Crosstrek is crossfit

The Crosstrek is based off of the Impreza hatchback. It sits taller at 5-and-a-quarter feet tall and has the accompanying higher ground clearance. The front end has been redesigned this year. The base version of the five-passenger utility vehicle has a starting price of $21,595, the Premium trim is $22,395, Limited $25,095 and Hybrid $26,395.

All Crosstreks come with a touchscreen display, rearview camera, 60/40 split folding rear seats, foglights, roof rails and Bluetooth connectively, among other items. The Limited we drove has leather upholstery, heated front seats, a new safety bundle of blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, and a more extensive infotainment system with a larger 7-inch touchscreen.

Crosstrek interiors are long on function, short on flash, which is OK. Passengers have enough room, even in the second row. The cargo area is a definite plus with 22.3 cubic feet of space in the back and 51.9 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. Because Subaru knows Crosstrek buyers are an active lot, the rear floor is covered in a removable rubber tray for easy cleaning.

The driving experience masters challenges thanks to the all-wheel drive and continuously variable transmission. Handling is suitable anytime, anywhere.

You might be wondering why it is taking so long to get to the engine, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, and that’s because it might be the least impressive aspect of the Crosstrek. With just 148 horsepower and 145 lbs.-ft. of torque, there is nothing here that jumps out for you, although the appreciation can come when you realize that you can get 34 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in town.

Power aside, the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek provides what it promises, and that is confidence in motion. More power to it.

David Mikesell is a free-lance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis.

2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK