New and Improved StarLink on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek near Slidell, LA
With its higher ride and standard AWD, the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek near Slidell, LA is just as capable on rugged terrain as it is in the city. Optional driver assistance technology such as adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist make this one of the safest Subarus available. If a shopper wants a compact utility vehicle, they won’t find many better choices than the 2018 Crosstrek.
New and Improved Starlink
The Crosstrek has improved in many areas, but the dashboard has seen some of the most significant changes. They range from improved graphics on the informational display to a new Starlink infotainment system. It comes with a 6.5” touchscreen display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, and it can work with apps such as iHeartRadio and Pandora. There’s even a Magellan app that can work with the display for navigation purposes. All in all, it’s a big improvement over the previous generation, and we think our customers will love it.
Better EyeSight Driver Assistance Technology
The last generation of the Crosstrek came with Subaru’s great (but optional) EyeSight driver assistance package, but the 2018 brings something new to the table. The all-new lane keep feature uses electric power steering assistance to prevent the vehicle from inadvertently driving out of the proper lane. All the other EyeSight features drivers know, and love are back this year, such as forward collision alert, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control. The back end is protected by a blind spot monitoring system and rear cross traffic warning system. A backup camera is standard, and reverse auto braking is an option. When so equipped, the 2018 Crosstrek can brake to prevent a collision if it detects an obstacle.
Symmetrical AWD and a Boxer Engine
Next, we’ll look under the hood where the 2.0L boxer-style four-cylinder engine lies. It has seen revisions and tweaks for this model year, and it puts out 152hp and 145 lb. ft. of torque. These numbers are competitive, and the tall wagon feels relatively peppy during acceleration. There’s an available six-speed manual transmission, but most models get a CVT with better fuel economy. The EPA rated it at 27mpg in the city and 33 on the highway, which is a 4mpg advantage over the standard transmission. Upper trims come with optional paddle shifters, and the CVT does a great job as far as responsiveness and acceleration are concerned.
Off-Road Ready Features
While the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek’s design language has been subtly changed, the changes are more obvious during a visual comparison with the previous generation. The new Crosstrek has new headlights, a more muscular appearance, and larger taillights than the previous version. Under that new sheet metal, the Subaru Crosstrek sits atop the manufacturer’s global platform; it’s the same platform that the new Impreza uses. The new model keeps the old version’s 8.7” ground clearance, which is more than that of competitors from Cadillac and Chevrolet. It also keeps the previous generation’s impressive breakover, departure, and approach angles. The tall ride, stout suspension, and standard AWD make the Subaru Crosstrek surprisingly capable off-road.
Interior Space and Usability
Subaru claims that the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has an astounding 100.9 cu. ft. of interior room, which is easily accessible thanks to a larger rear opening. Even the front and rear doors seem to open much wider than average, which makes it easy to load and unload car seats and cargo. In line with its rugged looks and capabilities, the new Crosstrek has a roof rack that can be used to mount a variety of dealer-installed accessories.
What We Recommend
The entire Crosstrek line is relatively affordable, and all are great options. However, the ideal spot in the lineup is occupied by the mid-level Premium edition, which gives drivers access to the available EyeSight system. While this model doesn’t have top-tier amenities such as the larger touchscreen or leather seats, it’s still got enough options to make most drivers happy.
Stop by Today to Take a Test Drive
The last generation was great, but the 2018 Crosstrek fixes most of drivers’ minor nitpicks while keeping everything they loved. It’s comfortable, spacious, and relatively efficient. It’s capable over rough trails, and it has enough modern amenities to make it safe and easy to live with. Stop by our showroom to see it for yourself, and be sure to ask about our lease and purchase options. Alternatively, shoppers can call us at (888) 486-3576 to find out more about this year’s Crosstrek models.
