I’ve been a big fan of the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness since I first drove one in Utah last summer and earlier this year back in Indiana. Its 9.3-inches of ground clearance, fortified black body cladding, and more powerful engine take it down almost any trail, but most of us don’t really need all of that to pick up groceries or take the kids to a Friday night movie. The Sport edition may be a better choice for most of us.
Jacked-up Attitude
The Crosstrek is essentially a jacked-up Impreza hatchback, but it gives the right off-road attitude while still being urban friendly. A black grille, vented cladding around the wheels, and additional protection around the bumper protect from rocks, sticks, and probably kids on bicycles. Copper accents on Wilderness are replaced with slashes of gold and Sport logos, but it all looks absolutely scouting over 18” dark alloy wheels.
A bit of Wilderness style carries over inside where the canvas seats sport gold accents. Canvas and gold stitching adds panache to the doors too. The large tablet-style touchscreen provides easy access to climate, audio, and phone functions. Redundant buttons for key climate controls plus volume/tuning are placed around it while wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, console charging, and a full contingent of USB ports keep devices connected. I appreciate the power sunroof, heated front seats, driver power lumbar, but I’d like it even more with Harman Kardon audio.
That’s all nice, but I suspect most people buy the Crosstrek because it looks ready for adventure. And, it is. Pop open the rear hatch, flip down the seats, and toss in almost anything you want. If that’s not enough space, clamp gear to the roof rails. Thick rubber floormats for passengers and cargo contain everything you bring back. It’s a car that’s aesthetically pleasing, but feels like it can be scrubbed down when the fun is finished. And what works well for outdoor activities makes it ready for messy kids.
Power Meets Economy
Like the Crosstrek Wilderness, Sport versions come with the uprated 2.5-liter “Boxer” four-cylinder engine that sends 182 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque to the standard all-wheel-drive system through a continuously variable transmission. I don’t love CVTs because they whine and scream, but this one isn’t bad and can be paddle-shifted through eight pre-set gear ratios. Fuel economy is rated 26/33-MPG city/highway.
Beyond all that, this Crosstrek has real on- and off-road chops. Compared to the Wilderness, Sports ride a little lower with a still-impressive 8.7” ground clearance, wear street-worthy tires, and retain ample suspension travel to tame trails and potholes. It just rumbles over the rough stuff. The Sport also gets Subaru’s dual function X-Mode traction system to churn through snow and mud, but also creep down steep inclines automatically. I’d love a turbocharged engine, but the 2.5-liter engine gets it.
Safety, a Subaru hallmark, is fortified with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, and automatic emergency steering to avoid accidents. A rear seat reminder keeps adults from forgetting their offspring in hot weather.
Given how long owners seem to keep their Subarus, the Crosstrek Sport delivers absurd value. Base models start at just $25,195 and came to $32,605 for our well-equipped Sport. Want another reason to choose the Sport (or Wilderness if you choose)? They’re both assembled domestically in Lafayette, Indiana. Competitors include the Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, Ford Bronco Sport, and Chevy Trailblazer.
Storm Forward!
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