2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premium CVT: A Comprehensive Review

by Alex Braham 58 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premium CVT. If you're in the market for a versatile, compact SUV that's ready for both city streets and weekend adventures, the Crosstrek should definitely be on your radar. Let's break down what makes this car so appealing, covering everything from its performance and features to its value and overall driving experience. This in-depth review will give you all the essential information you need to decide if the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premium CVT is the right fit for your lifestyle. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premium CVT

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premium CVT stands out in the crowded compact SUV market with its blend of practicality, capability, and value. What exactly does that mean? Well, first off, it's a Subaru, so standard all-wheel drive (AWD) is a given. This isn't just some marketing gimmick; Subaru's symmetrical AWD system is genuinely effective, providing excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions. Whether you're dealing with snow, rain, or even light off-road trails, the Crosstrek inspires confidence.

The "Premium" trim level adds a bunch of desirable features without breaking the bank. We're talking about things like heated front seats (a lifesaver in colder climates), upgraded interior materials, and additional tech features that enhance both comfort and convenience. The CVT, or Continuously Variable Transmission, is designed to maximize fuel efficiency, making the Crosstrek a sensible choice for daily commutes and long road trips. Under the hood, you'll find a capable engine that provides adequate power for most driving situations. While it might not be the fastest SUV out there, it's peppy enough for merging onto highways and navigating city traffic.

What truly sets the Crosstrek apart is its adventurous spirit. With decent ground clearance and standard AWD, it's more capable off-road than many of its competitors. It’s perfect for those weekend getaways where you want to explore beyond the pavement. Plus, Subaru has a reputation for reliability and safety, which are always top priorities for car buyers. In short, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premium CVT is a well-rounded package that offers a lot for the money.

Performance and Handling

When evaluating the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premium CVT's performance and handling, it's essential to consider its intended use. This isn't a sports car, so don't expect neck-snapping acceleration. However, it's a perfectly competent daily driver that offers a comfortable and confident ride. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces around 152 horsepower, which is adequate for most situations. While some might find it a bit underpowered when fully loaded with passengers and cargo, it's generally sufficient for everyday driving. The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) plays a significant role in the Crosstrek's performance. It's designed to optimize fuel efficiency by seamlessly adjusting the gear ratio to match the engine's power output. This results in smooth acceleration and decent gas mileage, but some drivers might miss the feel of a traditional automatic transmission. The CVT can sometimes feel a bit sluggish during quick acceleration, but it's generally responsive and efficient.

Handling is where the Crosstrek shines, thanks to Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. This system provides excellent traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. Whether you're driving on snow-covered roads or navigating a muddy trail, the Crosstrek feels planted and secure. The steering is precise and provides good feedback, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The suspension is well-tuned, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road to provide a comfortable ride. While it's not as sporty as some of its competitors, the Crosstrek offers a good balance between comfort and handling. Ground clearance is also a notable feature, allowing you to tackle light off-road trails without worrying about scraping the undercarriage. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premium CVT offers a balanced and capable driving experience that's well-suited for both city and country roads.

Interior Comfort and Features

Stepping inside the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premium CVT, you'll find a well-designed interior that prioritizes comfort and functionality. The cabin is spacious enough for both front and rear passengers, with ample headroom and legroom. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making them ideal for long road trips. The "Premium" trim level adds some nice upgrades, such as heated front seats and enhanced upholstery, which enhance the overall comfort. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with all the essential controls within easy reach. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a responsive touchscreen display and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to easily access your favorite apps, music, and navigation features. The sound system provides decent audio quality, making your drives more enjoyable.

One of the standout features of the Crosstrek's interior is its practicality. There's plenty of storage space throughout the cabin, including door pockets, a center console, and a glove compartment. The rear seats can be folded down to create a larger cargo area, which is perfect for hauling gear or luggage. The liftgate is easy to open and close, and the cargo area is wide and flat, making it easy to load and unload items. While the interior design might not be the most luxurious in its class, it's well-built and functional. The materials used are durable and feel of good quality, and the overall fit and finish are excellent. The interior is also relatively quiet, with minimal road noise and wind noise. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premium CVT offers a comfortable and practical interior that's well-suited for daily driving and weekend adventures.

Technology and Safety

In terms of technology and safety, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premium CVT doesn't disappoint. It comes standard with a range of advanced safety features that help protect you and your passengers. These include Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These features use cameras and sensors to monitor the road ahead and alert you to potential hazards. The automatic emergency braking system can even apply the brakes automatically if you don't respond in time, helping to prevent or mitigate collisions. The lane departure warning system alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, and the adaptive cruise control system maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.

In addition to these advanced safety features, the Crosstrek also comes standard with a rearview camera, which makes it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. It also has a tire pressure monitoring system, which alerts you if your tires are low on pressure. The Crosstrek has received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which is a testament to its strong safety performance. On the technology front, the Crosstrek features a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's system. Other available technology features include a premium audio system, a sunroof, and a navigation system. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premium CVT offers a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features that enhance both convenience and peace of mind.

Fuel Efficiency and Value

When it comes to fuel efficiency and value, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premium CVT shines as a practical and economical choice. The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is engineered to maximize fuel economy, making it an ideal option for daily commuters and long-distance travelers. You can expect to get around 28 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway, which is competitive for the compact SUV class. These numbers can vary depending on your driving habits and conditions, but overall, the Crosstrek offers excellent fuel economy.

In terms of value, the Crosstrek Premium CVT provides a lot of features for the money. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, which is a significant advantage over many of its competitors. The "Premium" trim level adds desirable features like heated front seats, upgraded interior materials, and additional tech features without significantly increasing the price. Subaru also has a reputation for reliability, which means you can expect the Crosstrek to last for many years with proper maintenance. The resale value of Subarus is also typically high, which is another factor to consider when evaluating its overall value. When you compare the Crosstrek to other SUVs in its class, it offers a compelling combination of fuel efficiency, features, and reliability at a reasonable price. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premium CVT is a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a versatile and capable SUV.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premium CVT into a simple list of pros and cons to help you get a clearer picture.

Pros:

  • Standard All-Wheel Drive: Provides excellent traction and stability in all weather conditions.
  • Good Fuel Economy: The CVT helps maximize fuel efficiency, saving you money at the pump.
  • Comfortable Ride: The suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road.
  • User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is easy to use, with smartphone integration.
  • Excellent Safety Ratings: The Crosstrek has received high safety scores from NHTSA and IIHS.
  • High Resale Value: Subarus tend to hold their value well over time.
  • Practical and Versatile: Ample cargo space and a functional interior make it great for daily use and adventures.

Cons:

  • Engine Power: The 2.0-liter engine can feel a bit underpowered, especially when fully loaded.
  • CVT Transmission: Some drivers may not like the feel of the CVT compared to a traditional automatic.
  • Basic Interior Design: While functional, the interior design is not the most luxurious in its class.
  • Acceleration: Not the quickest SUV in its segment; acceleration can feel sluggish at times.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premium CVT? Overall, it's a well-rounded and capable compact SUV that offers a lot of value for the money. Its standard all-wheel-drive system, good fuel economy, and comfortable ride make it a great choice for daily driving and weekend adventures. While it may not be the most powerful or luxurious SUV in its class, it excels in practicality, safety, and reliability. If you're looking for a versatile and economical SUV that can handle a variety of driving conditions, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premium CVT is definitely worth considering. It's a solid choice for anyone who wants a reliable and capable vehicle that won't break the bank.