This channel was the reason I got a Crosstrek. What a car. I would seriously recommend it to everyone in the market for a capable little off-roader. It’s an amazing car. I personally love the looks and it gets relatively great fuel economy for what it is and of course, the AWD system is legendary. I used to have a CLA250 before it, but had to sell it because the roads where I live are horrendous and it wasn’t very great in the wet/snow (though I still love the car but it wasn’t the right one for where I’m currently in my life). On the other hand, I love my 2018 crosstrek and I was to lucky to find it in the Cool Gray Khaki color (baby blue-ish). If any of you has any questions about the Subi I would be more than happy to answer them! And of course, amazing review! Keep up the good work!
Can confirm! We just added a 2023 Crosstrek (Cool Grey Khaki Represent!) in addition my little 2020 Impreza 5MT I'm excited to finally have a car with the clearance to handle more than a dirt road!
Omg same. I got a 2023 crosstrek sport. Waited 3 months for it. Had it for a month. Hit a deer on a trip. Totalled. All airbags deployed. What a safe vehicle. Ordered another. Now have to wait untill February for delivery. But it's worth it.
I have a ‘22 Crosstrek Ltd. and love it. The approach and departure angles are a bit limiting, but it’s not meant to be a hardcore crawler. For what it is, it’s extremely capable, and it’s also a great commuter. Love the off-road shoot-outs. Another awesome video!
My 2020 Crosstrek is my 5th Subaru (Started with a 98 2.5 RS) and first new one. I love the capability, reliability, comfort and fuel economy. Looking into getting the sport for better acceleration which is the only thing lacking a bit in the 2.0. Love your channel and videos!
I got a Subaru Outback 2022 recently and wooooow! This is my first AWD car ever, since I'm from a tropical country but now living in Canada. Encountered a snow storm recently and, of course, with winter tires on, it did such an amazing job in keeping control and getting me out of snow accumulation in a dirt road. Super impressed. I have the XT turbocharged version and I have to say, this thing is super fun to drive, even with the CVT, which I was a bit skeptical about it. They did some tweaks on it that, when your floored, it kind of simulate the gears changing. Very impressed the build quality as well. Keep it up this channel. It's my favorite so far when comes to car. You are the reason I got a Subaru, coming from Mini and Volvos previously. Cheers from Brazil🇧🇷 /Canada 🇨🇦 .
Glad for you! I am thinking to get the new Wilderness I have a 2014 Outback now, but that was the last year of true unadulterated CVT programing where it does not mimik fake gears, so I am hesitating to get a new Suby until they put an on/off switch for the fake gears, they could label the button Old school or Reminiscing. The whole purpose of a CVT is to maximise efficiency so having fake shifts just dumb downs and sets back the whole reason of having a CVT. I wish the boss of Subaru would tell the marketing department to take a hike on the fake gears because at Subaru we value efficiency, not appealing to the afraid of change customers. I know some people were complaining about the engine whining before the fake shifts, but that just shows the possible lack of understanding of how the system functions.
@@brettatenciorn8522 I totally agree with you. Even though I started to not hate the CVT recently, I do agree that in terms of efficiency, it would be a great change. I also believe that this could give more response whatever you floored it, since the engine is working at the optimal range at all the times, instead of pulling back on every fake change. I drove my friends Outback (it's a 2013, if I'm not mistaken) and I sense the difference on the transmission right away. One thing I would like to point out is that the fake gear just kick in when you floored (or about > 75% acceleration). Aside from the transmission, it's a great car to drive.
I bought a Forester sport a few months ago. I’ve taken it off road a couple times, and it’s even better than I expected. It’s obviously not a rock crawler, but it does what I need it to do. Subaru has really good AWD systems. It’s amazing to see how much less effective some of the competition is.
I bought my crosstrek because of this channel!! It’s an amazing little beast! I commute for a living and I’ve put 13.5k into my new 2022 Crosstrek sport and couldn’t be happier!!
If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life thinking it is stupid. The HR V needs to go find something else to be good at..... Because off-road isn't it!
Well, it's a family car. Don't think Honda advertises it as an off road beast! Just a car that will get you home if a couple inches of snow fall while you are out shopping! No way any "slip and grip" AWD system is going to compete with full time symmetrical AWD off road.
When I was a long term Honda Element owner, with the Element I learned turning off traction control was more than wheel spin. In the training area of Fort McClellan on Pelham range I found my element doing much the same thing as this HRV and very similar conditions. Turning off traction control was night and day as far as its ability to push power and actually overcome these issues I don't know why but on hills such as that you would have no power and be inching forward but then turn off traction control and you would have all the power you would need.
It’s crazy to me how different Honda’s AWD systems are. Acura SHAWD and Honda’s VTM4 is far better than most AWD systems. This system found on the CRV and now HRV focuses way more on better gas mileage and occasional needs for AWD compare to the other. The VTM4 system and SHAWD are incredibly capable. Even in my first generation RDX I’ve been able to get through snow and logging roads than what I thought. Ground clearance is low on my RDX but the system is great. The reason for this system though is for people who never do this stuff but still want great gas mileage and may need it for snow. The VTM4 and SHAWD uses a lot more gas comparably.
@@niuhuskieguy I think it just comes down to gas mileage. The system is great but isn’t as economical. I imagine people buying the HRV and CRV don’t care as much about off roading than getting the better gas mileage. I’m just glad they offer the Passport as an option.
@@niuhuskieguy it would destroy gas mileage. It makes absolutely no sense to put a system like SH-AWD in an HR-V or CR-V. You have a better chance of spotting big foot than an HR-V off roading.
@@Fadic4 Why even have AWD at all then? Just leave it as FWD and be done with it. People buy AWD because they want that extra capability, and they're okay with trading some efficiency for it. Watching the video it seems like Honda's AWD adds barely any extra capability over FWD. If it's just as efficient as FWD but also only as capable as FWD then there's no reason for it to exist except to give the dealerships another "upgrade" they can sell.
I love my crosstrek. Gotten her in and out of places I never would have even dreamed of going before in anything but a truck. She can even haul 4 bikes around with relative ease!
Wow. You wouldn't think the Subaru would be so much better off road. I mean yeah, you kind of would but not that big of a gap I would think. It's just a far superior awd system apparently. Good job little Subaru 👏
It is common knowledge Subaru has good working break based awd similar to A-trac, Subaru's weakness was cvt in their combo... What is surprising how badly Honda's Real Time AWD does, there is no excuse, both cvt, both wheel braking awd
Happy Thanksgiving Ryan to you and your loved ones!! Your review of your 2021 Crosstrek Sport is what made me get one too. Now that car got totaled after getting rear-ended by a tow truck loaded with a Charger on it. But now I got a 2023 Crosstrek Sport. I don’t see myself driving anything else at the moment lol Keep up the good work with the channel. I love it.
It would be fairer to compare HRV to the 2.0 152hp Crosstrek Base and Premium models. As you said in your last HRV video, a good AWD system simply can't compensate for a lack of horsepower.
I switched from a true 4x4 to a Crosstrek and I'm mostly happy with it. Losing low range has restricted some of the places I go, but having full-time AWD has been a worthwhile trade off. The biggest problem I have had with the Subaru is the hilariously bad approach angle. Basic washouts and potholes on mountain roads have me scraping the front bumper. Overall it's pretty good though.
I spent over a month looking for the right car. By the end I was exhausted and figured I’d never find the car for me for the price I was looking for (under 30 grand). I wanted a leather wrapped steering wheel, “leather” seats, a sporty feel, all the new driver aids, good gas mileage, over 8” of ground clearance, a cargo space big enough to sleep in, AWD, and a nice interior. The RAV4 was too expensive for what it was. The CRV was also out of my price range. The Mazda cx50 is nice but MPG was meh and it was a new car, and not made in Japan. The cx 30 was tiny. I was about to give up until I found this. WOW! Thank god I didn’t give up. This car literally fits all my needs. What an amazing machine’
HR-V was a fail before it even left the pavement lol. Might be same size class as the Crosstrek...but on a completely different level. Great video as always Ryan.
I may never use the off road capability, but if I was shopping this class of vehicle, it sure would be nice to know that I could get out of minor trouble if I screwed up. I wouldn't trust that Honda to make it over a speedbump. 😆
Bought an 07 Subaru Outback, manual transmission. Goes awesome in the snow and I feel very confident in it’s capabilities. I’m in MT and so there are lots of Subarus on the road here. Wish the gas mileage was better. I’m getting just under 24 mpg. But I think a lot of that has to do with the addition ethanol that has been added to the gas in more recent times. I want to test it on premium for a few tanks and compare numbers to see if the cost difference in fuel is worth it in added mpg
I liked the original 2 models of CR-V = small and affordable, but the CR-V has become way too large and expensive for the average buyer, it is now in LUXURY-VEHICLE territory, that's why it is good to have the smaller HR-V come around.
If you are testing specially off road you need to make sure that both vehicles have the same set up to ensure fairness - you have to retest the HRV with off road tires too
Can't wait for you to test drive the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness model! I currently drive a 2020 Renault Koleos, but it seems that the Crosstrek Wilderness could be my next car.
Let me give you some figures: '23 Honda HR-V 1st gear - 2.53:1 Final drive - 5.44:1 Overall crawl ratio - 13.76:1 '21 Subaru Crosstrek Sport 1st gear - 4.07:1 Final drive - 3.7:1 Overall crawl ratio - 15:1 A more aggressive 1st "gear" is what matters most for off-roading as it's the starting ratio to get over obstacles at a slower pace. The lower the better. The other advantage that the Crosstrek has is more power and more refined AWD system. Last, all CVTs aren't created equal. Subaru's TR580 is the best one so far.
Got a loaner HRV when I was getting service done and it's not a bad LITTLE.big subcompact, completely inoffensive with nice comfort on the freeway and peppy in the city. Only gripe is the fuel tank is kinda small compare to subies
I’ve owned 3 different Subaru. The AWD system is the reason I bought them. I switched to a Storyteller MODE and sold my 2016 Outback 3.6R since I will no longer need it. If Subaru ever made a High Roof Van, I will switch back.
I'm in the market for replacing my daily, I've been looking at things like CX50, Rav 4 Hybrid, Rav 4 Adventure, Forester Wilderness, maybe a Wilderness Crosstrekkies on its possible April 5th announcement. I'd tow 1-2 motorcycles, and light camping trips, soft offroading. Maybe a foot deep of water. It flash floods here a lot. Though I usually wait for it to pass, you cant time everything. How reliable are these CVT's in the long term? Long Term to me is twice the factory warranty. So like 10 years minimum. My current vehicles have had no transmissions issues other than me changing the trans fluid, 2 of them are 23 years old, another is 15 years old. I figured it times to finally retire one. Maybe its not giving me any issues of trans related, but I'm tired of its bad mileage, and other quirks. Old rust wear is starting to show signs. Regardless I'm eager in researching for a replacement. I've read that the toyota are some kind of direct shift ecvt's, are Subies still a belt and cone style?
Man, I wasn’t expecting greatness from the Honda, because historically their AWD system is an absolute joke. But I wasn’t expecting this amount of utter failure. Subaru is still the best choice in AWD by a long shot!
is this video demonstrating the fact that there are two affordable AWD options on the market: subaru's and others'.. and essentially the choice between operational AWD and cosmetic AWD?
Was with you to until you had trail tires on the Subaru. The whole comparison is absurd at that point. Come ON… at least show comparable class tires if not identical tires.
I'd take the Subaru any day not just because it can do more but because it looks way better in my opinion .. kinda wish I bought the orange one I was looking at and ended with a Mazda that I had to buy a second one just for winter .. once I can pay it off my next one will definitely probably be a Subaru
I think in this comparison the traction control system play more significant role than the engine torque. As you know the traction control uses the ABS module to sense the slipping wheels and send braking impulse the them, so the power will be transferred to the opposite wheel with more traction. Clearly, Subaru’s traction control is more superior than the Honda’s.
Why is it when I think of the HRV as a CUV I think of the words, leave me be. "LMB" 🤣🤣 Maybe it is ok on FLAT LEVEL snowy/ice conditions with the proper tires. But a dirt road, no thanks. Power, power power.(torque) Everyone talks about traction/tires. Here is the absolute perfect example of not enough power and no amount of traction/grip is going to mean a thing. Thanks for this example.
Good thing the 1992 Subaru Legacy was included in this video, I thought for sure that this was going to be all about the 2023 Ford Escape vs the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Sport.
We drive Outback and F150 because they are best when it comes to performance & quality first, reliability/”longevity” second. Longevity is dependent on use, but don’t tell that to a Toyota(commuter vehicles) fan. However…no off-road test can be considered reliable without identical tires. Unless of course the margins are so large.
Tires were not an issue in the video above. If it was a traction issue then the Honda tires would have been spinning while still contacting the ground. That didn't happen, all they did was sit there doing nothing. It's clearly a lack of power making it to the wheels.
Great segment thankyou. Any thoughts on why the so few offerings of a manual transmission aren't with AWD? Seems like the rare manual transmission is mainly on 2 WD only vehicles. Why?
Seems like an old fashion mechanical limited slip differential would be better on the rear of the CRV. you can clearly see that there is no power being applied to the rear wheel that is on the ground when the other rear wheel is in the air.
Honda's "Real Time AWD" system has always sucked. I'm not a Subaru fan, but the Crosstrek clearly shows more commitment to being all-road capable. While I prefer the cleaner design - outside and in - of the HR-V, the car seems a pathetic effort by Honda, lacking the option of either the turbo or hybrid powertrains of its platform-mates.
I really enjoy watching these, and at least there is an honest objective view of both vehicles. I will say that I like the interior of the HRV much better, it looks like it’s beginning to take a little bit more form upgrade wise. However, my choice no matter the outcome would have been Subaru. Honda just is not what it used to be Subaru’s have changed also but I really believe that they are trying to keep the quality and really they’re all wheel drive is a much better system than most of the other car manufacturers out there, Honda, Kia, Toyota. CVT’s are the way of most car manufacturers and quite honestly I think Subaru has one of the best. Viva that crosstrek! 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
from my experience most of my customers complain about the interior on the Honda. I've heard it feels tinny with lots of plastic throughout it. For a similar price point Subaru hands down is the much better value and a much safer vehicle.
@@twentyonepilotsofn6277 thanks for sharing that. We are not in the market currently for purchasing any car however knowing that it helps to bypass Honda!
Honda vs Subaru. Very similar price, but totally different car with not comparable possibilities. Hoonda is car only for good roads, Subaru is car for life.
Im far from the tree hugging Subaru stereotype. My wife bought a 2017 5spd and I couldnt believe the snow piles I was able to drive thru, so now nerdy as it sounds i went with the 2021 sport. what a wicked little car, drove home in a snowstorm from way upstate ny and blasted around other cars panicking on the way to long island. the 2.5 is totally the way to go though.. i do my own maintenance and im super happy that i can turn off the dumb ass auto stop/start, and all the safety BS . I can drive and make decisions myself
Sorry to have to say this but...Honda engineers should hang their heads in shame! Honda is known around the world for quality, economy and reliability. I'm a bit blown away that the Honda HR-V couldn't even come close to the Crosstrek. The Honda AWD system was as disappointing as the one in my 2020 Dodge Charger STX!
For those of us who live in the PNW , especially in mountainous areas, we know that Subaru’s win hands down. They’re very capable vehicles and we love them. My wife’s side of the family drive Outback’s, we drive an Outback and my brother and sister-in-law drive an Outback. Only my sister who lives in Socialist CA doesn’t own a Subaru.
Guarantee I’ll see an HRV at a local trailhead within the year. It’s an an appealing package to an average consumer and in the PNW even regular people hit the trails on the weekend.
Might be more fair to test both vehicles with factory installed all season tires, since that is what is on the Honda, and on the Sport model from the factory. Also maybe get a Crosstrek Base or Premium with the same 2.0L engine as is in the HRV and not the Sport models 2.5 L. I like your videos, but this is not apples to apples.
I know this sounds crazy. But can you do a Mitsubishi Mirage Offraod test. I know its FWD but its got a lot of ground clearance and I think for a non-offroad vehicle it will do better than you'd expect. Its got soft suspension though so drive slowly.
If you must get an HR-V, get yourself a fwd and save some money and gas. Honda’s AWD are notorious for limited capability especially in off road or low grip situations. Even in snow, the real time AWD suffers. If you’re a Honda fanboy or really like this car, get fwd and call it a day. Otherwise, there are other nice small compact crossovers in the market.
I have a 6 speed MT Crosstrek and from my experience in these types of trails (which my Subaru handles like a champ), the difference in performance between these two has more to do with the bigger engine in the Subbie rather than the better AWD system (the Subaru one is superior anyway). The HRV seems to be struggling with lack of torque, if you would test the 2.0 CVT crosstrek in this trail, my guess is that it would struggle a lot more, but in the end it would be able to make it. I used to have a 2006 CR-V with the same realtime 4WD (albeith an earlier iteration of it) and it never ever, ever got stuck even on very broken dirt roads. So that is why my guess when searching for a culprit in the performance difference, is engine power. AMAZING REVIEW BTW!
The crosstrek in this video is a CVT. The crosstrek outperform the HRV by having advantages such as shorter gearing ratio, an N/A engine with no turbo lag, as well as the AWD software tuning.
it almost looked like the HRV system just gave up and stopped trying to put power ANYWHERE. like the computer went "conditions suboptimal, system shut down". 150hp is more than enough to cause tire spin in a car that size on dirt. but there wasnt even that. the car just stopped. the subaru on the other hand seemed more than happy to shoot power around even if it caused wheel spin. it actually tried.
The HRV might be better compared with the Impreza hatch. The Crosstrek is more offroad-capable stock, but that's not even the whole story. The aftermarket support for the Crosstrek is WAY better. One can find skidplates, rockers, winchmounts, LSDs, a rear diff-locker, steel bumpers, suspension lifts, MT/AT tires that fit the wheelwells and brake calipers, and turbo kits for the Crosstrek. The Crosstrek is also offered with a 6spd manual tranny. Crosstrek can also DRASTICALLY beat the EPA hwy MPG rating. My 2016 once averaged 46+MPG on a tank. It's only rated for around 32MPG hwy. I still often average over 32MPG on a tank, and I now have skidplates and 1" taller AT Trails on the car.
I love how the hr v took the entire video and the Subaru took a minute 😂💀
🤣🤣
I thought it was going to be in a part 2 video where they showed the crosstrek 😂
Yes, because Subaru can, Honda not.
ahahah different tyre, and different pressure......
@@gigirusso4440 No. This is due to the difference in controllability. Even if you change the tires, the result will be the same.
This channel was the reason I got a Crosstrek. What a car. I would seriously recommend it to everyone in the market for a capable little off-roader. It’s an amazing car. I personally love the looks and it gets relatively great fuel economy for what it is and of course, the AWD system is legendary. I used to have a CLA250 before it, but had to sell it because the roads where I live are horrendous and it wasn’t very great in the wet/snow (though I still love the car but it wasn’t the right one for where I’m currently in my life). On the other hand, I love my 2018 crosstrek and I was to lucky to find it in the Cool Gray Khaki color (baby blue-ish). If any of you has any questions about the Subi I would be more than happy to answer them!
And of course, amazing review! Keep up the good work!
Can confirm! We just added a 2023 Crosstrek (Cool Grey Khaki Represent!) in addition my little 2020 Impreza 5MT I'm excited to finally have a car with the clearance to handle more than a dirt road!
Any mechanical problems with the 2018?
@@JG90984 so far none! (Knock wood)
Just got to be on top of the regular maintenance and oil changes.
@@TheDJ42 Congrats on your purchase!! You’re going to love it 😊
Omg same. I got a 2023 crosstrek sport. Waited 3 months for it. Had it for a month. Hit a deer on a trip. Totalled. All airbags deployed. What a safe vehicle. Ordered another. Now have to wait untill February for delivery. But it's worth it.
I have a ‘22 Crosstrek Ltd. and love it. The approach and departure angles are a bit limiting, but it’s not meant to be a hardcore crawler. For what it is, it’s extremely capable, and it’s also a great commuter. Love the off-road shoot-outs. Another awesome video!
Lifted crosstreks are a thing of beauty for offroading.
The 2024 CT only has an 18 degree approach
My 2020 Crosstrek is my 5th Subaru (Started with a 98 2.5 RS) and first new one. I love the capability, reliability, comfort and fuel economy. Looking into getting the sport for better acceleration which is the only thing lacking a bit in the 2.0. Love your channel and videos!
I got a Subaru Outback 2022 recently and wooooow! This is my first AWD car ever, since I'm from a tropical country but now living in Canada. Encountered a snow storm recently and, of course, with winter tires on, it did such an amazing job in keeping control and getting me out of snow accumulation in a dirt road. Super impressed. I have the XT turbocharged version and I have to say, this thing is super fun to drive, even with the CVT, which I was a bit skeptical about it. They did some tweaks on it that, when your floored, it kind of simulate the gears changing. Very impressed the build quality as well. Keep it up this channel. It's my favorite so far when comes to car. You are the reason I got a Subaru, coming from Mini and Volvos previously. Cheers from Brazil🇧🇷 /Canada 🇨🇦 .
Glad for you! I am thinking to get the new Wilderness I have a 2014 Outback now, but that was the last year of true unadulterated CVT programing where it does not mimik fake gears, so I am hesitating to get a new Suby until they put an on/off switch for the fake gears, they could label the button Old school or Reminiscing. The whole purpose of a CVT is to maximise efficiency so having fake shifts just dumb downs and sets back the whole reason of having a CVT. I wish the boss of Subaru would tell the marketing department to take a hike on the fake gears because at Subaru we value efficiency, not appealing to the afraid of change customers. I know some people were complaining about the engine whining before the fake shifts, but that just shows the possible lack of understanding of how the system functions.
@@brettatenciorn8522 I totally agree with you. Even though I started to not hate the CVT recently, I do agree that in terms of efficiency, it would be a great change. I also believe that this could give more response whatever you floored it, since the engine is working at the optimal range at all the times, instead of pulling back on every fake change. I drove my friends Outback (it's a 2013, if I'm not mistaken) and I sense the difference on the transmission right away. One thing I would like to point out is that the fake gear just kick in when you floored (or about > 75% acceleration). Aside from the transmission, it's a great car to drive.
I bought a Forester sport a few months ago. I’ve taken it off road a couple times, and it’s even better than I expected. It’s obviously not a rock crawler, but it does what I need it to do. Subaru has really good AWD systems. It’s amazing to see how much less effective some of the competition is.
I bought my crosstrek because of this channel!! It’s an amazing little beast! I commute for a living and I’ve put 13.5k into my new 2022 Crosstrek sport and couldn’t be happier!!
If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life thinking it is stupid. The HR V needs to go find something else to be good at..... Because off-road isn't it!
Lol
What
🤣😂🤣😂
Well, it's a family car. Don't think Honda advertises it as an off road beast! Just a car that will get you home if a couple inches of snow fall while you are out shopping! No way any "slip and grip" AWD system is going to compete with full time symmetrical AWD off road.
this is car on road or off road where a tree LoL
When I was a long term Honda Element owner, with the Element I learned turning off traction control was more than wheel spin. In the training area of Fort McClellan on Pelham range I found my element doing much the same thing as this HRV and very similar conditions. Turning off traction control was night and day as far as its ability to push power and actually overcome these issues I don't know why but on hills such as that you would have no power and be inching forward but then turn off traction control and you would have all the power you would need.
Thought so too. The TCS seems to limit the power abit
I feel confident driving subaru. Anywhere i go in Canadian winter subaru never let me down.
It’s crazy to me how different Honda’s AWD systems are. Acura SHAWD and Honda’s VTM4 is far better than most AWD systems. This system found on the CRV and now HRV focuses way more on better gas mileage and occasional needs for AWD compare to the other. The VTM4 system and SHAWD are incredibly capable. Even in my first generation RDX I’ve been able to get through snow and logging roads than what I thought. Ground clearance is low on my RDX but the system is great. The reason for this system though is for people who never do this stuff but still want great gas mileage and may need it for snow. The VTM4 and SHAWD uses a lot more gas comparably.
I think its a shame with a system like IVTM4 Honda won't use it as the base across their lineup since it is so good.
@@niuhuskieguy I think it just comes down to gas mileage. The system is great but isn’t as economical. I imagine people buying the HRV and CRV don’t care as much about off roading than getting the better gas mileage. I’m just glad they offer the Passport as an option.
@@niuhuskieguy it would destroy gas mileage. It makes absolutely no sense to put a system like SH-AWD in an HR-V or CR-V. You have a better chance of spotting big foot than an HR-V off roading.
@@Fadic4 Why even have AWD at all then? Just leave it as FWD and be done with it. People buy AWD because they want that extra capability, and they're okay with trading some efficiency for it. Watching the video it seems like Honda's AWD adds barely any extra capability over FWD. If it's just as efficient as FWD but also only as capable as FWD then there's no reason for it to exist except to give the dealerships another "upgrade" they can sell.
@@Fadic4 Subaru runs a full time awd set up and it doesn't destroy the gas mileage.
I love my crosstrek. Gotten her in and out of places I never would have even dreamed of going before in anything but a truck. She can even haul 4 bikes around with relative ease!
It's a "Her?" 😂
Any chance we can get a HR-V Sport vs. Crosstrek Sport in snow conditions?
Wow. You wouldn't think the Subaru would be so much better off road. I mean yeah, you kind of would but not that big of a gap I would think. It's just a far superior awd system apparently. Good job little Subaru 👏
It is common knowledge Subaru has good working break based awd similar to A-trac, Subaru's weakness was cvt in their combo... What is surprising how badly Honda's Real Time AWD does, there is no excuse, both cvt, both wheel braking awd
Subarus run with the best of them
Colin McRae rolling in his grave at this comment
and a bigger engine. cant expect much from a 1.5L
Great review of the AWD comparison as always!
Happy Thanksgiving Ryan to you and your loved ones!!
Your review of your 2021 Crosstrek Sport is what made me get one too. Now that car got totaled after getting rear-ended by a tow truck loaded with a Charger on it. But now I got a 2023 Crosstrek Sport. I don’t see myself driving anything else at the moment lol
Keep up the good work with the channel. I love it.
It would be fairer to compare HRV to the 2.0 152hp Crosstrek Base and Premium models. As you said in your last HRV video, a good AWD system simply can't compensate for a lack of horsepower.
Subaru really knows how to hone their AWD system.
they were doing it awd 60+ years
Subaru is like a honey badger: it don't give a fuck.
I switched from a true 4x4 to a Crosstrek and I'm mostly happy with it. Losing low range has restricted some of the places I go, but having full-time AWD has been a worthwhile trade off. The biggest problem I have had with the Subaru is the hilariously bad approach angle. Basic washouts and potholes on mountain roads have me scraping the front bumper. Overall it's pretty good though.
Get a lift and front steel bumper.
Im 67 years old. I have Subaru XV 2019 crosstrek im very happy 🤗
The Crosstrek never disappoints. Now if I can only convince my banker. 😆
I spent over a month looking for the right car. By the end I was exhausted and figured I’d never find the car for me for the price I was looking for (under 30 grand). I wanted a leather wrapped steering wheel, “leather” seats, a sporty feel, all the new driver aids, good gas mileage, over 8” of ground clearance, a cargo space big enough to sleep in, AWD, and a nice interior. The RAV4 was too expensive for what it was. The CRV was also out of my price range. The Mazda cx50 is nice but MPG was meh and it was a new car, and not made in Japan. The cx 30 was tiny. I was about to give up until I found this. WOW! Thank god I didn’t give up. This car literally fits all my needs. What an amazing machine’
Another great review with excellent production values. Really highlights key differences in the vehicals.
HR-V was a fail before it even left the pavement lol. Might be same size class as the Crosstrek...but on a completely different level. Great video as always Ryan.
I may never use the off road capability, but if I was shopping this class of vehicle, it sure would be nice to know that I could get out of minor trouble if I screwed up. I wouldn't trust that Honda to make it over a speedbump. 😆
Plus the fact that it's (CR-V) one of the most stolen cars in Canada
@@WatchinDWorldGoByOh! I forgot about that.
I really like your courses! Do you ever do your comparisons with the same tires on both vehicles?
Thanks to your videos I bought a 2021 Subaru Forester in August 2021. Very happy with it. Thank you.
As a Subaru owner... I laughed at that attempt by the HRV 🤣
We already know the result before seeing the video!!!
We knew what was going to happen!
I love my 2014 crosstrek. It's gotten me through alot of deep water adventures! It's my 5th subaru since 1980. Peace from Northern Michigan.
Got a 21 Crosstrek Sport like yours, and love it!
Bought an 07 Subaru Outback, manual transmission. Goes awesome in the snow and I feel very confident in it’s capabilities. I’m in MT and so there are lots of Subarus on the road here. Wish the gas mileage was better. I’m getting just under 24 mpg. But I think a lot of that has to do with the addition ethanol that has been added to the gas in more recent times. I want to test it on premium for a few tanks and compare numbers to see if the cost difference in fuel is worth it in added mpg
Let us know the results please?
I own this exact model and year of Crosstrek and it is my most beloved car I've ever owned. That thing is an absolute beast
Subaru for life!!!!!
I liked the original 2 models of CR-V = small and affordable, but the CR-V has become way too large and expensive for the average buyer, it is now in LUXURY-VEHICLE territory, that's why it is good to have the smaller HR-V come around.
If you are testing specially off road you need to make sure that both vehicles have the same set up to ensure fairness - you have to retest the HRV with off road tires too
Manufactures don’t let us change tires on test vehicles.
Can't wait for you to test drive the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness model! I currently drive a 2020 Renault Koleos, but it seems that the Crosstrek Wilderness could be my next car.
Subaru symmetrical AWD continues to rule. My 2009 Forester is still going strong. Just regularly maintain it and enjoy the dependability.
So is my 07 Forester xt with 212,000 miles.
glad i got the 2023 crosstrek! This video shows how useful this comfy car can be.
Crosstrek is great at ALL aspects a car owner would want.
Let me give you some figures:
'23 Honda HR-V
1st gear - 2.53:1
Final drive - 5.44:1
Overall crawl ratio - 13.76:1
'21 Subaru Crosstrek Sport
1st gear - 4.07:1
Final drive - 3.7:1
Overall crawl ratio - 15:1
A more aggressive 1st "gear" is what matters most for off-roading as it's the starting ratio to get over obstacles at a slower pace. The lower the better. The other advantage that the Crosstrek has is more power and more refined AWD system. Last, all CVTs aren't created equal. Subaru's TR580 is the best one so far.
Got a loaner HRV when I was getting service done and it's not a bad LITTLE.big subcompact, completely inoffensive with nice comfort on the freeway and peppy in the city. Only gripe is the fuel tank is kinda small compare to subies
why do you keep stopping when the vehicle is actually and seemingly making a progress?
The Honda wasn’t designed for off road . It was designed for good fuel economy, and roominess. Your comparison is ridiculous.
Omg haven't even watched the video yet. But super excited to see a crosstrek vs video. Thanks. Thumbs 👍. Now on to watching the video
I’ve owned 3 different Subaru. The AWD system is the reason I bought them. I switched to a Storyteller MODE and sold my 2016 Outback 3.6R since I will no longer need it. If Subaru ever made a High Roof Van, I will switch back.
how does the Honda HRV compare to the Toyota Corolla Cross, old FWD CHR, and old AWD Matrix XRS?
Similar results for the 2.0l 152hp crosstrek? I drive an impreza and looking at upgrading. Wonder if the 182 is really all that different.
Honda VTM4 is one of the best AWD system. Just wish they used it in the HRV and CRV, but I know they have their reasons
I knew the results of this comparison before I watched the video!
I'm in the market for replacing my daily, I've been looking at things like CX50, Rav 4 Hybrid, Rav 4 Adventure, Forester Wilderness, maybe a Wilderness Crosstrekkies on its possible April 5th announcement. I'd tow 1-2 motorcycles, and light camping trips, soft offroading. Maybe a foot deep of water. It flash floods here a lot. Though I usually wait for it to pass, you cant time everything.
How reliable are these CVT's in the long term? Long Term to me is twice the factory warranty. So like 10 years minimum. My current vehicles have had no transmissions issues other than me changing the trans fluid, 2 of them are 23 years old, another is 15 years old. I figured it times to finally retire one. Maybe its not giving me any issues of trans related, but I'm tired of its bad mileage, and other quirks. Old rust wear is starting to show signs. Regardless I'm eager in researching for a replacement.
I've read that the toyota are some kind of direct shift ecvt's, are Subies still a belt and cone style?
Man, I wasn’t expecting greatness from the Honda, because historically their AWD system is an absolute joke. But I wasn’t expecting this amount of utter failure. Subaru is still the best choice in AWD by a long shot!
Despite you not going for the PYP paint, I still have to tip my hat to a fellow 21 crosstrek sport owner ;)
PYP GANG! 21 limited ;)
A little off topic... A few years back did you have a Outback?? How does the ride quality compare to the Crosstrack???
Outback XT rides better and has more comfortable seats. Crosstrek is great for economy and being fun to drive.
is this video demonstrating the fact that there are two affordable AWD options on the market: subaru's and others'.. and essentially the choice between operational AWD and cosmetic AWD?
Wow that Honda is super aggressive at limiting power to protect the CVT.
I'm not even sure it would pass a steep driveway test.
How do you think it would do, in the sand at the beach? Just bought one waiting for delivery.
Was with you to until you had trail tires on the Subaru. The whole comparison is absurd at that point. Come ON… at least show comparable class tires if not identical tires.
Agree!
Try finding a HRV AWD EXL, they are so hard to come by.
I’ve been driving Subarus since the early 90’s and own 2 now…I didn’t really need to click the video to see which car would come out on top.
I'd take the Subaru any day not just because it can do more but because it looks way better in my opinion .. kinda wish I bought the orange one I was looking at and ended with a Mazda that I had to buy a second one just for winter .. once I can pay it off my next one will definitely probably be a Subaru
Best part of the video...when he enters the course with the Honda, you can see that 'Tool - Parabola' is cued up on the radio. Very good choice! 😂
I think in this comparison the traction control system play more significant role than the engine torque. As you know the traction control uses the ABS module to sense the slipping wheels and send braking impulse the them, so the power will be transferred to the opposite wheel with more traction. Clearly, Subaru’s traction control is more superior than the Honda’s.
Love your videos can u test a crosstrek with 2.0 and cvt
Why is it when I think of the HRV as a CUV I think of the words, leave me be. "LMB" 🤣🤣 Maybe it is ok on FLAT LEVEL snowy/ice conditions with the proper tires. But a dirt road, no thanks. Power, power power.(torque) Everyone talks about traction/tires. Here is the absolute perfect example of not enough power and no amount of traction/grip is going to mean a thing. Thanks for this example.
Great video. Now we all know NOT to drive the HR-V off road. ...and to buy a Subaru Crosstrek instead.
Great video like always.
I love what he does with press cars. Great job showing vehicle limits.
After test driving both, I picked Subaru
I love my Subaru Crosstrek ❤
Good thing the 1992 Subaru Legacy was included in this video, I thought for sure that this was going to be all about the 2023 Ford Escape vs the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Sport.
We drive Outback and F150 because they are best when it comes to performance & quality first, reliability/”longevity” second.
Longevity is dependent on use, but don’t tell that to a Toyota(commuter vehicles) fan.
However…no off-road test can be considered reliable without identical tires. Unless of course the margins are so large.
Tires were not an issue in the video above. If it was a traction issue then the Honda tires would have been spinning while still contacting the ground. That didn't happen, all they did was sit there doing nothing. It's clearly a lack of power making it to the wheels.
love ur video, very very educational, inform most ppl of which/wat is car capable of... no bias here ❤❤❤
Great segment thankyou. Any thoughts on why the so few offerings of a manual transmission aren't with AWD? Seems like the rare manual transmission is mainly on 2 WD only vehicles. Why?
Take-rate on manuals is minuscule and not with the capital investment.
It's not necessarily the lack of power but the lack of a good AWD system.
Seems like an old fashion mechanical limited slip differential would be better on the rear of the CRV. you can clearly see that there is no power being applied to the rear wheel that is on the ground when the other rear wheel is in the air.
I’d love to see you take a Ford Maverick on this course too. It’s great to be able to see the back to back comparison with your Crosstrek.
Honda's "Real Time AWD" system has always sucked. I'm not a Subaru fan, but the Crosstrek clearly shows more commitment to being all-road capable. While I prefer the cleaner design - outside and in - of the HR-V, the car seems a pathetic effort by Honda, lacking the option of either the turbo or hybrid powertrains of its platform-mates.
I really enjoy watching these, and at least there is an honest objective view of both vehicles. I will say that I like the interior of the HRV much better, it looks like it’s beginning to take a little bit more form upgrade wise. However, my choice no matter the outcome would have been Subaru. Honda just is not what it used to be Subaru’s have changed also but I really believe that they are trying to keep the quality and really they’re all wheel drive is a much better system than most of the other car manufacturers out there, Honda, Kia, Toyota. CVT’s are the way of most car manufacturers and quite honestly I think Subaru has one of the best. Viva that crosstrek! 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
from my experience most of my customers complain about the interior on the Honda. I've heard it feels tinny with lots of plastic throughout it. For a similar price point Subaru hands down is the much better value and a much safer vehicle.
@@twentyonepilotsofn6277 thanks for sharing that. We are not in the market currently for purchasing any car however knowing that it helps to bypass Honda!
Thanks for the comparison.
Will you do one in the snow?
We planned to do a snow episode by we were in-between snow storms in the area and even the mountain roads were snow-free. 😭
Honda vs Subaru. Very similar price, but totally different car with not comparable possibilities. Hoonda is car only for good roads, Subaru is car for life.
Why do you prefer Crosstrack over Forester?
Is it AWD?
Are we sure that Honda is AWD?
Im far from the tree hugging Subaru stereotype. My wife bought a 2017 5spd and I couldnt believe the snow piles I was able to drive thru, so now nerdy as it sounds i went with the 2021 sport. what a wicked little car, drove home in a snowstorm from way upstate ny and blasted around other cars panicking on the way to long island. the 2.5 is totally the way to go though.. i do my own maintenance and im super happy that i can turn off the dumb ass auto stop/start, and all the safety BS . I can drive and make decisions myself
Sorry to have to say this but...Honda engineers should hang their heads in shame! Honda is known around the world for quality, economy and reliability. I'm a bit blown away that the Honda HR-V couldn't even come close to the Crosstrek. The Honda AWD system was as disappointing as the one in my 2020 Dodge Charger STX!
How would you compare the hrv too the Corolla cross
For those of us who live in the PNW , especially in mountainous areas, we know that Subaru’s win hands down.
They’re very capable vehicles and we love them.
My wife’s side of the family drive Outback’s, we drive an Outback and my brother and sister-in-law drive an Outback.
Only my sister who lives in Socialist CA doesn’t own a Subaru.
Subaru is my favorite! Good job! I want to test Dacia Duster, 1.5, 4x4 If you find one in US.
Yes a Duster would be nice to give the Subaru a run for the money, but I don't think that is available in the US.
I would trust the HR-V’s AWD system to take me to the same places as a Civic and nothing more 😅
Who in their right mind would buy one of these for going off road ,and why ???
Guarantee I’ll see an HRV at a local trailhead within the year. It’s an an appealing package to an average consumer and in the PNW even regular people hit the trails on the weekend.
@@bextar6365 absolutely 🏆 well said 🥇
I think it isn't all the awd to blame on Hrv. The cvt transmission kinda becomes a show stopper when a tire is met with a high force obstacle.
I like the self-destruct button on HR-V..
Might be more fair to test both vehicles with factory installed all season tires, since that is what is on the Honda, and on the Sport model from the factory. Also maybe get a Crosstrek Base or Premium with the same 2.0L engine as is in the HRV and not the Sport models 2.5 L. I like your videos, but this is not apples to apples.
Agree!
Manufacturer R&D should have a budget set aside for T&E by DrivingSportsTV. Always enjoy these vids
I know this sounds crazy. But can you do a Mitsubishi Mirage Offraod test. I know its FWD but its got a lot of ground clearance and I think for a non-offroad vehicle it will do better than you'd expect. Its got soft suspension though so drive slowly.
If you must get an HR-V, get yourself a fwd and save some money and gas. Honda’s AWD are notorious for limited capability especially in off road or low grip situations. Even in snow, the real time AWD suffers. If you’re a Honda fanboy or really like this car, get fwd and call it a day. Otherwise, there are other nice small compact crossovers in the market.
the HRV is not intended for off-road use. Talk about setting it up for a failing grade.
Will you guys be doing the new transit trail? I'd love to see your take!!
I have a 6 speed MT Crosstrek and from my experience in these types of trails (which my Subaru handles like a champ), the difference in performance between these two has more to do with the bigger engine in the Subbie rather than the better AWD system (the Subaru one is superior anyway). The HRV seems to be struggling with lack of torque, if you would test the 2.0 CVT crosstrek in this trail, my guess is that it would struggle a lot more, but in the end it would be able to make it. I used to have a 2006 CR-V with the same realtime 4WD (albeith an earlier iteration of it) and it never ever, ever got stuck even on very broken dirt roads. So that is why my guess when searching for a culprit in the performance difference, is engine power. AMAZING REVIEW BTW!
The crosstrek in this video is a CVT. The crosstrek outperform the HRV by having advantages such as shorter gearing ratio, an N/A engine with no turbo lag, as well as the AWD software tuning.
it almost looked like the HRV system just gave up and stopped trying to put power ANYWHERE. like the computer went "conditions suboptimal, system shut down". 150hp is more than enough to cause tire spin in a car that size on dirt. but there wasnt even that. the car just stopped.
the subaru on the other hand seemed more than happy to shoot power around even if it caused wheel spin. it actually tried.
Is there going to be a CR-V 2023 off road test?
The HRV might be better compared with the Impreza hatch. The Crosstrek is more offroad-capable stock, but that's not even the whole story. The aftermarket support for the Crosstrek is WAY better. One can find skidplates, rockers, winchmounts, LSDs, a rear diff-locker, steel bumpers, suspension lifts, MT/AT tires that fit the wheelwells and brake calipers, and turbo kits for the Crosstrek. The Crosstrek is also offered with a 6spd manual tranny.
Crosstrek can also DRASTICALLY beat the EPA hwy MPG rating. My 2016 once averaged 46+MPG on a tank. It's only rated for around 32MPG hwy. I still often average over 32MPG on a tank, and I now have skidplates and 1" taller AT Trails on the car.