2018 Subaru Crosstrek Pros vs Cons

Those who loved the first generation of Crosstreks will find themselves enamored with the brand-new 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Now stepping into its second generation, the Crosstrek keeps everything drivers loved about the first generation and adds a lot more safety and technological features. Whether you take this vehicle off-roading or just use it as a daily driver, the Crosstrek is one of the most secure subcompact SUVs on the market.

What's New for 2018?

Many things are new on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek since it has been redesigned for its second generation. New on the Crosstrek is an upgrade to the 2017's engine, a newly-constructed chassis, a more upscale-looking but still user-friendly cabin, and an abundance of new standard and optional features.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek – The Pros

1. Precision Steering and Handling

One of the biggest reasons to buy a Crosstrek is that the 2018 model has a newly-crafted and well-tuned suspension that makes steering and handling incredibly precise. The steering is very responsive, and the handling gives the Crosstrek a lot of security while going over rough road surfaces. Drivers will feel confident taking this vehicle off-roading or just driving it around town.

2. Spacious Cabin

A little bit of cabin space has been added to the 2018 lineup. There is now more legroom in the rear for taller adults, so cramming in a couple of over-6-feet-tall people into the back seats is no longer an issue. There is also plenty of space up front.

3. Many Optional Safety Features

When it comes to safety features, Subaru packs a lot of standard features into the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. They also have a lot of optional safety features available, including a blind spot warning accident avoidance system, turn signal mirrors, and LED headlamps.

4. High Ground Clearance

Since the Crosstrek is built for off-roading, it only makes sense that it has a high ground clearance. While other SUVs and even some trucks have low ground clearance, Subaru recognizes the importance of keeping the undercarriage free and clear from the road or trail. You won't have to worry about bottoming-out your car while going over rocky terrain or getting debris in your undercarriage while driving along crumbling city roads.

5. A Quiet Ride

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is quiet at any speed, even while on the highway. This vehicle is extremely well-insulated, so not a lot of road or wind noise gets through the doors and windows. The powertrain is also relatively quiet, as you have to take it up to full throttle for it to get remotely noisy.

6. Standard AWD

Most Subaru drivers already know this, but those who don't will be surprised and delighted to learn that all-wheel drive comes standard on every Subaru. Since the Crosstrek is designed for off-roading, this makes going along steep trails and through rugged mountain terrain relatively simple. The tires stick well to the road, and the feedback you get while driving inspires confidence and reduces guesswork as to what the vehicle is doing.

7. High-Quality Interior Materials

On the first generation of Crosstreks, the cabin looked relatively average and not too exciting. However, on the 2018 Crosstrek, it looks like Subaru put quite a bit of effort into creating a luxurious-looking interior that is adorned with high-quality materials. Nothing looks like it is going to fall apart with a little bit of wear and tear.

8. User-Friendly Touchscreen Infotainment System

Unlike the systems found in some of the Crosstrek's competitors, the touchscreen interface is very user-friendly. The digital display is easy to read, the buttons are not too finicky, and the entire layout makes sense.

9. Easy to Load Items Into the Cargo Area

Although the cargo space is slightly smaller this year, the cargo area is wider. This makes it easier to load an unload bulky items, including groceries. There is also still plenty of space for storing things in the cargo area.

10. The Optional EyeSight System

Although the EyeSight system is optional, it is something many drivers will want to have added on. EyeSight adds a lot of active safety features, including pre-collision braking and throttle management, lane departure and sway warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek – The Cons

1. Slow Acceleration

One of the downfalls to driving the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is that it is slow to accelerate. This sluggish acceleration puts it well behind many of its competitors and makes it necessary for drivers to plan how they are going to pass other vehicles and merge on the highway.

2. Not the Most Fuel Efficient

Unfortunately, another big downfall is that the Crosstrek isn't the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class. It falls short of what the Honda HR-V is able to get. The vehicles equipped with a CVT automatic transmission do get slightly better combined mpg than the manual transmission vehicles.

3. Standard Engine Lacks Power

The Crosstrek's base 2.0-L 4-cylinder engine is not as powerful as some of the engines found on its competitors in this class. It only generates up to 152 hp, which does not seem sufficient enough for an off-roading SUV.

4. Less Cargo Space Than the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek

The loss of cargo space is kind of a bummer but isn't exactly a deal-breaker. The shift to offering more cabin space is a nice touch from Subaru, but having that little bit of extra space in the trunk makes a big difference for drivers who have bulky items that they need to lug around.

How it stacks up to the competition:

2018 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2018 Honda HR-V

The 2018 Honda HR-V is one of the top competitors in this class, and it's no wonder why. The HR-V gets excellent fuel economy and has a refined suspension thanks to Honda's new global platform standards. However, AWD does not come standard.

2018 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2018 Mazda CX-3

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 is another strong competitor, which, like the Honda, gets superb fuel economy. It also handles well and is quiet when taken on the highway. It, too, suffers from limited cargo space and lacks the spacious rear seat of the Crosstrek.

Conclusion

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is the subcompact SUV to buy if you need something with AWD and high ground clearance. If you're looking for something fast, however, this vehicle might be a bit disappointing. Overall, the Crosstrek is spacious, well-designed on the inside, and can handle rough terrain like a champ.