Improvements Made to the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek in Southern Louisiana

Since the Crosstrek arrived in 2013, sales have gone up every year. Now, the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek near Lafayette, LA is ready to continue the trend. While it’s still heavily based on the company’s also-popular Impreza hatchback, the Crosstrek has upgraded safety, infotainment, and powertrain features, along with greater comfort, utility, and refinement. Here, buyers can find out more about the 2018 Crosstrek.

The Lineup

For 2018, the Crosstrek lineup includes three trims: the base model, the Premium, and the Limited. All are powered by a four-cylinder engine, and all have standard AWD (all-wheel drive). Buyers can choose between a CVT with seven different ratios or a six-speed manual, and the Crosstrek’s 8.7” of ground clearance still puts it near the top of its class.

Design and Styling

While the Subaru line has never been heralded for its good looks, the appearance of the 2018 Crosstrek is more in line with its competitors. The outside may be a bit quirky, but all those quirks disappear upon entering the cabin. Subaru has taken measures to maximize visibility, they’ve dressed up the Limited’s cabin with orange stitching, and they’ve added a dashboard display with multiple information types. These features, among others, make the Crosstrek a compelling choice for style-conscious drivers.

Seating and Interior

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek’s front seats are surprisingly comfortable, offering ample support and a wide range of adjustment capabilities. The driver gets a thick, pleasant-to-touch steering wheel, and there are soft-touch surfaces throughout the cabin. Rear seats are roomy, and because the Crosstrek sits so high, it seems more comfortable than the Impreza on which it’s based. There’s 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, which grows to over 55 cu. ft. with the back seat folded. All Crosstreks come with roof rails, and when crossbars are installed, the vehicle can accommodate a range of dealer-available accessories. Stop by or call today for more details.

Controls and Features

While Subaru is known for its unconventional styling, that’s not an apt description of the Crosstrek’s controls. Everything is positioned just where one would expect it to be, and everything works in the expected way. By upgrading from the base model to the Premium trim, buyers get a windshield defroster, wiper-connected headlights, heated front seating, and heated mirrors. They also get the StarLink system, as well as access to a variety of driver-assistance and collision avoidance options.

Technology and Safety

With the StarLink service, drivers get subscription-based amenities that make the 2018 Crosstrek safer and even more convenient. StarLink is free for the first year, and it includes SOS emergency calls, auto collision notification, and roadside assistance. With the optional Security Plus package, drivers get vehicle recovery service, remote vehicle location, and remote access to the vehicle’s locks, horn, and lights. Models with the CVT can get blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert, and the EyeSight driver assistance and safety package.

What We Think

Thanks to its robust architecture, the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek in Lafayette, LA has a redefined ride, but it keeps its scrappy character. A direct injection 2.0L four-cylinder engine is the only option, putting out 152hp and 145 lb. ft. of torque. An all-new six-speed manual transmission is standard on the base and Premium models, while the top-tier Limited comes with a seven-speed CVT and paddle shifters. We like its reworked suspension, quick-ratio electronic steering system, torque vectoring, and aluminum wheels. Given the vehicle’s conservative nature, we suggest going with the CVT due to its ability to maximize available power.

Steering and On/Off-Road Capability

The larger (18”) tires on the Limited trim increase on-road grip. The Crosstrek’s quick steering may take some getting used to, but the vehicle’s brakes perform flawlessly in all cases. During hill descents, the available X-Mode slows things to a crawl, which allows drivers to focus on their safety and security. The vehicle performs surprisingly well on slick terrain, and those who choose the manual transmission will like the hill holder clutch that holds the vehicle in place during launch. The new Crosstrek feels compliant as far as ride quality and handling are concerned, and it has considerable off-road chops. All in all, it’s adequately capable in most situations.

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