Flash Drive

2018 Subaru Crosstrek

December 25, 2017 - Featured, Flash Drive - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2018 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Premium

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is an anti-couch potato vehicle. Crosstrek owners are very active and this is the vehicle to reach those far away destinations.

Engine: 2.0-liter Boxer 4-cylinder, 152 horsepower, 145 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 27-mpg city/33-mpg highway/29-mpg combined

Base Price: $22,595

As Tested: $23,510

Performance:

Choice of 6-speed manual or CVT automatic

OK clutch and shifter; could be smoother

Incline Start Assist

The economical 2.0-liter Boxer flat four cylinder engine helps maintain a low hood profile.

Excellent off-road capabilities

Engine slightly underpowered

Speedometer tough to see in daytime

Comfort:

Thick, nicely contoured, leather wrapped steering wheel

Good auxiliary controls on wheel

Stretch-out driver legroom; had to move up some for clutch

Basketball player front passenger legroom

Excellent shoe room under dashboard

Nice, supportive seats

Any trip, short or long, is comfortable thanks to supportive seats and stretch-out legroom.

Two temperature heated front seats

Driver seat height pump

Very good rear seat legroom and shoe space

Tall adults can fit in rear middle position

Utility:

Good size rear cargo area

Flat floor with sturdy rubber mat

Minor lift-over (3-4-inches)

High opening tailgate

Retractable cargo cover

Medium size locking glovebox

Fold down rear seats and a flat cargo deck are perfect for all the gear typical Crosstrek owners like to carry.

Small, but deep console bin

Small front door bins with bottle notches

Medium size sunvisors with center slide-outs

Lots of adjustment to tilt/telescopic steering column

One seatback storage pouch

Very small rear door bins with bottle notches

Split rear seats fold flat

Minor height difference from cargo deck

Very small infotainment screen

Heated side mirrors

WOW Factors:

Go anywhere SUV without bulk of a big rig

Excellent, stretch-out interior space both rows

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has short overhangs front and rear that improve approach and departure angles.

Good cargo capacity

Whines:

Engine could use more horsepower

Speedometer too hooded for good daytime visibility

No rear seat armrest

Bottom Line:

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a sensible solution for buyers who want the all-weather capabilities of a full-size SUV when needed, but want more of a traditional sedan driving experience during non-stormy (most of the time) conditions. The Crosstrek interior is quite roomy and fuel economy is superior to that of large SUVs.