2021 Subaru Crosstrek | Review & Road Test




For the latest Subaru Crosstrek pricing and information:
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Aligning with modern fashion, Subaru calls the Crosstrek a small SUV…even though it’s clearly a hatchback. Whatever you call it, the Crosstrek does indeed compete with small SUVs like the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, and Jeep Renegade.

Compared to that squad the Crosstrek has some key advantages.

#1: Standard all-wheel drive. Other than the Kia Seltos, I can’t think of any small SUVs where all-wheel traction is a given. #2: Ground clearance. With 8.7 inches between earth and underbelly, the Crosstrek can tackle more challenging trails without shedding componentry along the way. For perspective, you’d have to upgrade your Renegade to top-tier Trailhawk trim to match the Crosstrek’s ground clearance. And #3: Price. The cheapest Crosstrek starts a touch above $22,000, not including destination charges.

Base and Premium trim Crosstrek’s employ a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine (152hp, 145 lb-ft) delivering adequate thrust and competitive fuel economy. You can even choose a manual transmission, which partly explains the Crosstrek’s low base price. Budget an extra $1,350 if you’d rather have Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission manage ratios for you.

With the Sport and Limited trims, a heartier 2.5-liter engine (182hp, 176 lb-ft) teamed with that continuously variable transmission comes standard.

Cargo space is a competitive 20.8 cu-ft behind the rear seats. Folding those seats reveals a total of 55.3 cu-ft. There are also standard roof rails for securing larger gear to the roof.

If you want to overland your Crosstrek, I sure won’t judge. Explore the Crosstrek’s cabin and you’ll find respectable occupant space in front or in back…assuming you’re a completely average dude like me.

Beyond space, the Crosstrek’s cabin offers a clear view out, simple knobs and switches, materials that metaphorically shine among the small SUV set, and colorful stitching on higher trims. There’s a lot to like in here.

Distracting from the indignity of me blowing that thing up, is our test car’s Plasma yellow pearl paint. Hat tip to Subaru for not charging extra for their more distinct paint choices.

On an aesthetic note, I find the shape of the plastic wheel arches…odd.

Applied to your nearest roadway, the Subaru Crosstrek manages bumps with competence though interior noise is more pronounced than in Subaru’s more expensive offerings. Which is no surprise given the Crosstrek’s price tag. The steering also falls in the “just fine” category.

For those with off-road aspirations all Crosstreks, save the base trim, include X-mode which alters CVT, engine, and stability control settings for dirt road adventuring. Choose the Sport trim, like our tester here, and you’ll get dual-function X-mode with literally twice as many modes. Wow.

Keep things basic and the most elemental of Crosstreks includes a 6.5-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, automatic climate control, these SI-Drive buttons which alter accelerator responsiveness, and a rear-seat reminder so you don’t forget your kids, pets, or ice cream.

Higher trims offer features like heated seats, smart key access, and a larger 8-inch infotainment display. And if you feel like burning down an extra $1,000 there’s a moonroof.

Eyesight, Subaru’s camera-based driver-assist suite, comes on every Crosstrek..with the continuously variable transmission. Sorry manual transmission fans, you’ll have to employ old-fashioned spatial awareness if you’d like to avoid catastrophe.

Merging lane departure warning, steering assist, dynamic cruise control, and forward collision alert, Eyesight can help protective awful drivers from their own obliviousness.

I should also note that Subaru makes a Crosstrek hybrid. When I tell you, it costs more than $35,000 plus destination charges you might recoil in shock. Mitigating that shock. it’s actually a well-equipped plug-in hybrid that can drive 17 miles on electric power alone, is eligible for a roughly $4,000 US federal tax incentive, and, in certain states, earns you access to the HOV lane.

The subcompact SUV field has grown in recent years, so you have plenty of choices (visual of Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Hyundai Kona) though let me throw out a wild card. If you like the Crosstrek but want to save some cash, you could buy the Subaru Impreza 5-door instead. It’s essentially a Crosstrek with the body cladding removed, reduced ground clearance, and a $3,000 lower starting price. Something else to ponder.

Nonetheless, assuming you view it as such, the Subaru Crosstrek stacks up well against the current gaggle of subcompact SUVs.

00:00 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
0:27 Competitors
1:27 Engine
2:38 Interior
4:37 Exterior
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