THE AUTO PAGE
By
John Heilig
- MODEL: 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid
- ENGINE: 2.0-liter Boxer 4
- TRANSMISSION: Lineartonic CVT
- HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 123 hp @ 5,600 rpm (148 combined horsepower)/134 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm
- WHEELBASE: 104.9 in.
- LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 175.8 x 71.0 x 62.8 in.
- TIRES: P225/55R18
- CARGO CAPACITY: 15.9/43.1 cu. ft. (rear seats up/down)
- ECONOMY: 90 mpge/29.5 mpg test
- FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 13.2 gal.
- CURB WEIGHT: 3,726 lbs.
- TOWING CAPACITY: 1,000 lbs.
- COMPETITIVE CLASS: Chevrolet Equinox, Hyundai Tucson, Ford EcoSport
- STICKER: $38,470 (includes $975 delivery, $2,500 options)
- BOTTOM LINE: While the Subaru Crosstrek has possibilities for being a good small SUV, the plug-in hybrid version simply has too many negative issues.
I was looking forward to
driving the Subaru Crosstrek because one of my daughters indicated that she
might be interested in buying one when her current Subaru dies. While the
Crosstrek has possibilities, the plug-in hybrid version has simply to many deficiencies.
First and foremost, the
engine/transmission combination is noisy, too noisy. I recall the first time I
drove a vehicle with a CVT transmission it was also a Subaru, a Justy. Like the
Justy, the Crosstrek’s transmission whines when the car slows and whines when
you accelerated back up to speed. I know CVTs have improved over the years, so
I was concerned about this one. My daughter, however, said she has Crosstrek
owners in her office and that haven’t indicated noisy transmissions.
Besides the transmission,
the engine is noisy all the time. Usually, engines that are noisy on
acceleration aren’t too bad when cruising the highway. And Subaru boxer engines
aren’t usually bad. This one was.
The deficiencies are
disappointing, because the Crosstrek is an ideal entry into Subaru’s family of
SUVs that includes the Forester and Outback. I just hope the standard version
is less noisy.
Plug-in hybrids just don’t
cut it for me. In the case of the Crosstrek, you have a cargo area full of
battery pack (plus the plug-in connector) all for an EV range of a mere 17
miles. Charging time is two hours at 240 volts and five hours at 120 volts.
Sure, there are tax credits and a minimal effect on the environment, but
one of the main reasons for an SUV is defeated by the severe reduction in cargo
volume. For example, I had to lower a rear seat back just to get my golf clubs
in. The bag might have made it without the battery pack.
Complaining over, the
Crosstrek is a nice small SUV, although it’s closer to a sedan/wagon. I like
the size.
One of the first things you
notice is the color, of course. We had several comments, mostly positive about
Lagoon Blue Pearl. The exterior color is reflected by matte blue interior
accents.
Instrumentation is clear,
with an eco gauge, information panel and speedometer. You can adjust the
information panel to have a digital speedometer at the top.
The Crosstrek has two center
screens. The top one is for fuel economy and all the variations. It also
includes a digital clock and outside temperature gauge.
The main infotainment screen
below it is fairly standard with all the normal functions.
Heating, ventilation and air
conditioning are accomplished well. The system did a good job of heating us in
the early morning, then cooling us as the day warmed up.
Interior storage consists of
a deep cubby at the base of the center stack, a useful arm rest/console that
has two USB and an AUX outlet plus 12-volt access.
Four assist handles ease
entry and exit. The visors have extensions for sun blockage.
Handling is good. We had fun
on our favorite hillclimb. There wasn’t a tendency to speed, and the Crosstrek
handled corners well.
Rear legroom is good.
There’s a fold-down armrest between the outside seats that has a pair of
cupholders. The fairly tall center hump makes seating in the middle difficult.
The seat backs fold easily and the cargo capacity is good without the battery
pack.
All in all, the Subaru
Crosstrek could be very good, but I would not recommend the plug-in hybrid
version.
(c) 2019 The Auto Page Syndicate
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