Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek was given an evolutionary redesign for 2024. The EyeSight driver assistance system is now standard across all trims and includes AEB. There are also a few performance and design tweaks that Subaru says will improve handling. However, the basic formula of this small SUV remains the same: It's still a raised Impreza hatchback with impressive ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive. A rugged-looking Sport trim gets bright yellow accent trim, and all versions have more black body cladding. Two engine options carry over from 2023. A manual transmission and the plug-in hybrid version are no longer offered. The interior is similar to the Forester or Outback, and the rear seats fold flat for more cargo capacity. An 11.6-inch touchscreen is optional.

The Crosstrek delivers good fuel economy and impressive ride comfort. Its handling is competent and enjoyable. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission; this combination works fine and gets 29 mpg overall, which is quite good. A more powerful 2.5-liter is a newly available option. A plug-in hybrid with 17-mile mostly electric range, and 33 mpg when operating as a regular hybrid is also available. But such slim mileage improvement and price premium don't make it a good value. The seats are short on lumbar support but the rear seat is roomy. The infotainment system is easy to use. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and other systems are standard with the automatic transmission, but not offered with the manual. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are part of an option package. Updates for the 2020 model year include an available rear-seat reminder system, standard automatic door locks, and standard automatic climate control.

The Crosstrek is a small quasi-SUV version of the Impreza hatchback, with a raised ride height that gives it enough clearance to slosh through deeply rutted roads. It may appeal to those people who live at the end of a dirt road and don't want anything big and bulky. The cabin is rather noisy, the ride is stiff, and the 148-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine occasionally has to work hard, but fuel economy is a gratifying 26 mpg. The costlier Hybrid barely improves on that, at 28 mpg. At least the Hybrid version, discontinued in 2017, is a little quieter and sounds less strained. Either way, the regular Impreza hatch may be a better choice: It's quieter, quicker, cheaper, and better riding. Blind spot monitoring and cross traffic alert were offered beginning in 2016.