2022 Subaru Crosstrek

SUVs come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, including those that seriously strain the definition of "SUV" or even "crossover." The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is really just an Impreza hatchback with a serious lift, rugged roof rails, body cladding and the option of a burlier 2.5-liter engine. That it competes so well against a growing segment of small SUVs designed from the ground up to be SUVs speaks to this little Subaru's well-rounded design that caters to the outdoor adventure seekers that tend to buy them. The Crosstrek is simple, versatile and capable regardless of how much of an SUV it is or isn't. Its back seat and cargo area are bigger than those of most subcompact SUVs, and basically match those of larger midcompact models. It has way more ground clearance and off-road capability than models from either segment (OK, maybe not the Ford Bronco Sport or the Jeep Trailhawks), and its capable all-wheel drive system is standard. It's also sturdily built with simple controls, and although its handling is bit ponderous, it counters with a comfy ride. This is a vehicle that knows what it needs to do and does it well.  Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Features   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2022? After many noteworthy updates and upgrades last year, the Crosstrek is unchanged for 2022. It arrives in dealers early in 2022. What are the Crosstrek interior and in-car technology like? The interior is comfortable and feels light and airy due to its upright pillars and plenty of glass. It’s not particularly exciting to look at, but the plastics are all high quality pieces and upper-trim models get two-tone seats and, depending on trim level, yellow or orange accents. Those do a good job of keeping the interior from feeling like an all-black sea of sameness. There are buttons and dials for the radio and climate controls, which we appreciate. A 6.5-inch touchscreen comes standard; an 8-inch is available on the Sport and Limited (pictured below left). Both are refreshingly simple, painless to use and feature large icons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. The main tech annoyance is that various vehicle functions are displayed and controlled through the touchscreen, an instrument panel display and Subaru's distinctive dash top display (below right). The latter two displays are operated using buttons on the steering wheel. It's always confusing to know which of the three possibilities controls what, especially driver assistance functions … or whether it's just a stand-alone button. How big is the Crosstrek? Subaru officially lists front legroom at 43.1 inches and rear legroom at 36.5 inches. That would put it above the little Toyota C-HR and between the reasonably sized Jeep Renegade and spacious Honda HR-V. In the real world, though, there’s plenty of space for four 6-foot-tall passengers and perhaps more so than the official numbers and competitor comparisons would indicate. There's 20.8 …
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