The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover. It's available only as a 4-door wagon and comes standard with all-wheel drive. Competitors include the Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Mazda CX-3 and Nissan Juke. Enhancements for 2016 include freshened front and rear styling, new audio and navigation systems and additional safety features.
Five trim levels are offered: 2.0i, 2.0i Premium, 2.0i Limited, Hybrid and Hybrid Touring. Non-hybrid models get a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 148 horsepower and mates to either a 5-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission. Hybrid models add an electric motor/battery combo that ups horsepower to an even 160.
Standard safety features include stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, rearview camera, active front head restraints and front-side, side-curtain and driver-knee airbags. Additional safety features include rear-vehicle detection, Starlink telematics and Subaru's EyeSight bundle, which includes steering-responsive fog lights, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking. Hybrid models get an audible pedestrian alert system that plays a warning sound when only the electric motor is in use.
Prices start at $21,595 for the 2.0i and climb to $29,885 for the Hybrid Touring. A nicely-equipped 2.0i Limited tips the scales at about $28,000. The Crosstrek is built in Japan and has a destination charge of $850.
Crosstrek's 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine provides adequate acceleration and mates well with the continuously variable transmission. From a stop, the engine will accelerate Crosstrek from 0 to mph in about 10 seconds. That trails most vehicles in the class. The transmission seamlessly transitions between ratios, providing relaxed cruising and little shift shock.
Subaru's all-wheel drive system is one of the best in the class at delivering power to the wheels with the most traction. There's little drama as power is apportioned and the system is quick to react to quell wheel spin.
EPA ratings for the Crosstrek are 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. Those are near the top of the class for a compact crossover. Owners will be surprised by the Crosstrek's real-world fuel economy, which generally exceeds EPA numbers. Given a gentle throttle foot and an easy suburban commute, Crosstrek will deliver about 35 mpg overall. In addition, the engine runs fine on regular-grade gasoline.
Dynamically, there's no mistaking Crosstrek is a Subaru. There's a fair amount of body lean in quick maneuvers and brake dive in hard stops. The tires seem to give up grip fairly easily on dry roads and understeer is a problem when entering cloverleafs at higher speeds. The tradeoff is a compliant ride that's both comfortable and composed. Thankfully, the nicely-weighted steering is accurate and the brakes have an easy-to-modulate pedal.
Off-road, Crosstrek is one of the more capable small crossovers. It's combination of all-wheel-drive, compliant suspension and above-average ride height let it go places where other crossovers can't. Still, it's not a true off-road champion, so don't think it will go rock crawling with a Jeep Wrangler - or even a properly-equipped Jeep Renegade.
One big plus is the availability of Subaru's Eye Sight forward collision warning and mitigation system. It's a welcome safety feature in this class and works well to both warn the driver of a possible accident, and, if the driver does not respond, attempt to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Interior noise levels are on par with other compact crossovers. Unfortunately, that means a bit more road and wind noise than you'd want most of the time. The engine drones in hard acceleration and is coarse on initial startup.
Crosstrek's interior design is contemporary and modern but doesn't stand above others in the class in both materials and assembly quality. Gauges are easy to read - day or night - and the center stack boasts a good mix of buttons and knobs. The available navigation system simplifies the overall design but adds some programming complexity when changing radio stations or audio sources. Unfortunately, Android Auto or Apple Car play are not supported. Instead, you get a Subaru-specific system that's a poor imitation.
Front seats are nicely bolstered and offer class-leading comfort. Head room is good, but leg room is just adequate. The rear seats will accommodate two large adults if the front seats are moved forward a touch. Three can fit in a modicum of comfort on short trips.
Overall cargo space is good, but Crosstrek doesn't have the cargo height or overall capacity of some competitors. In addition, there are no trick-folding seats or under-floor bins. Interior storage could be improved with larger map pockets and a few more cubbies in the center console.
Crosstrek is a unique blend of wagon, crossover and off-road vehicle. Strengths include good passenger and cargo space for the class, excellent fuel economy and a comfortable ride. Prices are competitive but certainly climb quickly for higher trim levels. Small crossovers are hot, so don't expect big discounts off MSRP.
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