Why Subaru Crosstrek Excels Where Most Crossovers Fail

Subaru created the all-wheel-drive crossover niche. Where most crossovers fail, the 2018 Crosstrek excels.

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek benefits from years of Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology, and it’s been perfected in the unique crossover. Subaru was the first automaker to create a niche market of all-wheel-drive SUVs and crossovers and its why the brand dominates all other small vehicles today when it comes to getting away from civilization and keeping travelers safe.

It starts with the Subaru boxer engine that sits low in the new Crosstrek chassis that gives the crossover a lower center of gravity. While other small SUVs are top heavy, even with Crosstrek’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance, it stays level even when it’s subjected to extreme grades and off-road situations. Do you need to cross a stream or navigate an uneven steep mountain trail?

X-Mode changes everything

For the first time, all trims of the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek are available with X-MODE. Subaru’s X-MODE can be used for extreme off road situations, or for helping you get out of a sticky situation like in the video below. It also features new Hill Decent Control that helps maintain a constant speed when traveling downhill enhancing vehicle control.

When the wheels begin to slide or slip in sticky slick mud or deep snow, the average all-wheel-drive vehicle will still get stuck. The 2018 Crosstrek with X-MODE changes that and is easy to engage with the push of a switch located on the center console. X-MODE allows you to keep your foot off the brake and let the system do the work, and you can keep your attention on a steep narrow trail or in extreme off-road conditions.

Urban-dwellers could also encounter sticky situations close to home if you live in a cold or rainy climate. X-MODE will allow any driver regardless of skill level, to escape a dicey situation with the flip of a switch and get home safely.

Vehicle Dynamics Control enhances control

Crosstrek also uses what Subaru calls Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) which also incorporates an all-wheel, all-speed traction control system that senses a loss of traction and applies braking force to the slipping wheel or wheels as necessary to maintain vehicle motion. It can get you back home when other SUVs will leave you stranded in the back country.

It’s what Subaru owners have known for years, you can feel confident in taking the Subaru Crosstrek into the wilderness for weekend adventures like getting to the trailhead for hiking, mountain biking, back-country camping and transportation over an icy mountain pass to get to the ski slope.

Watch Subaru XV Symmetrical AWD video to get an idea of what it can do.

Photo credit: Subaru