Hey everyone,
I just got my first Subaru and live in the Midwest, where winters can be rough. I’m wondering how these cars hold up when left outside in the cold and snow with no cover.
I can either get a 2024 Crosstrek base or a 2021 Crosstrek Premium. The newer one seems like the better deal since I’m mainly using it for commuting and occasional trips, but I’m worried that keeping it outside in freezing temps might be bad for it.
Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance!
It’s a car, not a pet. It’ll be fine.
Not much you can do about the weather. I’m up in northern Ontario, and we see -40°C often. My car always starts, no problem.
Last weekend, it was buried under two feet of snow. Brushed it off, started it up, and off I went.
The 2021 Premium comes with heated seats, mirrors, and wipers. The 2024 Base doesn’t. Just something to think about.
My 2014 Crosstrek spent its first five years parked on the streets of Montreal. Just traded it in after 10 years for a 2025 Outback, no major issues.
Of course, a heated garage would be nice, but most of my cars have been parked outside, and it’s never been a huge problem.
What kind of car are you coming from that makes you worried about this?
My 2013 has been outside year-round in Connecticut. No issues. It’s a Subaru, not a fragile old Jaguar.
We got our Crosstrek new, and this is its third winter. Snow, freezing rain… no issues. It always starts, just make sure to rinse off the salt regularly.
If you can, go for the heated seats. The cabin takes a while to warm up, even if you let it idle for a bit. A remote start is also nice for when the doors freeze shut.
My 2006 has been through every winter, parked outside in the snow and freezing temps. Still runs great. These cars aren’t that fragile.
Cold and snow aren’t the issue—it’s the road salt underneath that’ll do more damage over time. Cars are built to handle being outside.
It’s been -15°F every morning this week, and my '22 Outback starts just fine. I let it warm up for 5-10 minutes, but that’s mostly for my toddler since he can only wear a lighter jacket in the car seat.
My wife’s '15 Crosstrek is also fine, and that’s just sitting in an unheated detached garage.
Salt is the real enemy. I take my '99 through a self-serve wash every week or two, and it’s almost rust-free compared to other cars around here that are 10-15 years newer.
You’ll be fine. If you can, get a remote start—it’s super handy in winter.
If you’re cold, they’re cold… bring them inside!
Kidding. It’s a car, man. Plenty of people park outside. Don’t stress over it.
I cold-started my '05 Legacy in -28°C without plugging it in. Just make sure you have a good battery.
Thanks, everyone! Sounds like I was overthinking this. I feel a lot better about leaving it outside now!
Remote start is nice but can be glitchy (plus it makes your car easier to steal). A battery warmer or block heater might be a better investment.