Subaru Crosstrek
2018-2024
The Crosstrek represents Subaru's philosophy of making adventure accessible to everyone through practical design and standard AWD. It prioritizes capability and reliability over performance, appealing to buyers who value outdoor recreation and all-weather confidence.
Quick Take
The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover SUV built on the Impreza platform with increased ground clearance and rugged styling. It features standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and emphasizes outdoor adventure capability over performance. Available with either a 2.0L or 2.5L naturally aspirated boxer engine paired with CVT or manual transmission.
Best For
Key Strength
Go-Anywhere Capability
Watch For
CVT Performance Penalty
The Story
Heritage & Legacy
Introduced as the XV globally in 2012, the Crosstrek capitalized on the growing crossover trend by lifting the Impreza hatchback. It became one of Subaru's best-selling models, helping establish the brand's reputation in the compact crossover segment.
Design Philosophy
The Crosstrek emphasizes function over form with protective cladding, increased ground clearance, and a commanding driving position. Its design language balances rugged outdoor capability with urban-friendly proportions and fuel efficiency.
The Driving Experience
Engine Character
The naturally aspirated boxer engines provide smooth, linear power delivery that's adequate for daily driving but not particularly exciting. The CVT transmission prioritizes fuel economy over responsiveness, while the optional manual transmission offers more engagement.
Chassis Dynamics
Tuned for comfort and stability rather than sportiness, the Crosstrek offers predictable handling with noticeable body roll in corners. The suspension balances on-road comfort with off-road capability, providing a compliant ride over various surfaces.
Sound Signature
The boxer engine produces a distinctive but subdued rumble that's more refined than sporty.
Strengths & Tradeoffs
Defining Strengths
The Crosstrek's 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard Symmetrical AWD make it genuinely capable off-road. Unlike many crossovers that are AWD in name only, the Crosstrek can handle rough trails, snow, and challenging terrain with confidence.
Subaru's reputation for building durable vehicles shines through in the Crosstrek. The naturally aspirated boxer engine and robust drivetrain components are time-tested, resulting in fewer catastrophic failures and lower long-term ownership costs compared to turbocharged competitors.
Honest Tradeoffs
The continuously variable transmission prioritizes efficiency over engagement, creating a rubber-band effect that leaves drivers frustrated during acceleration. Highway merging and mountain driving expose the CVT's limitations most clearly, making the car feel underpowered despite adequate horsepower numbers.
While functional, the Crosstrek lacks the steering precision and chassis tuning that would make it truly fun to drive. The suspension is tuned for comfort and capability rather than sportiness, and the engine note is more agricultural than inspiring.
Ideal Owner
Perfect for young professionals, small families, or outdoor enthusiasts who need practical all-weather transportation without the size or cost of a larger SUV.