Among the many strange new car brands and names we're increasingly confronted with Subaru is an established and trusted beacon along with Honda, Hyundai, Mazda and Toyota. And Subaru’s Crosstrek SUV competes against rivals such as the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30 and Toyota Corolla Cross.
So, what does the Crosstrek give you for your money and what’s different or better about the Crosstrek compared to those rivals?
We tested the mid-grade Crosstrek 2.0S and rediscovered what this small SUV does so well and what could probably be improved.
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Subaru Crosstrek 2026: Awd 2.0S
| Engine Type | Flat 4, 2.0L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 7.2L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $43,990 |
| Safety Rating |
|
Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?
8 / 10
The Crosstrek range is divided into three petrol variants and two hybrids. With a list price of $43,990, our test Crosstrek 2.0S sits at the top of the petrols and second from the top of the line-up under the Crosstrek AWD Hybrid S flagship.
Standard features on our 2.0S include 18-in alloy wheels, roof rails, LED headlights and tail-lights, dual-zone climate control, push-button start, proximity unlocking , 10-speaker audio, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 11.6-inch media touchscreen and leather-trimmed seats.
If you’re looking to save a few thousand dollars the 2.0R is almost as well equipped.
Is it worth stepping up to the hybrid? Not in my opinion. The hybrid is the 'mild' kind and doesn't offer a great deal in terms of real-world fuel savings. You can read more on fuel efficiency below.
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Design – Is there anything interesting about its design?
8 / 10
While SUVs tend to come in either a tall and boxy or coupe-like shape, the Crosstrek has a uniquely sleek and sporty wagon look that has stayed much the same over three generations.
Also while the Crosstrek competes with the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30 and Toyota Corolla Cross the Subaru is the most off-road suitable thanks in part to its high 220mm ground clearance
As if to signal those adventurous aspirations the Crosstrek has a more rugged appearance with robust-looking plastic guards and chunky roof rails.
Inside the Crosstrek looks so much the same as most other new Subarus it's hard to work out which one you’re in. The materials are dark and soft, there is not much in the way of glitzy trimmings but there’s a high quality feeling throughout.
Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside?
6 / 10
The Crosstrek is a small SUV but its low and sleek shape doesn’t do it any practicality favours in terms of exiting and entering or storage in the boot.
Boot capacity is 291 litres which is very small compared to its rivals which have capacities closer to 350 or 400 litres.
People space inside, however, is good, and even for a tall (189cm) person like me there’s plenty of space up front and behind my driving position.
Storage space is passable with three cupholders and thin door pockets and a decent-size console bin.
Given the Crosstrek’s adventurous intent, the cabin should be more reflective of that rugged aspiration.
Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission?
7 / 10
The Crosstrek 2.0S uses a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, horizontally-opposed 'boxer' petrol engine which makes 115kW and 196Nm. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight 'speeds’ isn’t the most exhilarating automatic but all Subaru now use CVTs.
The boxer engine has advantageous in terms of a lower centre of mass and helps deliver better driving feel thanks to more adept handling. Boxer engines also sound better to my ears with their throaty burble.
Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range?
5 / 10
The Crosstrek 2.0S's combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel consumption is 7.2L/100km which aligns closely with our real-world test average of 8.7L/100km returned over mainly urban and city driving. That’s not bad, but given the price of fuel as well as the availability of EVs and excellent hybrids from other brands the Crosstrek is seriously behind the times.
Yes, yes, there is a hybrid Crosstrek, but it’s a mild-hybrid and the electric motor doesn't drive the wheels and doesn’t save much fuel. The hybrid Crosstrek has a claimed combined cycle consumption figure of 6.5L/100km, so there’s not much difference between the efficiency of the two. When you consider the price premium you need to pay it’s not worth stepping up into the hybrid.
Driving – What's it like to drive?
8 / 10
I’ve never met a new Subaru that wasn’t good to drive, apart from that time a friend sent me his 30-year old Brumby minus brakes. But even that was fun, until it was time to stop… Anyway, in my view the Crosstrek is better than its rivals in multiple areas except one, which I’ll get to in a moment.
The Crosstrek 2.0S is comfortable to sit in and its ride and handling balance is exceptional for a vehicle in this class. Honestly, the ride quality, body control and steering outshines the HR-V, Kona, CX-30 and Corolla Cross in my view.
A big call out has to go to the Crosstrek's all-wheel drive system, which is exceptional. I have tested this vehicle in some pretty adventurous settings and the kind of terrain it can devour would frighten its rivals.
But the one area that lets the experience down is the CVT auto. I feel this way about this type of transmission in any car and I’m not alone. CVTs provide smooth acceleration and deceleration but if you’re hoping for an engaging, sporty experience you’ll be left wanting.
That said, my wife also drove the car and thought it was perfect for city traffic. And I agree, it’s just on the motorway where you might notice the lack of oomph when overtaking.
Visibility is good and you sit quite high for a little SUV. That small size makes it easy to park and manage in the city’s tighter spaces.
Warranty & Safety Rating
Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating?
9 / 10
Part of the reason we're testing the Crosstrek is because it was updated with more safety tech and equipment towards the end of last year. This safety boost means the Crosstrek continues to boast a maximum five-star ANCAP rating.
The big change was to the 'Eyesight' sensor system with better traffic sign recognition and enhanced AEB systems. An emergency vehicle stop system has also been added to bring the car to a halt if the driver becomes unresponsive.
The rest of the Crosstrek’s features carry over including AEB, lane-keeping assistance, front and rear cross-traffic alert (with braking) and blind-spot warning.
For child seats there are two ISOFIX points and three top tether anchor mounts across the second row.
There is a spare where but it's a temporary type which will get you to a repair place.
Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs?
6 / 10
Subaru’s five year united kilometre warranty is becoming less appealing as other brands offer seven or even 10 years of coverage.
Servicing is recommended every 12 months/15,000km and a capped schedule is pricey relative to its competitors at more than $2400 over five years or about $400 on average per service.
The brand is represented by a long-established and stable network of close to 130 dealers covering metro, rural and regional locations across every state and territory.
Verdict
The Crosstrek is good to drive with great ground clearance and an excellent all-wheel drive system for light off-road adventures. I’m also a fan of the styling and features for the money. But The letdowns comes in the form of limited boot space and cabin storage, a short warranty and pricey servicing. Still, it’s great to see Subaru has updated the car's safety systems, the most important part of any car.
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