Subaru Crosstrek, watch this if you want one...

Rented a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek with 2000 miles on it. While driving on RT 84 in NY, climbing a long but gentle grade (highway) with the adaptive cruise control on, the transmission failed. It's a mildly underpowered vehicle, and the transmission is a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that uses a steel belt and a series of variable pulleys to adjust for speed and load.

The RPM was about 4000 climbing the hill, then as the car in front moved over the adaptive cruise attempted to accelerate the car to the set speed. The engine reached 5200 RPM and remained there for a few seconds, then the horrific noise started and RPM increased even more.

I disconnected the cruise and modulated the throttle to keep the car rolling.

The car slowed way down, and eventually the engine shut off on it's own. I was able to roll it downhill, off the exit and into the gas station.

Anyway, my point is that the transmissions in these things are known to be problematic. And they certainly can't hold up to high RPM, highway speed, long grades.

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Subaru Crosstrek, watch this if you want one...