2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia
Overview:
This is the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid that is a small SUV and Subaru’s first plug-in hybrid that is referred to as StarDrive technology. It uniquely integrates two electric motors, where one functions as an engine starter and electricity generator. The second powers the vehicle for hybrid and electric driving modes and charges the battery during regenerative braking.
This is my idea of a move in the right direction for the transition period while we move toward an alternate propulsion system that proves to be the best long-term solution. Whether all electric or Hydrogen electric wins out in the end is anyone’s guess. Me, I’m guessing the final solution is 20 plus years into the future before we find out for sure. I always recommend that you stick with Hybrid cars for the best performance solution until then.
General Information:
Class- Small SUV; Cars from Subaru- Ascent, RZ, Crosstrek Hybrid, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, WRX.
Handling & Performance:
The new Hybrid is faster than the standard Crosstrek and is capable of speeds up to 65 mph in full electric mode. This EV (electric vehicle) has a range of 17 miles but up to 90 mpg with a total range of 480 miles when you count the battery power.
Subaru encourages owners to go off-road. “We actually say it’s fine to take this vehicle off-road,” said Garrick Goh, Subaru of America’s product planning manager for the Crosstrek Hybrid. “Some competitors’ owner’s manuals warn against it.” This is because Subaru appeals to buyers who have active lifestyles and love out of doors adventures.
Styling:
Typical small SUV styling that has satisfied the wants and wishes of consumers for several years now.
Fit and Finish:
Subaru quality assembly that makes Subaru a strong contender.
Cost:
Competitive in class.
Conveniences and comfort:
All the good stuff.
Consumer Recommendations:
Buy a hybrid until something better comes along.
Recognized Competition:
| Brand | $$$ Cost | MPG | Seating | Doors | Country of Origin | Assembled | Drive Train |
| Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid | 36,000 | 90 | 5 | 4 | Japan | Japan | AWD |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 28,000 | 27 | 5 | 4 | USA | Canada | AWD |
| GMC Terrain | 40,000 | 23 | 5 | 4 | USA | Canada | AWD |
| Toyota Prius Prime | 34,000 | 133 | 4 | 4 | Japan | Japan | FWD |
| Kia Niro | 36,000 | 105 | 5 | 4 | Korea | Korea | FWD |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | 42,000 | – | 5 | 4 | Japan | Japan | 4WD |
| Honda Clarity | 37,000 | 110 | 5 | 4 | Japan | USA | FWD |
| Lexus RX | 52,000 | 29 | 6 | 4 | Japan | Japan | AWD |
Good News:
Great fuel economy, off-road specialty, AWD, very good high-tech feature list, competitive pricing.
Bad News:
N/A
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter 137 HP 4-cylinder horizontally opposed (boxer) engine, Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable) transmission, Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, 18” alloy wheels, Eyesight driver assist tech, Adaptive cruise control, auto pre-collision braking, Lane departure, blind spot detection, Lane change assist, Rear cross traffic assist, climate control, electronic parking brake, hill start assist, keyless access with push button start, pedestrian alert system, power windows, locks and mirrors, rear vision camera, tire pressure monitor, dynamic control, steering responsive headlights, high beam assist fog lights, roof spoiler, roof rails, heated front seats, heated mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer, leather trimmed seats, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio, Bluetooth controls, 6-way power driver seat, multi-function display with hybrid functions, dual rear USB ports, Starlink 8 inch multimedia system , smartphone integration with CarPlay, Android Auto, Aha Pandora, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, audio with Sirius XM.
Gas Stats:
$3.09 / Gal avg. January 30, 2019
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
35 to 90 combined MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $34,995.
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