Subaru Crosstrek 2024 review: AWD 2.0R long-term | Part 3

I don’t envy anyone who is in the market for a well-priced small SUV in Australia right now. It is one of the most competitive segments, with more than 30 models to choose from. That’s from your more affordable fare to the pricier premium offerings. 

But even among the mid-range set, good luck making a decision.

For more than 10 years, Subaru’s XV was one of the models battling for attention and that battle continues with the third-gen version, now called Crosstrek.

I have previously written in detail about the price and spec of the Crosstrek, specifically the $38,490 before on-roads AWD 2.0R that I have been driving for three months.

The model lines up very competitively on paper with some of those impressive small SUVs, namely the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Qashqai and the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Now, as I bid farewell to the Crosstrek 2.0R, it’s time to talk about how it drives and determine where it falls in relation to said rivals.

Subaru’s sharpened focus in this area has earned a solid reputation for driver assist tech and keeping the car on the road. (Image: Tim Nicholson)

Before we get to ride, handling and the rest, a word or two on safety.

I have written before about how impressive the safety offering is on the Crosstrek and that remains the case. Subaru’s sharpened focus in this area has earned a solid reputation for driver assist tech and keeping the car on the road. 

In general, driver aids like the lane keep assist are quite smooth, and while it can occasionally creep towards a line marking, it doesn’t bounce you around the lane like some systems. The steering interventions are subtle.

In general, driver aids like the lane keep assist are quite smooth, and while it can occasionally creep towards a line marking, it doesn’t bounce you around the lane like some systems. (Image: Tim Nicholson)

However, you’d better get used to beeps because you will hear a lot of them when driving the Crosstrek.

Like other current Subie models including the Outback, the safety suite includes loads of audio alerts. You can adjust the severity of some of these via the settings in the central screen, but you can’t turn some of them down, or off. You kind of just have to get used to it.

Luckily, the super cushy seats and excellent driving position in the Crosstrek make for a comfortable and engaging front seat experience on the road.

The Subaru’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine delivers 115kW/196Nm, driving all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). (Image: Tim Nicholson)

The Subaru’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine delivers 115kW/196Nm, driving all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Those figures don’t sound like much, because they’re not. As a result, acceleration is fine from a standing start, but not quick. 

However, in terms of straight line performance alone, the Crosstrek is perfectly at home darting around town. (Image: Tim Nicholson)

But a characteristic of a non-turbo engine I am a fan of is instant response. There’s no lag here. You put your foot down and it moves without hesitation. So pulling away at the lights is a breeze. But the 0-100km/h dash time of approximately 11 seconds is lacklustre.

And it does not maintain that responsiveness the higher up the speedometer you go. In fact, a steep hill will blunt your momentum.

A characteristic of a non-turbo engine I am a fan of is instant response. (Image: Tim Nicholson)

On top of that, the engine becomes rowdy when pushed hard, and combined with the CVT, it doesn’t make for the nicest engine note.

However, in terms of straight line performance alone, the Crosstrek is perfectly at home darting around town.

Smallish dimensions and a tight turning circle of 10.8 metres also mean the Crosstrek is an ideal city car. I had no issues parking this car. (Image: Tim Nicholson)

Smallish dimensions and a tight turning circle of 10.8 metres also mean the Crosstrek is an ideal city car. I had no issues parking this car.

A responsive fuel-saving stop-start system and decent forward and rear visibility are other positives. 

My usual dynamic drive route revealed some pros and cons to the Crosstrek’s on-road manners.

A responsive fuel-saving stop-start system and decent forward and rear visibility are other positives. (Image: Tim Nicholson)

A bit of wind and road noise creeps into the cabin, and while it’s reasonably well insulated it’s not as quiet as the Outback’s cabin.

The steering has some weight to it, but it feels very mechanical and lacks driver engagement. The brakes, however, are strong.

A bit of wind and road noise creeps into the cabin, and while it’s reasonably well insulated it’s not as quiet as the Outback’s cabin. (Image: Tim Nicholson)

Fuel economy wasn't great this month. I recorded a figure of 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres - well up on Subaru's 7.2L claim - but the trip computer said 9.3L.

Steering the Crosstrek into some tight corners and sweeping bends, however, reveals a rewarding chassis that handles the twisty stuff with ease. It’s much more nimble than expected. 

It also offers up loads of grip. Subaru’s all-wheel drive system helps here - and is just a generally good thing to have as standard on any car - and the 18-inch Falken tyres also help keep the Crosstrek in check. A notorious uphill sweeping bend could not shake the little SUV.

The ride quality is also super impressive, offering comfort on any road surface. The tyres have a high sidewall, and that helps soak up unpleasant bumps. At no point in my three months with this car did I experience an uh-oh moment with a pothole. 

Acquired: April, 2023

Distance travelled this month: 402km

Odometer: 5301km

Average energy consumption this month: 12.6L/100km