Electric Cars

Rediscover the Drive: Subaru's Potential Manual SUV Comeback

Subaru's Enduring Legacy as a Driver-Focused Brand

Subaru has long been celebrated for its robust and capable vehicles, a reputation meticulously built and refined through years of competitive rallying, where the brand frequently dominated. This deep engagement with motorsports fostered a perception of Subaru as a company that genuinely understands and caters to driving enthusiasts.

An Exciting Inquiry: Subaru's Manual Transmission Survey

While the automotive landscape has certainly shifted, Subaru has largely endeavored to remain true to its foundational principles. A recent survey distributed to US owners has generated significant buzz within the enthusiast community. A screenshot of this survey, shared on Reddit by user Macgyver452 and subsequently posted on the Subaru subreddit, features the brand's logo alongside a pivotal question: 'Would you consider buying a manual transmission SUV in the future?' The available responses ranged from a definitive 'Definitely Not' to a resolute 'Definitely', with many speculating that loyal Subaru owners would lean towards the latter.

Discreet Inquiry, Broad Implications for the Subaru Lineup

Typically, such surveys are confidential and sent to a select group of individuals. In this instance, specific Subaru owners received the prompt via email. The survey did not specify which particular SUV model might receive a manual transmission. However, given Subaru's current offerings, all models, with the exception of the electric Solterra, could be potential candidates for this engaging upgrade.

Identifying Prime Candidates: The Wilderness Series

If one were to speculate, the most logical contenders for a manual transmission would likely be models within Subaru's rugged Wilderness series, such as the Crosstrek, Forester, or Outback. These variants are specifically designed for more adventurous, off-road driving, making a manual gearbox a highly appealing and practical choice for the dedicated enthusiasts who gravitate towards these vehicles, as opposed to models like the highway-oriented Ascent or the more conventional versions of other SUVs.

The Resurgence of Manual Transmissions in the Enthusiast Market

In recent years, manual transmissions have gradually faded from mainstream automotive offerings. For example, the Subaru Crosstrek last offered a manual option in 2023, while the Forester phased it out after 2018, and the Outback went entirely automatic after 2015. At the time, it seemed manual gearboxes were destined for obsolescence, leading to a sense of melancholy among traditional driving enthusiasts. However, there has been a noticeable shift in the enthusiast market, with several manufacturers reintroducing manual transmissions, particularly in their performance-oriented models. Although manual car sales in the US typically represent a small fraction, fluctuating between 1% and 2% annually, the strategic reintroduction of a manual option could significantly bolster Subaru's brand image and appeal to its loyal customer base, even if it doesn't dramatically impact overall sales volumes.

Uncertainty on the Road: Nissan's Best-Seller Under Scrutiny

The Unsettling Pattern: Vehicle Shutdowns Without Warning

Across the globe, owners of the Nissan X-Trail, known as the Rogue in the American market, are reporting alarming incidents of their vehicles spontaneously losing power while in operation. A notable case from Sydney highlights this issue, where a mother's 2019 X-Trail repeatedly shuts down, raising serious safety concerns for her and her children. Despite repeated service attempts, technicians have been unable to replicate these failures, deepening the mystery surrounding these critical malfunctions.

The Elusive Malfunction: Dealerships Grapple with Undetectable Issues

The core of the problem lies in the difficulty of diagnosis. Dealerships often find themselves in a predicament where vehicles, despite exhibiting dangerous behavior on the road, show no error codes or warning lights during inspection. This "ghost in the machine" scenario frustrates both owners seeking solutions and technicians striving to identify the root cause, making effective repairs nearly impossible under current protocols.

Beyond the Recall Scope: Owners Left in Limbo

While Nissan has initiated significant recalls, including one affecting nearly half a million vehicles for potential engine defects, not all reported issues fall within these defined parameters. Many owners experiencing sudden shutdowns find their vehicles are not covered by existing recalls, leaving them without a clear path to resolution. This discrepancy underscores a broader systemic challenge that Nissan faces in addressing the full spectrum of reliability concerns impacting its most popular SUV.

Investigating the Culprits: Common Yet Covert Component Failures

Further investigation into these perplexing failures points to several potential components, including the crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor, and throttle position sensor. These parts are known to fail without triggering dashboard warning lights, making their diagnosis particularly challenging. Experts often suggest replacing both crankshaft and camshaft sensors simultaneously due to the difficulty in pinpointing the exact malfunctioning unit.

Alternative Solutions: Owner-Discovered Fixes for Unexplained Glitches

In the absence of consistent dealership solutions, some owners have resorted to their own detective work, finding temporary fixes for these intermittent issues. Some have reported success in resolving problems by correcting electrical ground faults, while others have found that merely replacing the vehicle's battery can surprisingly restore normal operation. These anecdotal solutions, while not official, highlight the desperation and resourcefulness of owners facing unresolved safety concerns.

The Ripple Effect: Eroding Trust and Daily Driving Fears

The cumulative effect of these unresolved issues and recalls has led to a significant erosion of trust among Nissan Rogue/X-Trail owners. The fear of sudden power loss during routine activities, such as school pickups or daily commutes, has become a palpable concern. This situation prompts serious questions about the overall reliability and safety of a vehicle that many once considered a dependable choice, challenging Nissan to restore consumer confidence with comprehensive and effective solutions.