2020 Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek SUV comes in three different trims that are namely 2.0i, Premium and Limited. For the 2.0i trim of the SUV, the price is set at $22,145.

The Premium trim of Subaru Crosstrek SUV comes with either a manual transmission, which is priced at around $23,895, while the automatic one comes at $24,545 respectively. With a price tag of $27,3955, the Limited is the uppermost trim of the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek.  

Trim	2.0i	2.0i Premium	2.0i Limited
MSRP (Automatic)	$22,145	$23,195	Not Offered
MSRP (CVT)	$23,495	$24,545	$27,395
Key Features	17-inch wheels	Leather-wrapped steering wheel	18-inch wheels
	60/40-split-folding rear seat	Six-speaker sound system	8-inch touchscreen
	EyeSight suite of advanced safety features	Contrasting interior stitching	LED adaptive headlights
	Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration	Blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert for the EyeSight system	Keyless entry and ignition
	6.5-inch touchscreen dashboard display	Noise-reducing windshield and extra Subaru Starlink features	Power-adjustable driver's seat
	Driver information display	Heated seats and mirrors	Leather seating
	Rearview camera	Sunroof	Automatic climate control
	Four-speaker sound system	Automatic headlights

We Recommend 

Crosstrek 2.0i Premium is our recommendation. Why? Because for just $800, optional CVT comes with paddle shifters and most importantly, the Subaru EyeSight driver assistance system is available. We equipped the Platinum with must-haves CVT ($1000) and Subaru EyeSight package ($1,395) for a total asking price of $25,905.

The Subaru Crosstrek uses the same 2.0 L Naturally Aspirated Boxer 4 across all three trim. With just 152 hp and 145 pounds-feet of torque, Crosstrek feels breathless at highway speeds. A 6-Speed manual is standard in Crosstrek 2.0i and Premium trim. But we firmly recommend getting the optional CVT as the Manual will expose you to the puny engine.

Every overtaking maneuver will have you revving that engine making the whole driving tiresome. Further, you have to poor scant fuel economy figures as well. Better, get the CVT and leave the task of finding any usable power to that automatic.

Models	Subaru Crosstrek	Honda HR-V	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3	Chevrolet Trax
Engine	2.0 Liter Boxer-4	1.8 Liter Inline-4	1.4 Turbocharged Inline-4	2.0 Liter Inline-4	1.4 Liter Inline-4
Transmission	6-speed manual	2-speed CVT	2-speed CVT	6-speed automatic	2-speed CVT
Horsepower	152 hp @ 6000 rpm	141 hp @6500 rpm	138 hp @ 4900 rpm	148 hp @ 6000 rpm	138 hp @ 4900 rpm
Torque	145 lb. ft. @ 4000 rpm	127 lb. ft. @ 4300 rpm	148 lb. ft. @ 1850 rpm	146 lb. ft. @ 2800 rpm	148 lb.-ft. @1850 rpm

When comparing with the rivals namely the Mazda CX-3, Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trax SUV, the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek SUV tops in producing the highest power. On the other hand, the maximum torque of the Subaru Crosstrek is least among the competitors.

A 6-speed automatic transmission is common among all the three rivals, whereas the base model of Crosstrek comes with a manual transmission.

Acceleration

All said none of the competitors here is particularly quick. While the Crosstrek does the 0 to 60 mph run in 9.0 seconds, Honda HR-V is almost as slow taking 9.3 seconds for the same task.

The snazzy-looking C-HR is even slower. Only the Mazda CX-3 posts a respectable time taking 8.6 seconds for 0 to 60 mph run.

Models	Subaru Crosstrek	Honda HR-V	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3	Chevrolet Trax
0-60 MPH (sec)	9.0	9.3	8.4	8.6	9.3
Quarter mile (sec)	16.9	16.8	16.2	16.3	16.8
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.0	6.3*	6.3	5.7	6.3

The 9-second acceleration feels like forever but we have competitors delivering much less. Toyota C-HR and Hyundai Kona are the potential lagers in the lot. Considering, it’s a 3100 pound SUV its average performance is acceptable.

Braking

The  Subaru Crosstrek SUV offers 11.6 inches brakes at the front and 10.8 inches brakes at the rear. The brake size of Crosstrek falls short against the 11.8 inches front and rear brakes present in the Chevrolet Trax.

The size of the front brake of the Buick Encore and the rear brake of Mazda-CX-3 exceeds the ones present in Subaru  Crosstrek.

Model	Subaru Crosstrek	Honda HR-V	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3	Chevrolet Trax
Brake Front (in.)	11.6	11.5	11.8	11	11.8
Brake Rear (in.)	10.8	11.1	10.6	11.1	9.0
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3113	2906	3237	2809	2805
60-0 MPH (ft.)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

With a curb weight of approximately 3109 lbs., the Crosstrek is just behind the Buick Encore curb weight of 3237 lbs. However, coming to the braking efficiency, the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek SUV comes from 60 to 0 mph after covering a distance of 125 feet, which is the least among its competition.

Ride and Handling

The ride quality of the Subaru Crosstrek is very impressive and reliable. The SUV has a very good interior space for making even long journeys a comfortable one. Smooth throttle response at all speeds and extra road safety features makes it a fun ride.

Moreover, the Crosstrek has a stiffer chassis and well-dampened suspension, which improves the overall handling and cornering ability of the SUV. The high ride height has also compromised the supple feel of Impreza. While it will gobble up potholes and feels compliant at low or high speeds, Subaru has tightened suspension in an effort to control body roll.

That means the ride is somewhat harsher than the Impreza.  The steering feel resembles that of the Impreza which is a great thing for Subaru supporters. The steering is well balanced without any anomaly as the road communication is plenty to judge the SUV’s actions. Further, you have the Subaru’s signature X-mode to take on tricky off-road tracks.

If you have come to terms with Crosstrek’s dismal performance, chances are you are expecting a great fuel economy, and you won’t be disappointed. The 2.0i trim of Subaru Crosstrek has a good fuel economy of 23 MPG in the city, 29 MPG on highways and 25 MPG as combined. 

Model	Subaru Crosstrek	Honda HR-V	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3	Chevrolet Trax
MPG (city)	23	28	26	29	25
MPG (highway)	29	34	31	34	33
MPG (combined)	25	30	28	31	28

The 25 mpg combined mileage seems fair till you start comparing. Mazda CX-3 is the most efficient car in the segment so is the Hyundai Kona. In front of that, Subaru’s efficiency seems to undermine, though keep in mind it’s different SUV altogether. 

The Subaru Crosstrek can seat five passengers. Even though the rear middle seat is a bit cramped, competitors are not much better either. The front seat has generous legroom and shoulder room and the rear seats do not disappoint either. The ergonomics are spot-on and the cabin is as user-friendly as ever. 

The headroom and legroom are satisfying and the seating position compliments the driver. You get a good look at the bonnet and the road as visibility is not an issue, thanks to the big windshield and thin front pillars.

Like every aspect of the Crosstrek, the interior screams Impreza – not a bad thing. Every piece is put together nicely and there are plenty of soft-touch surfaces. It is thoroughly modern without feeling fussy at all. Most impressively, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard. As with every Subaru, cabin volume is among the best in class.

Model	Subaru Crosstrek	Honda HR-V	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3	Chevrolet Trax
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5	5	5
Front (in)	39.4	39.8	39.6	39.6	38.4
Shoulder room	56.7	56.8	54.2	53.5	54.1
Legroom	43.1	41.2	40.8	41.7	40.8
Rear (in)	37.9	38	37.8	38.8	37.2
Shoulder room	55.6	54.5	52.5	50.4	52.8
Legroom	36.5	39.3	35.8	35	35.7

With seating for 5, the Subaru Crosstrek was born with strong SUV genes. Compared to other baby SUVs in the segment, Subaru offers a lot of space. The seats sit high above the ground thanks to its good ground clearance.

Front seats feature 39.8 inches of headroom and 43.1 inches of legroom. The rear seats are not that bad either, the headroom is nice but the 36.5 inches of legroom is ok-ish but can create a problem for people over 6 feet.

The interior of the SUV is not much appealing and focuses on being better at functionality. Other than that the car features the following features 

• 6-way adjustable driver seat
• 4-way adjustable front passenger seat 
• 60/40 split flat-folding rear seat
• Eco-gauge
• All-weather package
• Automatic climate control 

Infotainment System

The base Crosstrek 2.0i and Crosstrek Platinum gets standard Starlink infotainment with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability. The top-end Limited trim gets an 8-inch touchscreen and along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, navigation is optional. You can also get the booming Harman Kardon premium audio system by spending more.

Infotainment Features

• Optional 8.0 inch Subaru StarLink infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite Radio
• 4 USB Ports
• Optional 6  speakers
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability

Cargo volume

Large cargo capacity is one of the main highlights of the   Subaru Crosstrek SUV. The SUV has a cargo volume capacity of 18.0 feet with rear seats up, which is greater than CX-3 12.4 feet but falls a little short against 18.8 and 18.7 feet offered by the Encore and Trax respectively. It can be also increased with the help of  60/40 rear folding split seats.

Model	Subaru Crosstrek	Honda HR-V	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3	Chevrolet Trax
Trunk Volume (ft.3)	20.8	24.3	18.8	12.4	18.7
Cargo Volume with Rear seats folded (ft.3)	55.3	58.8	48.4	44.5	48.4

Subaru’s 20.8 cubics might feel like the best but it's not. Honda surpassed the Crosstrek with its 24.3 cubic feet of cargo. Even with the second seats down, it delivers a tad less cargo space.

Okay, we have to repeat it again – the exterior is identical to the Impreza. In fact, all the body panels are shared with the Impreza. Since this is a crossover, it has added plastic cladding, skid plates and raised stance. Fog lights are absent in base Crosstrek 2.0i while Power folding Moonroof is optional in premium and Limited trims. 

Today’s version has been made better, it's taller than before with its massive 8.7-inch ground clearance, have a split up tail lights, unpainted fender flairs, and 17/18 inch alloy wheels, everything required to forge a badass off-roader. However, the skin is more practical than magnetic which pays off well in the Crosstrek’s case.

Model	Subaru Crosstrek	Honda HR-V	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3	Chevrolet Trax
Curb weight (lbs.)	3157	2906	3237	2809	2805
Length(in)	175.8	170.4	168.4	168.3	167.2
Width(in)	71	69.8	70.1	69.6	69.9
Height(in)	63.6	63.2	65.2	60.7	64.9
Ground clearance (in)	8.7	5.4	6.2	6.1	6.2
Wheelbase (in)	104.9	102.8	100.6	101.2	100.6
Track width (in) F/R	61/61.2	60.4/60.6	60/59.5	60.6/60.6	60.6/60.6

The Subaru Crosstrek weighs almost 3100 pounds. That’s hefty compared to the close to 2800 pounds Honda HR-V and CX-3. But that’s acceptable considering the fact that the Crosstrek gets All-Wheel-Drive.

The Crosstrek is also the lengthiest crossover here at 175.8 inches. It’s also the widest at 71 inches and has the longest wheelbase. All this makes it quite substantial. 

Exterior Highlights

The Exterior has excellent features that add to the practicality and vogue of the vehicle.

• Daytime running lights
• Front fog/driving lights
• LED headlamp
• Turn signal in mirrors
• Heated mirrors
• Roof rails
• Blacked out front and rear bumpers
• Blacked out side body cladding and wheel arches
• Two-speed windshield wipers with variable-intermittent mode and mist feature
• Rear roof spoiler

The Subaru Crosstrek SUV is awarded an overall 5 star in NHTSA rating and thus recognizes the SUV as one of the safest vehicles. The Crosstrek scores 5 stars individually in various parameters including the overall side crash rating, side barrier rating driver and combined side rating front seat.

The Subaru Crosstrek is based on the new stiffer Subaru Global Architecture meant to provide great crash safety. That’s evident by its near top class crash test rating. The Subaru EyeSight active safety features are available as optional in Premium and Limited trim. The EyeSight includes:

Safety Features

• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Rear Child Safety Locks

Mazda CX-3 vs Subaru Crosstrek

Mazda CX-3 is one of the major rivals of Subaru Crosstrek and comes with a price tag of $19,960 against the $21,695 of the 2.0i trim of the Crosstrek. Apart from the price, the CX-3 also outpaces the Crosstrek in terms of 0-60 mph acceleration time, braking efficiency, lesser emissions, and fuel economy.

However, the Subaru Crosstrek clearly beats the CX-3 when it comes to the ground clearance and interior room space availability.

The Mazda CX-3 will make you go weak on your knees with its sharp exterior and irresistible interior. Even more, its driving dynamics will make you giggle. However, the interior is cramped and luggage capacity is lowest in class – by a considerable margin. Get the Crosstrek if these things concern you.

Buick Encore vs Subaru Crosstrek

Buick Encore is another strong opponent of the Subaru Crosstrek in its segment. The Buick Encore has an upper hand over the Crosstrek when compared on the basis of torque delivery, acceleration, second headroom, and legroom space and cargo volume with rear seat up. 

On the other hand, the encore's MSRP is set at $22,990, which is $1,295 greater than that of Crosstrek. Moreover, the Subaru Crosstrek has lesser curb weight, greater ground clearance and bigger cargo volume with folded rear seats than the Encore SUV.

Chevrolet Trax vs Subaru Crosstrek

Yet another SUV that gives a run for money to the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is the Chevrolet's Trax. The Trax has a lower price than the base model of the Crosstrek and offers a 6-speed automatic transmission. 

Additionally, Chevrolet Trax offers many advantages over the Crosstrek including, better fuel economy and lesser 60-0 mph deceleration distance. 

By judging the Subaru Crosstrek from different perspectives, it can be concluded that it is one of the best SUVs available in the US. The SUV is a great choice if the customer requirements encompass large cargo volume, extraordinary ground clearance and ample room for passengers as well as the driver Moreover, the Crosstrek scores extremely well in the NHTSA ratings and ensure delivering better safety.

All said, the Crosstrek is a very capable vehicle that brings a rare combination of real off-road capability, car-like refinement and high ride height of an SUV in a single package. However, the engine is underpowered – no escaping that. Also, if fuel economy is a very high priority, the Front-Wheel-Drive competitors will serve you well.