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If you’re looking for a capable and stylish small SUV, the Subaru Crosstrek Sport is a great option. We recently had the chance to test drive the 2019 model in Texas, and we were impressed with its performance and features. Keep reading to learn more about the Crosstrek Sport and what we thought of it.
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Introduction
We got our first drive of the all-new Subaru Crosstrek Sport in Texas and were very impressed. The Crosstrek Sport is a great little crossover SUV with plenty of power and excellent handling. It’s also very well equipped, with a spacious interior and a long list of standard features. We think the Crosstrek Sport is one of the best values in the SUV market and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a small SUV.
The New Crosstrek Sport
The all-new Crosstrek Sport is a great addition to the Subaru lineup. It’s a small SUV with a lot of heart. And it’s packed with features that make it a great choice for the active lifestyle. We took it for a spin in Texas and came away impressed.
Exterior
The 2019 Crosstrek Sport is immediately distinguishable from the regular Crosstrek with its black-trimmed front end. The Sport model also gets 18-inch black aluminum alloy wheels, instead of the standard 17s. Along with these changes, the Sport is only offered in two colors: Crystal Black Silica and Quartz Blue Pearl.
Interior
The Crosstrek Sport 2019 model’s interior has significantly more black plastic and sporty red stitching. The infotainment system is a 6.5-inch Subaru Starlink multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. It has one USB port in the center console and another in the glove compartment.The car has automatic climate control, a six-speaker audio system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, height-adjustable front seats, and 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks.
Under the Hood
The 2.0-liter is a flat-four “boxer” engine, like all current Subarus. It produces 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. That’s not a ton of output, but the Crosstrek is a pretty light vehicle. It weighs 3,181 pounds in base form and 3,263 pounds in Sport trim. The six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Sport and both CVT automatic options are available.
Driving the Crosstrek Sport
It was a muggy morning when I headed out to pick up the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Sport. The Crosstrek is Subaru’s answer to the Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Nissan Rogue Sport and Toyota C-HR. It’s a tall order, but the Crosstrek has always been a good value. The Sport model, which is new for 2019, is the most expensive Crosstrek, but it’s still a bargain compared to its rivals.
On-Road
In terms of straight-line speed, the Crosstrek Sport is identical to the standard model. That’s because both are powered by the same 2.0-liter flat-four engine, which produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. We tested a Crosstrek Sport with the CVT and all-wheel drive; Subaru estimates it’ll hit 60 mph in 9.0 seconds, which is about average for a compact crossover SUV.
While the Crosstrek Sport doesn’t offer any extra power, it does get exclusive suspension tuning that Subaru says will make it more fun to drive on twisty roads. The changes include firmer springs, unique 18-inch wheels ( vs. 17s on other Crosstreks), and tweaked programming for the X-Mode off-road system and stability control system. We’re happy to report that these modifications don’t come at the expense of ride comfort – our test vehicle rode smoothly over even the roughest city streets.
Off-Road
The Crosstrek Sport is a great choice for those who want a versatile vehicle that can handle all kinds of conditions, both on and off the road. With standard all-wheel drive and plenty of ground clearance, the Crosstrek Sport is capable of tackling most any terrain you might encounter.
The Sport model also comes with a few extra features that make it even more capable off-road, including hill descent control and X-Mode. These features give the Crosstrek Sport even more sure-footedness when the going gets tough.
If you’re looking for a vehicle that can take you anywhere you want to go, no matter what the conditions, the Crosstrek Sport should definitely be on your list.
Conclusion
Subaru Crosstrek Sport 2019: First Drive in Texas – Conclusion:
We had a great time driving the new Crosstrek Sport around Texas and really enjoyed its sporty handling and comfortable cabin. The only downside is that it doesn’t have a ton of horsepower under the hood. However, if you’re looking for a fun and practical car that’s perfect for weekend getaways, the Crosstrek Sport is definitely worth considering.
