2021 Subaru Crosstrek

Pros: Fine balance of car and SUV traits; good fuel economy; comfortable, well-finished interior

Cons: Base engine power is only adequate; interior storage is only average

CG Says: The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek gains a new engine choice. Standard on Limited and the new Sport model is 182-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Base and Premium models retain the existing 152-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that can be paired with a 6-speed manual or CVT automatic transmissions. The new 2.5-liter is only available with a CVT. Adaptive cruise control and lane centering are standard on cars with the CVT automatic. There is also new frontal styling. The Crosstrek was redesigned for 2018 and is based on the hatchback version of Subaru’s Impreza compact car (which itself was redesigned for 2017). To the basic Impreza platform, the Crosstrek adds SUV-esque styling touches (including rugged-looking lower-body cladding) and a raised ride height (Crosstrek has a generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance). Though it straddles the line between a compact car and a compact crossover SUV, we categorize it as the latter. Crosstrek also offers a plug-in hybrid that combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor for a total of 148 hp. The Hybrid can travel an estimated 17 miles on electric power alone and is only offered with a CVT automatic. All-wheel drive is standard on all models. Available features include pre-collision braking, lane-departure warning and mitigation, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, keyless access and starting, adaptive cruise control, and rear automatic braking. Crosstrek is a fine combination of car-like driving refinement and SUV versatility. It’s a little short on power, but it delivers respectable fuel economy. If you can’t decide between a compact SUV or a compact car—or you’re just looking for a sensibly sized, all-weather family vehicle that offers some light off-road capabilities—the Crosstrek is a good value that is well worth a look.