2020 Subaru Crosstrek

At a time when every other manufacturer was baffling with sub-compact ideas, things seemed pretty easy for Subaru though. Pick up the Impreza, lift it up and decorate it with some suv-like aggressive body-kit and born was the Crosstrek. The formula turned out to be a huge success for Subaru since there was nothing else in the market with similar propositions. 

What made the Subaru Crosstrek an instant hit in the market was its value factor. It packed in everything that a modern day compact-SUV buyer would ask for. It's spacious, has standard AWD system, is easy to drive, aptly loaded with features, is efficient and can do some off-roading as well. Today, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek might not be as flamboyant as its rivals like the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-3 or Buick Encore, but when it comes to business and utility, none of these come close to the baby Subaru.

Also Read:

Is the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek the most reliable sub-compact SUV out there?

What does it cost to own a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek configurations remain unchanged from 2019 and you still get three trims to choose from. You can either pick the Base, Premium or the Limited model, priced at $22,145, $23,195, and $27,395 respectively. You still get standard AWD on every 2020 Crosstrek model and a sole 2.0 liter boxer-4 as your engine choice. You can also spec the Base and Premium models either with a 6-speed manual or a CVT, while the Limited is available only with a CVT. Though the Base model is decently packed with features, climbing up the trim ladder unlocks more premium features, as usual.

Trim	Base	Premium	Limited
MSRP (Manual)	$22,145	$23,195	Not Offered
MSRP (CVT)	$23,495	$24,545	$27,395
Key Features	Emergency Brake Assist	Adds to Base -	Adds to Premium -
	Multi-Reflector Halogen Headlights	Dusk Sensing Headlamps	Adaptive LED Headlights
	Daytime Running Lights	Front Fog/Driving Lights	Turn Signal Mirrors
	Ventilated Front Disc / Solid Rear Disc Brakes	Emergency Braking Preparation	Blindspot and Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
	Electric Power Steering	Leather Steering Wheel	Transmission, Cruise and Audio Controls on Steering Wheel
	STARLINK 6.5-inch Multimedia Infotainment	STARLINK 6.5-inch Multimedia Plus Infotainment	STARLINK 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus Infotainment
	4 Speakers	6 Speakers	Lineartronic CVT Paddle Shifters
	Post-collision Safety System	Auto Delay Off Headlamps	Pre-Collision Safety System
	Cloth Upholstery	Cloth Upholstery with Orange Stitching	Leather-Trimmed Upholstery with Orange Contrast Stitching
	6-way Manual Driver and 4-way Manual Passenger’s seat	Multi-level Heated Front Seats	6-way Power Driver's Seat
	Interior Air Filtration	Windshield Wiper de-icer and Heated Side Mirrors	Adaptive Cruise Control

We Recommend 

Our pick of the lineup is the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium clubbed with the optional CVT. At the price point, the Premium model gets you most of the features that you would ask for in this segment for day-to-day driving. The optional CVT not only makes grappling with city-traffic much easier but also adds paddle-shifters for added convenience.

Every 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is powered by the familiar 2.0 liter Boxer-4 engine that makes 152 hp and 145 ft-lbs of torque. In city driving conditions, the engine doesn't feel short of power and seems happy enough to carry the Crosstrek around. However, the driving experience quickly changes when you start cruising along the highway. At highway speeds, the engine feels exhausted and keeps hunting for more power leaving you disappointed in the middle of an overtake.

While the 6-speed manual in the lower trims handles its duties in a slick and efficient fashion, the CVT on the other hand adds some extra flair. Not only is the CVT hassle-free to operate but also shifts smoothly, delivering a healthy power band in the lower RPM range. However, it is a traditional CVT anyday and feels exhausted very soon, especially on the highways. That's exactly when your wish for a more powerful soul under the hood arises. 

Models	Subaru Crosstrek	Hyundai Kona SE	Buick Encore 1SV	Mazda CX-3 Sport
Engine	2.0 Liter Boxer-4	2.0 Liter Inline-4	1.4 Liter Turbo Inline-4	2.0 Liter Inline-4
Transmission	6-speed manual or CVT	6-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Power (hp @ rpm)	152 hp @ 6000 rpm	147 hp @ 6200 rpm	138 hp @ 4900 rpm	148 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (ft-lbs @ rpm)	145 ft-lbs @ 4000 rpm	132 ft-lbs @ 4500 rpm	148 ft-lbs @ 1850 rpm	146 ft-lbs @ 2800 rpm

Perhaps, we cannot even abruptly badge the Crosstrek as underpowered. The sub-compact SUV segment in which it lies, is ideally not crafted for quick sprints and heavy numbers on board. In fact, the Crpsstrek turns out to be the most powerful when compared to similar trims of its rivals. However, it's the more engaging transmission of its rivals like Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-3, that creates a different driving experience.

Acceleration

It would be very unfair to expect a sub-compact SUV like the Crosstrek with 152 hp under the hood, to challenge lap-times. These nimble and beautiful machines are desirably more utilitarian and comfort oriented rather than being super-swift. The sprinting question gets even more severe considering the Crosstrek’s off-road worthiness. That being said, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek with the CVT gets from 0-60 mph in 9.0 seconds.

The Crosstrek’s acceleration figures are no surprise at all since the segment consists of cars that are more tuned for soft city-driving. Even the 9.0 seconds show is made possible because of the CVT’s instantaneous power delivery. With the manual transmission, the same job takes even more time to be done.  

Models	Subaru Crosstrek	Hyundai Kona SE	Buick Encore 1SV	Mazda CX-3 Sport
0-60 MPH (sec)	9.0	10.0	10.3	8.2
Quarter mile (sec)	16.9	17.3	17.5	16.3
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.1	5.9	6.6	5.8

Interestingly though, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek turns out to be slower only to the segment best Mazda CX-3. With its compact proportions and efficient ergonomics, the baby Mazda posts a fair enough 8.2 seconds on the 0-60 mph chart. Even the much lighter and Compact Kona couldn't come close to the Crossstrek’s 0-60 timing. Thanks to Subaru's marginal power surplus as well as the efficient standard symmetrical AWD.

Braking

Also in the know for its safety standards, Subaru has bundled the 2020 Crosstrek with an impressive braking setup. There is a pair of ventilated discs at the front and solid at the rear along with 4-wheel ABS and Emergency Brake Assist. Combine all of these into action and the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek stops from 60-0 mph in just 120 feet.

Model	Subaru Crosstrek	Hyundai Kona SE	Buick Encore 1SV	Mazda CX-3 Sport
Brake Front (in.)	11.6	11.0	11.8	11.6
Brake Rear (in.)	10.8	10.3	10.6	11.1
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3117	2890	3237	2994
60-0 MPH (ft.)	120	129	126	127

The responsive brake pedal is neither squishy or firm and is easy to modulate. Though you might not receive a very overwhelming sense of deceleration by the brakes, but the hard-biting brakes are silent enough in doing their job efficiently. 

When compared against its rivals, the Crosstrek happens to be the one blessed with the best brakes. All the other three rivals. Despite having similar braking mechanism and a lighter yet compact body, couldn't take on the Crosstrek in the braking test. Surprisingly enough, the lightest and most compact among the lot, the Hyundai Kona came up last in the braking examination with its mediocre 129 feet from 60-0 miles. 

Ride and Handling

Take the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek out for a spin and you will be introduced to the other side of it. It might look chunky and aggressive on the outside, it's very well behaved on the road. Though the ride quality is not as compliant as the Mazda CX-3 or Hyundai Kona, it seems totally fair once you recall its overall character and packaging. The suspension is a bit on the firmer side but soaks up bumps pretty well. The steering too is nicely weighted and feels precise and direct allowing for easy maneuverability.

On straight stretches, the Crosstrek feels very calm and composed but around curvy sections you do get a small hint of body movement. What also might be a bit annoying for most buyers is the significant amount of road noise that seeps into the cabin at higher speeds. Though the Crosstrek is an easy and happy daily-driver, it has a large turning radius that makes moving around tight parking spaces a tedious task.

Also Read:

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek promises better performance with a new and more powerful engine.

Right from its first appearance in 2013, the baby Subaru SUV has been hailed for its impressive fuel economy. The most capable compact-suv in the segment does not miss out on one of its strongest aspects, even today. The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek delivers a fuel economy of 27, 33 and 30 mpg in city, highway and combined respectively.

Model	Subaru Crosstrek	Hyundai Kona SE	Buick Encore 1SV	Mazda CX-3 Sport
MPG (city)	27	27	25	27
MPG (highway)	33	33	30	32
MPG (combined)	30	30	27	29

The Crosstrek's economy figures get even more pronounced when compared to its rivals. Its 30 mpg combined output is the best-in-class and on par with the Hyundai Kona. The Crosstrek delivers such healthy output even with a chunkier and heavier body than its rivals. That's Subaru’s value at its very best for sure. Thanks to Subaru's effective weight distribution and legenday symmetrical AWD.

On the inside, it's business as usual for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek without any changes over the 2019 Crosstrek. You still get a very spacious cabin that is wrapped in a dated but clean layout. The cabin is obviously highlighted by a simplistic dash that houses a clean central layout with a touchscreen infotainment along with physical buttons for climate controls. 

The interior arrangement of the Crosstrek certainly looks outdated when compared to its modern rivals like the CX-3 and Kona, but we are used to the interior themes on Subaru’s by now. There's only a black theme available across the lineup, however you do get some silver accents for an upmarket vibe. On the Limited trim, you can also opt for two-tone contrast leather surfaces.

The seats in the lower trims come wrapped in cloth, while those in the Limited get leather upholstery on the seats as well as the door panels. The leather surface does add some premiumness inside, but is not as soft as the Mazda CX-3. Talking about seats, they are supportive and comfortable at both the benches with ample all-around space as well. 

Model	Subaru Crosstrek	Hyundai Kona SE	Buick Encore 1SV	Mazda CX-3 Sport
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	39.8/56.7/43.1	39.6/55.5/41.5	39.6/54.2/40.8	38.4/53.5/41.7
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	38.0/55.6/36.5	37.8/54.5/34.6	38.8/52.5/35.8	37.2/50.4/35.0

The Crosstrek’s chunkier proportions do help it with class-leading first row space but the second row falls behind the space offered by the Buick Encore. The lower trims get manual adjustments for the front seats while the Crosstrek Limited unlocks 6-way power front seats. The Limited models also come furnished with heated and optional ventilation facility.

Interior Features

• Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
• Leather steering wheel
• Climate control
• Front seatback storage
• Front and rear cupholders
• Interior air filtration
• Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Available Leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Upto 6-way power front seats

Infotainment System

On the infotainment front, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek has multiple configurations available according to your trim of choice. There's a 6.5 inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment available with the lower models while the Limited gets an 8.0 inch touchscreen display. The infotainment system in the 2020 Crosstrek also comprises two other screens. 

There's a 6.3 inch secondary display that sits above the main infotainment screen and a 4.2 inch multi-functional display in the instrument cluster. The secondary infotainment display helps with important information like temperature, range, drive-mode, etc, and is operated through steering-mounted controls. Even the digital display between the analog gauges is configurable via the steering controls. 

Talking about the central infotainment touchscreen, its graphics are certainly not the best in class and so is the system. It has a clean interface with large graphics and is eager in responses as well. However, at times you are also greeted by some laggy responses. The system also offers optimum smartphone connectivity with standard Apple Carplay, Android Auto and Bluetooth. For audiophiles, the lower models get a 6-speaker audio system while the Limited enjoys an 8-speaker Harman-Kardon stereo. Some of the highlighted features of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek’s infotainment system are listed below.

Infotainment Features

• 8.0 inch Subaru StarLink Infotainment System
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite Radio
• Integrated Navigation
• 4 USB Ports
• 8 -Speaker Harman- Kardon Premium Audio
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability

Cargo volume

Cargo area is seemingly a bit of constraint these days in the sub-compact SUV segment, but wait, the Crosstrek has a different story. Virtue of its longer, and wider body, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek opens up a 20.8 cu-ft of standard cargo space, which is the best in its segment. In case you need extra space, you can also fold the rear seats down in a 40:20:40 ratio than opens up an enormous 55.8 cu-fts.

Model	Subaru Crosstrek	Hyundai Kona SE	Buick Encore 1SV	Mazda CX-3 Sport
Trunk Volume (ft.3)	20.8	19.2	18.8	17.8
Cargo Volume with Rear seats folded (ft.3)	55.3	45.8	48.4	42.7

Disappointingly, there is no automatic trunk release available on any of the 2020 Crosstrek models and you do have to open the trunk manually. However, the trunk-opening is wide and has a comfortable height for convenient loading. Also the cargo compartment has no hidden storages or any nets or hooks whatsoever. Open the trunk and you have loads of flat and clean storage space.

No changes have been done on the outside and the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek carries the similar exterior features to the 2019 Crosstrek. Take a look at the Crosstrek and the SUV outfit on the Impreza’s skin is instantly noticeable. Part of its SUV treatment includes larger wheel arches, aggressive front and rear bumpers, and blacked out body cladding. Most distinctive though is the Crosstrek’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance that can even brawn at some midsize SUVs.

Lighting appointments too remain the same with halogen headlights in the lower models and full LED’s in the Limited. The clean rear end gets horizontal tail lamps while the side profile is highlighted by the long window line and standard black roof-rails. Those massive wheel arches house 17 inch wheels in the lower models and 18’s in the Limited model.

Model	Subaru Crosstrek	Hyundai Kona SE	Buick Encore 1SV	Mazda CX-3 Sport
Curb weight (lbs.)	3117	2890	3237	2994
Length(in)	175.8	164.0	168.4	168.3
Width(in)	71.0	70.9	70.1	69.6
Height(in)	63.6	61.0	65.2	60.7
Ground clearance (in)	8.7	6.7	6.2	6.1
Wheelbase (in)	104.9	102.4	100.6	101.2

Overall on the outside, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek has nicely balanced traits of humbleness and aggression blended together that sets it apart from its competition. It might not be as stylish as a Hyundai Kona or Mazda CX-3, but is not somewhat awkward-ish like the Buick Encore either. While its rivals carry a soft silhouette on the outside, the Crosstrek doesn't hesitate to show its intent with its conventional yet mature stance.

Exterior features

• LED headlamp
• turn signal in mirrors
• Heated mirrors
• Roof rails
• Daytime running lights
• Front fog/driving lights
• 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

 

Apart from its raw character and bang for the bucks trait, Subaru has gained significant recognition for its safety and reliability which the Crosstek further reinforces. With a five-star rating from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick award by IIHS, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek proudly boasts of its safety standards. Crosstrek's strong level of safety is ensured by a healthy number of safety features that are available across its lineup. Some of the highlights of the safety apparatus in the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek are listed below. 

Safety Features

• Remote anti-theft alarm system
• Pre and Post- Collision safety system
• Rearview camera
• 4-wheel ABS
• Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
• Remote anti-theft alarm system
• Stability control
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Adaptive headlights
• Front and rear ventilated disc brakes
• Emergency braking assist
• Blindspot and lane departure warnings accident avoidance system

Subaru Crosstrek vs Hyundai Kona

Launched in 2018, the Hyundai Kona is hailed as one of the best sub-compact SUVs available in the market today. The Kona has more efficient ergonomics, energetic powertrains to choose from, premium interiors, comfortable ride quality and looks very urban as well. The Kona is also better packed with features than the Crosstrek, and is also more engaging and agile on the move. In contrast, the Subaru Crosstrek offers the best practicality in the segment. It has roomy interiors and a generous boot alongside a more powerful base engine, solid road presence and some raw off-roading skills as well.

Subaru Crosstrek vs Mazda CX-3

One of the latest entrants into the sub-compact SUV segment, the Mazda CX-3 has earned a significant applause in a very short period. The CX-3 looks very modern and stylish, both on the inside as well as outside, offers more comfortable ride than the Crosstrek, is more rich in features and is more fun to drive as well. However, the Crosstrek aces ahead of the Mazda with a more promising overall composition. Thanks to the Crosstrek’s better interior space and utility along with strong road presence and rugged character.

Subaru Crosstrek vs Buick Encore

The Buick Encore is surely a nicely built machine, but it feels somewhat the odd-one-out in this hot competition. Thanks to its awkwardly haunchy exterior silhouette. The Encore drives good, has a very premium and nicely built interiors, and also comes loaded with features as well. However, it's the comprehensive overall packaging of the Subaru Crosstrek that the Encore could not just catch upon. 

 

If you are out in the market looking for a proper sub-compact SUV that is high on practicality and offers great value for your hard earned money, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is a very good choice. The Crosstrek offers the best interior and cargo space in the segment, is comfortable and easy to drive, has a healthy suite of safety and connectivity features, and can happily indulge in some off-beat duties.

Also Read:

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek interior is as roomy as it gets in a sub-compact SUV.

There's plentiful safety equipment in the 2020 Crosstrek to back your wild expeditions.

FAQs

Is the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek a good car?

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is undoubtedly one of the best sub-compact SUVs in the market right now. It might not be the most stylish and most premium among its rivals, but it means serious business and value. It's spacious, easy to drive, fuel efficient, aptly loaded with features and can happily take some serious beating as well.

Which is better, the Subaru Crosstrek or the Forester?

Well, this completely depends upon your driving needs. If you have a big family to move around or you are a frequent visitor to some remote serenity, the Forester will make you more than happy with its massive interior space and more power. However, if your driving needs are confined within the urban framework (let alone the occasional hill-run), the Crosstrek would be a more happy daily-driver with its easy driveability and better maneuverability.

What are the differences between the 2019 and 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?

On the mechanical and physical front, no changes have been made to the 2020 Crosstrek. However, the 2020 model does get some revised and more inclusive standard features. The 2020 Subaru crosstrek now offers Auto Start-Stop and EyeSight Driver Assist technology standard with CVT models which were earlier available only with the Limited model. Apart from that, rear-seat reminder, automatic climate control, and automatic door lock also make way into the standard features list.