Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Blog: July 2019

Motor City Car Show presented by Sellers Subaru

Today was the annual Motor City Car Show presented by Sellers Subaru. This year's show included Rally driver Chris Atkinson. This is my third time to the show, which is heavy on modified WRX's, plus other performance cars, import and domestic.

Sellers Subaru is the dealership located in Northern Macomb County. They have a really friendly staff, are involved with the leader dogs for the blind, as well as other pet initiatives. Today's car show was with Michigan Medicine's Rogel Cancer Center, where proceeds from t-shirt and water sales wen to the center.

Although most of the vehicles at the show were of the sporty variety, there was one pretty cool modified Outback for outdoor activities.

Enjoy the pictures.

Crossbars for the Crosstrek Hybrid

Now that I'm getting used to the Crosstrek, and that SUmmer is in full swing, time to put some crossbars on for the Kayak and stuff and head on out for an adventure.

When it comes to crossbars for the roof, you currently only have one choice, the Thule crossbars for the CrosstrekHybrid. I got my set from my local dealer, and you can see them at this link.

The crossbars were delivered to my dealer within 4 days, so availability seems to be pretty good.

Their quality is the same as any other Thule product, which is to say pretty darn good. They do not add wind noise when driving (unless you don't put the rubber channel filler in the bottom)

Installation was straight forward, less than 30 minutes total, with the most basic of tools. Speaking of tools, the Allen wrench provided is a pretty soft metal, I'd use a regular hardened steel one if you have it.

Crosstrek Hybrid Crossbars for roof rack

Below is what you will find in the box.

Box contents

And the clamps assembled.

Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Crossbars clamps

Clamps for crossbar set

Front and side views with the Crossbars on.

Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Crossbars front view

Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Crossbars side view

Mileage

Adding crossbars will reduce mileage, but so far I have no idea by how much.

Tips

There are small rubber pieces that plug the channel in the bottom. These need to be cut to size once you have the crossbars on the car. If you do not install these, the crossbars will make a loud whistling noise as you drive.

And how do they work?

The bummer I did not realize is that the Kayak carrier and clamps from my Impreza are Yakima, and those clamps do not fit a Thule bar. I need to get a new kayak carrier to go with the crossbars. So another week to wait, and another thing to spend money on.