some of the features such as push-start in order to be able to accept the premium vs. the limited. I really want the Eye-sight system, but since I'm back in college for a career change and have another semester to go until I'm done, I did not want my wife to have to carry the burden of the higher payments of an Eye-sight equipped 2018. Our plan is to trade in her car once I'm done with school and working and to get the new Subaru Ascent coming out in the summer, and those come with Eye-sight standard. If you can let go of some of your desired features to get the ride height, AWD, and other features the premium can bring to the table, you might find it'll be enough. I would just caution against over-extending financially on the higher trim level, that will only bring hardship down the road, and then the vehicle would cease being a pleasure and become a source of resentment and a burden instead. Been there, not fun.

 

[FLCrosstrekker]

"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!

 

[Data14]

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!

 

[R P]

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

 

[AstroKats]

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.

 

[HeubergerMotors]

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.

 

[FLCrosstrekker]

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

 

[AstroKats]

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? ?

 

[HeubergerMotors]

Are you feeling better today? 

Dont get Catty with me! I am in a good mood right meow! (I was only trying to help everyone down the road)