The interior of the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek features simple, modern design.FAST FACTS
* Model: 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium w/Eyesight* Exterior color: Crystal White Pearl* Interior color: Black* Engine: 2.0-liter, four-cylinder boxer* Horsepower: 152* Transmission: CVT* Fuel economy: 33 mpg highway, 27 mpg city* Local Dealer: Kelly Subaru* Base Price (as tested): $24,510
In three short years, the Crosstrek has become Subaru's third best-selling vehicle, behind the wildly popular Outback and Forester models.
Fittingly, the Japanese carmaker has continued to pour R&D resources into the Crosstrek. For 2018, the Crosstrek is all new. This doesn't mean it's undergone an abrupt redesign, but rather a series of small, but important, evolutionary changes. Foremost, the 2018 Crosstrek is built on Subaru's new global platform that is said to be 70 percent more rigid than before. Optimized cross sections and stiffened joints result in added stability and agility, the company says.
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(FYI: For you non-enthusiasts, stiffened joints are good for cars, bad for people.)
Indeed, driving the W Road up Walden's Ridge, I was struck at how planted and purposeful the new Crosstrek feels. Close your eyes (not recommended while driving the W, by the way) and you might imagine yourself in a small Mercedes-Benz crossover.
Thankfully, Subaru has been able to make improvements while increasing base prices only $100. Most of the changes are under the skin, as the Crosstrek carries on with a handsome - but not head-turning - exterior design. Visualize a clipped version of the ubiquitous Outback and you'll be on the money.
Our tester, a Crystal White Pearl sample, is a mid-trim Premium model and carries a base price of about $24,500. You'll want to pop for the optional EyeSight safety-tech suite and perhaps a moon-roof, but that's about it for add-ons. The Crosstrek is blissfully simple to buy, as there is only one engine (a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder boxer) and one drive configuration (symmetrical all-wheel-drive).
The Crosstrek is available locally at the Kelly Subaru dealership in downtown Chattanooga, where this week there were 40 Crosstreks on the ground or in the pipeline. Prices ranged from about $24,000 to about $32,000, depending on trim level and options.
STYLING AND FEATURES
Technically, the Crosstrek bridges the sub-compact and compact classes. The bigger Forester has more cargo space and wide expanses of glass that give it great visibility. The Crosstrek, on the other hand, feels like a raised hatchback. Dimensionally it is perfect for those who rarely need to carry more than four folks, and whose cargo hauling needs are modest.
It's a great car for urbanites who might make an occasional visit to gravel roads for camping, biking or paddling pursuits. Too, with Subaru's reputation for reliability, it's the kind of car you can buy and ink in for 10 years of hard labor.
The Crosstrek has a hexagonal grille, deep-set fog lights, a sloping roof with standard rails, and a redesigned lift-gate that has a tall lift-over height but has otherwise been widened for better utility. The Crosstrek's 8.7-inch road clearance is a big advantage when off-roading, but gives the vehicle a tall stance.
Inside, the Crosstrek is a showcase for Subaru's dedication to simple comfort. The cloth seats in our tester are firm and well-bolstered. The smallish steering wheel has a pleasing thickness to it, and three dials control all the heat and air functions. A 6.5-inch touch screen embedded in the dash hosts the audio controls. A separate display on top of the dash keeps track of time, temperature and fuel economy.
All Crosstreks come equipped with Suburu's popular 2.0-liter boxer engine. Its flat shape helps lower the vehicle's center of gravity. A manual transmission is standard on base- and mid-trim models, and an unobtrusive CVT is a $1,000 upgrade. All Limited models (starting at $26,295) come with the CVT standard.
Our Premium tester also comes with an all-weather package with heated seats, heated mirrors and a special windshield with extra sound insulation.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Some have criticized the Crosstrek for a lack of power, and indeed its 152-horsepower engine does struggle some off the mark. But the Crosstrek's numerous handling virtues more than compensate. Most Crosstrek drivers will fall in love with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology and mountain goat climbing ability.
The CVT is smooth and manages to keep the engine revving at just the right speed to optimize performance and fuel economy. Expect to get about 33 mpg highway and 27 mpg city.
BOTTOM LINE
One automotive journalist has labeled the Crosstrek an "honest car," and we think that description is apt. The new Crosstrek lives up to its reputation as as a safe, reliable compact crossover at a reasonable price.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.