Subaru 2024

Subaru Crosstrek makes sense in a crazy world

29 Aug 2026

Ian Lamming says it delivers authentic charm and practical capability

This world is starting to irritate me, with its lack of honesty, its social media fluff and nonsense, and its disingenuous leadership.

Our core values have largely gone. We don’t know what to believe because what we are presented with every second of the day is so unbelievable, and the cars on offer are pretty much the same.

I yearn for an era gone by – a retro world where vehicles had their own personalities and quirks, not just a different badge.

And, as if by magic, like the universe has heard my cries, Subaru drops off the latest Crosstrek.

Ah, bliss. It is the gentle evolution of a stalwart, freshened rather than reinvented and unique in so many ways. Subaru’s compact SUV oozes authenticity, honesty, and class.

It is an unpretentious, affordable, and accessible workhorse with genuine talents, character, and dynamism.

No, it is not faultless, Mrs I-just-rang-to-complain-that-I-seem-to-like-all-cars-and-never-criticise-any-of-them. Forgive my glass for being perpetually half full, but this Subaru is endearing.

So what is this fault, I hear you ask? Well, the radio is a bit too trebly for my liking and the 2.0-litre hybrid boxer motor is limited on the torque front. There, I said it. I hope you are happy now.

While there isn’t too much torque, the flat-four does spin up rather quickly, so performance isn’t bad at all. There is a mere 136PS, but 60mph still comes up in 10 seconds, which is respectable, and the power delivery is silky smooth. Economy isn’t too bad either at around 44mpg.

This is a Subaru, so expect the handling to be way beyond accomplished. The permanent symmetrical all-wheel-drive needs to be mastered to be appreciated to the full, and that driving style can feel counter-intuitive.

Normally, as we approach a bend, we lift off the power. This sends most automatics into free-wheeling, reducing control. The same could be said of the Crosstrek, even though it is four-wheel-drive.

Instead of coasting around the corner, you put the power back on and all four wheels grip like a limpet. You can feel it, especially in the wet, and it is incredible, unique, and confidence-inspiring.

That capability shines on the road, and you can also venture off it thanks to the symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and 220mm of ground clearance. It even features hill descent control.

It gives the Subaru engaging, dynamic handling that sets it apart. In poor conditions – water, gravel, mud, ice, and snow – it makes the difference between getting stuck and carrying on your way.

The other surprise is how practical this modestly sized SUV is. I had a wardrobe to take to the tip and wondered if it would fit.

I dropped the back seats, removed the bar carrying the security blind, and got out the tape measure.

It fitted easily because the enlarged load bay is well shaped, with no awkward intrusions from the wheel arches. The load height is also well judged, slotting straight into the back like a veritable Tardis.

The Crosstrek remains a smart addition to the line-up, replacing the old XV while carrying on its charm. With a sleek nose and grille, it is distinctly Subaru, and its profile catches the eye with a solid, timeless build quality.

It is also packed with advanced safety technology, including the next-generation EyeSight driver assist feature, autonomous emergency steering, lane centring function, traffic sign recognition, and an intelligent speed limiter.

The Crosstrek also features a driver-monitoring system that alerts you if signs of fatigue are detected.

Inside, everything falls easily to hand. The 11.5in portrait infotainment centre is one of the easiest to use on the market, responding quickly to the lightest of touches.

It retains clear dials rather than confusing displays, making navigation simple without endless menu swiping.

It’s a mad world, and the Crosstrek brings a welcome slice of sanity. It calms a busy day, soothes irritations, and does everything asked of it and more. No wonder my glass remains half full.