Category: Subaru

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NOW FEATURING EVEN BETTER PERFORMANCE: The Family-Friendly 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport

We’ve always appreciated the design and overall utility of the Subaru Crosstrek. It is a hatchback, station wagon and crossover SUV all in one. With plenty of room for five adults, generous cargo space and the ability to tow a small trailer, the Crosstrek checks a lot of boxes.

Where we did feel Crosstrek could use a little improvement was under the hood. The only available 2-liter boxer engine was efficient, but lacked the punch that we felt the Crosstrek deserved. That’s not to say that the smaller engine, rated at an incredible 27/33 mpg city/highway wasn’t a good option. But we wanted to see how Subaru’s excellent suspension, steering and brakes would perform with another 30 horsepower or so.

Subaru was listening. Reaching into the parts bin, they borrowed the engine from the 2019 Legacy and introduced the lively 2.5-liter 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER as standard equipment on Sport and Limited Crosstrek trim levels. With 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, the new powerplant gives the Crosstrek that much needed power that we felt the chassis deserved. Thanks to careful tuning and the standard Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission), the 2.5-liter Crosstrek is rated at an EPA-estimated 27/34 mpg city/highway.

Subaru will continue to offer the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder BOXER engine that produces 152-hp and 145 lb-ft f torque in the Base and Premium trims. Base and Premium trims can be fit with a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional Lineartronic CVT. Crosstrek with the 6-speed manual are rated at 22 /29 mpg city/highway. CVT models achieve 28/33 mpg city/highway.

Ready for ANYTHING (almost *see below)

All-wheel drive is essentially synonymous with Subaru. All Crosstrek models are equipped with Subaru “Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive” and “Active Torque Vectoring.” The system provides excellent all-weather driving capabilities. Our northern friends have long relied on Subaru’s reliability in the winter. Coupled with a very truck-like 8.7 feet of ground clearance, the Crosstrek may not be a true offroad vehicle, but it can help keep you on the road in the worst rain, snow and sleet.

The Sport also includes a dual-function “X-Mode.” The system includes hill decent control with snow/dire and deep/snow mud settings. *Together with all-wheel-drive, the Crosstrek is well prepared for just about anything, within reason, that suburban living can throw at it!

Attractive, but Understated Inside and Out

The Crosstrek is instantly recognizable as a Subaru. The boxy design and signature grille bring back fond memories of the Outbacks and Foresters that many of us pined after as kids. Our review vehicle, the Crosstrek Sport adds some distinct exterior and interior features. Specific wheel arch moldings, 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels are at each corner. Gunmetal finish treatment is found on  the front grille, side mirrors and badges.

Inside, the Sport features long-wearing StarTex upholstery with yellow stitching. Of interest, Subaru’s StarTex upholstery is manufactured without polyvinyl chloride (PVC), phthalate or chlorine. Yellow stitching has been added to the trim panel armrests, steering wheel, shift boot, visor and center console storage box. Gunmetal and simulated carbon fiber trim accents dress up the interior along with unique floormats that feature the Sport logo.

Safety and Technology

Our Sport review vehicle and all models equipped with the CVT come with Subaru’s “EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.” Improved for 2021, the system includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering. Other standard feature includes automatic pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, lane departure prevention, lead vehicle start alert and auto start-stop. A family-friendly rear seat reminder reminds the driver to take a peek out back before heading out of the vehicle.

The Base 2021 Crosstrek comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and 6-speaker audio. Our review vehicle included an upgraded 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. Overall the system is entirely usable and sounds good, but could use refinement when compared to recent systems by segment competitors like Hyundai and Jeep.

Pricing

The Subaru Crosstrek represents strong value for an all-wheel drive crossover. Starting at $22,245 plus fees, it is hard not to be convinced that the Crosstrek is at least worth a hard look. Our review vehicle cost $29,145 all in.

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Taking a Swing at the Competition: Subaru’s Turbocharged BOXER Powers the All-New 2020 Legacy Limited XT

Once an either/or scenario, thanks to today’s tiny but robust turbocharged engines manufacturers can offer family-friendly vehicles that provide strong performance AND surprisingly good fuel economy. For instance, Subaru’s new Legacy Limited XT is a spacious mid-size all-wheel-drive sedan that goes from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds and offers 24/32 mpg city/highway. While neither statistic is record breaking, having the two together in a vehicle that comfortably seats five adults is worth talking about.

Photos courtesy of Subaru

Legacy’s First Turbocharged Engine Since 2012

The 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque across a wide powerband. Those figures result in decent acceleration in the vast majority of real-world scenarios. The CVT transmission won’t win over many enthusiasts, but the fuel-efficient gear changer works well and does what you ask. Further, the new CVT reduces power loss by 32 percent compared to the previous Legacy’s engine to the wheels power sender. Zero to sixty zips by in 6.1 seconds and fuel economy is rated at 24/32 mpg city/highway

The base model Legacy is powered by a normally aspirated (non turbo) 2.5-liter BOXER engine. With 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque the engine is just powerful enough for use as a comfortable daily driver. The CVT transmission helps the non-turbo Legacy achieve 27/35 mpg city/highway, but means it takes an extra 2.3 seconds to get to sixty miles per hour from a stop (8.4 seconds).

Driving the Legacy

Thanks to an all-new suspension, the 2020 Legacy is comfortable on the road. The all-wheel-drive system provides added traction and is helpful in less than ideal weather. Subaru claims that the new model offers the “highest levels of dynamic performance and ride comfort” in the vehicle’s history and we won’t argue. The 2020 model is step above the 2019 in both areas. Steering is precise, but forgiving. Braking provides a high level of confidence.

Our approach to the 2020 Legacy, even with the turbocharged engine, is that of a confident family sedan. Those looking for a sportier Subaru will be better off checking out the WRX or WRX STI, which have similar engines, but are more focused toward the enthusiast who needs four doors.

New Design, but Undoubtedly Subaru

Fender flares, an bit of an athletic stance and overall design give the new Legacy a more youthful appearance. Fans of the manufacturer will immediately recognize the sedan, there is no doubt that the Legacy is a Subaru.

The interior is a touch more upscale than the outgoing model. Soft touch surfaces abound and the fit and finish is excellent. Rear seat passengers are given plenty of legroom and three adults can be comfortably escorted around town, given that they like each other. Two adults will find the rear seats quite comfortable, even for cross-country vacations.

Unfortunately, the Legacy’s 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space is among the smallest in the mid-size family sedan segment. Honda’s Accord (16.7) and the Hyundai Sonota (16) offer more space, although the Legacy does match Camry’s 15.1 cubic feet.

Technology

Jump in the front seat of the Legacy XT and you’re immediately confronted with a massive all-new tablet-style 11.6-inch multimedia display. Subaru’s infotainment system display features direct touch controls for  multimedia, HVAC and vehicle settings. The configurable set up is similar to a smartphone device, providing “apps” that can be moved and configured by the owner.

Base Legacy models are equipped with an all-new multimedia system with dual 7.0-inch displays that split multimedia and HVAC controls.

Infotainment features on both systems include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and new “STARLINK SmartDeviceLink” apps, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, Satellite radio and HD Radio. In-car Wi-Fi is available.

Pricing

The 2020 Subaru Legacy starts at $22,745 plus fees. Our Limited XT model as-tested price was $35,095 inclusive.

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The Fuel Sipping Family Friendly 2020 Subaru Outback Crossover SUV Adds Power and Technology

Subaru has done an incredible job building a loyal following. Owners are faithful and often purchase the same model, a few years newer, when it is time to upgrade. Outback owners are in for a nice surprise when it is time to trade up. The new for 2020 model offers more power, better technology and enhanced rear seating and cargo space.

Two More Powerful Engines, One Transmission

We’ve always appreciated the Outback formula. Subaru’s mid-size SUV looks and handles more like an oversized station wagon than a traditional SUV, mini-van or truck. However, we often found the outgoing engines, including the top-trim V6 to be a bit lacking in terms of power. Fuel economy was great, but the energy that the exterior design evokes always felt a bit betrayed by the power.

Photo Courtesy of Subaru

Apparently we weren’t alone; the new for 2020 powerplants address the need for more muscle while simultaneously offering superior fuel economy. Both engines send power to all four wheels through a CVT transmission. Subaru’s reputation for offering all-wheel-drive all-weather ready vehicles is only strengthened by the new model.

The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine offers surprisingly good fuel economy. The Outback stands out in the mid-size crossover SUV crowd by delivering an impressive 26/33/20 mpg city/highway/combined. Perhaps even more exciting is the range. On the highway the Outback is good for more than 600 miles before you need to be dreadfully aware of the next exit with a gas station.

Photo Courtesy of Subaru

Our Onyx XT review vehicle was fit with the all-new 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that creates an impressive 260 horsepower and 277 ft-lbs. of torque. The additional torque really helps the Outback shine, providing stronger acceleration and more immediate highway passing. While we aren’t fans of any  CVT, Subaru has done an excellent job with this one. The manufacturer’s transmission choice also helps yield fantastic fuel economy with 23/30/26 mpg (city/highway/combined).

A Huge Infotainment Screen Anchors the Updated Interior

A more powerful turbocharged engine is always going to peak our interest, but the Onyx trim’s 11.5-inch infotainment touch screen probably gets the most attention. Subaru’s implementation looks like a tablet-style computer has been grafted into the dashboard and center console. The system is fairly intuitive and goes beyond traditional infotainment, encompassing climate control functions and many other important vehicle controls. While we found the software and hardware to be fast and faultless, the resolution of the screen needs refinement. The new front-view camera and backup camera in particular seem dated compared to the competition from a visual standpoint.

Photo Courtesy of Subaru

Both the driver and front seat passenger are provided with comfortable accommodations. Subaru favors long-lasting materials and excellent fit and finish over trendy fashions. It is apparent that the cabin will age well and still seem contemporary to the brand even in a decade or so. Rear seat passengers have more room than ever and the cargo space is not only bigger, but more user friendly than the outgoing model.

Spending a week with the Outback proves the family friendliness of the vehicle. From car pooling to weekend errands, the crossover simply does what you ask and uses very little fuel in the process.

Enhanced Safety Technology

Subaru’s “EyeSight Driver Assist Technology” is standard on all models.  The set of active safety technology includes adaptive cruise control and active lane centering. Both features are helpful on long highway trips, giving the Outback a great chance to show off the vehicles range. Subaru’s “DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System” uses an infrared camera and facial recognition technology to help identify driver fatigue or distraction.

Photo Courtesy of Subaru

Additional features available include LED steering responsive headlights, head-up display, reverse automatic braking, blind spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert.

Pricing

The base model 2020 Outback starts at at $27,655, including a destination charge of $1,010. The Premium trim is $29,905, Limited is $34,455 and the Touring trim starts at $38,355.

The Outback XT models, with the turbocharged engine, include the Onyx Edition XT at $35,905, Limited XT $38,755, and Touring XT at $40,705.

Images courtesy of Subaru of America, Inc.