Subaru Crosstrek Review

The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is a well-balanced subcompact SUV with lots of useful features like AWD and off-roading abilities. The Hybrid Crosstrek is no longer available this year.

Formerly known as the XV Crosstrek, this years model has upped many of its inviting features in an attempt to entice new shoppers, but its unimpressive engine power leaves some of its appeal behind. 

The Crosstrek is generous on space with seating for up to 5 and total cubic feet of space reaching up to 51.9 with the rear seats folded flat. There is also an extensive list of optional safety features like the Subaru EyeSight, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking, making it one of the top picks for its class based on safety.

Subaru definitely favored fuel economy over power which many will find to be a positive in their subcompact, allowing for an above average MPG rating for the Crosstrek. Unfortunately that means slightly sluggish acceleration.

The Crosstrek is a solid SUV that can be more than adequate for many seeking a middle-of-the road vehicle with above average fuel economy, plenty of cargo space, and an extensive list of safety features.

All Crosstreks come with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine which generate 148HP. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard in base models, while a CVT (which drives like an automatic) is available in upper-level models only. AWD comes on all Crosstreks.

The Crosstrek falls disappointingly short on its power, while it does possess enough oomph to get you around the city just fine, anything that requires real power like merging or passing means you’ll find yourself coming up short. 

It does have an above average MPG rating, but not by much; the base model received a rating of 26/city and 33/highway while the manual transmission takes it down to just 23/city and 30/highway. This doesn’t make the Crosstrek the best on fuel economy or even close to the top, just acceptable.

Subaru’s Crosstrek does possess a happily surprisingly responsive and tight ride however. It’s not sporty by any means, but it won’t be a disappointing drive. It has 8.7 inches of ground clearance and AWD which allow for off-roading abilities made to impress for the class.

Towing capacity for Crosstrek max out at 1,500lbs, making it able to tow a small camper or boat but you definitely don’t want to push that.

The interior affords generous legroom ensuring that even your tall riders will be comfortable, there’s also plenty of cargo space (51.9 cubic feet) that allows for road-trips with friends and family without compromising on what you can bring with.

Surprisingly the interior displays soft-touch and high quality materials leading to an almost luxury appearance. However, you won’t experience a quiet ride even if it is one in comfort.

There are quite a few technological features that come standard like Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, USB and auxiliary audio inputs, a rearview camera, voice recognition, audio controls on the steering wheel, and Subaru’s Starlink touch-screen infotainment system. Base models receive a 6.2-inch touch screen, upgradable to a 7-inch if so desired.

The sound system is lackluster which leaves music-lovers having to upgrade to the 2.0i premium trim to get two more speakers.

The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek interior comes in 2 styles. Style availability varies by trim level, but the options are: Black Leather, Ivory Leather.

The Crosstrek’s exterior certainly exhibits Subaru’s signature look with its beetle-like rounded top and non-angular edges. It appears more like a sedan than an SUV, a rather cunning ruse hiding the spacious interior within.

The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek exterior comes in 10 color variants. Color availability varies by trim level, but the options are: Crystal White Pearl, Desert Khaki, Dark Gray Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Quartz Blue Pearl, Venetian Red Pearl, Hyper Blue, Pure Red, Venetian Red Pearl.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named the Subaru Crosstrek a 2017 Top Safety Pick. It earned Good scores in all 5 crash test areas and received a Superior rating for its collision avoidance and mitigation abilities.

Coming standard is the rearview camera in all models. Subaru’s EyeSight safety system can be added to the Premium and Limited trim levels, which includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warnings with automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warnings.

One of the Crosstrek’s most interesting safety features are its steering-responsive fog lights that help to illuminate the road ahead when rounding a turn. Instead of pivoting with steering wheel movements like some systems, the Crosstrek’s fog lights are already aimed and they simply turn on or off depending on the direction you turn. Also available are blind spot and rear cross traffic alerts. The blind spot monitoring system displays an icon in the side mirror when a vehicle is in your blind spot.

With the base model starting at $21,695 that makes this Subaru an excellent value for its class. Although if you want Subaru EyeSight, you’re looking at a pricetag of $25,490 and thats where you will start to see those savings disappear with rivals like the Jeep Renegade being able to slip in and take the most affordable spot, although Subaru comes in as a close second.

Overall, the Crosstrek is a good value for what you get—but only if the Crosstrek is what you’re looking for.

J.D. Power and Associates gives the 2017 Crosstrek a predicted reliability rating of 3 out of 5 which is considered average but is actually ahead of some of its competitors in its class.

The Crosstrek is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, although also included is a handy 24-hour roadside assistance for the duration of the new-car limited warranty.

The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek has many positives that make it an excellent choice as your new subcompact SUV

It most definitely is an outdoor-lovers SUV for those looking to find a balance between off-roading capabilities, good fuel economy for lengthy trips, and space for camping gear or even as much as a kayak with its 8 foot long capacity and folding seats.

It’s also been awarded fantastic safety ratings with options for extensive safety features making it one of the top safety picks this year.

Its lack of power and loud cabin will make this years Crosstrek not stand out as the top pick for everyone, but certainly one that should be carefully considered.