Posted on Jan 30, 2018 in
AUTO REVIEW
absolutely! AUTO REVIEW | By Steve Kursar –
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a compact hatchback that doubles as a tough, versatile SUV. This vehicle is built to last. If you need a car that can go off-road with ease but is equally comfortable on long hauls, the new second-generation Crosstrek should be near the top of your shopping list.
Subaru cars have driven American highways since the late 1960s. This is a car company that’s made its reputation on sel-ling reliable, sturdy vehicles that stand out for their durability, not style. They’re already priced to sell close to their MSRP so dealerships don’t need to give big discounts to move them off the lots. Subaru owners are fiercely loyal to the brand because their cars just keep on going.
The Crosstrek is relatively new to the Subaru lineup. Built off the Impreza sedan platform, the Crosstrek is powered by a 152 hp, 2.0 liter four cylinder boxer engine that’s mated to a CVT transmission which delivers EPA estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
The unique boxer engine layout has a low center of gravity due to horizontally opposed cylinders. It’s this flat engine design that makes the Crosstrek ideal for off-roading. The boxer engine that is synonymous with Subaru is a tried and true design though the sound is a bit loud and a might “rattlely.” But if you want a Subaru, that’s your only engine choice.
The new Crosstrek starts at $21,795 and expect to pay close to that price. The vehicle is a little longer than the previous generation and that translates into more interior room. The Crosstrek is popular with the outdoors set so it’s no surprise that Subaru dealers offer a number of accessories for the standard roof rails to carry items such as bicycles and kayaks.
From a technology standpoint, this new Subaru really is state-of-the-art. Equipped with the optional EyeSight Driver Assist Technology system, the Crosstrek features Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Departure and Sway Warning. Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also available along with Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH), which aim the beams in the direction of the vehicle on curved roads which helps to improve nighttime visibility.
With the Crosstrek, you don’t need to get a large SUV to get the off-road capability that this compact Subaru brings in a big way.
