Consumer Reports Is Totally Confused With The New Subaru Crosstrek

Consumer Reports only gets part of it right.

Consumer Reports (CR) gets the new Subaru Crosstrek right in one way, yet they are confused with the new subcompact SUV in another area. First, I'll explain how they got it right and then where they need clarification. 

How does the Crosstrek stack up against other small SUVs in the same price range? Consumer Reports says the 2024 Crosstrek is the best small SUV you can buy now. 

In an updated report (by subscription), CR named the Crosstrek the best small SUV this year for under $30,000. 

I've listed the top ten picks by CR in order of the best to least overall score. 

1. Subaru Crosstrek - 87
2. Hyundai Tucson - 82
3. Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid - 79
4. Honda HR-V - 74
5. Kia Sportage - 74
6. Chevrolet Equinox - 71
7. Nissan Rogue - 70
8. Toyota Corolla Cross - 69
9. Kia Seltos - 68
10. Mazda CX- 30

Consumer Reports has The Crosstrek ranked far ahead of the competition. 

What does Consumer Reports say about the new Crosstrek subcompact SUV?

"The Subaru Crosstrek got an evolutionary redesign for 2024. It's still essentially a raised Impreza hatchback with a very comfortable ride and standard AWD. Acceleration from the standard 2.0-liter engine is leisurely, and we got 29 mpg overall in our tests." 

I'm surprised that Consumer Reports is still confused with the new Crosstrek. It is NOT "a raised Impreza hatchback." 

They are similar but far from the exact vehicle except for ground clearance, as CR says. 

They share some of the same interior features, infotainment technology, EyeSight safety upgrades, and Subaru's Global platform. That's about it.

The Impreza offers a lower center of gravity, delivering a more responsive and dynamic driving experience. At the same time, the Crosstrek, with its lifted body and available roof rails, provides a more commanding sight line, better outward visibility, and more cargo-carrying ability. Those are just a few of the differences. 

There's a lot more.

The all-new 2024 Subaru Impreza and redesigned 2024 Subaru Crosstrek may look similar on the outside, but they have distinct differences.

In a recent YouTube video, Subaru says, "Compare size, ground clearance, engines, MPG, cargo space, interiors, towing capacity, price and more in this side-by-side review of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2024 Subaru Impreza. You'll discover everything that differentiates these vehicles and find which Subaru is right for you."

The body style, size, and shape are the same.

As mentioned, the Crosstrek and Impreza have similar, right-sized body shapes. 

Here's where they are significantly different. 

The Impreza has a lower center of gravity, delivering a more responsive and dynamic driving experience. The Impreza offers customers a great compact car for city dwellers. 

Subaru raised the Crosstrek to give it an SUV capability. Impreza is a compact car.  The Crosstrek's body is lifted and has available roof rails, so the total height difference between the two models is about five inches.

This extra height gives Crosstrek drivers a more commanding sight line and better outward visibility.

The Crosstrek can tow a small trailer.

In the Crosstrek Wilderness, the standard towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, while the Impreza only has a 1,500 lb. towing capability. 

Ground clearance, X-Mode, and specialized trim levels set Crosstrek apart. 

With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode, the Crosstrek is suited for venturing off the beaten path. The Wilderness trim on the Crosstrek offers even more ground clearance (9.3 inches). Impreza sits 5.1 inches off the ground. 

Wilderness trims have all-terrain tires and, like the Crosstrek Sport and Limited, a more advanced dual-function X-mode for more extreme conditions, such as deep snow, deep sand, and mud. Impreza doesn't have X-Mode or dual-function X-Mode. 

You can sleep on the Crosstrek's roof.

The standard roof rails on the Crosstrek Wilderness can handle up to 700 pounds of static load for bikes, kayaks, or even a rooftop tent. Extra tie-down points provide even more cargo-hauling versatility and practicality, so you can bring any gear you need. But not on the Impreza. 

Roof rails and crossbars come on most trims.

For cargo that won't fit in the cabin, roof rails come standard on most trims of the Crosstrek, and crossbars can be added. The Impreza doesn't come with roof rails. You'll only get standard mounting points on the Crosstrek to install available crossbars.

Interior comforts and conveniences

The Crosstrek offers perforated leather or water-repellent StarTex upholstery, depending on the trim. Not so on the Impreza.

So, saying the Crosstrek is still essentially a raised Impreza hatchback' is a misconception. The Crosstrek offers unique features and capabilities that set it apart from the Impreza. 

The Crosstrek, with its SUV capability, lifted body, off-road upgrades, and more cargo-carrying and towing ability makes it a unique choice for those seeking versatility. 

Ok. I've vented enough. 

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I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru North Orlando