I Looked At the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and Walked Away Because of the Touchscreen, I’m Test-Driving a Car, Not A Laptop

We bought a 2020 subaru outback at for the towing capacity. Like the performance and agree that the screen is an issue. It is a distraction. I tell the sales & service folks this every time I go o the dealer. Also the nav system is tom tom and terrible. I thought this went away a long time ago. We have a 2014 outback and the nav system is much better. Not sure what that system is. On the 2914 We like the view of street names as we are approaching an intersection. We like the highway exit and lane identification on the screen

I’m not a fan of the big screens but not for the reasons most give — I’m wondering how much it will cost to replace when it eventually fails. All items electronic will fail at some point. Of course, as you look at comparable models of SUVs you will find that they, too, have adopted the huge screens, some extending across the width of the dash. I still prefer analog gauges and physical controls. That being said, we are driving our second Subaru Forester Touring and have had zero problems with either. The 25 Forester is a real pleasure to drive and I could tell immediately how they improved multiple features of the SUV. It is quieter, very responsive steering, has heated and cooled seats, has a kick to open hatch (we have the Touring model). Will I buy another? Probably. But I am also eyeing the Mazda as a second vehicle to replace my 11-year old VW Jetta. I like the fact that the Mazda models I am interest in have traditional automatic transmissions.

Hi. I own a 2024 Outback, it has the same touchscreen. Yes, I HATE THE TOUCHSCREEN. I think it is ridiculous and would have much preferred buttons, but this is the new way. Love my Outback Limited but i would happily do without the computer look.

I just purchased My 2025 Subaru CrossTrek Limited Edition for Christmas. I am
In love and especially with the touchscreen!!! I think it is well set up and
everything so user friendly. It has it all and then some. I love that it is so large. It was one of the main reasons I fell in love with the car .?There isn’t any problem using it whatsoever and I am 73 years old. Thank You Subaru for the happiness you have given me !!! I live my Suvie Girl !

We got a Forester just in time to avoid the knobless upgrade of the new version. The big screens are too much. If they don't revert, our next purchase will break our string of 8 consecutive Subarus.

Just bought a 2025 Legacy Touring XT, first brand new car ever, the touchscreen concern I have is when it goes out, you don't even have climate controls. Otherwise, the use while driving is fine. I do spend a minute getting ready to drive as opposed to hopping in the car and doing it while I drive. Once I'm used to it, it'll be rote, like anything else. Just like getting a new cell phone. The car itself is great!

I have a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. I absolutely love it! I quickly got used to the large screen and most of the actions you may need can be done on the manual buttons. The Subaru dealer and website are very helpful in understanding anything you may need help with.

I bought a Subaru Forester last year. It is my first Subaru and I’m still getting use to it. For the most part I’m enjoying it. However, I am extremely disappointed and frustrated with the on board Navigation system that I paid for. It is very unreliable and not at all efficient. Directions are given in distances (meters) and right/left east/west locations to next turns etc vs street names, routes # , exit numbers. Information is provided in small inset screens forcing you to take eyes off of the road to get complete directions. The system is confusing, slow and distracting. The same overall concerns with the Cross Trek screen that have been mentioned.
I’ve discussed the problems with my dealer. They acknowledge my concerns and indicate they have had other complaints. The only solution offered is to use Android Auto or Apple Play . Not a satisfactory solution when Subaru charges extra for the Navigation system. The Subaru Nav system is TomTom based. A Garmin base would be better in my opinion.

I have a 2021 Crosstrek sport. I will not trade it in for a newer version because of the touchscreen. My Crosstrek is perfect with easy to use HVAC controls. The only touchscreen is for the radio/ apple CarPlay. It’s the perfect blend of touchscreen and physical buttons.

Adapt or Die! Been following Denis' blogs and Videos even before we bought our '23 Ascent and if those who refuse to embrace the Latest and Greatest will have to buy Used since Subaru as well as all the other Automakers must provide this New Technology to Survive in this ever changing Market! I'm old (60+) but love our Ascent with the Big Screen that is nicely integrated into the Dash, not Obnoxiously plastered in the middle like Teslas, Ford Mach e and the like. Yes, it worries me of possible Issues in the future (purchased Extended Warranty to sleep @ Night) but it is so much more Advanced than our Sister's 2019 Toyota Highlander that she's looking to Upgrade...preferably before the Tariffs!

how is the Crosstrek considered an SUV, It's literally a lifted Impreza with cladding based on the same chassis.

I purchased the 2025 forrester wilderness. As it has a little smaller display and real knobs. I don't like the larger displays on many new cars. I find them annoying in the dark, especially triggering to astigmatism making it harder to adjust at night. So far I like it, still learning all the controls as this is my first subaru.

I mean to each their own ,but I love the big screen its perfect for GPS. I drive a 24 wrx, 38 yr old man 2 kids wife 👌🏽. It actually keeps my attention on the road I just glance down and see where I'm going.

Like it or not. Every car is a lap top today. Wether it's in your face or hidden somewhere else. You can't hide from the complex operation going on.

I like how Subaru has integrated the screen flush into the dash. It is not tacky looking compared to other dashboards that seem to have a tablet glued on as design afterthought. Who wants an ugly tablet jutting out of the car like that?

I got crosstrek last year and I agree that screen is big, but...I use to and I'm proud of my forth Subaru

Who told you that your Toyota Corolla is on it's last legs? Toyota engines last for years. I've heard one report that the Toyota 2.2L engine lasts for up to around 600,000 km. Now that happy had done good research in funding that out. Now that's only one engine. My 2.2 C is 24 years old. Fair enough, I've only done 130,000 km, but I have great respect for Toyota and expect your Corolla should give you at least 400,000 km. It was a very popular vehicle.
As for Subaru, try out the Forrester. AWD. As for the computer screens, you'll get used to it in a week, and with set and forget, you will only ever fiddle with it if you so choose. It has a great engine too. The slightly bigger Overlander may also come with a turbo for extra grunt at about the same cost as a Forrester, even a good low milage second hand vehicle. You and your dog could easily get the back seats taken out, a plywood floor dropped in, and set it up as a little camper van. Plenty folk have done this, easily.
Subaru or Toyota Rav4, equally good runabouts. Cheers.

I bought my 2025 Subaru Forester on 11/30/24. It has a 11.6 inch Touchscreen. I love mine, with heated front seats, heated side mirror, I got the Premium Model.It has 6 feet of cargo space with the seats down, large Sunroof, and rear door auto open. 150 thousand miles warranty on Motor, power train, and axle, from Schaller Subaru of Berlin, Connecticut.

I own a 2003 Forester, 2017 Impreza, and 2023 Crosstrek, all bought new, all manual transmission. Drove a loaded Outback rental, 2024, 800 miles in N. Calif., SF to Redding, E along Trinity River, then back to Bay Area and around. Drove ok, except for the "nanny" control trying to keep me in the center of the lane instead of the "correct" line for corners. The touch screen was extremely annoying, size and distracting. I now won't buy another Subaru.
One more point. I use a stand-alone Garmin GPS, with side-loaded maps. I found out that without a cell signal (AZ desert, OR nat forest), the cellphone or internal map stops giving directions. You can see the map and your position, but the system couldn't tell you which direction to turn at forks or intersections. YOU have to zoom out and figure it out yourself. Obviously, traffic reports are not needed out there.

Subaru is not for a spoiled brat who complains about little things.

I own a 21 subaru outback. I dislike the distraction the large screen causes. Having assisted steering & eyesight does not mean the distraction can be longer. It could potentially cause mistrust in a feature other vehicles don't have. The AI help by verbal commands is helpful but in a vehicle less is more, when it comes to safety. I personally appreciate minimal buttons and dials. It's too easy these days to make irreparable mistakes. Sometimes removing the distraction can help save lives, making Subaru even more safe than ever.

I own a 21 subaru outback. I dislike the distraction the large screen causes. Having assisted steering & eyesight does not mean the distraction can be longer. It could potentially cause mistrust in a feature other vehicles don't have. The AI help by verbal commands is helpful but in a vehicle less is more, when it comes to safety. I personally appreciate minimal buttons and dials. It's too easy these days to make irreparable mistakes. Sometimes removing the distraction can help save lives, making Subaru even more safe than ever.

Each to their own I say. I've owned a crosstrek for a year, and i like it very much. Would I prefer some more physical controls for climate? Eh maybe, but humans are adaptable. If you can get the S trim with Harmon Kardon sound system, i think the package is solid value.

Just bought a 2025 Crosstrek and I love the big screen I’ve been researching this suv for months so I was already familiar with it Basically I love it

I think it's crazy to pass on a car you said was great based on the touch screen size. To each there own but you're missing an opportunity to own a great small SUV.