How the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Compares to its Rivals in the Compact SUV Genre

Sporty and distinctive, the Subaru Crosstrek promises to help you get out of your rut and off the beaten path. It is uniquely designed to deliver car-like performance on the pavement, but to be more than capable in off-road situations. Whether you're headed to the beach or the office, the mountains or the grocery store, the Crosstrek can easily get you there in style. Of course, buyers on the fence will find quite a few competing models in this increasingly crowded market segment. How does the Crosstrek stack up to the likes of Honda's HR-V, or Nissan's Rogue? Let's conduct a quick head-to-head comparison with some of the compact SUV's top competitors.

Subaru Crosstrek Overview

For 2019, the Crosstrek receives no style updates but does gain new Starlink features. Additionally, Subaru has made additional features available across the Crosstrek trim levels. All of them feature the same spacious interior design with plenty of cargo space, and there are safety features available that many competitors lack entirely. The high ground clearance does more than lend the Crosstrek an unmistakable look, too - it ensures that you can go just about anywhere and do so comfortably.

There are three trim levels for the Crosstrek - the 2.0i, 2.0i Premium, and the 2.0i Limited. All of them feature the same 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Note that all trim levels are native all-wheel drive, as well, which is something you won't find with many competitors.

The base trim features 17-inch wheels, folding rear seats, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Note that the EyeSight® system is available as an upgrade, which brings additional safety and driver assist items. The 2.0 Premium trim brings automatic headlights, a better sound system, additional Starlink features, and heated seats.

Upgrading to the highest trim, the 2.0i Limited level, brings 18-inch wheels and LED adaptive headlights. You'll also get a larger touchscreen (eight inches) and automatic climate control. All of the optional features in the EyeSight® system are standard on this trim, too.

Subaru Crosstrek vs. Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V is a close competitor to the Crosstrek, although it does not bring everything to the table that the Subaru does. For 2019, Honda refreshed the HR-V's front and rear and added a couple of new trim levels. Honda also finally implemented CarPlay and Android Auto.

There are five trim levels available for the HR-V today - the LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring. The same 1.8-liter engine is used for all of them. The base model offers 17-inch wheels, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera, as well as a five-inch infotainment screen. The Sport brings 18-inch wheels to the table, along with fog lights, a roof rack, a larger touchscreen, and the availability of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

With the EX trim, you get automatic headlights, as well as most of the safety features we would expect to be standard equipment, such as blind spot monitoring and the like. The Sensing suite is standard from this trim upward. The EX-L adds leather, while the Touring brings differently styled wheels, and LED headlights, along with voice recognition for the navigation system.

For an excellent compact SUV that can deliver more power, cargo space, and interior space, stick with the Subaru Crosstrek over the HR-V.

Subaru Crosstrek vs. Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is an interesting entry to the segment, and for 2019, it gains a couple of new trim levels, as well as the availability of CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the base model still suffers from an engine that is just too small for the car's bulk, and the ride quality is sloppy. Many people find that the rear legroom is too low and that the CX-5 lacks the same cargo capacity as most competitors, particularly the Crosstrek.

There are five trim levels offered with the CX-5 today - the Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature. The base model offers 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, and a push-button ignition. It does include some safety features, as well, such as blind spot monitoring. The Touring trim level brings the i-ACTIVESENSE® suite of safety features, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and some additional USB ports.

The Grand Touring offers 19-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, and a new driver information display, as well as a navigation system. Grand Touring Reserve models get all the standard features plus a larger engine. These are also all-wheel drive models. The Signature level trim adds luxury features like wood trim, but also comes with a surround camera.

Overall, the CX-5 cannot compete with the roominess of the Crosstrek as well as its ability to conquer tough weather conditions and rough terrain.

Subaru Crosstrek vs. Nissan Rogue

The 2019 Nissan Rogue brings some new safety aids to the table, but no changes to anything else. It also suffers from weak acceleration and a poorly-designed (outdated) infotainment system, combined with poor visibility all the way around the vehicle due to its exterior styling.

Buyers can choose three trim levels with the Rogue - the S, SV, and SL trims. The base model includes 17-inch wheels, a seven-inch infotainment screen, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warning and lane keeping help. The SV trim changes out the steel wheels for alloy wheels, and adds dual-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, and rear parking sensors.

The SL trim ups the ante with the 19-inch wheels, a Bose audio system, and the ProPilot Assist system, which includes semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

The Crosstrek easily edges out the new Rogue thanks to the capable Subaru Boxer engine, symmetrical all-wheel drive, more safety features, and enhanced efficiency.

Trekking the Competition, the Subaru Comes Out Ahead

It should be clear that the Crosstrek manages to outperform and out-deliver all of its competitors, and it does so easily. With features you won't find in the HR-V, CX-5, or Rogue, it's easy to see that you can't go wrong with the Subaru Crosstrek, no matter which trim package you choose. The Crosstrek is an especially popular choice among those looking to get a little more outdoor adventure and utility in their compact SUV thanks to Subaru's standard all-wheel drive, impressive ground clearance, and endless capability. Find one at your local dealership today!