What people say about Subaru’s Crosstrek is true: it’s essentially an Impreza hatchback on stilts, and that’s not a bad thing for a compact-based crossover vehicle. But for the 2020 model year, Subaru is adding more standard equipment and safety features on both the Crosstrek and Crosstrek Hybrid.
And the good news? You get more goodies without the ridiculous price hike. According to Subaru, the new Crosstrek is only $250 more than the 2019 model while the Crosstrek Hybrid increased by only $150.
Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology is now standard
Subaru is making a commitment to churning out the safest cars in the market, and both the Crosstrek and Crosstrek Hybrid are proof of that. For the 2020 model year, both vehicles with a CVT transmission now come with standard Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The package includes lane-keeping assist, lane departure and sway warning, lead vehicle start alert, and automatic pre-collision braking and throttle management.
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek also comes with standard automatic door locks, automatic climate control, and auto start-stop system on models with a CVT. Interestingly enough, Subaru is still offering the Crosstrek with a six-speed manual transmission, but you’ll have to pay extra for EyeSight if you like rowing your own gears.
Additionally, all 2020 Crosstrek models also get seven airbags including side curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag. In case you didn’t know, the Subaru Crosstrek has been named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for five years running since 2015.
The Subaru Crosstrek is an Impreza for mild off-roading
Suffice to say Subaru’s Crosstrek is perfect for those with an active and digital lifestyle, but the vehicle is more than that – it remains a proper Subaru to the core. With that in mind, the Crosstrek still gets a 2.0-liter Boxer-four producing 152-horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Boxer engines are mounted lower than conventional petrol-powered mills, which gives all Subaru vehicles the handling capabilities of a rally car.
The Crosstrek also comes with Subaru’s famed Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System; a system which many say is the best AWD system in a modern car. The all-wheel drivetrain now has active torque vectoring to offer better control in any type of driving situation.
Power is routed to all four wheels courtesy of a Lineartronic CVT transmission with X-mode and hill descent control. Both features are responsible for improving traction on all types of road surfaces. Meanwhile, Premium and Limited trims of the Crosstrek receive paddle shifters to control the 8-speed manual mode in the standard CVT tranny.
It also has Subaru’s SI-Drive with driver-selectable programs
Unlike other premium German vehicles, the Subaru Crosstrek offers two pre-set driving modes: Intelligent and Sport. The former is programmed to smoothen out accelerator inputs to improve fuel economy. The latter fine-tunes the throttle response to offers sportier performance. All told, the Crosstrek manual is good for a combined 25 mpg while CVT models easily achieve a combined 30 mpg.
And with 8.7-inches of ground clearance, the Subaru Crosstrek is able to conquer roads that lesser cars can only dream off. What you have here is essentially an Impreza soft-roader that is unlike any other SUV in the market.
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a different animal
The Crosstrek Hybrid has all the usual ingredients of a Boxer engine and symmetrical AWD. But it also has two electric motors and a high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack mounted below the cargo area.
But despite the added weight, Crosstrek Hybrid models are faster to 60 mph than conventional models. It can also travel at speeds up to 65 mph in full electric mode for a total EV range of 17 miles. The overall fuel economy for Crosstrek Hybrid is 90 MPGe for a total range of 480 miles.
2020 Subaru Crosstrek and Crosstrek Hybrid pricing information
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek has a base price of $23,155 with the six-speed manual while the CVT starts at $24,505 including destination and delivery charges. Standard features include Android Auto and Apple Car Play, Subaru Starlink with a 6.5-inch multimedia touchscreen, auto up/auto down power windows, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
On the other hand, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid starts at $35,145 and comes standard with unique 18-inch wheels, a high-contrast gray and navy blue leather seats, a larger 8-inch Subaru Starlink multimedia screen, LED fog lights, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Subaru’s newest rear seat reminder system is also available across the board.
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Scott
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