Subaru Crosstrek: Style, substance at attractive price
This is what an Impreza with a backpack and hiking boots looks like
Sproduct planners nailed it back in 2013 when they took the humble Impreza hatchback, raised the ride height, added some charcoal-colored exterior trim and tacked on a practical roof rack.
They could have simply called it an Impreza Sport or Touring, but the name Crosstrek implies something much more adventurous. The result? Chalk up yet another success story for Subaru.
The Crosstrek has a reputation as a rugged performer in mud, snow and over rough roads. It does so with even more aplomb for 2018 now that it functions with the same stiffer (by 70 percent) Subaru Global platform that the Impreza received a year earlier.
It was designed to improve ride and handling qualities, but an important side benefit is a 1.2-inch gain in space between the front and rear wheels, with most of that increase contributing to greater rear-seat legroom. The Crosstrek is nearly an inch wider than before.
Left unchanged is the 8.7 inches of ground clearance that comes in handy when tackling unmaintained roads and rutted trails. It also fits right in with the vehicle’s rugged image that’s decidedly different from the Impreza’s more benign leanings. The tougher look is enhanced with darker window tinting and a set of 17- or optional 18-inch inch wheels that look chunky and purposeful.
When it comes to interior design, the Crosstrek is virtually identical to the Impreza, which means that the gauges and controls are straightforward and user-friendly. A decent-sized touch screen is supplemented with large knobs for the audio and climate controls. The fact that either or both sides of the split-folding rear seat can be folded completely (and not partially) flat for easier loading is a plus.
Also a plus is the Crosstrek’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The horsepower number has increased by four for 2018, while the torque level is unchanged.
Transmission choices begin with a new six-speed manual with Incline Start Assist. This keeps the Crosstrek from rolling backward when you’re stopped on an uphill incline and you need to move your foot to the accelerator from the brake. There are three pedals, but you only have two feet, after all.
An available continuously variable transmission (CVT) comes with paddle shifters that operate seven preset ratios to simulate a multigear automatic. For 2018, Subaru has added driver-selectable Hill Descent Control to the CVT. It holds the Crosstrek to a crawl speed when descending a steep grade. You don’t even need to hit the brakes.
The CVT bests the manual when it comes to fuel economy, earning a rating of 27 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway, compared to 23/29 for the stick.
Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system maintains a 50:50 front-to-rear split, but can direct up to 100 percent of the torque to either set of wheels when necessary. Active Torque Vectoring applies light braking to the inside front wheel when cornering, which makes for easier and more precise turning.
The base Crosstrek starts at $22,700 (including destination charges) and provides the usual creature comforts.
The Premium includes upgraded interior trim and audio system, heated front seats and side mirrors, and a windshield-wiper de-icing feature.
Along with the CVT, the top-end Limited trim adds a navigation system, climate control, leather-covered seats, power driver’s chair and an 8-inch multimedia touch screen. (A 6.5-inch version comes on lesser trims.) Blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert is also standard with the Premium, but other active-safety technologies — including reverse automatic braking — are part of the optional Eyesight system.
Other extra-cost items include a power moonroof and your choice of premium Harmon Kardon or Rockford Fosgate audio systems.
However it’s equipped, the attractive, go-anywhere (within reason) Subaru Crosstrek continues to combine style with substance at an attractive price. The upshot is value and practicality, which is what buyers have come to expect from the brand.