2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport: A Comprehensive Review

by Alex Braham 52 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into a comprehensive review of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport. This compact SUV has been making waves in the market, and for good reason. We’re going to cover everything from its performance and features to its interior and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is a standout model in the Crosstrek lineup, known for its blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and off-road capability. This compact SUV is designed to appeal to those who need a reliable daily driver that can also handle weekend adventures. The Sport trim adds a touch of sportiness with unique styling elements and additional features that enhance its appeal. What makes the Crosstrek Sport special is its ability to offer a balanced driving experience, making it suitable for both city commutes and outdoor escapades. Its standard all-wheel-drive system and raised ground clearance set it apart from many competitors in the compact SUV segment, providing confidence in various driving conditions. Additionally, the 2020 model year brought some notable improvements and refinements, making the Crosstrek Sport an even more compelling option for buyers. Whether you’re navigating urban streets or exploring off-the-beaten-path trails, the Crosstrek Sport is built to handle it all. In this review, we'll break down all the key aspects of this vehicle, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your needs. From its performance and interior features to its safety and overall value, we’ve got you covered. So, let's jump into the details and explore what makes the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport a popular choice among SUV enthusiasts.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport offers a solid experience that’s well-suited for a variety of driving situations. Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. While this might not sound like a powerhouse, it provides adequate power for daily driving and light off-roading. The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with the CVT being the more popular choice for its smooth operation and fuel efficiency. One of the Crosstrek Sport's biggest strengths is its standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. This system provides excellent traction and stability, making it a capable performer in various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and even light off-road terrain. The raised ground clearance of 8.7 inches further enhances its off-road capabilities, allowing it to tackle uneven surfaces and obstacles with ease. Handling in the Crosstrek Sport is generally nimble and responsive. The steering is well-weighted, providing good feedback to the driver. The suspension does a decent job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections, although it can feel a bit firm on rougher surfaces. In terms of fuel economy, the Crosstrek Sport performs admirably. The CVT-equipped models achieve an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, making it a fuel-efficient choice for daily commutes and long road trips. The manual transmission variant has slightly lower fuel economy ratings but offers a more engaging driving experience for those who prefer it. Overall, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport delivers a balanced performance that combines practicality with capability. It may not be the fastest or most powerful SUV in its class, but its all-wheel-drive system, ground clearance, and fuel efficiency make it a versatile and appealing option for a wide range of drivers.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport, you'll find a cabin that prioritizes functionality and comfort. The interior design is straightforward and practical, with durable materials and a layout that's easy to navigate. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making them suitable for both short commutes and longer journeys. The Sport trim adds some unique touches to the interior, such as sporty cloth upholstery with orange stitching, which gives it a more distinctive and youthful feel. The cabin is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate five passengers, although taller adults might find the rear seats a bit tight on longer trips. Cargo space is decent, with 20.8 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. Folding the rear seats down expands the cargo area to 55.3 cubic feet, providing ample room for luggage, groceries, or outdoor gear. The 2020 Crosstrek Sport comes equipped with a range of features designed to enhance convenience and connectivity. The standard infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is a significant upgrade over the base model's smaller screen. The system is intuitive and responsive, with clear graphics and easy-to-use menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are included, allowing seamless smartphone connectivity. Other standard features in the Sport trim include keyless entry, automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Higher trims and optional packages add features such as a sunroof, heated front seats, and a premium audio system. From a technology standpoint, the 2020 Crosstrek Sport offers a solid set of features that cater to modern drivers. The infotainment system is user-friendly, and the inclusion of smartphone integration is a major plus. While the interior might not be the most luxurious in its class, it’s functional, comfortable, and well-equipped for the price. The overall design emphasizes practicality and durability, making it a great choice for those who need a reliable and versatile SUV.

Technology and Safety

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport shines when it comes to technology and safety features, making it a well-rounded choice for drivers who prioritize these aspects. On the technology front, the Crosstrek Sport comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is a significant upgrade from the base model’s smaller screen. This larger display makes it easier to navigate menus and access various functions. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone for navigation, music, and more. Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a rearview camera are also standard, adding to the convenience. One of the standout tech features in the Crosstrek Sport is the Starlink multimedia system, which offers a range of connected services, including emergency assistance, vehicle diagnostics, and remote services via a smartphone app. This system can be particularly useful for added peace of mind on the road. When it comes to safety, the 2020 Crosstrek Sport is well-equipped with a variety of standard and available features. Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full suite of airbags. The Sport trim also includes Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system as an option, which adds features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These advanced safety technologies can help prevent accidents and enhance overall driving safety. The 2020 Crosstrek has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick, highlighting its strong performance in crash tests and its advanced safety features. Overall, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport offers a compelling combination of technology and safety features. The infotainment system is user-friendly and well-equipped, while the available safety technologies provide added peace of mind. With its strong safety ratings and comprehensive set of features, the Crosstrek Sport is a smart choice for safety-conscious buyers.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the pros and cons of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport to give you a clear picture of what this SUV has to offer. Understanding both the strengths and weaknesses can help you make an informed decision about whether it's the right vehicle for you.

Pros:

  • Standard All-Wheel Drive: The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is a major selling point, providing excellent traction and stability in various driving conditions, including snow and light off-road situations.
  • Fuel Efficiency: The Crosstrek Sport offers impressive fuel economy, especially with the CVT, making it an economical choice for daily commuting and long trips.
  • Ground Clearance: With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Crosstrek Sport can handle rough terrain and obstacles that many other compact SUVs can't.
  • Infotainment System: The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is user-friendly and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration for seamless smartphone connectivity.
  • Safety Features: Available EyeSight driver-assist system and excellent safety ratings make the Crosstrek Sport a safe and reliable choice.
  • Sporty Styling: The Sport trim adds unique styling elements, such as sporty cloth upholstery and exterior accents, giving it a more distinctive look.

Cons:

  • Engine Power: The 2.0-liter engine can feel underpowered, especially when fully loaded or driving uphill. Acceleration isn't the Crosstrek's strong suit.
  • Rear Seat Space: While the cabin is generally spacious, rear-seat legroom can be tight for taller adults on longer trips.
  • Cargo Space: Although the cargo area is decent, some competitors offer more space, especially with the rear seats folded down.
  • Ride Comfort: The ride can be a bit firm on rough roads, which might not be ideal for those prioritizing comfort above all else.

In summary, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport has many strengths, particularly its all-wheel-drive capability, fuel efficiency, and safety features. However, it's essential to consider its limitations, such as engine power and rear-seat space, to ensure it meets your specific needs. Weighing these pros and cons can help you determine if the Crosstrek Sport is the right fit for your lifestyle.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport? Overall, this compact SUV is a well-rounded vehicle that offers a lot of value for its price. It's particularly appealing to those who need a versatile vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures. The standard all-wheel-drive system is a standout feature, providing excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions and on different terrains. This makes it a great choice for drivers who live in areas with snow or frequently encounter rough roads. Fuel efficiency is another strong point, especially with the CVT-equipped models. The Crosstrek Sport offers impressive gas mileage, making it an economical option for daily driving and long trips. The raised ground clearance adds to its off-road capability, allowing it to tackle trails and obstacles that many other compact SUVs can't handle.

The interior is functional and comfortable, with a user-friendly infotainment system and smartphone integration. While the rear seat space and cargo capacity aren't the largest in the class, they're adequate for most needs. Safety is a major highlight, with excellent crash test ratings and available advanced safety features like the EyeSight system. However, the engine power is a notable drawback. The 2.0-liter engine can feel underpowered, especially when the vehicle is fully loaded or climbing hills. If you prioritize brisk acceleration and powerful performance, you might find the Crosstrek Sport lacking in this area. In conclusion, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is a solid choice for those seeking a versatile, fuel-efficient, and safe compact SUV with all-wheel-drive capability. It's ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, city dwellers, and anyone who needs a reliable vehicle for various driving conditions. While it may not be the fastest or most spacious SUV in its class, its strengths in all-wheel-drive performance, fuel efficiency, and safety make it a compelling option. If you value these qualities and can live with the modest engine power, the Crosstrek Sport is definitely worth considering. I hope this review has given you a comprehensive understanding of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport. Happy driving, guys!