Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport, a vehicle that's been making waves in the compact SUV market. If you're looking for a ride that blends practicality with a dash of adventure, the Crosstrek Sport might just be your perfect match. We're going to cover everything from its performance and features to its pros and cons, ensuring you have all the info you need. Let's get started!

What Makes the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport Stand Out?

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport distinguishes itself with a unique combination of features tailored for those who crave a bit more excitement in their daily drive. Unlike the base models, the Sport trim adds several appealing upgrades that enhance both its aesthetics and functionality. One of the most notable enhancements is the more powerful 2.5-liter engine, which provides a significant boost in performance compared to the standard 2.0-liter engine found in lower trims. This larger engine delivers 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, making the Crosstrek Sport feel more responsive and capable, especially when accelerating or climbing hills. The increased power translates to a more confident driving experience, whether you're navigating city streets or venturing onto unpaved roads.

Beyond the engine, the Sport trim also includes distinctive design elements that set it apart visually. These include unique exterior accents such as dark gray alloy wheels, a distinctive grille design, and orange stitching on the interior. These touches give the Crosstrek Sport a more rugged and sporty appearance, aligning with its adventurous spirit. Inside, you'll find StarTex upholstery, a durable and water-repellent material that's perfect for active lifestyles. This material not only looks great but also stands up well to wear and tear, making it ideal for those who frequently engage in outdoor activities or have pets. Additionally, the Sport trim comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display, offering a more user-friendly infotainment experience compared to the smaller screen in the base models. This larger screen provides better visibility and easier access to features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Subaru's Starlink services. The combination of enhanced performance, distinctive styling, and practical features makes the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport a compelling choice for drivers seeking a versatile and capable compact SUV.

Performance and Handling: Is It Fun to Drive?

When it comes to performance and handling, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport offers a mixed bag that caters to both everyday practicality and occasional adventurous outings. The highlight of the Sport trim is undoubtedly its upgraded 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which provides a noticeable improvement over the base model's 2.0-liter engine. With 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, the Crosstrek Sport delivers more confident acceleration and a more responsive feel, especially when merging onto highways or tackling steep inclines. This extra power makes a significant difference in overall drivability, transforming the Crosstrek from feeling somewhat underpowered to adequately capable.

The standard all-wheel-drive system is a key feature of the Crosstrek, providing enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions. Whether you're navigating snowy roads, wet pavement, or light off-road trails, the AWD system helps maintain control and confidence. The Crosstrek's raised ground clearance of 8.7 inches further enhances its off-road capabilities, allowing it to clear obstacles and navigate uneven terrain with ease. While it's not a dedicated off-road vehicle, the Crosstrek Sport is more than capable of handling dirt roads, gravel paths, and other mild adventures. On the road, the Crosstrek Sport offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension effectively absorbs bumps and imperfections, providing a smooth and stable driving experience. The steering is precise and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and navigate winding roads. However, the Crosstrek is not particularly sporty in terms of handling. The body roll is noticeable in corners, and the steering lacks the sharpness and feedback of more performance-oriented vehicles. Nevertheless, for everyday driving and light off-road excursions, the Crosstrek Sport strikes a good balance between comfort and capability. The combination of a more powerful engine, standard all-wheel drive, and increased ground clearance makes it a versatile and enjoyable vehicle to drive.

Interior Comfort and Technology: What's Inside?

Stepping inside the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport, you'll find a cabin that prioritizes functionality and durability over outright luxury. The interior design is straightforward and practical, with an emphasis on user-friendliness and ease of use. While the materials aren't the most premium in the segment, they feel sturdy and well-assembled, suggesting they can withstand the rigors of daily use. One of the standout features of the Sport trim is the StarTex upholstery. This material is not only water-repellent but also resistant to stains and wear, making it an excellent choice for active individuals and families with pets. The seats themselves are comfortable and supportive, providing adequate cushioning for both short commutes and longer road trips. The driver's seat offers good adjustability, allowing you to find a comfortable driving position. The rear seats are reasonably spacious for a compact SUV, with enough legroom and headroom to accommodate adults on shorter journeys. However, taller passengers may find the rear somewhat cramped on longer trips.

In terms of technology, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport comes equipped with a range of features designed to enhance the driving experience. The centerpiece of the infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is a welcome upgrade over the smaller screen found in the base models. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system. This enables you to access your favorite apps, make calls, send messages, and stream music directly from the touchscreen. Subaru's Starlink system is also included, providing access to a range of connected services such as emergency assistance, remote vehicle monitoring, and automatic collision notification. The Sport trim also features a few additional tech amenities, such as keyless entry with push-button start, which adds a touch of convenience to your daily routine. Overall, the interior of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport offers a comfortable and functional space with a good balance of practicality and technology. While it may not be the most luxurious cabin in its class, it's well-suited to the needs of active drivers and families.

Fuel Efficiency: How Economical Is It?

Fuel efficiency is always a crucial factor to consider when purchasing a vehicle, and the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport offers respectable gas mileage for its class. Equipped with the 2.5-liter engine, the Crosstrek Sport achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, resulting in a combined rating of 29 mpg. These figures are quite competitive compared to other compact SUVs with all-wheel drive. In real-world driving conditions, the Crosstrek Sport generally lives up to its EPA estimates. However, fuel economy can vary depending on your driving style, road conditions, and the use of features like air conditioning. Aggressive acceleration and frequent stop-and-go traffic can decrease fuel efficiency, while gentle driving and consistent speeds on the highway can help you achieve or even exceed the EPA estimates.

One of the factors contributing to the Crosstrek's fuel efficiency is its continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT is designed to optimize engine performance and fuel economy by seamlessly adjusting the gear ratio to match the driving conditions. While some drivers may find the CVT's behavior to be a bit different from a traditional automatic transmission, it generally provides smooth and efficient performance. Additionally, the Crosstrek's relatively lightweight construction helps improve fuel economy. Compared to some of its competitors, the Crosstrek is lighter, which reduces the amount of energy required to accelerate and maintain speed. Overall, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport offers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. While it may not be the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market, it provides respectable gas mileage that should satisfy most drivers. The combination of a fuel-efficient engine, a smooth-shifting CVT, and lightweight construction makes it a practical and economical choice for daily driving and longer road trips.

Pros and Cons of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport

To give you a clear and concise overview, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport:

Pros:

• More Powerful Engine: The 2.5-liter engine offers significantly improved performance compared to the base model.
• Standard All-Wheel Drive: Provides excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions.
• Increased Ground Clearance: Enhances off-road capabilities and allows you to tackle rough terrain with ease.
• Durable Interior Materials: The StarTex upholstery is water-repellent and resistant to wear and tear.
• User-Friendly Technology: The 8-inch touchscreen display and smartphone integration make it easy to stay connected.
• Good Fuel Efficiency: Offers respectable gas mileage for its class.
• Sporty Aesthetics: Unique exterior and interior design elements give it a rugged and stylish appearance.

Cons:

• CVT Transmission: Some drivers may not like the feel of the CVT.
• Interior Isn't Luxurious: The cabin prioritizes functionality over premium materials.
• Can Be Noisy: Road and wind noise can be noticeable at higher speeds.
• Rear Seat Space: Taller passengers may find the rear seats cramped on long trips.

Final Verdict: Is the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport Right for You?

So, is the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport the right car for you? If you value versatility, capability, and practicality in a compact SUV, the answer is likely yes. The Crosstrek Sport offers a compelling package with its more powerful engine, standard all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, and durable interior materials. It's a great choice for those who enjoy outdoor adventures, live in areas with inclement weather, or simply want a reliable and fuel-efficient daily driver. However, if you prioritize luxury, sporty handling, or a quiet cabin, you may want to consider other options. The Crosstrek Sport's interior is functional but not luxurious, and its handling is more geared towards comfort than performance. Additionally, some drivers may find the CVT transmission to be less engaging than a traditional automatic. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the Crosstrek Sport is right for you is to take it for a test drive. Experience its performance, handling, and features firsthand to see if it meets your needs and preferences. If you're looking for a versatile and capable compact SUV that's ready for anything, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is definitely worth considering.