Why Adventure Enthusiasts Don’t Want the New Subaru Crosstrek Limited

What’s the difference between the new 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Base, Premium and Limited Models? Base and Premium trims have one big advantage.

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i base model starts at $21,795 and here’s what you get. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter boxer engine producing 152hp, and gets an EPA/DOT 33 mpg highway with standard all-wheel-drive. With the Base and Premium 2.0i models you can get the new 6-speed manual gearbox, Limited only gets the Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Subaru says the manual transmission is not available on Limited, but it gets a special CVT.

Subaru knows 30 percent of buyers will take the recreation-purposed Crosstrek off-road. There’s 8.7-inches of ground clearance making Crosstrek a true recreational vehicle, and X-Mode with Hill Decent Control for extreme off-road is available on the base trim, but it's only available with the CVT. One of the big changes for 2018, all Crosstreks get Active Torque Vectoring (ATV), first introduced on the WRX and WRX STI performance cars. Consumers will get greater control of the crossover and improved hazard-avoidance capabilities. The system helps reduce understeer and keeps the vehicle on the driver’s intended cornering path.

Outside Crosstrek 2.0i comes with raised roof rails for carrying cargo carriers, bikes, snowboards and other recreation equipment. 17-inch alloy wheels, rear vision camera, cloth interior, Subaru’s updated 6.5-inch touch screen Starlink multimedia system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Pandora integration and HD radio. The 60/40-split-folding rear seats fold flat for additional cargo-carrying ability. The Base trim can get the optional CVT with Adaptive Control and Incline Start Assist.

Crosstrek 2.0i Premium

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Premium model ($22,595) gets added technology to elevated comfort and convenience. It comes with the above base model features and adds Auto-on/off headlights, heated body-color side mirrors, welcome lighting when you approach the vehicle, cloth upholstery with orange stitching, and heated front seats.

Crosstrek 2.0i Limited

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Limited ($26,295) trim comes with the base and Premium features and adds extras like new 18-inch alloy wheels, X-Mode with Hill Decent Control is standard, LED steering responsive headlights, Blind-Spot detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic alert are also standard. Limited also gets leather-trimmed seats with 6-way power driver’s seat, automatic climate control, and keyless access with push-button start.

The big advantage of the Base and Premium 2.0i trims? They are available with the new 6-speed manual gearbox for added control when adventure enthusiasts use Crosstrek for recreation and off-road use. The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Limited trims are only available with the Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). But Limited comes standard with the sportier CVT with the 7-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters.

Subaru knows not many top-of-the-lineup Limited customers are going to use their new 2018 Crosstrek for off-road adventures, so it's a bit puzzling why it comes standard with X-Mode. Base and Premium customers are more likely to be the adventurous group who will use their crossover for weekend trips to get away from civilization.

Photo credit: Subaru