2022 Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru offers 4 trims to cater to a wide range of audiences, though we recommend opting for the bigger 2.5L engine option as the base Crosstrek engine feels a little underpowered. The new Crosstrek Sport trim catches our eye as it comes equipped with some attractive styling and crucial safety features. With the Sport model, you will get the higher output 2.5L flat 4 engine as standard, which provides a better driving experience. Features like a heated steering wheel, black-finish alloy wheels, and sporty interior make it a value for money proposition in the 2022 Crosstrek lineup.

"Lifted suspension provides better ground clearance, cargo-friendly interior, plenty of tech features." - Car and Driver

Since the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek recieves no major changes and carries forward from last year, the trim lineup is unchanged from 2021. Each Subaru Crosstrek trim comes with a standard all-wheel drive. While the Base and Premium trims are powered by the 2.0L inline-4 engine producing 152 horsepower, the Sport and Limited trims get the 2.5L Inline 4 with an output of 182 horsepower, with the Limited getting a CVT transmission.

You can have the 2022 Crosstrek with either manual or automatic CVT. Pricing for the 2022 model is not yet released, but we expect the upcoming Crosstrek to start from $23,445 and go up to $29,195. The CVT equipped Crosstrek models also gain extra equipment which includes Subaru's EyeSight system.

Apart from these four trims, there exists yet another trim, the Hybrid. It is a 2.0L 4-cylinder gas hybrid engine, it features a CVT and gets an AWD as standard, it also gets several features loaded on. 

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"The Outback lineup features a pair of flat-four-cylinder engines: a 182-hp 2.5-liter is standard and a 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter is optional." - Car and Driver

The Crosstrek will continue to get three drivetrain options, including a plug-in hybrid. The base models get the tried and tested 2.0L naturally aspirated flat-4 engine that produces 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. It takes 9 seconds to reach 60 MPH and reaches the quarter-mile in 16.9 seconds. The Sport and Limited trim get a more powerful 2.5L Flat-4 engine lifted from the Outback that produces 182 hp, and 176 lb-ft of torque. The extra power shaves off more than a second, taking just 7.8 seconds to reach 60 MPH and 16 seconds to cross the quarter-mile.

The recently introduced plug-in hybrid model uses a 118 hp electric motor combined with a 2.0L Flat-4 engine for a combined output of 148 hp and 149 lb-ft of torque. Surprisingly, the hybrid model is faster than the base 2.0L engine, taking 8.3 seconds to reach 60 MPH and 16.6 seconds to cross the quarter-mile, thanks to the instant power from the electric motor. The 8.8 KwH battery provides up to 17 miles of all-electric range. The Base and Premium models get a 6-speed manual transmission as standard with CVT available as an option, while the Sport and Limited trim levels only get the CVT transmission. All models come with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system as standard.

With the underpinnings of the capable Impreza hatchback, it’s no surprise where the Crosstrek’s handling prowess comes from. With an excellent steering and balanced ride, the Crosstrek is a joy to drive around corners. The suspension is on the firmer side, but it doesn’t crash through bad roads and flattens out bumps with ease. Despite the highest power output, the Subaru Crosstrek is slower than most of its rivals. The Hyundai Kona is slightly slower, taking 9.2 seconds to reach 60 MPH. Both the Kia Seltos and Honda HR-V are faster, taking 7.5 and 8.6 seconds, respectively to reach the 60 MPH mark.

"The EPA estimates the standard Outback will earn 26 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway." - Car and Driver

The Subaru Crosstrek is the most efficient crossover in its class, delivering an impressive 28 MPG in the city and 33 MPH on the highway. Combined with a huge 16.6-gallon fuel tank, the Crosstrek can travel up to 548 miles on the highway in one tank. Surprisingly, the more powerful 2.5L engine on the higher trims is more efficient, delivering 27 MPG on the city and 34 MPG on the highways. The expensive plug-in hybrid model makes up for the extra cost by delivering a combined rating of 35 MPG. With an 8.8 kWh battery, the hybrid model gets an all-electric range of 17 miles and an MPGe rating of 90.

The Kia Seltos and Honda HR-V deliver similar economy figures, which are slightly lower than the Crosstrek at 29 MPG combined. The Hyundai Kona is the least efficient of the bunch with a combined rating of 27 MPG. The Crosstrek also gets the largest fuel tank at 16.6 gallons compared to the smaller 13.2-gallon tanks of its rivals, which results in a best-in-class combined range of 498 miles.

"The Outback shares much of its interior with the Legacy, and both have comfortable accommodations and quality materials." - Car and Driver

Like most Subarus, the 2022 Crosstrek gets a rugged and utilitarian design language. There is plenty of space for 5 passengers with comfortable and supportive seats all around. There are some design elements like carbon fiber trims and unique orange stitching on the seats, but for the price point, it looks bland. Like most crossovers, the Crosstrek comes with 60/40 split-folding rear seats, which don’t fold flat like some of its rivals, limiting practicality. The leather seats on the higher trims feel comfortable and supportive.

All controls are well laid out and easy to access. Finding a comfortable driving position is an easy affair with plenty of adjustability on offer. Because of the hatchback-based design, the cargo space is limited to rivals like the Kia Seltos and Honda HR-V, which are taller and more practical. The Hybrid model is even more limited because of the battery pack taking up cargo space.

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek doesn't offer the best in class interior space but it is comparatively good. With an offering of 43.1 inches to offer for the front legroom, it marks the largest dimensions for the same. It also gets a fine room for its cargo space, offering 20.8 cubic feet. The competitors in competition do have a better cargo room. The maximum space is offered by the 2022 Kia Seltos, measuring 26.6 cubic feet.

Interior and infotainment features of the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek

All models get Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system which is a 6.5-inch touchscreen display and is easy to use. It gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for smartphones, while the higher trim levels get a bigger 8-inch display, navigation, and satellite radio. Some notable interior features are:

• Leather upholstery with orange stitching
• Subaru Starlink 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 6.3-inch color multifunction display
• Apple Carplay and Android Auto
• Starlink safety and security services
• Satellite and HD radio
• Power driver seat with heating
• Automatic climate control

" Its raised suspension and plastic body cladding scream "active lifestyle" but from behind the wheel it delivers a more carlike feel." - Car and Driver

Since the 2022 Crosstrek will be a carryover model, styling is expected to remain the same. The Crosstrek looks very similar to the Impreza it’s based on and gets the same sleek-looking headlights and grille. There are a lot of rugged elements thrown in, including black cladding all around including the front and rear bumpers and roof rails. The Sport trim gets more cladding and a lot of gray gunmetal elements. The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek weighs 3,188 lbs and stands 8.7 inches above the ground.

Overall, the Crosstrek gets a safe and rugged design. The low front end and swooping design make the Crosstrek look a lot more like a hatchback than a crossover. With the 2021 facelift, the Crosstrek received a new front bumper and grille design. When comparing the ground clearance, Crosstrek stands tallest to the ground at 8.7 inches.

In comparison with its competition, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek seems to be the largest in terms of exterior dimensions. standing wide at 71 inches of width, it is also the longest, tallest, and heaviest of all. It also records the largest wheelbase of 104.9 inches.

Some notable exterior features of the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek:

• Automatic LED headlights
• LED fog lights
• Body-color mirrors with integrated turn signals
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED rear gate light
• Black cladding all around
• Roof rails with black finish

"All Outback models come standard with the company's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technology." - Car and Driver

The Subaru Crosstrek received a full 5 star overall ratings in the NHTSA safety tests and a “Good” overall rating in the IIHS tests. The Crosstrek also bagged the “Top Safety Pick '' award. Since there are no mechanical changes for 2022, we can expect similar safety. The Crosstrek also received a good rating for its LED headlights in the Limited trim. The front crash prevention system also received a superior rating. All models come as standard with a symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. The Sport and higher trims also get EyeSight driver assist technology as standard.

Available active safety features of the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek include:

• Pre-collision braking
• Advanced adaptive cruise control
• Lane keep assist
• Lane departure and sway warning
• Pre-collision throttle management
• Blind-spot detection
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Reverse automatic braking
• Subaru Starlink Safety and security

2022 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Kia Seltos

The Subaru Crosstrek is the more comfortable of the two and gets a spacious cabin. Even with the taller design and SUVish looks, the Seltos are beaten by the Crosstrek in off-road conditions with higher ground clearance and a manual transmission on offer. The Crosstrek also gets a better all-wheel-drive system with features like hill descent control and traction modes. The Crosstrek also gets a lot more safety features even on the lower trim levels. The 2022 Seltos, on the other hand, comes back with better cargo space and a more modern design.

2022 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Honda HR-V

The HR-V has always been a practical and comfortable crossover but falls short when compared to the Crosstrek. Even though the cargo space is limited, the Crosstrek is a much better handler, offers better off-road capability, and is loaded with features. However, the Honda HR-V does get better assistance features. For 2022, the HR-V is slated to get a complete redesign which could improve it significantly. But for now, the Crosstrek is the better choice of the two.

2022 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Crosstrek continues to be the better choice as a crossover by offering much better off-road capabilities and standard all-wheel drive. On the other hand, the Kona is more fun to drive with more modern turbocharged engines. The Kona is also available with an all-electric drivetrain. Both crossovers offer a spacious and comfortable cabin, with the Kona taking the crown for better quality interiors. By 2022, the Kona will get the N-Line treatment with a more powerful engine, making it even more fun to drive.

Even with no major changes for 2022, the Subaru Crosstrek continues to be among the most off-road capable crossover in its class. It offers plenty of practicality and comfortable seating for 5 passengers. Subaru’s advanced Eyesight system includes several active safety features, which gives the Crosstrek a distinct advantage over its competitors. With gracious performance and a competitive price, the Crosstrek makes a tough competitor.