Hi everyone,

Just picked up my first Subaru; a 2021 Crosstrek Limited and looking forward to many great years together! I'm in the process now of accessorizing and seeing what modifications I can install.

One of the things i'm having trouble finding information on is installation of a front camera. I've seen it's available preinstalled in Canada but here in the states, no such luck. Has anyone tried or had success installing it in a US vehicle?

I’m interested in this mod as well!

 

You mean a dashcam? I made a video for the first gen. I’m sure it’s not super different

 

No, front camera like in the Outback sport XT

 

Like this in the Canadian 'Outdoor' model...

 

I would love to have that camera, too, but my guess is that the US-market MFD would need a software update for it to work.

There's a rumor that the Crosstrek will get an EyeSight system with 360-degree visibility next year, though ... so a camera like this might be a part of that package.

 

Is there any way to access the eyesight data / video?

 

I doubt the EyeSight camera software even produces video output that would be legible to the human eye, since it's designed only to identify traffic obstacles and highway striping.

 

I don’t understand what that is for? Parking?

 

Parking and/or off-roading. Anything where you'd want to see what's in front of the bumper.

The Eyesight data wouldn't be much better than the driver's view.

FWIW I'm also very interested in this. I'd love a kit with near OEM integration.

 

One coud just ping a random Canadian dealer asking for the part nr. Wiring will be an issue, though a "plug" is likely hidden somewhere on all models, just to save on manufacturing costs.

While useful for slow off-roading, this camera will be a snow and bug magnet. Looking forward to seeing a slow-motion green goo splatter video of a cricket at 120km/h🦗

 

One coud just ping a random Canadian dealer asking for the part nr. Wiring will be an issue, though a "plug" is likely hidden somewhere on all models, just to save on manufacturing costs.

I'm concerned that my '20 (and the '19s and 18's) won't have it since it wasn't available yet. I have thought about adding an aftermarket front view camera, but tapping into the OEM screen is an obstacle. I haven't seen any options for aftermarket screens that I like.

 

There is a button with 'VIEW' on it to activate it - it operates automatically when starting to move IIRC...

 

Front camera AND heated steering wheel. Even more jealous now.

 

Not sure if people are still looking for answers on this, but I spoke with Subaru of America and they said the Front view cameras are not supported on American VINs. I should have gone to Canada for the Outdoor model 🤣

Mind you, this is in regards to Subaru cameras. I dont know anything about after market cameras...yet

 

I installed a new HU with a reversing cam on our older car after I realized how useful it was when we got the Crosstrek. The difficulty may be in getting a way to connect a front facing cam to the HU.

 

Only one I have found so far is an Alpine front camera. You would need to install the Alpine HU though to use it. Not sure i am ready to replace the HU right now.

 

I have a 2021 Canadian Sport Crosstrek. No front camera. Asked the dealer to install one, they say that it is not possible.
I hardly can believe that.
Anyway, this is what they said to me.
Anyone in Canada who has installed this on a Canadian model?

 

The front camera is wired to the MFU and requires an additional steering wheel button. I doubt all trims are pre-wired to accept one as a plug-and-play. See here: Model Year 2018 and Newer - Front Camera Install

 

Camera View. (Front)

Part Number: 86357VA010

 

Plug & Play on 2018-2021 WRX / STI. Dunno about compatibility with all trim levels of the Crosstrek.

Also:

REQUIRED = A Harness will be required to make this fully PNP and work on the 2018-2021 WRX & STI
https://smyperformance.com/front-view-camera-monitor-t-harness-2018-2021-wrx-sti.htm

Notes:

• WRX models w/ LED Headlights ONLY
• Will Not work on models with Halogen Bulbs

PS- A forward facing camera is NOT a substitute for a real live spotter if you're into precisely picking your way through the technical stuff.

 

1- How can it be P&P if the WRX/STi are of a different generation and were never intented to operate with a front camera?
2- How do you control the front camera so as to display it on the MFD? In Outdoor trims, there is a toggle/button for that

 

I have some original front cameras

 

How much are you asking for one?

 

How about installing something DYI?
I'm thinking something like a Raspberry Pi Zero (or alternative that is in stock) connected to a ~4" monitor, from the pi a USB modified webcam (just the lens and the sensor enclosed and weatherproofed). The pi and the screen also enclosed nicely and hanged on the side of the windshield.

 

I too wanted the front facing camera on my 2020 Crosstrek Sport (before I traded it). I was told it would likely cost about $5,000 to do seeing it required a new Head Unit, wiring and labour. That ended my want/need for the camera.

 

LMAO FUCKING WHAT?

I bought a Belsee aftermarket unit to get rid of the absolute piece of **** that the stock nav is. It cost $400 something. Sold the original unit for $200 on ebay. Then I bought a camera on amazon for $10 and wired it up to the AV in line with an av cable I already had. And now I have a front camera for a few hundred bucks. But then I noticed that the camera light was always on so I wired it to a little switch. Now I can flash people with it. Made some guy in a truck with fucked up leds laugh.

I've never used it for anything tbh. Just saw that the unit had an AV-in function and decided to nerd out.

Here's a video I recorded asking Belsee a question (they are very good at replying). It should demonstrate how the AV-in functions as well as more of the headunit. (The answer to my question is I must use stock launcher to use it)

 

I had a heated steering wheel and power adjusting headrests 25 years ago and they blew my mind!