Review: Subaru Crosstrek Touring
The Subaru Crosstrek is not as well-known as it should be, says Julie Marshall
Subarus deserve to be much better known. The Crosstrek reviewed here is a prime example of a well-built mid-sized hatchback. Thanks to its all-wheel drive capability, it is particularly suitable for those living off the beaten track but who want something a bit different from a Land Rover or one of the other mainstream SUVs.
The Crosstrek exudes quality, and while not everyone may appreciate its quirky styling, it has a lot to offer. A high percentage of off-roader buyers will rarely get their tyres muddy, let alone take their vehicles off the road. However, even urban dwellers can occasionally find themselves needing to navigate a snow drift or tackle an icy hill—tasks the Crosstrek handles with ease.
If you find yourself caught in bad weather or are seeking a bit of adventure off the beaten path, the Crosstrek’s X-Mode system, which optimises the all-wheel drive and includes hill descent control, will take care of you, while its 220mm ground clearance will see you right.
On the road, the Crosstrek is impressively refined, something not always true for other all-wheel drive vehicles. During our week of testing, we focused solely on its on-road performance, and it did not disappoint. It’s a lovely car to drive in every aspect: comfortable seats, easy-to-use controls, and excellent visibility all around.
Speed bumps, potholes, and other nasties on the road do not unsettle the Crosstrek, and the steering feels well-weighted and reassuring. However, fuel consumption is not as good as some rivals; the permanent all-wheel drive system brings it down to the mid-30s, or 40mpg if you have a very gentle right foot.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder mild hybrid Boxer engine sits flat in the engine bay, rather than upright, for a lower centre of gravity. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) instead of a traditional automatic, but we had no complaints, as it powered through the gears smoothly.
The interior is robust and well put together. Like most modern cars, much of the functionality is accessed through the generous 11.6-inch portrait-mode infotainment touchscreen. While there are a few knobs for volume and heating controls, a few more would be welcome. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with a range of safety features.
All models come equipped with a rear-view camera. There’s ample room for five passengers, although there is a lack of headroom in the rear for taller passengers. The boot, at 315 litres, is not particularly large, but the rear seats do fold flat to create additional space when needed.
Subarus are not as common on UK roads as they should be. According to the latest SMMT figures from February 2026, only 113 Subaru registrations were recorded that month, giving the brand a mere 0.13 per cent market share. In comparison, Ford had 6,056 registrations and 6.72 per cent market share.
Subaru Crosstrek Touring specifications
Price: £38,100
Engine: 2.0-litre self-charging hybrid
Power: 136bhp
Torque: 134 lb/ft
Transmission: CVT
Top speed: 123mph
0-62mph: 10.8 seconds
Economy: 36.8mpg
CO 2 emissions:174g/km