Many Significant Improvements are Coming this Summer on New Subaru Crosstrek; Most You Can’t See

The all-new 2018 Subaru Crosstrek makes its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show next week. Consumers can expect significant improvements, most you can’t see.

When the new-generation 2018 Subaru Crosstrek arrives in showrooms this summer, consumers can expect major improvements to the crossover utility vehicle, most you can’t see. Subaru of America announced the US-spec model will be unveiled in North America at the New York International Auto Show on April 14. What significant changes are coming?

The second-generation 2018 Subaru Crosstrek will get Subaru’s new design language that arrived first on the Impreza compact, but the big improvements come under the skin. It's the second model to get the new Subaru Global Platform (SGP) architecture that will change the vehicle's character. The new crossover also gets a newly-revamped 2.0-liter boxer engine with direct injection, improved ride and handling, standard X-MODE like Outback and Forester, new driver assist safety technology and a new multimedia system that adds Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

You can’t see the major changes

While the outside design isn’t all that different from the outgoing model, consumers won’t be able to see the major upgrades. Most come underneath the exterior of the new Crosstrek CUV. The interior will be more spacious because the wheelbase is 1.2-inch longer, and the body is 0.9-inch wider than the previous generation model. The rear liftgate opening is wider and the cargo area is larger for greater utility.

Under the hood, Crosstrek gets a newly-revamped 2.0-liter boxer engine (now 152-hp vs. 148 before) and gains direct-injection for improved power and fuel-efficiency. The new-generation Crosstrek rides on the new Subaru Global Platform with increased rigidity that translates into a quieter cabin, less vibration, significantly enhanced straight-line stability, agility, and ride comfort. X-MODE is standard on all Crosstrek models improving its off-road capabilities. The 2.0i base and Premium models come standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a newly-improved CVT automatic transmission.

Crosstrek gets safer

The newly-named Subaru Corporation is all about safety and the 2018 Crosstrek gets even safer for consumers. The new architecture underpinning the new CUV improves crash energy absorption by 40 percent over present models. The EyeSight driver-assist system now includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Departure and Sway Warning. Blind Spot Detection with Lane Keep Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also available. More on Page 2.

Available Steering Responsive Headlights are also new, which illuminate curves as the vehicle steers into them, and High Beam Assist have been added to the new crossover's features. The 2018 Crosstrek offers additional driver-assist technologies, including Reverse Automatic Braking and the display of steering lines for the standard rear vision camera.

The US-spec Crosstrek, with its new character, will be available in three trim levels, base, Premium, and Limited when the new-generation crossover utility vehicle arrives in North American showrooms this summer. Subaru of America will announce pricing closer to dealer launch. U.S. consumers can view the second-generation 2018 Subaru Crosstrek next week at the New York International Auto Show. You just won't be able to see all the improvements.

Photo credit: Subaru