Several factors stick out with a recently tested Subaru Crosstrek.
It is a versatile, fun-to-drive five-door compact crossover with a highly capable chassis, best-in-class fuel economy and updated infotainment features.
All gasoline models are powered by a 148 horsepower 2.0-liter Boxer engine, teamed to a five-speed manual transmission or available second- generation lineartronic continuously variable transmission. The Crosstrek Hybrid model's 2.0-liter Subaru Boxer engine uses a slightly higher compression ratio with the main performance boost coming from the permanent-magnet AC synchronous electric drive motor. Total hybrid system output is 161 horsepower, and the electric drive motor is integrated into the CVT and includes a manual mode with steering wheel paddle switches.
For a compact crossover, the powerplant is weak, the interior tight and the storage compartment small. Crossovers combine characteristics of a sport utility vehicle with a sedan.
The engine on a recently tested $25,055 Limited model (the other two models, a 2.0i and 2.0i Premium models, are less expensive at $21,595 and $22,595) was noisy and pokey. The noise can be blamed on the CVT and inefficient insulation, the pokeyness on lack of torque. It took 11 seconds to race, if that is the word, from 0 to 60 miles per hour. This compares with eight or nine seconds for competitors in the compact crossover class of vehicles.
The tradeoff comes in economy. During the weeks with Crosstrek's Limited model, fuel usage averaged 31.7 miles per gallon in combined city, suburban and rural highway driving with two adults and, occasionally, 40 pounds of cargo, aboard. That is good. Competitors really do not come close in this regard. With a full fuel tank of 15.9 gallons, the tested Crosstrek theoretically could have traveled 500 miles before pulling into a gasoline station during the test weeks.
Hybrid models combine the same engine with an electric battery pack to generate 161 horsepower and a lot more zest, but cost more. The Hybrid is priced at $26,395 and the Hybrid Touring at $29,995. Fuel usage is not a bragging highlight for the heavier (by 250 pounds) hybrid as one has been tested and it averaged 29.9 mpg.
In size, the Crosstrek crossover may as well be the hatchback version of Subaru's Impreza. The Impreza has the Crosstrek's powerplant and measurements without the noise of an engine mated to a CVT. The hatchback also costs less than the Crosstrek.
The Crosstrek is a crossover, though, with the necessary raised suspension for a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, plus another SUV ingredient of a rear liftgate that opens to a load floor of 22.3 cubic feet. That load floor can expand to 61.9 cubic inches when the split rear seats are folded flat. Competitors in the compact class offer 10 more cubic feet of maximum storage space. Incidentally, the Impreza hatchback has 52.4 cubic feet of maximum storage area, which is pretty close to what the Crosstrek offers.
The Crosstrek has no typical SUV tow hooks, but it does have front fog lights but then so do sedans. Cladded wheel wells help give the Crosstrek a tough appearance. Overhead roof rails lend to the look of an SUV. The aluminum alloy rails (and crossbars) are practical as, for example, canoes or kayaks can be latched onto it.
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, high ground clearance (8.7 inches), 17-inch alloy wheels and ample room for passengers and cargo make the Subaru Crosstrek a high-capability crossover. Both the gasoline and hybrid models feature the Subaru Boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive standard.
Symmetrical AWD means greater grip for each of the four tires and, thus, a reliable ride on roads, byways and highways. With a mechanical center-limited-slip differential, the Subaru is designed for traction in the worst weather.
Due to size, compact SUV crossover competitors should include Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Buick Encore, Dodge Journey, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Jeep Compass and Patriot, Nissan Rogue, Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru's own Forester.
This competition is deceptive, though, as the Crosstrek is in a unique spot. It is smaller than traditional compact SUVs but larger than vehicles in the subcompact class, such as the Honda HR-V, Chevrolet Trax, Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade and Mazda CX-3. Buyers will have to take this for what it is worth and compare values.
Safety is a hallmark in the four-door, five-passenger, all-wheel-drive Crosstrek. Its weight of 3,208 pounds won't do occupants any favor in a head-on collision with a larger vehicle and the disc brakes bring the 3,208-pound Limited to a stop from 60 mph in a media tested distance of 126 feet. Not impressive. The hybrid did better at 119 feet.
The Crosstrek's light weight might mean less than it appears in a head-on collision as the boxer (four flat pistons, two opposing the other two) engine is a safety item on Subaru products. The horizontal layout allows for a low center of gravity helping the engine to drive under the chassis and not pushing into the cabin in a front-end collision.
Subaru loads the Crosstrek with a lot of standard safety features not found on competitors, such as blind-spot detection, lane change assist, active front head restraints and driver's knee airbag. Normal and expected are an antilock braking system, traction and stability controls, daytime running lights, rear vision camera, rollover sensor, airbags in front and on the sides in front and curtains for two rows overhead.
Optional is Eyesight Driver assist technology which monitors traffic movement, optimizes cruise control, warns driver when swaying outside the proper lane, and can even help slow the Crosstrek when danger is lurking. The optional Starlink package includes automatic collision notification, which alerts a Subaru advisor in the event of an emergency and enhances roadside assistance. It also enables a person to lock or unlock the vehicle using personal computer or mobile device.
Standard on the Limited were leather trim (includes seats), remote keyless entry, cruise control, power door locks, four windows and exterior mirrors, heated front seats, Bluetooth for hands-free phone, smartphone connectivity, 12-volt outlet, USB ports, privacy glass, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, automatic climate control (not zoned), intermittent wipers, tilt and telescoping steering wheel and a touchscreen infotainment sound system for AM--FM high definition radio and compact disc player.
Among the stock features in the Premium are heated front seats, heated side mirrors and windshield wiper deicer; a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth control switches power windows, door locks and side mirrors; multi-function display with fuel economy information; security system with engine immobilizer; outside temperature gauge, and carpeted floormats.
Sometimes the touch screen took more of a touch to operate. At other times it took only a light touch. "Well, it just goes to show you that touch screens can be touchy," a passenger remarked.
Seats are manual and so is the liftgate. There are competitors in the $25,000 to $26,000 price range of compact crossovers where a power driver's seat and liftgate are standard. One of those competitors is the Ford Escape but then the Escape does not have leather seats and trim like the comparably priced Crosstrek.
If in the market for a Subaru in the small crossover class, pay a few dollars more and buy a Forester.
Warranty coverage is three years or 36,000 miles with roadside assistance and five years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain.
FAST FACTS
Vehicle: 2.0i Limited GRD model of
2016 Subaru CrosstrekType: small all-wheel-drive, five-passenger crossover
Price: $25,095
Options: $2,895 including power sunroof, navigation system, map update free three years, satellite radio with travel link and up-to-date traffic, keyless access with pushbutton start, pre-collision braking and throttle management systems, adaptive cruise control, lane departure and sway warning
Engine: 2-liter, 148-horsepower dual overhead cam, horizontally opposed four cylinder
Transmission: continuously variable
Fuel tank: 15.9 gallons
Fuel: regular
Wheelbase: 103.7 inches
Length: 175.2 inches
Width: 70.1 inches
Height: 63.6 inches
Ground clearance: 8.7 inches
Weight: 3,208 pounds
Tires (225), alloy wheels: 17-inch
Leg room: 43.5 inches front, 35.4 inches rear
Cargo: 61.9 cubic feet maximum, 22.3 cubic feet second row seats upright
Warranty: three years or 36,000 miles with roadside assistance, five years or 60,000 miles powertrain
Assembly: Japan
Information: www.Subaru.com/Crosstrek