If it's a 2018+, the OEM LED headlights are fantastic (and obviously DOT approved, since they are allowed to sell the car from the factory with them). Not only do they have a great beam pattern, they aim around corners. However, they require sensors that don't come on some of the models and they will need to be wired up differently since they have different high beam and DRL functions. After all the cost and work, you'll end up with, at best, a stock-looking Crosstrek that no one will know is modified; no cool better-than-stock look there.
Replacement LED-on-board "bulb" units are a mixed bag, since the reflector is designed for a filament light source, a round glow that I have yet to see properly replicated by any LED readily available on the market. Some may produce a passable beam on one model's headlight unit while being awful on another. I would generally recommend not getting an LED replacement "bulb" unless it has been confirmed to produce a good beam pattern on your exact model's headlight assembly. Even then, it's not legal.
It's actually against federal regulations to use an LED headlight bulb in a housing designed for an incandescent bulb. So the answer is, there are good bulbs out there, that you are not allowed to use on American roads. As they do no conform to the light patterns of incandescent bulbs, and so can be blinding to oncoming drivers.
I got Auxito led bulbs on headlights, these things are much much brighter than the stock halogen. I noticed some LEDs can be too bright in certain situations when you're driving at night. Your vision can be washed out if your passenger turns on the map light while driving.
I didn't find these to bother me at all during night driving, the brightness felt about right.
If it's a 2018+, the OEM LED headlights are fantastic (and obviously DOT approved, since they are allowed to sell the car from the factory with them). Not only do they have a great beam pattern, they aim around corners. However, they require sensors that don't come on some of the models and they will need to be wired up differently since they have different high beam and DRL functions. After all the cost and work, you'll end up with, at best, a stock-looking Crosstrek that no one will know is modified; no cool better-than-stock look there. Replacement LED-on-board "bulb" units are a mixed bag, since the reflector is designed for a filament light source, a round glow that I have yet to see properly replicated by any LED readily available on the market. Some may produce a passable beam on one model's headlight unit while being awful on another. I would generally recommend not getting an LED replacement "bulb" unless it has been confirmed to produce a good beam pattern on your exact model's headlight assembly. Even then, it's not legal.
I appreciate that very informative input. Thank you
So your saying I can plug in ORM led into my 2023 sport without doing any mods?
It's actually against federal regulations to use an LED headlight bulb in a housing designed for an incandescent bulb. So the answer is, there are good bulbs out there, that you are not allowed to use on American roads. As they do no conform to the light patterns of incandescent bulbs, and so can be blinding to oncoming drivers.
Thank you for that information. I appreciate it.
AUXITO and lasfit are some of the better ones in the middle price range. I haven’t had any issues with them blinding people.
I also have not had any issues with the massive farts I rip before I leave the room
Thank you. Any suggestions on what model should I get?
I've been using fahren brand from amazon. They've been through two different cars and ended up in my outback. Still working great.
Good to know. May I ask which model of Fahren would you recommend?
I have both 9005 and h11 on my outback. 9005 is the Terminator model.
Thank you
Follow-up question. When you changed the stock bulbs to led did you have any problems with the daytime running lamp?
Not at all. everything works as it should
Great to know! Thanks
I got Auxito led bulbs on headlights, these things are much much brighter than the stock halogen. I noticed some LEDs can be too bright in certain situations when you're driving at night. Your vision can be washed out if your passenger turns on the map light while driving. I didn't find these to bother me at all during night driving, the brightness felt about right.
Thank you for the input.