WASHINGTON — The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek is the alternative to the normal sub-compact crossovers.
Small crossovers seem to be all the rage. Manufacturers are putting out new models as quickly as possible to grab customers that want out of cars and into taller crossovers. Well, Subaru doesn’t really go the normal route and their different philosophy has paid off for them. Subarus are very popular and setting sales records as more safety conscious vehicles that can go about anywhere with mostly just sedans and wagons.
Instead of rushing to build a little crossover, Subaru has this smaller AWD wagon called the Crosstrek, which replicates the higher ride height of crossovers but is still a car with better gas mileage and the ability to do some light off-roading when called upon. I didn’t venture far off road with the 2016 Crosstrek Limited but it has no problem parking in a field. It has very good ground clearance for a compact. The AWD system exudes confidence on wet roads and the handling seems more firm than the small crossovers I’ve driven. It might have a bit more engine noise than some of compition but it’s not annoying and the ride is pretty good. The only engine is a 2.0L four-cylinder with moderate power and the distinctive boxer engine sound. But you need to be very gentle – like the touch of a feather – on the gas pedal or you get jerky, quick acceleration that will jolt your passengers. While no barnstormer, it does hold its own on the highway. It does pretty well with gas mileage thanks to the CVT transmission. I managed 28.7mpg over a week of driving; pretty close to the 29mpg the sticker says.
Outside, the Subaru it looks more crossover than station wagon with a taller stance on the road. There are funky 17-inch wheels that help set it apart and give it a more off-road look. There is a cargo rack on the roof and toward the rear end, the hatch slopes and tapers off more like crossover style than the usual wagon’s traditional straight lines. The styling makes it appear larger than it is. Still, the small size means it will easily fit into tight spaces and is friendly for narrow city streets.
Just because it’s not very large doesn’t mean it’s small inside. Adults have no problem fitting in the front or the back seats. Headroom and leg room is good for this class of car and there is also some room for cargo. This is the loaded $28,840 Limited trim level which includes leather heated seats up front and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. The seats are a bit more firm than some but I found them comfortable on longer trips and the red stitching on the leather was a nice looking touch on the interior. Materials in the cabin are a step up with some softer touch materials in places and while there still are some hard plastics it seems less than before. This car also carries the optional EyeSight driver assist system that has adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and a pre collision braking system that deploys the breaks in certain situations if you don’t. The system works really well and I’m glad cars under $30,000 now have this nice safety option.
The Subaru Crosstrek is a small wagon that’s capable of more than the humble station wagon of a few years ago. With AWD and a higher ground clearance, it is the alternative to the crossover movement, with better gas mileage, safety features and options at a price that’s not as costly as one of those little crossovers.
Editor’s Note: Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI, FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.
