2017 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0L CVT AWD (148 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Subaru introduced the second generation of the Crosstrek in 2017 as a 2018 model year and rocketed into the top-selling position in the manufacturer’s lineup.

With an increased demand for crossovers, Subaru had the edge over its competitors: it had the suitable bodywork, the heritage, and the transmission to fit on them. All it had to do was to raise the ground clearance of an Impreza hatchback, add off-road-specific details, and put it up for sale. As a result, the recipe worked flawlessly.

The new model, unveiled at the 2017 New York Auto Show, carried over most of the parts from the regular Impreza hatchback. In addition, the Crosstrek sported unpainted cladding on the wheel arches and rocker panels. It also featured roof rails, which were very useful for outdoor camping since the trunk was not something to write home about it. But the 8.7″ (22 cm) ground clearance allowed it to access most unpaved roads and even some soft trail routes.

Inside, customers found an Impreza interior with specific upholstery on the bolstered seats at the front and on the three-seat bench at the rear. As an evolution over its predecessor, the 2018 Crosstrek featured a new 6.5″ infotainment unit mounted atop the center stack between the air vents. Subaru also bragged about its advanced safety systems that brought it the badge of IIHS Top Safety Pick for several years in a row.

Under the hood, Subaru installed its famous flat-four engines paired with either a six-speed manual or a CVT that sent its power in all corners.