2022 Subaru Crosstrek

　　

2022 Subaru Crosstrek Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is one of the more versatile extra-small crossover SUVs on the market. Not only can it tackle the everyday tedium of commuting and hauling stuff, but it can also help you recharge by getting you well into the great outdoors thanks to its above-average off-road capability. For further enticement, the Crosstrek boasts spacious seating and a comfortable ride quality.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$152/mo  for Crosstrek Base

　　Crosstrek Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6M) - $23,145 MSRP4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $24,495 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6M) - $24,295 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $25,645 MSRPSport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $27,495 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $28,995 MSRPHybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) - $36,345 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　There are a few downsides to the Crosstrek. The base engine is disappointingly anemic, for example, and it has a smaller cargo capacity than many other crossover SUVs. Given this, it might be worth your time to also cross-shop the well-rounded Chevrolet Trailblazer, refined Mazda CX-30 and new Volkswagen Taos. But overall we think highly of this little Subaru. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our test team's take on all of the Crosstrek's hits and misses.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Crosstrek drive? With the base powertrain, the Crosstrek can seem painfully slow when accelerating onto the freeway. But the 182-hp 2.5-liter engine shaves nearly 2 seconds off its 0-60 mph acceleration, bringing it down to a respectable 8.4 seconds. Combine that with communicative steering and above-average off-road capability and you've got a seriously competitive extra-small SUV.

　　Handling, however, is underwhelming. The Crosstrek's hard tires provide only modest grip on pavement, and the tall ride height brings about noticeable body roll when you crank around a turn. Most rival SUVs offer a more enthusiastic on-road driving experience.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Crosstrek? With a relatively quiet and smooth ride, the Crosstrek is easy to drive on long trips. And with the optional 2.5-liter engine, there's less noise in the cabin too. There's still a bit of a growl when you bury the throttle to make a passing maneuver, but the sound is a bit more pleasant than the standard 2.0-liter engine's wheezy soundtrack.

　　The front and rear seats are comfortable for extra-long road trips, even if they are a bit on the firm side. But if you find yourself on a twisty road, you'll quickly discover the front seats a little lacking in the bolstering department. The climate control system is easy to operate, with several large, easily readable dials, but some of the vents are located in inconvenient spots.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below