Subaru Crosstrek review: popular small SUV updated

This brand has a cult following in Australia, thanks to a reputation for quality and an ability to venture further off the beaten track than many rivals.

Subaru has updated its XV small SUV and changed its name to Crosstrek. Our family of testers sampled the mid-range 2.0R in town and bush.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

JULES: The name might have changed but it looks just like the old XV. That’s no bad thing. It’s neither sleek nor elegant but it’s got chunky good looks.

IAIN: As it should. These all-wheel-drive Subaru small SUVs actually have off-road talents, unlike the bulk of its front-drive soft-road rivals.

JULES: A Suzuki Jimny rival?

IAIN: Not quite. The Crosstrek lacks the Jimny’s transfer case for low-range off-roading, but Subaru’s clever X-Mode and high 220mm ground clearance means it’ll go further bush than most.

The Subaru Crosstrek is more capable than most when the going gets slippery. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

JULES: Talk money to me.

IAIN: A 2.0L is about $39,100 drive-away. Our 2.0R is $3500 more, then there’s a 2.0S for another $3000 on top. A few grand more buys hybrid Crosstreks, but fuel consumption only drops to 6.5L/100km from our car’s 7.2L/100km. That’s no match for Toyota hybrids.

JULES: Rivals?

IAIN: Similarly-priced all-wheel-drives include a Toyota C-HR Koba, Kia Seltos Sport+, Mazda CX-30 Touring and Hyundai Kona N-Line.

THE LIVING SPACE

JULES: Whoa. Hello, iPad. The 11.6-inch portrait infotainment screen’s pretty cool.

IAIN: And Subaru’s resisted putting everything through it. The temperature control and audio have proper buttons for easy access.

JULES: It has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging and a selection of USB ports. I should feel well connected, but the smartphone mirroring proved glitchy.

A large portrait-style centre screen dominates the dash. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

IAIN: It feels roomy up front, and despite no leather at this price, the ribbed cloth seats look really hard-wearing.

JULES: Ideal for adventuring. It’s nice to see heated front seats but only the driver’s is electric. There’s no digital driver display either.

IAIN: There’s a driver monitoring system where a camera monitors you for fatigue and alertness. It also scans your face when you get in, and if you’re registered, sets your climate and information preferences.

JULES: I can’t tell if that’s brilliant or creepy. I do know it struggled to recognise me when I wore sunglasses.

The Crosstrek is a comfortable cruiser. Picture: Supplied.

THE COMMUTE

IAIN: The drive’s safe, easy, fairly comfortable and hassle-free.

JULES: Are you politely saying it’s very boring?

IAIN: Er, yes. The four-cylinder engine feels a generation old. There’s no turbo, not a great deal of power or torque and its CVT auto gearbox has whining tendencies.

JULES: Demand acceleration and things get noisy but not very fast.

IAIN: It takes a leisurely 10 seconds to reach 100km/h. That’s very tardy these days. Positively, on highways it cruises well in reasonable silence, the radar cruise control’s excellent and in town it’s an easy little manoeuvrer that brilliantly soaks up bumps.

The Crosstrek takes a leisurely 10 seconds to reach 100km/h. Picture: Supplied.

THE SHOPPING

JULES: Credit to Subaru: the 360 degree camera is crystal clear. Tap a button and it’s perfect for navigating tight parks.

IAIN: The Crosstrek hasn’t moved the game on from the XV in terms of boot space. It’s still way too small and not deep at all and there’s no electric tailgate here.

SUNDAY RUN

JULES: Here’s why you’d buy a Crosstrek. It’s so damn good off-road.

IAIN: It’s the pick for explorers and outdoor sports fans. I’ve huge faith it’ll reach remote bush camp spots and surf trails, although I’ll grumble it lacks a full-size spare.

JULES: We did a 50km off-road trail with some serious climbs, big rocks and very loose dirt. I can’t believe how easy it felt.

IAIN: The X-Mode’s superb. It adjusts engine power and torque delivery, transmission settings and all-wheel-drive depending on the surface, maximising traction.

The Crosstrek is surprisingly accomplished off-road. Picture: Supplied.

JULES: You can select Snow/Dirt or Deep Snow/Mud through the screen when below 40km/h. Stay under 20km/h an it lets you gently crawl down a hill with no accelerator or brake needed.

IAIN: It does a good job mimicking a proper 4WD in many scenarios. Its ground clearance saw us clear deep potholes and steep ridges. It’s hugely talented.

The Crosstrek has plenty of room for the kids but no rear air vents. Picture: Supplied.

THE FAMILY

JULES: There’s decent head and leg room for the kids in the back but no air vents is criminal.

IAIN: With all of us on board the engine feels pretty stressed on big hills. But if you prioritise safety over performance, the Crosstrek’s equipment list is very family orientated.

JULES: We averaged 7.4L/100km, including some off-roading, so fuel bills won’t cripple. But almost $2400 for five services is steep.

THE VERDICT

IAIN: It’s really well built, looks good and is superb off-road. It’s definitely the pick for more adventurous SUV buyers, if you can overlook the engine’s shortcomings.

JULES: The Crosstrek’s really easy to live and great for camping and beach trip. It’s also handy around town, although I’d also love a punchier engine.

SUBARU CROSSTREK 2.0R

PRICE From about $42,700 drive-away (reasonable)

WARRANTY AND SERVICING 5 years/unlimited km warranty

(average), $2373 for 5 years/75,000km (pricey)

ENGINE 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol, 115kW/196Nm (average)

SAFETY Nine airbags, auto emergency braking, radar cruise control, blind-spot monitor, lane-keep assist, 360-degree camera, rear cross-traffic alert (very good)

THIRST 7.2L/100km (thirsty)

SPARE Temporary (not ideal)

BOOT 291 litres (small)