Five things to know about the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek

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This article was published 18/04/2019 (2710 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s easy to understand why the Subaru Crosstrek became the automaker’s best-selling model in Canada in 2018, just ahead of the Forester. Redesigned for the 2018 model year, the Crosstrek entered 2019 with two small changes: a software update for the infotainment system and the addition of a dark-blue paint job.

The Crosstrek rivals the Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-3 and Nissan Qashqai, among others, in the subcompact utility vehicle segment. It retails from $23,695 before freight and delivery charges.

Here are five things to know about the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek:

Interior space

Unlike most of its competitors based on subcompact-car architectures, the Crosstrek was conceived from the compact-sized Subaru Impreza five-door. We benefit from more rear-seat legroom as well as more shoulder and hip room, and when the rear seatbacks are folded down, the Crosstrek’s maximum cargo capacity ranks among the more spacious in its category.

Full-time AWD

Like all of Subaru’s models except the BRZ sports car, the Crosstrek is equipped as standard with a full-time all-wheel-drive system. Unlike the reactive systems found in its rivals, which send engine torque to the rear wheels after slippage occurs, the Crosstrek’s four wheels are always connected to the powertrain. Technically, it’s an advantage of a fraction of a second, but that could make a difference in difficult driving conditions.

Manual transmission available

While manual gearboxes are gradually disappearing from the market, there’s still one available in the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, and it’s available in all trim levels except the top-shelf Limited. In addition, the Crosstrek benefits from a six-speed manual, while the Impreza on which it’s based must do with a five-speed unit. Obviously, a continuously variable automatic transmission is also available.

Reduced fuel consumption

Despite its full-time AWD system, in the past few years Subaru succeeded in reducing the fuel consumption of its model lineup. It’s also the case of the Crosstrek, thanks to its horizontally opposed, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which develops 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, and its continuously variable automatic transmission. With a combined city/highway average of 8.1 L/100 km, the Crosstrek is amongst the most fuel-efficient subcompact SUVs on the market.

Loads of options

While the base trims of the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek offer the essential set of features, we can equip the SUV with the brand’s EyeSight advanced safety suite that rounds up precollision warning with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, among other things. The Crosstrek can also be optioned up with a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery and an infotainment system with eight-inch touchscreen.

— LC Media