I dumped my CVT Subaru and won’t own another. Servicing them has become an issue at dealers its a simple drain fill 30 minute service but dealers are so hard up for techs that can follow manufacture service procedures they either play stupid and say its non serviceable, or charge you 10x what it should because they somehow manage to screw up and trash the cvt every couple of cars?♂️?♂️. Having a non dealer do it runs the risk of junky parts not covered by Subaru if they figure out it was serviced by anyone other than Subaru?♂️?♂️. Yes!! The cvt fluid is a service item and yes it makes a difference.
If I were looking for a Subaru like vehicle today? The Bronco sport and the Maverick Pickup would be top of the list. Solid 8spd Automatic, solid engine, better power, better mileage, better capability, better load ratings.
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Oh and I totally get your mileage issues with the Land Crusher!! Its a big reason I sold it. The Sequoia was better but my 2019 Expedition is way better. In fact the Expedition is only about 2mpg different than my Subaru was on road trips and actually beats the subaru towing the same 4x6 trailer with bikes by 2mpg on the same exact trips?. So really loving the 400hp 9200lb tow rating, 2spd transfer case 4x4, 10spd AT, and locking rear diff with only 2mpg mileage penalty ??.