Car review: 2023 Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru has a reputation built on safety and all-wheel drive capability. The Japanese manufacturer’s vehicles can go where proper SUVs should – be it bitumen, sand, mud or snow – yet they’re small enough to park easily in the city.
Rising from the ashes of the previous XV is the all-new Crosstrek, continuing Subaru’s tradition of being the car for those living a real outdoor lifestyle.
The features
The Crosstrek is reasonable value, with good equipment levels at a competitive price. We tested the S model, which is the most expensive non-hybrid model in the range. The S has impressive features, including push-start ignition, dusk-sensing LED headlights, roof rails, power-folding door mirrors and LED daytime running lights. Inside the cabin, you’ll find heated front seats, electric lumbar support for the driver, satellite navigation and an electric sunroof.
It also comes with the latest generation EyeSight Driver Assist system, which has an improved stereo camera and a new wide-angle monocular camera. On top of that, the Crosstrek also has speed sign recognition and lane centering function. Subaru vehicles have always been a bit thirsty and the Crosstrek is no different, using 7.2 litres of fuel per 100km.
The interior
Part SUV, part hatch, the Crosstrek is bigger than the outgoing XV, although the rear seat and boot are adequate. The absence of rear air vents is another shortcoming.
Inside there’s a dash-mounted portrait screen, as well as easy-to-use traditional dials and switches. The wireless phone charger is useful, but the hard plastic means phones slip and slide.
The drive
Crosstrek has the same DNA as other Subaru vehicles. This includes the quiet rumbling sound of the direct injection two-litre boxer engine. On the road, the Crosstrek soaks up undulations without much fuss like the generations of Subarus before it.
The just-adequate power is delivered via the Lineartronic transmission, which has an eight-speed paddle-shift manual mode Subaru calls a step-less CVT. Subaru promises this offers less wear and tear and improved economy. The Japanese car manufacturer’s iconic symmetrical all-wheel drive system delivers a great balance of SUV capability on bitumen, and the 220mm ground clearance makes it competent off-road.
Crosstrek has a handy 1.4-tonne towing capacity, and its compactness makes it easy to park. It’s a minor detail, but the thick steering wheel gives a sense of solidness to the driver.
A final word
In a crowded small SUV market, the Crosstrek’s combination of impressive equipment levels, all-round capability and safety kit, gives it a clear point of difference for those who want a vehicle for the great outdoors.
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Price | $45,985 driveaway |
| ANCAP safety rating | Not rated |
| Warranty | Five-year warranty with unlimited kilometres |
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