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Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda32020 Subaru Crosstrek Review
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek perfectly bridges the gap between sedan and crossover and offers off-road capability as well as safety.
What’s New for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?
For 2020, the Subaru Crosstrek gets quite a lot of new features. Outside, buyers will notice the new design on the taillights. Inside, there are new drive modes and auto start/stop for all CVT-equipped models. Automatic climate control, automatic door locks, and a collision-detection automatic door-unlock feature are now fitted to all Crosstrek models.
2020 Subaru Crosstrek – media.subaru.com | Shop 2020 Subaru Crosstrek on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Outstanding flexibility
Impressive off-road ability
Quality interior
Could use more power
Hybrid loses cargo space
Crosstrek STI would be cool
2020 Crosstrek Specs
- 152 horsepower from base engine
- 145 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 20.8 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 55.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Android and Apple integration
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
- Industry standard warranty coverage
2020 Subaru Crosstrek Powertrain
Overall the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is nice to drive. Those seeking performance on the road from the 2.0L flat-four engine are the only ones who will be disappointed. This vehicle is a cross between a normal five-door hatchback and a crossover. It features the great visibility, near car-like handling, and smaller footprint of a sedan, but also offers crossover features. First, it’s tall. It has nearly 9-inches of ground clearance. Secondly, it’s spacious inside for a vehicle of its size. And ultimately, it’s happiest off-road.
On the road it’s just a bit ponderous. The Crosstrek doesn’t feel snappy or quick at all no matter how hard you mash the gas. Still, in everyday driving situations, it’s comfortable, capable, and relatively quiet in the cabin. The suspension soaks up bumps better than most competitors and overall, the steering feedback is very good with almost no numbness. It’s well weighted too, offering WRX levels of control.
Braking is solid, but may require just a bit more pressure than some buyers might be used to. That’s ok though, because once accustomed to the pedal interaction, it becomes second nature and brings the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek to a stop effortlessly.
Towing & Payload
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek isn’t the car most people would pick when it comes to towing a large load. It’s no slouch though. Those that want to haul personal watercraft or other small trailers will be happy to hear that it can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
2020 Subaru Crosstrek Fuel Economy & MPG
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek gets ok fuel economy scores. When equipped with the manual transmission, expect to get around 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The automatic does better in the city scoring 27 mpg and 33 mpg on the highway. The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid does even better with a combined score of 35 mpg and up to 17 miles on electric power alone.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
As a taller person, I really appreciate how much space is inside the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. Even on longer trips it’s not cramped or uncomfortable. It’s great to drive a vehicle that’s a bit taller than others that offers a lower seating position. It really helps the Crosstrek feel more nimble. The back seat is even spacious for most passengers. Ride quality is also great for a car of its size and makeup. Most competitors can’t really match the ease at which the Crosstrek soaks up poor road conditions and mutes them in the cabin.
After having spent many hours in this car, it’s clear that Subaru dedicated quite a bit of the budget on making it a nice place to be. The fit and finish is outstanding throughout. Some might be disappointed with the lack of full on leather upholstery, but we think it’s fitting in a car like the Crosstrek.
Cargo room is ok for a vehicle of this size. It’s a bit cramped if the car is full of people, but when the back seats are vacant, it can expand to over 50 cubic feet. Notably, the hybrid version of the Crosstrek does lose space back there for the battery pack. If there’s anything to gripe about, it might be the lack of real panache inside. There’s not a lot that feels special, but this car is ultimately about substance over style, and that’s ok.
Entertainment & Technology
Including features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity across the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek range really is a great move. It also helps ease some of the frustration that might come with the way Subaru approaches technology. First, go for the larger 8-inch infotainment screen because the smaller 6.5-inch unit looks out of place. Both function well and the user interface is friendly enough, but we just can’t get over how tiny the smaller screen looks.
The other concern we have is that if you want a proper three-pedal manual transmission, you’ll go without a lot of stuff that is only available on the continuously variable transmission (CVT) equipped Crosstrek models. Auto stop/start, EyeSight driver aids, and a rear seat reminder are only available on the CVT models.
Safety Features
EyeSight is a great suite, so CVT owners will appreciate its great adaptive cruise and other features. The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek also received a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA and was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.
2020 Subaru Crosstrek Trims & Pricing
Base – $23,155
The base Crosstrek uses the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive system as the rest of the lineup. It comes standard with a six-speed manual. Base models also get 17-inch wheels, halogen headlights, roof rails, and a 6.5-inch infotainment system with Android and Apple integration. CVT-equipped models get a safety suite called EyeSight which adds forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist.
Premium – $24,205
Buyers who go for the Premium will see fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic headlights, satellite radio, heated front seats with contrast stitching, and heated body-color folding mirrors added to the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek.
Limited – $28,405
At the top of the range is the Crosstrek Limited that only comes with the CVT and gets additional standard features in the way of 18-inch wheels, leather-trimmed upholstery, adaptive LED headlights, LED fog lights, a 6.3-inch driver information display, a larger 8-inch infotainment system, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and keyless entry.
Hybrid – $36,155
The Crosstrek Hybrid is identically equipped as the Limited, but it gets a plug-in hybrid powertrain that can go up to 17 miles on battery power alone. It also gets blue contrast stitching, lightweight 18-inch wheels, and upgraded rear brakes.
Warranties
There’s not much special about Subaru’s warranty coverage. It offers a limited warranty covering three years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty reaching five years or 60,000 miles. No complimentary maintenance is offered for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. Notably, the hybrid powertrain sees its components covered for up to eight years or 100,000 miles.
What we think
2020 Subaru Crosstrek – media.subaru.com | Shop 2020 Subaru Crosstrek on Carsforsale.com
It’s easy to forget the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek when considering other options because it bridges a gap that few dare to. At the same time, it’s a fantastic car with serious off-road capability, and decent enough storage to do nearly everything one might need it to. If they ever decide to double the horsepower and throw EyeSight in the manually-equipped cars, I’d be hard-pressed not to buy one.
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