Subaru Crosstrek
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about an adventure-ready SUV that doesn’t compromise on everyday usability? The Subaru Crosstrek might be exactly what you’re looking for. This compact crossover combines Subaru’s legendary all-wheel drive capability with practical city-friendly dimensions, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who need a daily driver that can handle both school runs and weekend camping trips.

From the moment you see it, the Crosstrek stands out with its rugged plastic cladding and raised ride height. It’s clearly designed for adventure, but unlike some rivals like the Nissan Qashqai or Honda CR-V, the Crosstrek puts all-wheel drive as standard rather than an expensive option. The interior feels robust and practical, with durable materials that can cope with muddy boots and wet gear. Everything has been designed with real-world outdoor use in mind.

Driving the Crosstrek is a confident experience both on and off road. The standard all-wheel drive system gives you reassurance in all weather conditions, while the higher seating position provides excellent visibility. It handles everyday driving with ease, making motorway journeys comfortable and city parking manageable. While it comes with a higher price tag than some mainstream alternatives, you’re paying for Subaru’s renowned build quality and that go-anywhere capability that makes every journey feel like an adventure waiting to happen.

What's the Subaru Crosstrek Like to Drive?

The Subaru Crosstrek is powered by a 2.0-litre e-BOXER mild-hybrid engine producing 150 horsepower. This compact SUV isn’t designed to be a speed machine but rather a reliable companion for all conditions. The engine delivers smooth acceleration around town and has enough power for confident overtaking on country roads. The 0-60 mph time of around 10.5 seconds feels adequate for everyday driving, though it can feel sluggish when fully loaded or on steep inclines.

Where the Crosstrek truly excels is in its all-terrain capability. The Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is always engaged, providing excellent traction on wet roads, gravel tracks, and snowy conditions. The X-Mode system enhances off-road performance by optimising the engine, transmission, and brakes for challenging terrain. Ground clearance of 220mm means you can tackle rough tracks with confidence. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) keeps the engine in its optimal power band, though some drivers find it less engaging than a traditional automatic gearbox.

How Comfortable Is the Subaru Crosstrek?

Step inside the Crosstrek and you’ll find a cabin that prioritises function over form. The dashboard design is straightforward and user-friendly, with clearly labelled controls and a central touchscreen that handles most infotainment functions. The materials feel robust rather than luxurious, with hard-wearing plastics that can cope with an active lifestyle. The seats are supportive and comfortable, offering good visibility thanks to the raised driving position and large windows.

Standard equipment includes smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and Subaru’s EyeSight safety system. The cabin is remarkably quiet for a car in this class, with good insulation from road and wind noise. Rear seat passengers enjoy decent space for adults, and the flat floor makes it comfortable for three passengers on shorter journeys. Higher trim levels add features like heated seats, premium audio systems, and leather upholstery, enhancing the overall comfort and refinement.

The Subaru Crosstrek is a compelling choice if you prioritise all-weather capability and adventure readiness above all else in a compact SUV. It successfully delivers on its promise of go-anywhere confidence with standard all-wheel drive and impressive ground clearance. The build quality feels robust and designed to last, with practical touches that show Subaru understands their target audience. The trade-offs include higher fuel consumption than front-wheel drive rivals and a CVT transmission that some drivers find less engaging. It’s not the most spacious or the most luxurious option in its class, but that’s not its purpose. Its purpose is to be a reliable, capable companion for people who lead active lives. If you regularly encounter challenging driving conditions or need a car that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures, the Crosstrek is an excellent choice that few rivals can match for all-terrain confidence.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Subaru Crosstrek?

The Crosstrek’s running costs reflect its position as a specialist all-wheel drive vehicle. The mild-hybrid engine helps improve fuel economy, with real-world consumption typically falling between 35-40 mpg depending on driving conditions and load. While this isn’t class-leading efficiency, it’s reasonable considering the permanent all-wheel drive system. Insurance costs are moderate, typically falling into groups 15-18 depending on the specific trim level.

The initial purchase price is higher than front-wheel drive rivals, but you’re paying for the sophisticated all-wheel drive system and Subaru’s reputation for reliability. When it comes to car finance, the Crosstrek holds its value reasonably well, making it an attractive option for PCP deals. Subaru’s warranty coverage is competitive, and the brand has a strong reputation for dependable vehicles that rack up high mileages without major issues. Service costs are reasonable, with a network of specialist dealers who understand the brand’s unique engineering.

Is the Subaru Crosstrek Practical for Everyday Use?

For a compact SUV, the Crosstrek offers impressive practicality for active lifestyles. The 380-litre boot is well-shaped and features a low loading lip, making it easy to load camping gear, sports equipment, or the weekly shopping. The rear seats fold flat to create a larger cargo area, and roof rails come as standard for additional carrying capacity. Throughout the cabin, you’ll find plenty of storage cubbies and cup holders for everyday items.

Where the Crosstrek shows its adventure credentials is in the thoughtful design details. The interior materials are designed to be easily cleaned, and the rubber floor mats can cope with muddy boots. The raised ground clearance means you can tackle rough car parks and forest tracks that would challenge conventional cars. For families or couples who enjoy outdoor activities, the Crosstrek strikes an excellent balance between everyday usability and weekend adventure capability, especially when compared to other used Subaru cars in the range.

The Subaru Crosstrek stands out in the competitive compact SUV market by offering genuine all-terrain capability as standard. It packages Subaru’s renowned all-wheel drive technology, practical design, and adventure-ready features into a package that’s equally at home in city traffic or on mountain trails. While it may not be the most efficient or spacious option in its class, it excels in the areas that matter most for active drivers.

You choose the Crosstrek because you want a vehicle that doesn’t limit your adventures. Its standard all-wheel drive, robust construction, and thoughtful design make it ideal for people who need genuine capability rather than just SUV styling. It’s perfectly suited for those who value reliability and all-weather confidence over absolute efficiency, especially with how to find the cheapest car finance deals in the uk making it more accessible than ever.