2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport Review by Mark Fulmer +VIDEO
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A New Sport Trim for a Well-Loved Vehicle
By Mark Fulmer
The Auto Channel
Everyone knows how loyal Subaru owners are about their vehicles, and so I asked a number of them why. Reliability, safety, all wheel drive, and comfort were the universal responses. The new 2021 Crosstrek Sport tickles all those fancies and includes 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off road exploration.
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The new 182-hp 2.5-liter flat-4 creates 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, pushing that to the standard Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission for fuel economy that is rated at 27 mpg city / 34 mpg hwy / 29 mpg combined. Unlike the other trims, the Sport is the only one that has a dual-function X-MODE with Snow, Dirt, Deep Snow,and Mud settings, which adjusts the all-wheel-drive system for slip-sliding conditions. For those to whom achieving escape velocity is important, it is possible to get to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds.
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Let's just say that the yellow-green paint on this particular Sport is.....different. Love it or leave it, the black interior with yellow logo, stitching, and steering wheel spoke goes well with the gunmetal gray and simulated carbon fiber trim. The seats were passenger-rated as very comfortable, and second row legroom was scored as quite good. The upholstery is covered with StarTex that is water repellent and a bit softer than leather. And it’s vegan - however don't eat it if you get snowed in.
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Actually forget getting snowed in, Crosstrek does safety better than most and has for the last nine years of testing during which it earned five-star crash-test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award every year. Automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control as well as all the usual suspects within Subaru’s Eyesight system.
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The driving experience is smooth sailing with precise steering, and a distinct feeling of confidence that emanates from Subaru's commitment to safety, reliability, and a proven all wheel drive system that is effective on and off the road.
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