The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is a special member of the subcompact crossover/SUV class. It has an all-wheel drive as standard and offers a plug-in hybrid variant. A good amount of ground clearance also means it could drive over thick snow rather than become stuck in it.
Appealing to outdoorsy and no-nonsense types, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek also enjoys many of the other usual Subaru attributes. It holds its value well and has great safety scores. The Crosstrek compact SUV seats up to five people. Slotted below the bigger Forester, the hatch-on-stilts rivals vehicles like the Kia Seltos and Jeep Renegade.
The Crosstrek is Subaru’s pseudo-SUV; it’s essentially an Impreza hatchback with a raised ride height and some rugged visual cues. Since it’s based on the already-good Impreza, it has that model’s smooth ride, good fuel mileage, easy-to-use controls, and roomy rear seat.
As a result, it’s ranked at the top of our subcompact SUV standings. Subaru also offers a plug-in hybrid version, which contributes to the Crosstrek’s appeal but doesn’t deliver enough of a mileage improvement to make it a good value.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Crosstrek’s base 152-hp four-cylinder engine makes a lot of noise but doesn’t offer a lot of motivation. As with many of its competitors, getting up to highway speeds can be a bit painful, no matter whether you choose the standard manual transmission or the optional automatic. In our testing, an automatic model needed a leisurely 9.2 seconds to reach 60 mph.
The plug-in-hybrid model proved to be quicker, shaving 0.9 seconds off the 2.0-liter model’s zero-to-60-mph time. This lack of energy is largely addressed by the optional 182-hp 2.5-liter engine that’s also found on the Legacy sedan and Outback station wagon. Thanks to well-weighted steering and a composed ride, the Crosstrek feels solid and planted through corners.
The suspension is tuned to be firm but not harsh and soaks up larger bumps with ease. Charging the plug-in-hybrid model will take up to five hours if connected to a standard household 120-volt outlet; using a 240-volt outlet does the job in as little as two hours. With only 17 miles of electric-only range, buyers shouldn’t expect to complete the entirety of their commute without dipping into the gasoline.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
With not only great fuel-economy ratings but also some of the best results in our real-world testing, this Subaru is among the most fuel-efficient of subcompact crossovers. The Crosstrek’s 2.0-liter engine and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) are rated at 28 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. However, the manual comes with sizable drops of 22 and 29 mpg, respectively. The 2.5-liter engine and CVT are rated at 27 mpg city and 34 highway.
On our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, the automatic-equipped 2.0-liter delivered an impressive 32 mpg, the manual also impressed with a 31-mpg result. We haven’t yet tested the new 2.5-liter engine. The hybrid model is rated at up to 90 MPGe combined and 35 mpg on the highway, but we managed only 30 mpg in our testing. For more information about Crosstrek’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
In typical Subaru fashion, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek has a basic and durable-feeling interior that prioritizes function over form. Its lack of flair is perfectly acceptable in the cheaper versions but starts to feel a bit drab in the Limited model, which can surpass $30,000 with options.
Feeble attempts to spice things up to include bits of faux-carbon-fiber trim and orange stitching on the seats, but the overall atmosphere remains dark and a bit dull—opting for the lighter gray cloth or leather upholstery helps somewhat. Folding the Crosstrek’s 60/40 split-folding rear seat expands the cargo hold considerably, but the folded seats don’t make for an entirely flat cargo floor.
The Honda HR-V and the Nissan Rogue Sport held more stuff in our testing despite their smaller exterior dimensions. The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek managed to hold 19 of our carry-on suitcases with the rear seats folded; the HR-V fit 22, while the Rogue Sport held 20. The hybrid model’s cargo floor is higher than the nonhybrid to accommodate the battery pack, and we were only able to fit 17 carry-ons with the seats folded.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Subaru’s StarLink infotainment system is clearly organized, offers plenty of connectivity features as standard, and is easy to navigate in everyday use. A 6.5-inch touchscreen is standard equipment and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, along with the expected Bluetooth support and a USB port. The Limited and hybrid models come with a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen that offers SiriusXM satellite radio plus some additional support apps; navigation is optional but only with the 8.0-inch display.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The optional driver-assistance features are reasonably priced and, unlike many competitors, are available even on the base Crosstrek for a reasonable cost. For more information about the Crosstrek’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
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