- The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek carries forward into the 2022 model year largely unchanged
- The Crosstrek occupies a unique niche, straddling the subcompact crossover SUV and hatchback segments
- The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek’s price starts from $22,645 | Price it your way
- On sale now | See Subaru Crosstrek models for sale near you
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek’s offroad-capable-SUV-in-a-hatchback’s-body format makes it unusual in both segments, but also eminently practical for those whose daily routines straddle the urban and the rural, or the snowy/muddy and the rest of the year. Standard all-wheel drive, great crash-test safety performance, good resale value, and a hybrid version make the Crosstrek a solid pick for many buyers.
Passenger Room and Comfort
With its focus clearly on functionality, the Subaru Crosstrek’s interior is rugged, almost to the point of being workmanlike, which only becomes more noticeable as you add more luxurious features like the orange contrast stitching offered on Premium and Limited models, or the leather-wrapped steering wheel of the Premium.
That said, the driving position is at a good height, the second row is suitable for average-sized adults, and the Crosstrek generally rides well. Cabin noise is noticeable, but not out of place for the segment or price.
Features and Tech
Standard all-wheel drive is one of our favorite features of the Subaru Crosstrek, and not just because it does a great job in inclement weather. Not many subcompact crossovers come standard with all-wheel drive, and some don’t even offer it. A 6-speed manual transmission is also available for those who prefer to row their own.
The Crosstrek includes seven airbags among its standard safety equipment, along with stability/traction control, and whiplash-reducing front seats. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are Bluetooth phone connectivity and a 6.5-inch touchscreen display.
Upgrade from the standard Crosstrek to the Premium trim to add fog lights, automatic headlights, a sound-insulating windshield, an extra USB port, satellite radio and a CD player, as well as heated front seats. Optional upgrades available once you step up to the Premium trim include keyless entry/start, a power moonroof, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a 6-way power-adjust driver’s seat.
The Subaru Crosstrek Sport offers extra Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings for its all-wheel-drive system, a more powerful engine, simulated leather upholstery, and a pair of rear USB ports. Available extras for the Crosstrek Sport include a powered moonroof, blind-spot monitoring, and an 8-inch touchscreen display with over-the-air infotainment updates.
The Crosstrek Limited improves further with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic reverse braking, leather seating surfaces, a 6-way power-adjust driver’s seat, LED headlights and fog lights with automatic high beams, blind-spot detection, and more.
Finally, choosing the Crosstrek Hybrid brings all of the features found in the Limited, but with the addition of a pedestrian alert system, remote climate control, and a remote battery charge timer, which helps schedule charging during less expensive off-peak times.
Both Limited and Hybrid Crosstrek models can add a bundle of features that includes a power moonroof, heated steering wheel, voice-activated navigation, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Materials and Design
Despite its generally hatchback-like proportions, the Subaru Crosstrek is visually much closer to an SUV, thanks in part to its 8.7 inches of ground clearance — the same as a Jeep Cherokee. Beyond the athletic stance, roof rails and plastic over-fenders are the primary visual cues that the Crosstrek isn’t your typical urban jellybean runabout.
Opt for the Sport trim and you’ll get a unique alloy wheel design, finished in dark gray, along with special badges and gunmetal gray side mirror housings.
The cabin, while roomy for its size and laid out in a functional, easy-to-use way, does suffer a bit from plain materials and styling, which, as noted elsewhere, can make the interior of higher-trim models seem a bit at odds with the design.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
With 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the split/folding 60/40 rear seat (55.3 cubic feet when folded), there’s plenty of room for cargo or gear. The Crosstrek Hybrid gives up a bit of space due to the battery sitting under the higher cargo floor, but it still clocks in with 15.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, or 43.1 cubic feet with the seat down.
With standard roof rails on all 2022 Subaru Crosstreks as well as a range of interior cargo organization add-ons from Subaru (including ways to transport your pets), there’s no shortage of flexibility in what or how your Crosstrek can transport your people, pets, and things.
More 2022 Subaru Crosstrek
Build and price your own 2022 Subaru Crosstrek to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more, or see Crosstrek models for sale near you.
