Test drive Subaru Crosstrek: solid crossover

January 19, 2024 The cheapest Subaru is no longer a little boy

The idiosyncratic Subaru is introducing a new entry-level model, though in the case of the Crosstrek it’s neither small nor cheap.

The first Subaru had a modest size: the 360 ​​was marked as a small car. In the 80s and 90s, the Japanese were a permanent fixture in the A and B segments with models such as the Justy, Mini Jumbo and Vivio. But once Subaru decided to build only four-wheel drive vehicles from now on, their attractive price was gone.

Nowadays, the cheapest Subaru costs at least €51,800. In 2024, the entry-level Subaru is no longer the little guy: the Crosstrek is the size of a Hyundai Tucson. It is the successor of the XV.

For his part

Subaru gasoline engine cylinders are still on the side. Partly because of a more efficient center of gravity, and partly because the entire engine block slides under the occupants in the event of a collision. A small electric motor has been added to the driving car, so that it can accelerate without harmful emissions.

In the Crosstrek, the characteristic boxer engine produces 136 hp and 182 Nm. Towing weight is 1,270 kg. That may be unusual for a Subaru, but know that 750 units are common in this market segment.

More expensive than most alternatives

The small part of the hybrid is not very large. This is because the small electric motor only makes a modest contribution to the optimum production. Thanks in part to standard all-wheel drive, the Crosstrek is still good at 174 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The value that competitors such as Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan remains very low. Admittedly: those are smooth front-wheel drive hybrids. But the three alternatives mentioned are therefore 5 to 10 times cheaper to buy than a Subaru.

Does this mean you should ignore the Crosstrek if you’re looking for a strong hybrid crossover? Not if you want to use your car to pull a trailer! And there are more reasons to give Subaru a chance.

Range Rover land clearance

While most crossovers are the difference between an SUV and a station wagon for looks, you can send the Crosstrek’s message off the beaten track. At 22 cm, its ground clearance is the same as that of a… Range Rover! With that information in mind, the starting price of 52 grand isn’t too bad. And recently you also get an 8-year factory warranty from Subaru, with no mileage restrictions.

The Japanese are careful with their cars, but also with their occupants: a full range of additional safety equipment is standard from the base model onwards. Three smart cameras keep an eye on you and other traffic. If you don’t steer clear of dangerous situations yourself, Subaru will do it for you. And maybe the Crosstrek is not the best roadster on the market, but thanks to that conservative style you can at least look decent.

Right angle rear door opening

With a trunk capacity of up to 1,314 liters, the Subaru is not out of place in its segment. However, you can easily create a flat loading floor. Thanks to the perpendicular opening rear doors, you can easily take a seat in the back seat, where tall adults can easily fit their legs. The cockpit is close to the right and the large center tunnel makes it difficult to accommodate a fifth passenger. The Crosstrek doesn’t offer rear air vents, but you can charge two mobile devices there.

The Japanese work very hard when creating a new design. And so a set of differently constructed seats make their debut on the Crosstrek, which should keep you comfortable while driving. If your body doesn’t have to keep making small adjustments to your sitting position, you can step off the wheel well-rested at your destination.

A pleasant silence inside

This is not just because of the seats. The Subaru is admirably quiet inside – especially for a car with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Additionally, the Crosstrek is difficult to lean and direct. Thanks to the combination of combustion and electric motor, there is always enough power available.

To work, Subaru is a good analog. If you want to adjust your mirrors, you don’t have to be in the infotainment system. The touch screen is divided into different sectors, so that the most important settings are always within reach.

Conclusion

Behind the wheel we really only have two faults. All of those driver assistance systems make themselves heard and with a boxer engine and four-wheel drive, fuel consumption is higher than the competition. As bad as factory specs – 1 out of 13! – however, this is not the case in practice.

The Subaru Crosstrek offers a lot of car for the money. That’s okay, because it’s not a business. If the extra cost is not an objection – because you want to tow a caravan or occasionally have to go to work through the mud – then a well-thought-out crossover is a safe choice. All in terms of standard driver assistance systems and a great factory warranty!