2026 Subaru Crosstrek

How does the Crosstrek drive? Even in a class of relatively slow cars, the Crosstrek trails the pack. We tested a Crosstrek with the base 2.0-liter engine. At our test track, it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a lethargic 9.9 seconds. Passing is an affair that demands patience above all else in the base 2.0-liter Crosstrek; we recommend upgrading to a model with the 2.5-liter engine. It doesn't offer whipcrack acceleration, but its 0-60 mph time of 8.7 seconds is in line with the rest of the class.

The Crosstrek isn't a handling all-star, nor should it be. The steering is a little vague and there's noticeable body roll both under braking and around corners. That said, it's a smooth operator on the road and is easy to live with and use for day-to-day duties. Even better, its all-wheel-drive system will provide extra confidence in inclement weather and it feels sure-footed and confident in the dirt. Don't be afraid to take it on roads less traveled.

How comfortable is the Crosstrek? The Crosstrek's ride comfort deserves special mention. This little SUV's lifted stance and chunky tire sidewall help it easily absorb road impacts. There are few potholes and even fewer manhole covers that can flummox this Subie. The seats, however, don't quite match the ride's inherent comfort. The padding is a little too soft and there isn't much in the way of lateral support. We suspect the seats in higher trims that come with different materials would be more supportive.

Wind noise was ever present on our highway drives from both the door mirror and the windscreen itself. At anything above or near 65 mph, the Crosstrek is a loud place to be, so much so that conversations at normal volume are difficult to have. The fans for the climate control are also a little too weak until you crank them all the way up, and at that point they are blaring and you'll need to keep them going to keep the cabin at whatever temperature you've set.

How’s the interior? The interior of the Crosstrek is best described as simple. There aren't too many buttons, knobs or switches, but what is there is large and easy to use without you having to look too long. The buttons on the steering wheel also have a nice tactile feel and make whizzing through the instrument menus a cinch. The infotainment screen contains most of the car's primary functions, and while the screen itself isn't the highest-resolution, big buttons and icons make it easy to use.

It also feels large inside, and with its high roofline and lengthy cabin, the Crosstrek is certainly more crossover than hatchback. The rear seat is roomy and visibility is good to the sides and rear. Add to that wide door openings and an elevated seat height that make sliding in and out of the car easy and you have a very user-friendly interior.

How’s the tech? Tech has never been Subaru's strong suit. Most Crosstreks come with a 11.4-inch tablet-like infotainment display. While we appreciate the screen's large icons, the system can be slow to respond to your inputs.

Another pain point is the Crosstrek's stereo. While an upgraded version is available on the top-spec Limited model, most Crosstreks come with just six speakers. The result is a sound that's tinny throughout the volume range. The system also lacks any real bass and can't overcome the poor cabin acoustics. Those who enjoy in-car audio might want to stay away from anything other than the upgraded system.

Subaru does equip the Crosstrek with many standard driver aids. Their operation could be better, however. The forward collision warning system can be a little jumpy, occasionally identifying a trash can on the street as a pedestrian or car and issuing a startling warning. Lane keeping assistance warnings are triggered often, too, despite how accurately you try to keep the car in its lane. The adaptive cruise control maintained consistent gaps with other cars in traffic in our testing, but the Crosstrek's laggard acceleration occasionally means that other cars have the opportunity to cut in front of you while it struggles to catch the car that's pulled away.

How’s the storage? The Crosstrek has less cargo space than some top rivals. It only offers 19.9 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats, which is less than what the Chevy Trailblazer and Volkswagen Taos offer. The cabin also has minimal storage for smaller items. The door pockets feel undersized, and large bottles won't fit in any of the cupholders. Add to that a small center console and your loose items will likely be packing these spaces in no time.

Car seats, however, are easy to fit. The aforementioned large door openings, easy-to-access LATCH mounting points and the Crosstrek's ride height mean installation is a no-brainer. There's also a lot of room in the backseat area, making fitting even a large rear-facing seat easy.

Is the Crosstrek a good value? When so much of the Crosstrek's competition has upped its game in terms of quality, feature availability and on-road performance, the Crosstrek feels a little lackluster. Our test Crosstrek had interior panels that featured different colors and textures and weren't very nice to the touch. This is an area competitors like the Mazda CX-30 and the Kia Seltos have nailed down, and they cost no more than the Crosstrek. The Subaru's inherent value is in what it can do off-road, but in terms of what you get out of the box, the Crosstrek is lacking.

Subaru's warranty is similarly average. It offers three years/36,000 miles of basic warranty coverage and roadside assistance, and the powertrain is warrantied for five years/60,000 miles. While some competitors offer free maintenance, Subaru doesn't.

The Crosstrek is a favorite of those who trod the path less taken, and it's easy to see why. It's simply made and perfectly utilitarian, and while it isn't fun on the pavement, looser surfaces really suit it and underscore Subaru's rally heritage. It would also make a fantastic camping companion. However, you're destined to see these everywhere you look, and Crosstrek ownership absolutely comes at the expense of individuality.