Compact crossovers and their subcompact siblings have become all the rage recently, but Subaru was at the head of the curve in 2013 when it lifted the suspension on its Impreza hatchback to create the XV Crosstrek. Now known simply as Crosstrek, this little utility may have more competition these days, but Subaru retains an edge: the near-cult-like fan base attracted by Subaru’s reputation as an all-wheel drive specialist.
This year brings more changes to the Crosstrek, which gains optional blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert—features it had never occurred to us were missing here, as Subaru’s EyeSight tends to steal the spotlight when talk turns to safety features.
Our tester was a top-trimmed Limited model optioned with a technology package that adds the EyeSight active safety suite (pre-collision braking, brake assist and throttle management, adaptive cruise control, lane departure and sway warning and lead vehicle start alert), passive keyless entry, navigation and leather seating.
Enough Power for City Driving, But Not Enough for the Highway
- Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder
- Power: 148 hp
- Torque: 145 pound-feet
- Transmission: Continuously variable automatic (CVT)
All those extras don’t change the Crosstrek’s basic specifications, which include a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that we’ve always felt would benefit from a bit more power: its 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque are perfectly adequate in city driving, but this motor runs out of breath on the highway.
Transmission Impressions
Perhaps counterintuitively (we are gearheads, after all), we prefer the Crossktrek’s continuously variable automatic transmission (included with the technology package) to the notchy stickshift, which also spins the engine too quickly in highway driving. The automatic is well-suited to the engine, making good use of its modest power and helping to keep mechanical noise down at highway speeds.
That doesn’t mean the Crosstrek is necessarily quiet: a lot of road noise gets into the cabin, but the well-sorted suspension provides a comfortable ride and was only mildly unsettled by the very worst pavement we could find.
2017 Subaru Crosstrek Interior
Inside, the Crosstrek’s advantage is that it’s based on a compact car, making its interior more spacious than the likes of the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3, both of which are limited size-wise by platforms shared with subcompact cars. There’s good space in here, with comfortable front seating and an aft cabin marred only by narrow rear door openings and a low, shallow bottom seat cushion.
Interior Space, Tech and Convenience
Crosstrek’s extra interior space relative to some of its newer competitors is reflected in its higher price: it starts at $25,000, nearly $5,000 more than the Honda and Mazda models, and $3,000 and change more than the Jeep Renegade, with its similar promises of ruggedness.
We challenge you to find climate controls as straightforward as the Crosstrek’s, which package dual-zone automatic functionality (another tech package addition) into three large dials and a few buttons. Tech package models also get a larger touchscreen (7.0 inches versus 6.2 in lower-spec cars) to house Subaru’s nicely designed Starlink infotainment system. The heated seat controls present the only ergonomic annoyance, located far back on the centre console, hidden under the armrest.
Crosstrek Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is a key factor driving the popularity of small crossovers like the Subaru Crosstrek. For U.S. drivers, Subaru estimates fuel economy at 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway (approximately 9.1/7.2 L/100 km). Real-world numbers may vary, with testers noting an average of around 25 mpg (9.5 L/100 km) in mixed city driving during winter.
Styling plays a significant role in the Crosstrek’s appeal, too. While it shares its platform with the Impreza, the Crosstrek’s rugged design and higher ground clearance make it stand out as a more adventurous choice. This distinct look has resonated especially well in Canada, where the Crosstrek outsells the Impreza—excluding the high-performance WRX variant. The Crosstrek’s sporty, outdoorsy aesthetic likely appeals to those who want the practicality of a compact crossover with a bit of added flair.
Takeaway
And performance is the one thing we wish the Crosstrek had more of. This is a very likable little crossover with a nice interior, tidy looks, and useful ground clearance that lives up to the sport utility label. We don’t know how much desire exists for a performance-oriented little crossover, but if any automaker is well-placed to test those waters, it’s Subaru: a dose of the WRX sports car’s turbocharged personality would do wonders for what is already a very impressive vehicle.
2017 Subaru Crosstrek Limited Specs:
- Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder
- Power: 148 hp
- Torque: 145 pound-feet
- Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
- Brakes: Four-wheel disc
- Steering: Electric power-assist rack-and-pinion
- Suspension: MacPherson strut (front); Double wishbone (rear)
