2022 Subaru Crosstrek Sport: Review, Specs, & More

Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Sport, a versatile SUV that's been making waves. If you're looking for a ride that blends practicality with a dash of adventure, this might just be the one for you. We'll cover everything from its performance and features to its interior and overall driving experience. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Performance and Handling

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which delivers a respectable 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This is a noticeable upgrade from the base model's 2.0-liter engine, providing more oomph for those highway merges and uphill climbs. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is designed to maximize fuel efficiency while providing smooth acceleration. Now, I know some of you might cringe at the mention of a CVT, but Subaru's version is actually quite responsive and well-tuned. It mimics the gear shifts of a traditional automatic, so you don't get that rubber-band feeling that some CVTs are known for.

One of the standout features of the Crosstrek Sport is its standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Subaru's AWD is legendary for its capability in various weather conditions, and the Crosstrek is no exception. Whether you're dealing with snow, rain, or gravel, the AWD system provides excellent traction and stability. This makes the Crosstrek a great choice for those who live in areas with challenging weather or who enjoy exploring off the beaten path. The Sport trim also includes X-Mode, which optimizes the AWD system for even more challenging terrain. X-Mode adjusts the engine output and transmission settings to provide maximum traction in slippery conditions. It also includes hill descent control, which helps you maintain a steady speed when descending steep hills.

On the road, the Crosstrek Sport offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension soaks up bumps and potholes with ease, providing a smooth experience for both the driver and passengers. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. While the Crosstrek isn't exactly a sports car, it handles surprisingly well for an SUV. It feels stable and planted in corners, and there's minimal body roll. The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is a very capable machine, offering a blend of power, handling, and off-road capability that's hard to find in other SUVs in its class.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Sport, you'll find a cabin that's both functional and stylish. The design is clean and straightforward, with easy-to-use controls and a focus on practicality. The Sport trim adds some unique touches, such as yellow stitching on the seats, dashboard, and door panels, which gives the interior a sporty and youthful vibe. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even on long drives. They're also upholstered in a durable and easy-to-clean cloth material, which is a plus if you have kids or pets.

In terms of technology, the Crosstrek Sport comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system is responsive and intuitive, with clear graphics and easy-to-navigate menus. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, so you can easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps. The Sport trim also includes a six-speaker audio system, which delivers decent sound quality. If you're an audiophile, you might want to consider upgrading to the optional Harman Kardon system, which offers a more immersive listening experience.

One of the standout features of the Crosstrek is its generous cargo space. With the rear seats up, you get 20.8 cubic feet of cargo room, which is enough for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. If you need more space, you can fold down the rear seats to open up 55.3 cubic feet. The rear seats fold down easily and create a flat load floor, which makes it easy to load and unload large items. The Crosstrek also has plenty of small storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a center console bin, door pockets, and a glove box. These are perfect for storing your phone, wallet, and other small items.

Safety is also a top priority for Subaru, and the Crosstrek comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features. These include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the car in front of you, automatically adjusting your speed to match the flow of traffic. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, and automatic emergency braking can automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision. These features can help prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe. The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is a well-rounded SUV that offers a comfortable and feature-rich interior.

Fuel Efficiency and Pricing

Let's talk about fuel efficiency, because who doesn't want to save some money at the pump? The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Sport gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. These are solid numbers for an SUV with standard all-wheel drive. In real-world driving, you can expect to get close to these figures, depending on your driving style and the conditions. The Crosstrek's fuel efficiency is one of its strong selling points, making it an affordable choice for daily commuting and long road trips.

Now, let's move on to pricing. The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Sport has a starting MSRP of around $27,545. This is a competitive price for an SUV with its features and capabilities. Keep in mind that the price can vary depending on the options and packages you choose. If you want to add features like a sunroof, leather seats, or a premium audio system, you'll need to pay extra. However, even with these options, the Crosstrek remains a good value for the money. It offers a lot of bang for your buck, with its standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior, and advanced safety features.

When you compare the Crosstrek to other SUVs in its class, it stacks up well in terms of both price and features. Some of its competitors include the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, and Jeep Renegade. While these SUVs have their own strengths, the Crosstrek stands out with its standard all-wheel drive and off-road capability. It's a great choice for those who want a versatile SUV that can handle a variety of driving conditions. The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Sport offers excellent fuel efficiency and competitive pricing, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Driving Experience

Alright, let's get into what it's actually like to drive the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Sport. Overall, the driving experience is pretty darn good. As mentioned earlier, that 2.5-liter engine gives you a noticeable boost in power compared to the base model. Merging onto the highway or passing slower traffic feels much more confident. The CVT is surprisingly smooth, and it does a decent job of mimicking traditional gear changes. It’s not the sportiest transmission out there, but it gets the job done efficiently.

The all-wheel-drive system is where the Crosstrek really shines. Whether you're dealing with rain, snow, or some light off-roading, the AWD provides excellent traction and stability. I've taken it on some dirt roads and it handled them with ease. The X-Mode feature is also a nice touch, giving you extra confidence when tackling more challenging terrain. The ride quality is comfortable, even on rough roads. The suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps and potholes, so you don't feel like you're getting beat up. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Crosstrek isn't exactly a speed demon. While the 2.5-liter engine is an improvement over the base model, it's not going to win any drag races. The acceleration is adequate for most situations, but it's not going to blow your socks off. However, the Crosstrek is more about practicality and versatility than outright speed. It's a great choice for those who want a comfortable and capable SUV that can handle a variety of driving conditions. Visibility is excellent, thanks to the large windows and high seating position. This gives you a good view of the road ahead and makes it easier to spot potential hazards. The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Sport offers a pleasant and capable driving experience, making it a great choice for daily commuting and weekend adventures.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Sport? Well, it's a pretty solid choice if you're in the market for a compact SUV that offers a blend of practicality, capability, and style. The 2.5-liter engine provides adequate power for most situations, and the standard all-wheel-drive system gives you confidence in a variety of driving conditions. The interior is comfortable and well-equipped, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The fuel efficiency is also commendable, making it an affordable choice for daily driving.

Of course, the Crosstrek isn't perfect. It's not the fastest SUV out there, and the CVT might not be to everyone's liking. However, these are minor drawbacks compared to its many strengths. The Crosstrek is a great choice for those who live in areas with challenging weather or who enjoy exploring off the beaten path. It's also a good option for families who need a versatile and practical SUV. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is a well-rounded and capable SUV that offers a lot of value for the money. If you're considering a compact SUV, be sure to give the Crosstrek a look. You might just be surprised at how much it has to offer.