Sun | Oct 12, 2025

Underestimated No More: The Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i-L

Published:Monday | February 17, 2025 | 9:18 AMKareem LaTouche - Automotives Coordinator
Pause
Sleek and modern lines characterise the Crosstrek’s profile, promising both urban agility and capable off-road performance.
Kareem Latouche
Sleek and modern lines characterise the Crosstrek’s profile, promising both urban agility and capable off-road performance.
The Crosstrek’s commanding stance hints at its all-wheel-drive prowess, ready to tackle any adventure.
Kareem Latouche
The Crosstrek’s commanding stance hints at its all-wheel-drive prowess, ready to tackle any adventure.
The bold grille and sharp headlights give the Crosstrek a confident and assertive face.
Kareem Latouche
The bold grille and sharp headlights give the Crosstrek a confident and assertive face.
Character lines flow seamlessly from front to rear, emphasising the Crosstrek’s dynamic design.
Kareem Latouche
Character lines flow seamlessly from front to rear, emphasising the Crosstrek’s dynamic design.
The Crosstrek’s robust rear end exudes practicality and rugged charm.
Kareem Latouche
The Crosstrek’s robust rear end exudes practicality and rugged charm.
Spacious and well-appointed, the Crosstrek’s interior offers a comfortable and tech-savvy environment for driver and passengers.
Kareem Latouche
Spacious and well-appointed, the Crosstrek’s interior offers a comfortable and tech-savvy environment for driver and passengers.
Connectivity is key with an array of ports, including USB A and C, ensuring devices stay powered and connected.
Kareem Latouche
Connectivity is key with an array of ports, including USB A and C, ensuring devices stay powered and connected.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel provides a comfortable grip and easy access to key controls.
Kareem Latouche
The leather-wrapped steering wheel provides a comfortable grip and easy access to key controls.
The 11.6” touchscreen dominates the dashboard, offering intuitive controls and seamless smartphone integration.
Kareem Latouche
The 11.6” touchscreen dominates the dashboard, offering intuitive controls and seamless smartphone integration.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

I have always seen Subaru as a vehicle many people underestimate. It never tries to be the flashiest brand, yet it consistently delivers in key areas like safety and handling. This spec, the Crosstrek 2.0i-L MID level, was a new one for me, and it quickly became apparent why Subaru has such a loyal following.

Outside

Available in eye-catching colours like pearl, oasis, and offshore metallic, the Crosstrek boasts a rugged yet refined exterior. Riding on 17” aluminum wheels with 225/60R17 tires, it commands a confident presence. The front fascia, with its bold grille and sharp headlights, conveys a sense of purpose. Speaking of those headlights, they offer excellent visibility, and thanks to the Auto Level with Steer Responsive Headlight system, they adjust dynamically to road conditions. This is a feature that really helped me out in rainy conditions. Size-wise, it sits comfortably between the compact Impreza and the larger Forester, making it ideal for both urban and suburban environments.

Interior

Stepping inside, you are greeted by a spacious and well-appointed interior. The Dual Zone Auto air-conditioning system ensures comfortable temperatures for both driver and passenger. The centrepiece is the premium multifunction 11.6-inch touchscreen display audio system, boasting six speakers and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connectivity is further enhanced by USB ports, an Auxiliary audio input jack, and 12V power outlets. The system also features Bluetooth capability and a voice recognition system for hands-free convenience.

Comfort is prioritised with fabric seats featuring passenger detection and seat belt warnings. Manual adjustable front seats and 60/40 split folding rear seats offer flexibility and adaptability. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, complete with audio and cruise control, provides a premium touch.

Safety First

Subaru prioritises safety with an impressive suite of features. Standard across the range are Driver/Passenger front, front side, side curtain, and driver knee airbags. The tire pressure monitoring system and automatic rain sensing windshield wipers add further peace of mind.

Driving Experience

Powered by a 2-litre engine, the Crosstrek delivers 156HP and 144.5lb-ft of torque. The Lineatronic CVT Transmission with Paddle Shifters provides smooth and efficient power delivery. The true star of the show, however, is Subaru’s renowned symmetrical All Wheel Drive (AWD) system. Coupled with the horizontally opposed, four cylinder, four-stroke engine with idle stop start, it ensures confident handling in all weather conditions.

The driving experience is further enhanced by the Stablex suspension, which delivers a comfortable and composed ride. Safety features abound, including the renowned Eyesight technology, which encompasses pre-collision braking and throttle management, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-sway warning, and lane-keep assist.

Convenience Features

The Crosstrek 2.0i-L is packed with convenience features. Smart entry and push-button start make getting in and ignition effortless. The speed-assist system and hill descent control enhance driver ease, while the engine immobiliser provides added security.

The Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i-L is a compelling option in the compact SUV segment. Its blend of practicality, safety, and capability makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of drivers. While it may not be the flashiest vehicle on the road, it consistently delivers on what matters most: a reliable, safe, and enjoyable driving experience.

Engine: 2 litre

Horsepower: 152 hp

Torque: 145 lb-ft

Transmission: CVT, AWD

Fuel tank: 62 litres

Body Type: compact SUV

Vehicle was provided courtesy of Kingston Industrial Garage Ltd, 923-6479, sales@kigjamaica.com.