How Much It Costs You To Own New River-Crossing Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru rolls out the new 2018 Crosstrek with river-crossing ability—find out how the new Crossover performs in KBB’s 2018 5-Year Cost to Own Awards.

Kelly Blue Book (KBB) just released their 2018 5-Year Cost to Own Awards and the all-new 2018 Subaru Crosstrek scores number one in the Compact SUV/Crossover category. Crosstrek has been a real star in the Japanese automaker’s lineup and is getting awards from around the globe for safety, it’s “go-anywhere” attitude, and overall new design featuring an improved ride and more comfortable cabin.

Now it shines as the lowest cost-to-own vehicle in the popular Compact SUV / Crossover category. KBB adds up all costs associated with a car for a 5 year period to come up with the winners. Costs such as fuel, maintenance, repairs, financing, insurance and one of the biggest factors of all, depreciation are all factors that affect a vehicle’s total ownership costs.

According to KBB’s calculations, Subaru Crosstrek’s 5-Year Cost to Own is $34,724. It beats the 2nd place finisher, 2018 Jeep Wrangler with a 5-Year Cost to Own: $34,874, and 3rd place finisher, 2018 Kia Sportage, 5-Year Cost to Own: $36,526.

What sets the all-new 2018 Subaru Crosstrek apart is its standard all-wheel-drive system, new Subaru Global Platform that improves safety and driving dynamics significantly, and has a starting price under $23,000. KBB says, “Subaru's small 5-passenger SUV plays well both on- and off-road, gets good fuel economy, and holds on to its resale value like it was giving out bear hugs.”

The new Crosstrek gets a newly-redesigned 2.0-liter Boxer engine for 2018MY with direct fuel injection. Subaru says around 80 percent of the parts are new on the power plant, and it’s 12 kg (26.4 lbs) lighter. It gets a bump in horsepower from 148hp to 154hp. The Lineartronic CVT automatic also gets lighter and gets new upgrades with a 7-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters. The 2.0-liter direct fuel injection boxer engine is more fuel-efficient (27/33 city/highway mpg, 29 combined mpg) with the CVT.

Crosstrek will cross a river

The new crossover is now equipped with X-Mode for enhanced drivability on poor road surfaces and gains real off-road capability for urban-adventurers who will use the small crossover to get away from civilization. It comes standard with 8.7-inches of river-crossing ground clearance. This makes the 2018 Crosstrek a true off-roader and more than a compact commuter.

Inside, the 2018 Crosstrek gets extra refinement with improved materials, more comfortable seats, a new 8.0-inch touch-screen display for the infotainment system, a new smaller-diameter steering wheel, and larger cabin and cargo carrying ability.

KBB asks, “Is the new Crosstrek worth owning? No question about it! If you want an all-wheel-drive compact SUV that's as adventurous as it is economical, the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek hits the bulls-eye. It's an enticing automotive amalgamation, blending hatchback versatility, the higher ride height and enhanced visibility of an SUV, and sedan-like driving manners."

Photo credit: Subaru