Hey guys! Are you looking for a reliable and versatile compact SUV? Then let's dive deep into the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium! This car is known for its blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and off-road capability. If you're considering buying a used car, then this review will cover everything you need to know, from its key features to its overall performance. We will explore why the 2020 Crosstrek Premium stands out in a crowded market.

Overview of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium

The Subaru Crosstrek has always been a popular choice for those wanting a small SUV that can handle more than just city streets. The 2020 Premium trim takes this a step further by adding extra features and comforts. At its core, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 152 horsepower. It may not sound like a lot, but it’s adequate for daily driving and provides enough punch for light off-roading. One of the Crosstrek's biggest advantages is its standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, making it a solid pick for driving in various weather conditions. Whether it’s rain, snow, or gravel, the Crosstrek handles it all with confidence. Inside, the Premium trim offers an upgraded interior with features like heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and enhanced infotainment options. These additions make the driving experience more enjoyable and comfortable, especially on longer trips. Safety is also a key focus, with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system available, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These technologies add an extra layer of security for you and your passengers. In terms of design, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium sports a rugged yet stylish exterior with a distinctive grille, raised suspension, and practical roof rails. It’s a car that looks good both in the city and on a mountain trail. Overall, the 2020 Crosstrek Premium is a well-rounded vehicle that offers a compelling mix of versatility, safety, and comfort. It’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable and capable compact SUV.

Key Features and Specs

When considering the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium, understanding its key features and specs is crucial. Let's break down what makes this car a standout choice. The engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. This engine is designed for efficiency and reliability, making it a great option for daily commuting and weekend adventures alike. Fuel economy is impressive, with EPA ratings of up to 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. This means you can save money at the pump while still enjoying the benefits of an SUV. The standard all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction and stability, no matter the road conditions. Subaru’s symmetrical AWD is known for its responsiveness and ability to distribute power evenly to all four wheels, enhancing control and safety. Inside, the Premium trim includes several upgrades over the base model. Heated front seats are a welcome addition, especially in colder climates, providing extra comfort during those chilly morning drives. The leather-wrapped steering wheel adds a touch of luxury and provides a more comfortable grip. The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is easy to use and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This allows you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. Safety features are also a highlight, with the availability of Subaru’s EyeSight system. This includes adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, and automatic emergency braking can help prevent or mitigate collisions. Other notable features include automatic climate control, which keeps the cabin at a consistent temperature, and a rearview camera, which makes parking and reversing easier. The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium also offers ample cargo space, with up to 20.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This provides plenty of room for groceries, luggage, or outdoor gear. All these features combine to make the 2020 Crosstrek Premium a well-equipped and versatile SUV that’s ready for anything.

Performance and Handling

Let's talk about performance and handling of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium. This is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. The 2.0-liter engine, while not the most powerful in its class, offers a good balance of performance and efficiency. With 152 horsepower, it provides adequate acceleration for city driving and merging onto highways. The engine is responsive enough for most daily driving scenarios, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) helps to keep the engine in its optimal power range. One of the standout features of the Crosstrek is its handling. The standard all-wheel-drive system gives it exceptional grip and stability, making it feel confident on various road surfaces. Whether you're driving on dry pavement, wet roads, or gravel, the Crosstrek maintains its composure and provides a secure driving experience. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road without feeling overly soft. This makes it a great choice for long road trips, where comfort is a priority. Off-road, the Crosstrek performs surprisingly well for a compact SUV. The raised ground clearance of 8.7 inches allows it to clear obstacles that would challenge other vehicles in its class. The AWD system provides excellent traction, and the X-Mode feature optimizes the engine and transmission for low-speed, off-road conditions. This makes it capable of tackling moderate trails and unpaved roads with ease. Steering is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback and making it easy to place the car where you want it. The brakes are also responsive and provide confident stopping power. Overall, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium offers a well-rounded driving experience that’s both comfortable and capable. It may not be the fastest or most powerful SUV on the market, but it excels in providing a secure, reliable, and enjoyable ride in a variety of conditions. This makes it a great choice for anyone who values versatility and all-weather capability.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Now, let's step inside and explore the interior comfort and technology of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium. The cabin is designed with practicality and comfort in mind, offering a pleasant environment for both driver and passengers. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, providing a comfortable place to sit on long drives. The Premium trim includes heated front seats, which are a welcome addition in colder climates. The driver's seat is adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The leather-wrapped steering wheel adds a touch of luxury and feels good in your hands. The dashboard is clean and functional, with easy-to-read gauges and well-placed controls. The 8-inch touchscreen display is the centerpiece of the infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface and crisp graphics. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. Voice control is also available, making it easy to make calls, send texts, and control music without taking your hands off the wheel. The sound system delivers good audio quality, providing an enjoyable listening experience. The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium also includes several other convenient features, such as automatic climate control, which keeps the cabin at a consistent temperature, and a rearview camera, which makes parking and reversing easier. There are also plenty of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a center console, door pockets, and a glove box. Rear-seat passengers will find adequate legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for adults on shorter trips. The rear seats can also be folded down to create a larger cargo area, providing plenty of space for luggage, groceries, or outdoor gear. Overall, the interior of the 2020 Crosstrek Premium is well-designed and functional, offering a comfortable and convenient space for both driver and passengers. The combination of comfortable seats, user-friendly technology, and ample storage makes it a great choice for daily commuting and long road trips alike.

Reliability and Safety Ratings

When it comes to buying a car, reliability and safety are paramount. The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium excels in both these areas, making it a smart choice for safety-conscious buyers. Subaru has a strong reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the Crosstrek is no exception. The 2020 model has received positive reliability ratings from various sources, indicating that it is less likely to experience major mechanical issues compared to other vehicles in its class. This can save you money on repairs and maintenance in the long run, providing peace of mind and reducing the stress of unexpected breakdowns. In terms of safety, the 2020 Crosstrek Premium has earned excellent ratings from leading safety organizations. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ designation, which is the highest rating possible. This means that the Crosstrek performed exceptionally well in all IIHS crash tests, including small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraints and seats. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also given the 2020 Crosstrek a 5-star overall safety rating, which is the highest rating possible. This rating is based on NHTSA's crash tests, which evaluate the vehicle's ability to protect occupants in frontal, side, and rollover crashes. The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium also comes standard with a variety of advanced safety features, including anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a suite of airbags. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system is available as an option and includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These technologies can help prevent accidents and reduce the severity of injuries in the event of a crash. Overall, the 2020 Crosstrek Premium is a safe and reliable vehicle that offers peace of mind to drivers and passengers alike. Its strong safety ratings and dependable performance make it a great choice for families and individuals who prioritize safety and reliability.

Pros and Cons of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium to give you a balanced view. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses will help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

• Standard All-Wheel Drive: One of the biggest advantages is the standard all-wheel-drive system. It provides excellent traction and stability, making it great for all-weather driving and light off-roading.
• Good Fuel Economy: The Crosstrek offers impressive fuel economy for an SUV, with EPA ratings of up to 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
• Available EyeSight Safety Features: Subaru's EyeSight system includes advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
• User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is easy to use and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
• High Safety Ratings: The Crosstrek has earned excellent safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.
• Comfortable Interior: The Premium trim includes heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel for added comfort.

Cons:

• Engine Performance: The 2.0-liter engine can feel underpowered, especially when fully loaded or going uphill.
• CVT Transmission: Some drivers may not like the feel of the continuously variable transmission, which can sometimes feel sluggish.
• Road Noise: The cabin can be a bit noisy on the highway, with some road and wind noise entering the interior.
• Rear Seat Space: While adequate, the rear seat space may be tight for taller adults on long trips.
• Cargo Space: While the cargo area is decent, it’s not the largest in its class. If you frequently haul large items, you may find it limiting.

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

So, is the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium the right car for you? It really depends on your needs and priorities. If you value safety, reliability, and all-weather capability, then the Crosstrek is definitely worth considering. The standard all-wheel-drive system and excellent safety ratings make it a great choice for families and individuals who prioritize safety and peace of mind. The good fuel economy is also a plus, helping you save money at the pump. However, if you need a lot of power and space, you might want to look at other options. The 2.0-liter engine can feel underpowered at times, and the cargo area isn't the largest in its class. But if you're looking for a versatile and capable compact SUV that can handle a variety of conditions, then the 2020 Crosstrek Premium is a solid choice. It's a well-rounded vehicle that offers a good balance of performance, comfort, and features. Ultimately, the best way to decide if it's right for you is to take it for a test drive and see how it feels. Consider your daily driving needs, your budget, and your personal preferences. If the Crosstrek ticks most of your boxes, then it could be the perfect car for you.