2016 Subaru Crosstrek – Review, Ratings, Price, Specs

A Cross-Over SUV in Legitimate Form

Crossovers have now become so mainstream that it might as well be classified as “just another one of those”. In terms of Subaru’s implementation, I had some expectations of the Crosstrek given its creator’s expertise in rally racing. On top of that, there was a bit more the Crosstrek had to offer other than a solid AWD platform. Distinctive looks and solid driving were also key factors that pushed the Crosstrek outside of the “OK” boundaries.

Well Finesse

Shapes are well proportioned for its purpose given its high ground clearance, low hanging silhouette and short wheelbase – that kind of reminds me of a bubbled up Forester with a cuter personality. Fascia still contains Subaru’s legacy front grille styling with minimal fuss, but rear side begs to differ with more exotic design elements including a bulky rear diffuser, steep-angled rear windshield and black-hole eyeliner around its exhaust tips. With all said and done, its good looks and form factor is a visual enticement of road fun.

Interior is not one of Subaru’s forte, and the Crosstrek shows with the majority of its cabin space built up of black plastic. Ergonomics and comfort falls more inline with Subaru’s ambition with an assuring grip on the steering wheel, rugged stitching on its driver seats with good lateral support and intuitive center console controls. Apart from a slight eyesore, the overall interior feels solid – a definitive Subaru trademark.

It’s got a decent amount of tech in it including a back up camera and a front EyeSight dual camera system capable of detecting forward collision and lane departure. Mounted on the center console is also a miniature touchscreen infotainment system that works, but quite dated in terms of user interface compared to what’s out there.

Performance

By no means does Subaru share any of its golden genes with the Crosstrek in terms of performance. The Crosstrek gets a 2.0l four cylinder engine producing only 148 horsepower and 145 ft lbs of torque. Before you break out a laugh on these puny numbers, the Crosstrek surprisingly feels capable with limited horsepower – and also considering the fact that it’s got an AWD drivetrain to spin. This is all accomplished with a well graded EPA rating of 9.0L/100km and 7.0l/100km in the city and highway respectively.

Choice of transmission comes with a 5-speed manual, a CVT, or Hybrid CVT. I didn’t have too much expectations with my tester equipped with a CVT transmission as the technology more or less robs driving enthusiasm. But the Crosstrek actually felt quite nice with linear power delivery and even a pretty good exhaust tone, which was completely unexpected.

On the Road

There’s something distinctive and unique about Subaru’s symmetric full-time AWD system that really sets apart from probably all other vehicles you drive. You can’t tell what it’s doing at the microscopic level, but you can certainly feel it. Steering is well weighed and feels balanced and precise. And thanks to the short wheelbase, the Crosstrek’s got a pretty tight turning radius.

Hard cornering takes a slight delay to respond, but is still scapable of delivering somewhat of a fun driving experience. I personally would have been curios to try out the 5 speed manual transmission though as sequential shift mode in my CVT tester really is just a gimmick. Suspensions also contribute to a solid ride by keeping the vehicle very stable under rough terrain and loose gravel with its front MacPherson and rear double wishbone suspensions. With that said, loose dirt and gravel roads is probably where the best can be brought out of the Crosstrek.

Starting price of the base Touring model is at $25,000, and our Limited tester trim at $29,395. With that said, pricing is decent. Sure the Mazda CX-3 or HR-V can be had for slightly less, but you certainly don’t get that solid feel of a Subaru from its cabin space its assuring full-time AWD powertrain system. And for the outdoor adventurers, the Crosstrek is a hands down win. Minus a few quirks with a slightly dated outfit worn in the cabin space and perhaps a slight funky look on the outside, there is much to like about the Crosstrek.