Subaru’s Crosstrek gets updates and more-powerful Sport model
Now in its second generation, the Subaru Crosstrek returns for 2021 with an exterior “freshening” and a few other upgrades, as well as a new Sport model with a beefier boxer engine, boosting horsepower to 182.
Built on the architecture of Subaru’s Impreza compact sedan, the Crosstrek offers seating for up to five and a decent-sized cargo area – while also providing great fuel economy and – a Subaru staple in the U.S. – standard all-wheel drive.
Some have called the Crosstrek a puffed-up wagon version of the Impreza, but it’s much more than that.
With prices for 2021 starting at $22,245 (plus $1,050 freight) for the Base model with a six-speed manual gearbox, or $23,595 with a continuously variable automatic, the Crosstrek rings up as a great bargain, considering that the all-wheel drive is included in the prices.
For 2021, there are four gasoline-only trim levels offered. Besides the Base model, there are the Premium ($23,295, manual; $24,645, CVT); new Sport ($26,495, CVT only); and Limited ($27,995, CVT only).
The Crosstrek also is available in a single plug-in hybrid version for $35,345.
The Base and Premium gasoline models come standard with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder horizontallyopposed (boxer) engine, with 152 horsepower and 145 foot-pounds of torque.
They are the only ones that have the manual, but they are also available with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT.
With the 2.0-liter engine and CVT, EPA ratings are 28 mpg city/33 highway/30 combined.
Manual models surprisingly have much lower ratings, at 22 city/29 highway/25 combined. Remember when people bought manuals instead of automatics because the gas mileage was better? No more.
Our tester, the Sport model, came with the new
2.5-liter boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 foot-pounds of torque. It was paired with the CVT. This combination also is standard on the Limited model.
With this drivetrain, EPA ratings are 27 city/34 highway/29 combined. The CVT on our Sport model came with an eight-speed manualshift mode, with steeringwheel-mounted shift paddles.
The Sport model is the only Crosstrek that comes with Subaru’s dual-function X-mode, including Hill Descent Control, with driverselectable settings for Snow/ Dirt and Deep Snow/mud to optimize performance of the all-wheel drive. The other Crosstrek models with the CVT have only the standard
X-mode with Hill Descent Control.
Other special features for the Sport model include unique wheel-arch moldings, Sport 17-inch alloy wheels with dark gray finish, and a gunmetal finish for the grille, side mirrors and badges.
Inside, the Sport features new water-repellant Startex faux-leather upholstery with yellow stitching on the seats, simulated-leather armrests, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift boot, multifunction display visor, and center console storage box lid. The stitching adds a luxurious touch to the cabin.
Other Sport extras include carpeted floormats with the Sport logo and yellow stitching; gunmetal and simulated carbon-fiber
interior trim accents; a high-grade gauge cluster with color LCD and yellow metallic trim rings; and a high-power LED liftgate light.
We also had Incline Start Assist, a rear-vision camera, roof rails, a rear spoiler, dark-tinted privacy glass, two 12-volt power outlets, electric power steering, and steering-wheel audio and Bluetooth controls.
Seven exterior colors are available, including the new Plasma Yellow Pearl and Horizon Blue Pearl. Our tester came with the Crystal White Pearl exterior.
The only option on our Sport tester was the Moonroof package ($1,600), which also brought Blind-spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-traffic Alert, and the Starlink Multimedia Plus infotainment system with an eight-inch color screen.
Subaru’s Multimedia Plus system features Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity. The Starlink system also includes Connected Services, which adds Internet apps. The basic Starlink system is standard on all Crosstrek models.
Crosstrek Sport amenities also include Keyless Access with Pushbutton Start; Tire Pressure Monitoring with individual tire-pressure display; power windows with auto-up/down on driver and passenger sides; power door locks and outside mirrors; LED fog lights; Si-drive; and dual input/charging USB ports in front and dual charging USB ports for the rear passengers.
As with other Subaru models, the Crosstrek comes with the brand’s Eyesight driver-assist technology, which includes adaptive radar cruise control with Lane Centering (standard on CVT models only).
Other Eyesight components include Automatic Pre-collision Braking and Throttle Management; Lane Keep Assist; Lane Departure and Sway Warning; and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.
Crosstrek’s standard Steering Responsive Headlights move to light up the curves as the vehicle makes turns. Other safety features include Reverse Automatic Braking, High Beam Assist, and a Rear Seat Reminder system.
The Crosstrek hybrid model
uses a special version of the 2.0liter boxer engine with a slightly higher compression ratio and other modifications. The hybrid system, called Stardrive, includes two electric motors, Symmetrical All-wheel Drive and the Lineartronic CVT.
One of the electric motors is used as an engine starter, and it converts to a generator to recharge the hybrid battery when the gasoline engine is running. The second motor powers the vehicle during hybrid and electric driving modes, and charges the hybrid battery as the vehicle brakes.
With a fully charged battery pack, the Crosstrek hybrid can go up to 17 miles on electric power alone. EPA ratings are 35 mpg (combined) for regular hybrid driving, and 90 mpg/e for electric driving.
On our Sport model, the extra power from the 2.5-liter engine was instantly noticeable, and added a measure of fun to the driving experience.
The cargo area has 20.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat. That expands to 55.3 cubic feet with the 60/40-split rear seatback folded down.
Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system automatically transfers power to the wheels with the best grip, eliminating oversteer or understeer in sharp turns and on slippery surfaces.
While the all-wheel-drive system does not come with low-range gearing for serious off-road driving, the vehicle
is suitable for limited use on wellmaintained dirt and gravel roads, such as many found in state and national parks.
Ground clearance is just 8.7 inches, though, so you’ll have to watch out for big rocks, stumps and other potential hazards that require higher clearance.
Both front bucket seats were comfortable, and there was ample legroom and headroom, front and rear, as long as the front seats weren’t moved all the way back on their tracks.
The Crosstrek’s cabin wasn’t as quiet as that of most premium cars these days, but it was typical for this class. We didn’t have to shout to carry on conversations with our backseat passenger, though.
Subaru uses high-tensile steel in the body of the Crosstrek, along with ring-shaped frame reinforcement, three-point seatbelts in all positions, advanced air bags in the front, sidecurtain air bags for both rows, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, a driver’s knee air bag, and headrests for all seating positions.
With the Moonroof Package, the total sticker price for our 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport was $29,145, including freight.
The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-news since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer. com.