Subaru Crosstrek (2026) Review

THIS world is starting to irritate me, with its lack of honesty, its social media fluff and nonsense, 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, the gentle evolution of a stalwart, freshened rather than reinvented and unique in so many ways. Subaru’s compact SUV oozes authenticity, honesty, class, an unpretentious, affordable and accessible workhorse, with genuine talents, character and dynamism.

No it’s 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’s a mere 136PS but 60mph still comes up in ten seconds, which isn’t bad and the 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.

Let me explain. Normally as we approach a bend we lift off the power. This sends most automatics into free-wheeling and therefore control is reduced. The same could be said of the Crosstrek even though it is four-wheel-drive. So this is what you do. 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’s incredible, unique, great. That’s on the road and you can also venture off it thanks to the same system and 220mm of ground clearance. It’s even got hill descent control too.

It gives the Subaru engaging and dynamic handling, something that sets it apart and that’s something you will enjoy. In really bad conditions – water, gravel, mud, ice and snow – it makes the difference between getting stuck and carrying on your way. It’s special. Sorry that’s me being uber positive again so go try it for yourself.

The other surprise is how practical this modestly sized SUV is. I have a wardrobe to take to the tip and surely it won’t fit in the Crosstreck. I drop the backs seats, remove the bar that carries the security blind and get out the tape measure. OMG it will fit in by miles because the enlarged load bay is so beautifully shaped with no intrusions from wheel arches or anything else. The height is also just right so I don’t have to lift the wardrobe too high and it just slots in the back perfectly. It’s a veritable tardis.

Crosstrek remains a smart addition to the range replacing the old XV of yesteryear but very much carrying on its charm.

With a sleek nose and grille it is distinctly Subaru and its smart profile catches the eye. It looks solid and it is with a timeless quality feel that is familiar of the brand.

It is also packed with advanced safety technologies, including the next-generation EyeSight driver assist feature, autonomous emergency steering, lane centring function, traffic sign recognition and intelligent speed limiter. The Crosstrek also offers a driver-monitoring system that is triggered if any signs of fatigue are detected.

Inside, everything you need falls easily to hand and the 11.5in portrait infotainment centre is one of the easiest to use I have come across. It looks neat and tidy too and responds to the lightest of touches. It has clocks rather than a TV screen and I can remember where everything is without swiping through countless menus.

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

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