2020 Subaru Crosstrek vs Mitsubishi RVR: Subcompact Crossover Comparison Review

As far as automakers go, Subaru and Mitsubishi have been inextricably linked for a long time. It was the STI versus Evo rivalry that put both brands on the map for gearheads around the globe, taking them from folklore of the Japanese domestic market and turning them into sports car slayers in driveways around the globe.

Nowadays, about the only place these two compete is in the hotly contested crossover segment, and specifically with their city-sized subcompacts. The Subaru Crosstrek and Mitsubishi RVR both deliver the characteristics consumers crave — namely their added versatility compared to cars — in small but affordable packages.

Read the full review on autoTRADER.ca:

[davidsuzukiispolpot]

Claiming that you have to take your eyes off the road because the temperature knob doesn't have a display does not make any sense. The idea of temperature control is to keep you comfortable and a knob without a temperature reading on it is perfect because if you are cold, you turn the knob to the right and if you are hot you turn the knob to the left. Maybe that is too difficult for some people, but I think that is much safer as you don't need to take your eyes off the road for it.

[pauldaniel]

Mitsubishi and Subaru far better than Honda, Mazda or Nissan in this category. Both Mitsu and Subie have excellent build quality, but failed to mention Mitsubishi has a 10 year powertrain warranty, which Subaru does not.

[NotSure]

I think this guy missed the point of the rvr, it’s not for luxury, it’s for back country exploration and reliability . If you’re not into the out doors, get a 2wd cr-v

[bryanCLXT]

I own a 2011 and really all they did was add a screen move the heated seat buttons under the ac unit with usb ports. I paid cash for my 2011 IT has 103k miles much love from Denver Colorado

[arthurfernandes]

My mom has a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Limited and the engine is fine. I don’t understand why all the journalist trash the car, “for being slow.” I’ve merged on the highway with no issues at all and city driving is great.

[wallybeegone]

Out here in the states it’s the “outlander sport” and it’s just as ragged on here as it is in Canada. The Subaru is very popular and loved all over the states.

[manojsaxena]

Very good review...thanks. Especially, since I am about the same height, your comment on being cramped or comfortable in the driver seat is especially helpful...

[theadvocate]

Test drove an RVR this week( a 2.0 awd) was great but the price should be less. I would buy an older design car but the price as got to be in accordance with that. Otherwise, it's a solid car and the traction is impressive. In the end, i may buy a kona essential awd and save around 6000$....no joke!

[colbyord]

Descendents, Screeching Weasel and the Bouncing Souls?! Your musical taste is impeccable! Currently driving a 2020 Crosstrek and I love it!!

[Jmaninaz]

Subaru recently announced a 2.5L engine is coming for the Crosstrek in the 2021 Limited Trim and a new "Sport" Trim (at least that will be available in the USA--don't know about Canada)--presumably the same engine as used in the Forester, so nice bump up to 182 hp. I am due for a new car in the next 12 months, and I really like the Crosstrek but just didn't want that 152 hp engine since I go up into the mountains regularly. I will reconsider the Crosstrek with the 182 hp engine and look forward to test driving one when the 2021 Ltd/Sport arrive.

[montrealthis]

Everything he says about the RVR in the beginning is so true. Haven't driven it, but you can feel how cheap it feels as soon as you touch the door and open it. It rattles alot. ALOT.

[supercooled]

Why does the Crosstrek Limited in this review have the manual rear-view mirror dimming switch? I thought Limited came with auto-dimming.

[davidjym]

Can't really compare vehicles that are a few years apart in terms of design and platform ....

[mcchristianvon]

Listening to Dingbat while watching this review in 2023 lol... lets Go Subaru!

[vanilladonut]

Are some of Mitsubishi's downfall due to their alliance with Nissan and Renault?

[bigpapa]

Jesus, what a joke.

Looks like anyone can be a car critic today.

[SLFYSH]

Mitsubishi -anything is a no-go for quality, reliability, longevity, or resale value. Nope, never.

[aneet]

I use to have 2015 mitsubishi Rvr, the engine was so noisey all thanks to cvt transmission. It was so bad that you have to raise the music volume just to escape the engine noise.
It felt very underpowered and plastic used inside was cheap.
The only good things about my car were the fuel economy and great rockford music system.
Stay away from mitsubishi rvr.