CROSSOVER FEELS TOUGH, DURABLE, YET DOESN'T COMPROMISE COMFORT
The first-generation Subaru Crosstrek was my most common recommendation when friends and family were looking for “a good little crossover.” I had come to appreciate its honest approach to what it is and isn't, as well as for its better-than-average ability to maintain a nice ride on roads that aren't.
Those were my main impressions after about 3,000 kilometres of test-driving first-generation Crosstreks in 2013 and 2016 — about 1,500 kilometres on each, in the dead of a Sudbury, Ont., winter. I repeated the 1,500-km voyage for the third time in the 2021 Crosstrek, priced at about $30,000 in its Outdoor trim with Subaru's Eyesight driver-assist technology. This was my first drive of a second-generation Crosstrek, and it had some big shoes to fill.
The Crosstrek always surprises with its lack of the brittle, fragile feel common of many crossovers like it. It feels tough and durable.
Steps from my driveway is a side road that's been dug up and cold-patched so many times, you could break an ankle walking on much of it. It's useful for separating the machines that crash into the bumps from the ones that work at smoothing them out.
A few passes in my tester confirmed my hope: the DNA of the original machine's suspension has been successfully transplanted. The Crosstrek sails smoothly and quietly over the sort of surfaces that cause competitor suspensions to clatter and clank like a sword battle in Game of Thrones.
On a light off-road trail, I wasn't left wanting for suspension travel or clearance. There's also unpainted cladding to take any abuse directed toward the bumper from trail debris that might pass beneath. Translation? You probably won't bottom out, you probably won't scratch your paint and the Crosstrek's ride feels like it was made for a bit of off-road adventure. It's a good setup if you want to go out exploring.
Out back, there's 1,565 litres of cargo space, a wide opening for the tailgate, and easy canine jump-in height for a large or mid-sized pooch. The rear seats have decent adult space — it's not stretch-out roomy, though I was able to sit behind my five-foot-10 self without a problem. The front seats have a smooth, matte texture and neon green stitching, and the no-gloss, leather-like material gives a slick, soft touch.
Full smartphone connectivity and a big, bright screen keeps you connected with voice commands, the storage provisions and charging ports within reach are generous, and a handy smartphone app lets drivers check in on their Crosstrek while they're away, working the locks and lights. They can even set GPS fences and speed-limit warnings to help young drivers follow the rules when borrowing the car.
To the delight of northerners like me, hitting the road at 5:30 a.m., the bulk of the Crosstrek's buttons, controls and dials are easy to use while wearing thick gloves and shivering vigorously at 37 below.
Steering and handling seem lively enough, and while Crosstrek isn't opposed to some spirited driving, it doesn't beg for it, either. It's a good bit of fun, thanks to its size and the low, wide placement of that flat-four engine under the hood, but it's doing it's best work on a more laid-back drive.
My tester ran the now-available 2.5-litre boxer four-cylinder engine — a second and higher-performing engine option with 182 horsepower and a solid shove into your seat when merging and passing.
The CVT works like an automatic transmission, but delivers power on a smooth and endless wave, rather than with gears that shift up and down. If you prefer, some versions of the new Crosstrek can be had with a manual transmission, albeit with the base 2.0-L, 152-hp engine.
The Eyesight safety system powers a network of advanced safety features that are easily monitored and manipulated. Another confidence booster is the Crosstrek's X-mode selector. If you'll be encountering some deep snow, or a slippery off-road trail, tapping the X-mode button toggles special drive mode settings designed to enhance traction when things get tricky.
Gripes? The halogen headlights look dated compared to LED headlights you'll find elsewhere, though they do perform nicely. The onscreen graphics are improved but still short of the market's best, and some rearseat passengers may find themselves catching their thigh on the slightly tight rear-door opening.
The Crosstrek isn't the raciest or most modern-looking machine in its universe, but it's an improved crossover I'll continue to recommend for its top-notch ride comfort and adventuresome character.