Review - Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru’s introduction of the Crosstrek replaces the outgoing XV, hoping to win over buyers looking for a compact SUV package that isn’t afraid to get its toes dirty.

One problem the Crosstrek faces is the sheer number of options within the compact SUV segment, although it does promise a more rugged off-road package that not many of its rivals can match.

How does it stack up on the road and against those compact SUV rivals? Let’s find out.

Starting Price: $34,990

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Subaru Crosstrek (AWD 2.0L) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Subaru Crosstrek car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

 The Subaru Crosstrek lineup kicks off from $34,990 for the entry-level Crosstrek AWD 2.0L, with prices rising to $38,490 for the Crosstrek AWD 2.0R, and up to $41,490 for the Crosstrek AWD 2.0S.

Prices for Subaru’s Crosstrek Hybrid range stand at $38,590 for the entry-level Crosstrek AWD Hybrid L, while the range-topping Crosstrek AWD Hybrid S is priced at $45,090.

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What Features Does the Subaru Crosstrek Have?

Subaru’s entry-level Crosstrek AWD 2.0L and the Hybrid L both come riding on a set of 17-inch alloys, and receives LED headlights, rear combination LED tail lights, black roof rails, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, cloth upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, wide-angle rear-view camera with parking sensors and an 11.6-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto which is paired with a six-speaker sound system.

The entry-level AWD 2.0L and Hybrid L both receive Subaru’s Vision Assist & EyeSight safety package as standard, which we’ll cover later in this review.

Stepping up to the Crosstrek AWD 2.0R adds a set of 18-inch alloys, self-levelling and active-cornering LED headlights, LED fog lights, upgraded cloth upholstery with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, heated power-adjustable seats, sports pedals and Subaru’s upgraded Vision Assist system that adds a front-view monitor, surround-view monitor and a side-view monitor.

Opting for the range-topping Crosstrek AWD 2.0S and the Hybrid S adds leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a satellite navigation upgrade for the infotainment system and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

Range Features:

• 17-inch alloys

• LED headlights & combination tail lights

• Adaptive cruise control

• Cloth upholstery

• Dual-zone climate control

• Wireless smartphone charging

• 11.6-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• 18-inch alloys (2.0R)

• Active cornering LED headlights, LED fog lights (2.0R)

• Premium cloth upholstery with leather steering wheel & gear lever (2.0R)

• Leather upholstery (2.0S & Hybrid S)

• Panoramic sunroof (2.0S & Hybrid S)

• 10-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system (2.0S & Hybrid S)

Subaru Crosstrek Colours

The Subaru Crosstrek is available in a choice of ten colours, all of which are no-cost colour finishes.

These include Horizon Blue, Oasis Blue, Crystal White, Magnetite Grey, Pure Red, Crystal Black, Sapphire Blue, Sun Blaze, Ice Silver and Offshore Blue.

Subaru also offers a choice of three interior colour options, including a charcoal or grey finish for the 2.0R’s premium cloth upholstery, and black or grey for the 2.0S or Hybrid S’ leather upholstery.

Is it Comfortable to Drive?

Ease of driving is a key priority for buyers looking for a compact SUV package, and in this respect, the latest Subaru Crosstrek does not disappoint, and even adds some adventurous spirit into the mix.

It’s worth noting that the Crosstrek range is available with two engines, with entry-level variants picking up a 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine producing 115kW of power and 196Nm of torque, which is very competitive compared to its rivals.

For buyers looking for a fuel-efficient hybrid option, there’s also Subaru’s 2.0-litre e-Boxer hybrid engine which kicks out the same 110kW of power and 196Nm from its internal combustion engine and electric motor.

Both variants put power to the ground via a CVT automatic which makes the driving experience particularly smooth thanks to its linear behaviour that effectively eliminates any shudders from a traditional gear shift.

As always, Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is fitted to every member of the Crosstrek range as standard, which gives the car an extremely planted feeling as you pick up speed, and adds to its light off-road abilities.

The cabin positions the driver nicely above the road and the visibility throughout the Crosstrek is outstanding thanks to its large windscreen and tall side pillars that add to the sense of space inside the cockpit.

Around town, this makes the Crosstrek particularly easy to drive and, when combined with Subaru’s lightweight steering rack, the Crosstrek is extremely accessible and user-friendly for new and experienced drivers alike.

In terms of its off-road abilities, the Crosstrek is ultimately limited by its ground clearance, though for the small SUV segment, the 220mm on offer is actually quite impressive and makes it one of the most versatile cars in the segment.

The wheel and suspension package offers some clearance within the wheel arches to conquer some light to moderate off-road trails, and is particularly well suited to some of Australia’s rougher roads where the Crosstrek feels focused and stable.

On smooth roads around towns and cities, the Crosstrek is impressively well-behaved and offers a more refined ride quality than you might expect, making it a great addition to the over-crowded small SUV market.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Subaru has very much designed the latest Crosstrek families in mind, and the end result is a cabin that offers a decent amount of space with a healthy amount of practical features that make all the difference on weekend and holiday adventures.

Up front, the driver and front passenger are treated to a generous amount of headroom, particularly for the small SUV segment, while the 11.6-inch vertically-mounted infotainment system dominates the center of the dash.

Practical touches to the Crosstrek’s cabin include a huge set of door bins either side of the driver and front passenger, a storage tray with a wireless charging pad and USB ports behind the gear lever, a pair of cup holders and a decent amount of storage inside the folding arm rest.

Move to the second row of the cabin and the Crosstrek’s legroom offering is impressive for the segment, though the rear sloping roofline design has eaten into the potential for even more rear headroom, though this isn’t much of an issue, even for taller adults.

The rear of the Crosstrek’s cabin features a pair of ISOFIX anchors with three top tether mounts to help accommodate forward and rear-facing child seats, as well as a set of air vents, with higher-spec variants picking up a set of USB ports.

Finally, the Crosstrek’s boot is rated at 291L for standard petrol variants, increasing to 315L for the Crosstrek Hybrid, up to a maximum 589L with the rear seats folded down to help accommodate large, bulky objects and sports equipment.

Is it Safe?

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is yet to be officially tested by ANCAP, though taking into account previous five-star ratings and just how much safety equipment is fitted to each member of the Crosstrek range, a five-star ANCAP safety rating seems all but certain when it is tested.

As standard, the entry-level Crosstrek comes fitted with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alerts & intervention, pre-collision throttle management, autonomous emergency steering, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts and lane change assist.

Upgrading to the 2.0R and above adds Subaru’s Vision Assist system which adds a front- and side-view monitor, high-beam assist and a surround-view camera.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Fuel efficiency was no doubt the primary goal of Subaru introducing a pair of new hybrid Crosstrek variants, which increases fuel economy figures from 7.2L/100km on a combined cycle down to 6.5L/100km.

This makes the Crosstrek Hybrid the obvious choice for fuel-conscious buyers, though it’s worth noting that some of its rivals offer very similar fuel economy figures without any hybrid assistance, while some of the best hybrid rivals offer even more impressive fuel economy figures.

Our Verdict: Is the Subaru Crosstrek Worth it?

If you’re looking for a versatile compact SUV package that offers an impressive amount of interior space with the added benefit of some light off-roading pedigree, the latest Subaru Crosstrek is a great addition to the small SUV segment.

To make things even better for buyers, Subaru is offering its hybrid engine tech on its entry-level grade, which is a particularly nice touch for fuel-conscious buyers that don’t need all the premium touches that higher-spec variants receive.

As a result, we highly recommend adding the Subaru Crosstrek to your small SUV shortlist, and on that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year, unlimited KM warranty with 12-month roadside assist

2. Symmetrical AWD system as standard

3. 2.0-litre Boxer four-cylinder and e-Boxer hybrid engines available

4. 7.2L per 100km fuel economy decreases to 6.5L/100km in Hybrid

5. 291L boot space increases to 315L in Hybrid variant 

Pros

• Affordable entry-level Hybrid L option for price-conscious buyers

• Fuel-saving benefits from hybrid variant

• Spacious and practical cabin for the small SUV segment

Cons

• Sloping roofline eats into second-row headroom for adults

• No official ANCAP safety rating, yet

• Underwhelming fuel economy figures

OnlineAuto Rating: 8/10

Subaru Crosstrek Competition