While the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek seems like it focuses more on lifestyle and long drives than off-road quality, it gives an adventurous experience. The vehicle isn’t better than other off-roaders but excels in many other areas like the roof rack and plenty of space in the rear area. The interior is simple and easy to clean, and it comes with an optional plug-in hybrid.
Let’s take a closer look at the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek.
Overview
There are no significant changes to the 2022 Crosstrek model year, so one can expect a similar creation to the 2021 version. It has similar exterior designs, powertrains and features. The base engine is highly underpowered, but you get better power with the other engine choice.
Characteristics
Power and Performance
The base engine on the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is a four-cylinder 2.0-litre 152 horsepower motor, and while it makes a lot of noise, it is pretty underpowered. You can either choose the standard manual transmission or go for the optional automatic transmission with the base engine.
If you’re going for eco-friendliness, you can go for the plug-in hybrid engine. It isn’t only quicker than the base engine in accelerating, but also gives off 182 horsepower. The 2.5-litre engine makes up for the low power in the base engine. It takes about two hours to charge the engine with a 240-volt outlet, but up to five hours if you use a 120-volt outlet.
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek feels solid when you drive, with balanced steering and a composed demeanour. The suspension is also firm as you drive. Keep in mind that there are only 17 miles of electric-only range, so if you drive for a while, you will end up switching to gas.
Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo
Just like other Subaru vehicles, the 2022 Crosstrek focuses on practicality than style in its interior. The interior design is basic and simple, with only weak attempts to add more flair. You can make the interior look better by going for leather upholstery or light grey cloth.
The Crosstrek with the base engine has a cargo space of up to 22 carry-ons depending on the trim you use, but the floor is higher on the hybrid engine to accommodate the battery pack.
You can expect a well-organized infotainment system on the Crosstrek, powered by the Subaru Starlink. It is easy to navigate the 6.5-inch touchscreen and comes with different connectivity features. Some of the features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth support and a USB port. The Limited trim and hybrid vehicle feature an 8.0-inch touchscreen instead with supportive apps and a SiriusXM satellite radio.
Fuel Economy
When you use the 2.0-litre engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission, you get an impressive fuel economy rating of 28 mpg and 33 mpg, for the city and highway. But if you use the manual transmission, it drops significantly to 22 mpg and 29 mpg.
The 2.5-litre engine on the other hand offers 27 and 34 mpg when paired with the CVT. And with the hybrid model, you can enjoy up to 35 mpg on the highway.
Warranty and Maintenance
Subaru offers similar warranty coverage to that of its competitors, including one for the plug-in hybrid. The limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles, while the powertrain warranty is five years or 60,000 miles. If you go for the plug-in hybrid engine, you get to enjoy coverage of eight years or 100,000 miles. There is no complimentary scheduled maintenance available.
Price
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek features five trims with a wide price range, so you can easily find one that meets your needs. The Base model costs about $23,570 while the most expensive model is Hybrid, costing about $36,770.
As for the middle trims, they are Premium, Sport, and Limited, with prices of $24,720, $27,920 and $29,420, respectively. The Sport trim guarantees good value for your money, as it offers yellow-stitched upholstery and faux carbon trim on the interior. It also comes with a powerful 2.5-litre engine and 17-inch wheels for a good drive.
Is the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Reliable?
The Subaru Crosstrek is generally known as a pretty reliable vehicle, with no reported problems with its engine. While there are reported problems with Subaru vehicles in general, this isn’t the case for Crosstrek in particular. The compact SUV offers versatility, decent fuel economy and good safety features for your daily commuting. Many reviewers have also rated the reliability with high scores, as it can last up to 250,000 miles if maintained and driven properly.
Safety
You can expect a sizable number of safety and driver assistance features from the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek, and there are a lot of optional features to go for too. Some of the key features include automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist; and you don’t have to spend a lot to get the optional features.
What People are Saying about the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek has been praised for different reasons, including its plug-in hybrid option. It offers a comfortable ride quality and high road clearance, giving you fantastic off-roading. For its size, it also features a spacious interior.
On the downside, the vehicle doesn’t offer great handling like other competitors. The base engine is a bit disappointing and has limited cargo space.
Competitors
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is receiving a lot of competition, unsurprisingly, from other compact SUVs. Its closest competitors are the Subaru Legacy and Outback, featuring the same optional engine as they are from the same manufacturers. In terms of cargo, the Nissan Rogue Sport and Honda HR-V might be smaller than the Crosstrek but they can take more carry-ons. Its other competitors include Ford Bronco Sport, Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, and Volkswagen Taos, all known as capable off-roaders.