2018 Subaru Crosstrek Preview

CARS.COM

Competes with: Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade

Looks like: A cladded-up version of the redesigned Impreza hatchback

Drivetrain: 152-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission; all-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Summer 2017

Subaru released full details on the 2018 Crosstrek. We first glimpsed the updated Impreza-based compact at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show; now we’ll see it up close at next week’s 2017 New York International Auto Show. 

More 2017 New York Auto Show Coverage

The redesigned Crosstrek goes on sale this summer with three trim levels, all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual or CVT. It’s unclear whether Subaru will reprise the Crosstrek Hybrid that accompanied the prior generation. Subaru discontinued the hybrid in late 2016 but promised an unspecified hybrid in the future; when asked, a spokesman declined to share more details.

Exterior

Like the prior Crosstrek, the redesigned model looks like an off-roadier version of Subaru’s redesigned Impreza hatchback. If you don’t like cladding, look elsewhere — as always, the Crosstrek has plenty. Scratch-resistant cladding girds the bottom of the car, save a body-colored portion on the rear bumper. It’s even around the foglight portals, an area the last Crosstrek left cladding-free. Higher up, the grille has a darker finish than the Impreza’s unit. Upper trim levels employ LEDs for the headlights and daytime running lights.

Ground clearance — a hefty 8.7 inches, up 3.6 inches versus the redesigned Impreza hatchback — remains unchanged, even as the new Crosstrek has grown by about an inch in width and half an inch in length. With the new dimensions, Subaru touts increased cargo space and a wider tailgate opening.

Interior

Visual differences versus the Impreza are fewer inside, where the Crosstrek has the same angular dashboard. Stitching around the dash and center console can match the thread on the seats and steering wheel. The multimedia system has a standard 6.5-inch screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a backup camera. An 8-inch screen, a navigation system, heated cloth or leather seats, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system are optional.

Under the Hood

Like the Impreza, the Crosstrek has a direct-inject 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 152 horsepower. The all-wheel-drive system has active torque vectoring to improve handling. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a continously variable automatic transmission optional. On CVT-equipped models, a driver-selectable X-Mode button optimizes drivetrain settings for off-road use. There’s also hill descent control to maintain speed during off-road downhill sections.

Safety

Subaru’s available EyeSight system packages adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. A blind spot warning system and adaptive headlights with automatic high beams are also available.