2017 Subaru Crosstrek: What's Changed

CARS.COM     

• Most significant changes: The Hybrid model has been discontinued.
• Price change: Base prices increase by $100 on all models; the destination charge increases by $25 to $875.
• On sale: November
• Which should you buy, 2016 or 2017? 2017 because of modest price increases.

Related: What’s the Best Subcompact SUV?

The Crosstrek, Subaru’s smallest SUV, returns for 2017 minus the hybrid model that was available last year. The hybrid provided only a modest fuel economy boost over other Crosstrek models with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. For 2016, the non-hybrid models were rated at 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. For 2017, the Crosstrek’s highway estimate is 33 mpg.

Subaru says it plans to offer other hybrid and plug-in hybrid models in the near future.

A Special Edition for the 2.0i Premium model offered in the spring returns with a choice of red or black exterior paint. The 2016 package was available only in red. The $2,300 Special Edition Package includes 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, black interior trim with red stitching, red interior accent lighting, keyless access with push-button start, satellite radio and blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert. The package is available on the 2.0i Premium model with the optional continuously variable automatic transmission.

The Crosstrek is based on the Impreza compact hatchback but has SUV styling cues and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. It uses the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as the Impreza and comes with standard all-wheel drive. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the base 2.0i and Premium models. A CVT is standard on the Limited and a $1,000 option on the Premium.

Americans now prefer SUVs to cars, so it’s no surprise that the Crosstrek outsells its Impreza sibling. It offers similar performance and virtues, including good fuel economy, and shares the drawback of a noisy interior, especially on the highway. You also will pay more for a Crosstrek.

Though the base 2.0i model looks attractive from a price standpoint at $22,570 (including destination), what you see is what you get; there are no factory-installed options, including automatic transmission. Ditto for the Premium model with the standard manual transmission. That means you have to move up to the $24,370 Premium model with the CVT if you want a moonroof, blind spot detection or the EyeSight collision avoidance system.