Subaru has repackaged its previous XV model as this car, the Crosstrek. It's still powered by a self-charging full-Hybrid engine. And it's still more capable off road than you might expect a car in the family-sized Qashqai segment to be. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

The Crosstrek represents Subaru's concession to electrification to suit the needs of the current market. Like its predecessor the XV, this self-charging full-Hybrid mid-size crossover takes on segment models like Toyota's C-HR, Kia's Niro and Hyundai's Kona Hybrid, cars that also have this technology. For a little more money, this Subaru offers more space, much more capability but a little less efficiency.

Background

Want a more seriously capable kind of compact lower-mid-sized family SUV? Here Subaru provides it in the form of this car, the Crosstrek. If you think you've seen this model somewhere before, you have: this Crosstrek model is a lightly facelifted version of the third generation XV model that was launched here back in 2022. The predecessor MK2 XV design was re-badged 'Crosstrek' in the US and Canada back in 2015 and in early 2024, Subaru decided to rename the European versions of this MK3 XV design 'Crosstrek' too. At the same time, there was a light visual makeover, but the Fuji Heavy Industries brand's rather unique engineering for this car - a gruff e-BOXER engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive - was carried over unchanged. The Crosstrek's e-BOXER unit can't be plugged in, but it is a proper self-charging Hybrid. In contrast to the mild hybrid engines being currently marketed by Ford and Volkswagen Group brands which feature powerplants that can't at any time run independently on battery power. So Subaru has done the job properly - and married that electrified tech to a car that can do a good deal more off-tarmac than your usual family SUV would be able to manage. But of course that all means extra weight - and efficiency cost. Are the pay-offs here worthwhile?

Driving Experience

No engineering changes featured in this model's transmission from XV to 'Crosstrek' branding so, as before, the sole engine offered here is the brand's familiar normally aspirated 136PS 2.0-litre Boxer petrol unit, sending power to all four wheels via a CVT belt-driven auto transmission. Subaru's e-BOXER tech sees this powerplant assisted by a 16bhp electric motor built into that Lineartronic gearbox, the motor powered by small battery under the boot floor. That's enough for all electric driving at speeds of up to 25mph. The electric assistance doesn't have much impact on the fairly leisurely levels of performance - rest to 62mph takes 10.8s on the way to a top speed of 123mph. More significantly, peak pulling power (just 182Nm) isn't delivered until 4,000rpm, so the already rather gruff-sounding flat four engine needs to be stretched quite a lot outside its comfort zone if you want to make really significant progress. If you're to achieve that, then you'll have to engage the more urgent of the two provided 'SI-Drive' 'Subaru Intelligent Drive' modes - 'S' for 'Sport' (the other option is 'I' for 'Intelligent' drive). Still, all will be forgiven when you get this car off road. There's a very decent 221mm of ground clearance (an unusually high stance by class standards) and as usual with Subaru, a Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system's included that'll get you to places other volume brand four-wheel drive mid-sized crossovers would struggle to reach. Subaru provides two additional separated 'X-Mode' drive settings for this kind of terrain - on the centre screen, you can select either 'Snow/Dirt' or 'Deep Snow/Mud'.

Design and Build

The Crosstrek is basically a facelifted XV. Changes over the previous model include a frameless hexagonal grille, compact headlights and a more sculptural body, emphasising the broad-shouldered stance. As before, black wheel arch cladding and rocker panels provide a sharp contrast to the body colour. Several functional aerodynamic improvements enhance the performance and stability of the car. An air outlet at the trailing edge of the front wheel opening allows air to exit from the wheel well more freely, contributing to reduced lift on the front tires and improved driving stability. Another air outlet added at each side of the rear bumper reduces body sway due to air trapped behind the bumper. Inside, there are more supportive seats but the key change lies with a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system, complete with wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto'. This can brief you on weather and traffic reports, plus the set-up can also provide wireless audio, news updates and a calendar and in addition, its functionality extends to a range of apps that can be downloaded onto users' phones or tablets. Rear legroom is good and there's plenty of adjustability in the driving position but the seats could use a little more support. The 315-litre boot is much smaller than you'd expect for a car of this size: fold the rear seats down and things improve a little, with 992-litres on offer.

Market and Model

Prices for this Crosstrek start at around £34,000 - that's for the base 'Limited' version; if you want the plusher 'Touring' variant, you'll need £2,000 more. At least you get plenty of kit. Standard equipment includes keyless entry, full-LED headlights equipped with high beam assist, privacy glass on the rear windows, roof rails and automatic air conditioning. 'Limited' models are equipped with 17-inch Diamond Turned alloy wheels whilst 'Touring' models come with 18-inch Diamond Turned wheels in an alternative design. On both derivatives, there's also a reversing camera and an 11.6-inch centre dash touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone-mirroring. And you get Subaru's X-Mode off-road driving mode, complete with Hill Descent Control. Across the range, there are plenty of camera safety features too. We think that 'EyeSight', Subaru's camera-based safety package, is arguably the best on the market. It works with facial recognition and a system of lights that reflect up onto the inside of the windscreen ahead of you. Incorporated features include Pre-Collision Braking Control, Forward-Collision Warning, Emergency Lane-Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning. In addition, there's a 'Rear Vehicle Detection' system offering blind spot detection and reversing assistance. And you also get a Driver Monitoring System to alert you in case of drowsiness; and a rear seat reminder that prompts you to look in the back every time you power off.

Cost of Ownership

If you're hoping for significant efficiency gains from the e-BOXER powertrain, then you might be a little disappointed. Let's get to the WLTP figures. These are quoted at 35.7mpg on the combined cycle and 180g/km of CO2. We expected a little better than that because at low speeds, the Crosstrek e-BOXER sticks with all electric power more readily than some rival self-charging hybrid models - you just have to be a bit careful with your right foot, though the engine will chime in to start charging the battery after about a mile. That engine automatically assists the battery and charges it up above 25 mph, before taking over all duties once you reach cruising speeds. The set-up also re-charges the battery when the car is braking or when you're coasting. A decently sized 48-litre fuel tank gives all models a useful touring range. And there's an ECO meter in the Multi Function Display dash display that helps you optimise your driving efficiency over time. Residual values certainly aren't going to be on a par with BMW and Audi, but Subaru is committed to doing what it can to make the ownership experience as painless as possible. You get a three year / 125,000 mile warranty and the car's traction battery has its own 8-year 100,000 mile warranty.

Summary

In Crosstrek form, this Subaru doesn't really offer anything more than you got from the third generation XV model it's based upon, unless you particularly value the slightly sharper looks and the usefully improved level of cabin infotainment. We'd hoped that the Japanese brand might have improved the efficiency of its e-BOXER engine as part of this update, but that's still some way off the prevailing class standard. But that prevailing class standard is set by cars in this class that are much less capable on a gnarly track than a Crosstrek. If you value that capability, then a slight efficiency downside isn't going to put you off one of these, nor should it. As with the XV, the brand's Symmetrical All Wheel Drive set-up is this car's biggest draw. Most alternatives in this class don't offer 4WD at all, except sometimes on ridiculously pricey variants. And even then, they simply won't get you the places this Subaru can go. If you live out in the country or you regularly tow, that's going to be a huge attraction if you're shopping for this class of car. Perhaps the next generation of Crosstrek will be able to offer this capability with fewer everyday compromises. For now though, if you're prepared to make them, there's still a lot here to like.