When it comes to crossover and compact SUVs, versatility is key, and even though the Crosstrek is small in size, it has a lot to offer. Designed to handle your daily driving needs and offer more off-road capability than you might expect, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek will likely surprise you.
Here in Canada, the Crosstrek has steadily been increasing in popularity, with sales numbers going up every year. In 2015, there were 797 Crosstreks sold, but even through pandemic-ridden 2020, sales continued to increase, with over 19,000 sold.
Without further ado, here’s a Quick Look Review of the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek that will tell you everything you want to know.
What Is the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek?
Although the new model year of the Crosstrek is sure to continue the model’s streak of popularity, don’t expect to see too many changes from the 2021 models. Sticking with the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, Subaru is offering minimal changes in 2022. But that’s not a bad thing: not when the 2021 model was such a banger from the start.
As noted above, the Subaru Crosstrek is a versatile little crossover that offers everyday driving performance and off-road capabilities. This is largely due to the shockingly good ground clearance for such a small vehicle. Combined with its responsive steering and suspension, this enables the Crosstrek to handle well on the streets or in the dirt.
What’s Under the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek’s Hood?
While some vehicle manufacturers are seemingly adding more and more trim levels (and, frankly, that can get out of hand), Subaru is keeping things simple. The 2022 Crosstrek has only five different models – Base, Premium, Plug-In Hybrid, Sport, and Limited – and three engine options.
To help you keep track of the five trim levels, here is a quick breakdown of each one and the engine that powers it:
Trim Level | Engine |
Base | 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine, 152 hp & 145 lb-ft torque |
Premium | 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine, 152 hp & 145 lb-ft torque |
Plug-In Hybrid* | 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor, 148 hp & 149 lb-ft torque |
Sport | 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine, 182 hp* & 176 lb-ft torque |
Limited | 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine, 182 hp* & 176 lb-ft torque |
Note: The hybrid model uses an electric motor in combination with the gasoline motor; the specs provided are the combined numbers.
Strangely, the Plug-in Hybrid actually offers less power and only slightly more torque than the standard 2.0-liter gasoline engine. With the instant torque of the electric motor, it has a bit more pep, but the Sport and Limited models offer more power, faster acceleration, and easier passing capabilities than the other three.
For the manual drivers out there, the Base and Premium models come standard with a manual transmission, with CVT automatic transmissions available as an option. For the Hybrid, Sport, and Limited models, only the CVT automatic transmission is offered.
How’s the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek’s Interior?
When it comes to smaller compact SUVs like the Crosstrek, seating space and cargo space are always a big concern, but Subaru handled that by offering some of the most spacious front and rear seating in the class, even though taller passengers might still feel a bit cramped in the back seat. With over 55 cubic feet of cargo space, there should be plenty of room for whatever you’ll be carrying!
One of the common complaints about Subaru vehicles in general is a more basic, simplistic interior that doesn’t feel as luxurious as other in-class vehicles. Unfortunately, the materials used in the Crosstrek won’t blow you away. But the functionality of the interior helps make up for that with easy-to-use infotainment systems and a high sitting position that offers better visibility than similar SUVs.
How’s the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek’s Tech?
As with most other vehicles today, the focal point of the Crosstrek’s technology is the infotainment system. In the center of the dash, the easy-to-use touchscreen allows you to quickly swap between menus, change the radio station, and control the climate with the touch of a finger. You can also use voice controls to do all this, hands-free!
The built-in navigation display is easy to use and see without distracting the driver. The infotainment system comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can connect your phone in minutes. If you’re like us, you’ll want to opt for the upgraded 8-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system so you can really rock out.
Outside of these impressive tech features, the new Crosstrek comes with plenty of other tech and safety features:
- Automatic LED headlights
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring and detection
- Rear cross-traffic warning
- Lane-keeping assist
- Pre-collision braking and throttle management
- Subaru STARLINK safety integration
Subaru is known for keeping drivers and occupants safe, and with everything here (especially automatic pre-collision control), the new Crosstrek will do exactly that. So you’ll be able to blast some tunes with your upgraded stereo while staying safe at the same time.
Our Take on the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek
For a compact SUV, we were impressed overall with what the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek has to offer. Unlike most crossover SUVs in the class, the Crosstrek offers off-road driving capabilities thanks to its higher ground clearance and impressive handling.
Although we were excited to test out the instant torque of the Plug-In Hybrid, its overall power was a bit of a letdown. If you choose a Sport or Limited model, you’ll have much more consistent and reliable power. The interior is functional if a bit bland, but all the included tech and safety features make the Crosstrek a high-quality choice of vehicle.
We’re excited to see what Subaru does next, and we hope that they make more dramatic changes with the next model year!
