The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek’s profile is similar to that of a small, sporty hatchback, but with a utility vehicle’s stocky stance. If you take a look at its set of abilities, it gives SUVs a run for their money when it comes to ruggedness, and all in the typically modest, utilitarian style Subaru is known for.
The Crosstrek is based on the five-door hatchback of the Subaru Impreza but its beefed-up suspension, boosted ground clearance and extra protection, front and rear fascias, fender flares and roof rack gives it a unique look. You will find it surprisingly distinct, even though it essentially retains the same sheet metal.
EXTERIOR
The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek exterior has some fantastic features that you are sure to like a lot. The one we think is worth mentioning first, is the integrated roof rails. These standard roof rails give you additional capability for carrying cargo.
Other features include the front fog lights and standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels as well as ground clearance of 8.7 inches, which will help you cover almost any road you want to set out on. This is higher than the Impreza by almost 4 inches and raises the vehicle’s entire profile. The 2016 Crosstrek also comes with privacy glass which has a dark tint to keep prying eyes out.
The Crosstrek in general includes a nice combination of stylish and utilitarianism, which we think you will like a lot.
COMFORT, CONVENIENCE AND INTERIOR
The dash of the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek is a sporty one, but forthright, with a version of Subaru’s traditional analog instrument as well as steering wheel controls. Fundamentally, the interior is similar to the Impreza’s, although there are some differences in the trim and the seats have been given an upholstery material that is a little more rugged than you have seen before. The Crosstrek’s interior is maximized with its simple and straight-across lines.
The interior has some stellar features too. The automatic climate control with filtration is supreme, ensuring that you and your passengers are always comfortable when on the road, no matter what the weather. The Crosstrek gives you 60/40-split fold-down rear seats, allowing you to easily fit three people in the back with the backs of both rear seats up or fold one seat when you need extra cargo space.
PERFORMANCE
Every Subaru Crosstrek is powered with a 2.0-liter Subaru boxer 4-cylinder engine which is rated at 148 hp and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. While the carmaker’s boxer engines are well known for their reliability and durability, they are not heralded much for their power.
You will be able to put more than 200k miles on the Crosstrek, but you better keep in mind that it will not be from racing. Although it is slightly sluggish on the uptake, this vehicle is scrappy and like its hatchback cousin, moves around quite well. You will not outrun Bumblebee from the Transformers movies, but if you are looking for a car like this, you should not expect to.
Although it is a little slow on the uptake, the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek is a true performer. No, it will not sing for you as if you are at a concert, but the ride quality is fantastic. It can handle uneven road surfaces with ease, keeping you and your passengers well-cushioned when you drive over bumps on the road or divots in the road.
With its responsive electric power steering, you will find the car pretty easy to maneuver. However, you should keep in mind that while you are on the highway on a windy day, you will need to pay a little more attention to the wheel as small adjustments will be needed to keep it in its lane.
The braking performance is immediate which is good for everyone, literally everyone. Pre-collision braking is included with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist system. This means that when the system senses an imminent collision, it will send you an alert and apply full braking force. You will be surprised by how powerful the brakes are and how well the EyeSight driver assist system works when it comes to avoiding potential accidents.
Even though it has a tall ride height, you will find that the 2016 Crosstrek feels grounded. Once it gets going, you will notice that the vehicle responds quickly, with an athletic feel in corners. Equipped with the company’s renowned AWD system, it helps you handle gravel, road, dirt, snow, ice, rain, and everything in between. If you are looking for a simple yet well-performing car, there is nothing like the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek.
SAFETY
When it comes to safety, the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek is incredible. Its Subaru EyeSight driver assist technology gives you outstanding safety and crash prevention. You have an extra set of eyes on the road with this feature. Two innovative additions for 2016 are the rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist. You also get the Blind Spot Detection system, which gives you a warning with a visual indicator in each of the side mirrors if a vehicle is sensed in your blind spots.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert warns you of approaching traffic from the side when you are backing up, using a flashing visual indicator and an audible warning in your side mirrors as well as rear-vision camera display. No you cannot drive like Andrew ‘Andy’ Washburn (Jimmy Fallon) in that ridiculous Taxi movie and expect to be OK, this car is special but it is not incredible. Nothing is!
The Subaru advanced frontal air bag system, front-seat side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor, and driver’s side knee airbag are poignant and sensational for keeping you safe in case of a crash, whether you are alone or the car is filled with people. The anti-lock braking system, anti-theft alarm, immobilizer system, and daytime running lights are other safety features that function well and are remarkable in so many ways.
FUEL ECONOMY
The Subaru Crosstrek lineup is pretty fuel-efficient, especially when compared to heavier, taller SUVs. The Crosstrek gets 26 mpg city, 34 highway, and 29 mpg combined with the CVT (continued variable transmission).
You always get better mileage with all Subaru CVT versions in real-world driving when compared to manual.
CONCLUSION
The MSRP of the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek is $25,095. After adding up all the options, the grand total is $28,840.
What we liked: We like the all-wheel drive traction and comfortable seating.
What we did not like: We did not like the cost cutting measures Subaru took when it comes to the interior, and the acceleration which we thought was a little disappointing.
Competition
The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek has some worthy competitors out there. One is the 2016 Jeep Renegade, which has a few notable features and variations in the trim level and powertrain. But when it comes down to it, the Crosstrek is more fuel efficient, has better safety features, and rides more comfortably. We think that the Subaru Crosstrek is a smarter choice.
Other rivals include the Countryman and HR-V. The Subaru Crosstrek and HR-V have very similar features but the Crosstrek wins when it comes to ride comfort and safety features, especially considering it has the innovative EyeSight driver assist system. The turbocharged Countryman certainly gives the Subaru Crosstrek some heavy competition, but it is hard to beat a Subaru for all-weather prowess, reliability, value, and overall utility.
Photo Credit: Subaru
