2026 Subaru Crosstrek: Why Do We Recommend It So Much?

The perfect vehicle doesn’t exist. Search all you want, you won’t find it. However, some models meet most needs and address common concerns. When that’s the case, the model in question comes close to perfection for a buyer looking for its qualities. That’s why we tend to recommend certain products over others. In the end, the overall package is what makes buying a particular product make sense. One of those models is the Subaru Crosstrek. Imperfect and perfect at the same time, if you catch our drift.

But to take our thinking a step further, here’s why we recommend this model so often to buyers here at home.

Six Good Reasons

Let’s sum it up as efficiently as possible. Here are six specific reasons this model is so easy to recommend.

1 – The Perfect Size

Just about every buyer wants a vehicle that offers plenty of space. At the same time, they also want a model that isn’t too big. As a subcompact, the Subaru Crosstrek offers an acceptable compromise in terms of cargo space, with a 564-litre trunk and 1,549 litres of cargo volume behind the first row.

Let’s be honest, it’s not exceptional, but it meets the needs of the vast majority. On top of that, the Crosstrek is easy to park thanks to its dimensions, which don’t add to the stress of driving in heavy traffic.

2 – Easy to Get In… and Out

Let’s address a topic that’s often overlooked, but that matters a great deal to many buyers: how easy it is to get in and out of the vehicle. For those dealing with back pain, knees that have seen better days, or for whom age makes every movement more difficult, it can be very complicated to climb into an SUV, just as it’s hard to extract yourself from a car whose seat is a little too low.

With the Crosstrek, it’s simple: you slide into the vehicle, and it’s just as easy to get out. That’s true of just about every model in the subcompact SUV segment, but it’s not something to take lightly.

And it’s true up front and in the back, where space is respectable.

3 – One of the Best All-Wheel-Drive Systems in the Industry, Standard

Twenty or thirty years ago, we easily did without all-wheel drive, but since this option has become so common, we’ve collectively grown fond of it. Do you need an all-wheel-drive model to travel safely in Quebec? Of course not. However, when it’s included, it adds real value.

Tech in a Flash: Understanding the Different All-Wheel Drive Systems (Part 1)

The beauty of a Subaru is that its system is one of the best in the industry—a no-brainer.

4 – A Price That Remains Accessible

You know it as well as we do: vehicle prices have exploded since the pandemic, to the point where it has become very difficult to find a new model for less than $30,000. Interesting offerings under $40,000 are also becoming scarcer.

At $33,408, freight and PDI included, the base version (Convenience) is priced in a way that lets you breathe a little. Not everything is perfect with the model’s price range, however, especially as you move up the lineup. More on that later.

5 – A Real Utility Vehicle

Automakers have become masters at selling us capabilities. We’re offered models that can do this and that, but deep down, it’s often very superficial. At Subaru, the brand built its reputation on the quality of its all-wheel-drive system. So when they advertise capabilities, they’re real. The company’s typical and target clientele know this and have specific expectations.

So, even though the Crosstrek is the smallest utility vehicle in the family, it can hold its own off the beaten path thanks to generous ground clearance of 220 mm, but also thanks to the X-Mode system, which provides hill descent control and active management of the drivetrain to deliver optimal traction at all times.

Let’s be clear: you won’t be taking on the Kilimanjaro with this vehicle, but when it comes to reaching more remote spots in the forest, winter or summer, it will surprise you.

6 – Reassuring Reliability

While it isn’t flawless, the Subaru Crosstrek’s reliability rating is generally good. That’s reassuring. What’s more, because of the overall package, the model’s resale value remains high. That’s one less thing to worry about.

The Downsides

Reading the above, you might think the Subaru Crosstrek has no flaws. That’s not the case.

Trunk space, at 564 litres (527 litres for the hybrid version), is small and lower than that of many competitors. While it’s more respectable with the rear seats folded down, it remains a bit tight when they’re up.

The Crosstrek’s transmission is a continuously variable unit (CVT). Even though this type of transmission behaves better than it used to, it’s still a little more tiresome under acceleration. And as far as driving feel goes, look elsewhere.

As for the driver assistance systems, they’re numerous but very intrusive. Seriously, you will need a good dose of patience once behind the wheel. It won’t bother everyone, but if you’re one of those people who like to be in control of their vehicle, it will drive you up the wall at times.

Also keep a few choice words in reserve when using the central screen, which houses several controls, including those for the climate system. Maddening.

Another thing that doesn’t hold up. Subaru offers a hybrid version of its Crosstrek. That’s good, since hybrid offerings are multiplying across the industry and people are increasingly interested in them. The catch is that the hybrid variant (Limited) is the most expensive in the lineup, at over $43,000. Worse, Subaru’s hybrid system doesn’t come close to Toyota’s or Honda’s efficiency, so the fuel savings aren’t all that impressive. In short, a swing and a miss. Avoid it.

Finally, note that the Wilderness variant is missing from the menu. It’s built in the United States and affected by counter-tariffs. Need we say more?

Behind the Wheel

You don’t buy a Subaru Crosstrek for thrills on the road. With 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque delivered by the 2.5-litre flat-four, you have everything you need, nothing more. The hybrid version offers a bit more (194 horsepower and livelier acceleration), but as we’ve seen, it isn’t worth the extra cost.

The driving position is good, visibility is fine, and the vehicle’s responses (steering, braking, handling) are predictable.

And comfort is very decent.

Above all, when snow covers the ground, it feels very reassuring. You can even have a surprising amount of fun during a good snowstorm.

All in all, the model delivers what most buyers want from this kind of product.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek at a Glance

Verdict

As you’ve seen, the Subaru Crosstrek has more positives than negatives. It’s an easy vehicle to recommend. It will please far more than it will disappoint.

Subaru still has work to do on fuel consumption across its powertrains, both gas and hybrid. In the latter case, it’s simply not in the game, which makes the premium charged for it (or at least for the version that carries it) even harder to justify.

Don’t hesitate to try other products in this category, notably the Toyota Corolla Cross, the new Kia Seltos and the Mazda CX-30.