Subaru is LOVE-ing its best sales month in history as August 2017 charted a 4.6% increase over August 2016. Sixty-nine consecutive months of yearly month-over-month growth rewards Subaru for its innovative advertising campaigns and commitment to community.
One such program is geared toward pets. 66% of Subaru owners have pets with 71% of those being dog owners. You may have seen Subaru’s pet commercials with a golden retriever family driving a Subaru and experiencing situations much like any red-blooded American family might. Click here to read more about the details of how the promotion came to life. It has been one of its most successful campaigns to date and spurred on a whole new marketing emphasis. Even the Center for Pet Safety partnered with Subaru in a study to find the best pet restraint.
Making room for pets in the re-designed 2018 Crosstrek is a genius move by Subaru based on that data. The 2.0i Premium model that I was able to test included all-weather mats and a large tray for the cargo area (standard on Premium and Limited trims) perfect for those muddy paws. 4+ inches of girth are added making it a breeze for the BIG DOGS to jump in. A rear seat- back protector and bumper cover complete the available equipment from Subaru and after market barriers are available to create the crate-like travel space. Roof rails are standard on all trim levels to assist in the storage of gear and other fun-loving items like kayaks and tents. Exploring is part of the Subaru brand.
Having pets myself, two large dogs to be specific, I would consider the Crosstrek a great option for taking the little darlings along on trips anytime. My buddies are always ready for their next escapade and Subaru has made that standard fare in many of their models. Thank you Subaru for making it just a little easier to include the WHOLE family in travel plans.
Three trim levels rule the 2018 Crosstrek. Noted for its off-road capabilities and standard AWD, the entry-level and Premium Crosstrek includes a 6-speed manual transmission with Incline Start Assist for even more control on those rock crawls and gravel roads. Ground clearance clocks in at 8.7″ when equipped with X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control. Optional Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Incline Start Assist and 7-speed manual-mode with paddle shifters happened to be on my ride and explored often by this Subaru owner.
Passengers, even those over six-feet, will enjoy the head clearance and leg room in the spacious 100.9 cubic-foot interior. The 152 hp 2.0 liter 4-cylinder Subaru Boxer® engine with direct injection is not sluggish but peppy and ready for the on-ramp or back road Sunday drive. New to the 2018 re-design is high-strength steel on an all-new structure providing 70% more rigidity making it ride quieter and smoother. I was impressed with a tranquil cabin atmosphere that had the space of an SUV but sporty in its handling capabilities.
Starlink™ is Subaru’s flagship for safety and security. Available also are Steering Responsive Headlights shown in this video which are new for 2018 that work in tandem with EyeSight® technology that uses two cameras facing forward where the map-lights are located at the top of the windshield. EyeSight® is the sensor for Pre-Collision Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control. Pre-Collision Throttle Management cuts power to the engine when objects are detected or if the car is put into drive instead of reverse. Lane Keep Assist, when engaged, helps prevent drowsy driver drift and lane departure by sounding an alert whose volume can be set by the driver. Blind-Spot Detection flashes a light on the rear view mirror of both the passenger and driver side to inform the driver of potential hazards in the respective blind spots. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) round out Subaru’s bevy of features that make safety a priority.
Photos by Jules Stayton
Whether your goals are to get from point A to B or embark on a true adventure the 27/33 mpg 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a contender. Apple Car Play™, Android™ Auto, Pandora® and the all-new voice activated navigation system powered by TomTom® will take you where you need to go.
Sales records testify, Subaru has become America’s go to brand for safety, reliability and durability. Canines and humans agree…the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a winner.
The $21,795 base price tag is hard to beat. Add options and the $915 destination and delivery fee to my Premium model for a grand total of $26,803.
*This car was provided for review by Marion Subaru Marion, Illinois.
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