A bunch, but let’s start with Hybrid.
Yes…In addition to five gas-only Crosstreks, Subaru now gives you two hybrids to choose from…”Sport” and “Limited” editions….and the good news is that they both come at a modest $2,000 premium to their comparable gas-only versions.
And even better news is that they bring a lot to the party for the price. The Sport starts at $33,995 and the Limited only a thousand more
If you’ve been shopping lately, you already know that getting anything that you’ll really enjoy in the $30’s is becoming difficult…right?
So what do you get with a mid-$30’s Crosstrek?
Utility, performance, economy…and maybe even looks, too.
As for utility, well, this is just me talkin’, but if you don’t have an SUV or a pickup in the family, a hatchback is pretty much a must. It’s just so much easier to carry large objects than trying to stuff them in a trunk.
Performance? It’s not so much about “Go” as “Getting there”. Subaru’s earned its street “creds” by Getting You There in tough conditions. The Crosstrek’s 8.7” of ground clearance and Symmetrical all-wheel-drive will get you through some serious snow and slush and down some downright muddy country roads. Plus the hybrid wrings 194 HP out of its 2.5 liter four…a bit more than the non-hybrid’s 180 HP.
Looks? That’s subjective, of course, but sitting 8.7 inches above the ground with black cladding covering all the right corners, the all-wheel-drive Crosstrek looks a bit more muscular than the average hatchback…and it is.
But its inside that our Crosstrek surprised us. The two-tone textured brown / grey cloth seats with yellow stitching punched way above 35K. Warm and welcoming even without the seat heaters on…and cool and breathable in Summer. Well done, Subaru.
As for economy, the hybrid delivers an EPA 36 average vs. the non-hybrid’s 30. At $3.00 gas, you’ll pay for the hybrid in 120,000 miles, but…you’ll also be enjoying the almost 600-mile range and slightly better acceleration along the way.
Our Sport model came with 18” dark grey alloys, a CVT automatic, a 12.3” screen, power moonroof, heated front seats and mirrors, roof rails, and Subaru’s EyeSight safety tech with its lane-centering, pre-collision throttle management / braking and lane-departure warnings.
Once upon a time, there was another popular-priced manufacturer that pretty much owned the “safety and durability” image. While they’re still strong and safe vehicles, they’ve moved upscale.
Today Subaru seems to wear that crown.