Used 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Special Edition for sale 

For the 2018 model year, the base Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i starts from $21,795 when equipped with a 6-Speed Manual (inefficient and tiresome to use) as standard. We firmly recommend getting CVT for its efficiency, costing $1000 more than the base price. Next-in-line the Crosstrek 2.0i Premium costs $22,595 with manual while the top-range 2.0i Limited begins at $26,296 and gets paddle shifter equipped CVT as standard

The entry-level 2018 Crosstrek features a Subaru Starling infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability. The rear vision camera is standard. 

More 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Features and Specs >>

The 2018 Crosstrek 2.0i Premium is our most valuable recommendation. Why? Because for just $800 more over the base trim, this Crosstrek Premium adds CVT with paddle shifters. Subaru fully redesigned the Crosstrek for the 2018 model year. 

Is It Better to Buy a Used or New Crosstrek?

The 2019 Crosstrek gains a few more features on the optional list, including a Wi-Fi hot spot, as well as a plug-in hybrid variant. So, buying a 2018 Crosstrek is a good idea unless you want a hybrid model. You can save a lot going with the 2018 model as compared to 2019. 

Read about the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek >>

The Subaru Crosstrek uses the same 2.0L Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4 across all three trims. With just 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, Crosstrek feels breathless at highway speeds. A 6-Speed manual is standard in Crosstrek 2.0i and Premium trim. But we firmly recommend getting the optional CVT as the manual will expose you to the puny engine. While the Crosstrek does the 0 to 60 mph run in 9.0 seconds, Honda HR-V is almost as slow, taking 9.3 seconds for the same lap.

Further, The Crosstrek's boxer engine returns above-average fuel economy ratings. Opting for automatic CVT transmission over manual transmission if you want better MPG figures. 

The Honda HR-V has the smallest motor and least power figures among the competition and comes with a manual transmission. The Toyota C-HR comes with a standard CVT transmission and generates decent power and torque figures. The Mazda CX-3 comes very close to the Crosstrek in terms of power but generates just a little extra torque.

How good is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Ride and Handling?

The Crosstrek has Impreza genes and that shows in its driving characteristics. The compact crossover handles tightly like a car and offers 8.7-inch ground clearance for off-road adventure. The active torque vectoring brakes the inside wheel to aid tighter turn-ins. However, the high ride height has taken away the steering feel.

The high ride height has also compromised the supple feel of the Impreza but we must not forget that it’s a crossover and can tackle tough terrains. While it will gobble up potholes and feels compliant at low or high speeds, Subaru has tightened suspension to control body roll. That means the ride is somewhat harsher than the Impreza.

The 2018 Crosstrek gets EPA estimated 23 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway, which is very impressive for an AWD SUV. However, if you can make do with FWD, competitors are considerably more efficient. Additionally, the 2018 model year Crosstrek comes with e 16.6-gallon fuel tank, which is enough fuel capacity to let the SUV traverse as much as 480+ miles on the highway without refueling. 

The Mazda CX-3 is the most fuel-efficient, offering on the list very closely followed by the Toyota C-HR. The Honda HR-V slots itself in the middle with an average fuel economy rating.

The Subaru Crosstrek can seat five passengers. Even though the rear middle seat is a bit cramped, competitors aren't much better off either. The front seat has generous legroom and shoulder room and the rear seats do not disappoint either. The ergonomics are spot-on and the cabin is as user-friendly as ever. The cabin features generous use of high-quality materials, with interior elements being extremely well put together. The driving position is very comfortable, and the steering wheel feels solid, while inspiring confidence in the driver. Buttons mounted on the leather-clad steering make audio controls and cruise control very accessible and easy to control. 

Like most other aspects of the Crosstrek, the interior screams Impreza, which is not a bad thing. Everything feels high-quality and there are plenty of soft-touch surfaces. The Crosstrek's cabin is thoroughly modern without feeling fussy at all. Getting a higher trim would fetch you ventilated seats with automatic adjustment. Thanks to the Crosstrek's great ride quality, and comfortable seats, the SUV makes for an outstanding touring machine.  

The Subaru Crosstrek has 20.8 cubic feet of luggage volume with all seats up. This is only aced by the Honda HR-V - 24.3 cubic feet. The Toyota C-HR trails closely at 19 cubic feet but that delicious, sharp, and adorable CX-3 only has 12.4 cubic feet of luggage volume. Folding the rear seats in Crosstrek liberates 55.3 cubic feet of luggage volume.

2018 Subaru Crosstrek Infotainment 

The base Crosstrek 2.0i and Crosstrek Platinum get the standard Subaru Starlink infotainment with a 6.5-inch touchscreen along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability. The top-end Limited trim gets you an incredible 8-inch infotainment screen, along with a single-disc CD Player and SiriusXM Satelite Radio. There's a decent 6-speaker sound system on offer, along with USB, Aux, and iPod support. Bluetooth Audio Streaming makes listening from your phone easy and wireless. You can also get the booming Harman Kardon premium audio system by spending more.

Some of the infotainment system features are listed below:

• AM/FM Stereo
• 4 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
• Auxiliary Audio Input And USB With External Media Control
• 6 Total Speakers
• 8" Infotainment Screen. 
• Apple CarPlay 
• Android Auto
• Bluetooth Audio Streaming. 

Okay, we have to repeat it - the exterior is identical to the Impreza. The redesigned 2018 Crosstrek has all the body panels shared with the Impreza. Since this is a crossover, it has added plastic cladding, skid plates, and a raised stance. Though, the Subaru Crosstrek's dimensions make for a spacious interior. We love the front facia, which asserts a confident, no-nonsense look similar to that of the Forester. Fog lights are absent in base Crosstrek 2.0i while Power folding Moonroof is optional in premium and Limited trims. The Subaru Crosstrek weighs almost 3100 pounds. That's hefty compared to the close to 2800 pounds Honda HR-V and CX-3. But that's acceptable because the Crosstrek gets AWD.

The Crosstrek is the longest crossover here at 175.8 inches. It's also the widest at 71 inches and has the longest wheelbase. Additionally, the Crosstrek offers a whopping 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is significantly more than what is offered by the competition. This clearly makes the 2018 Crosstrek a much more capable off-road than its rivals. 

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is based on the new stiffer Subaru Global Architecture meant to provide great crash safety. That's evident by its near top-class crash test rating. The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek gets a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS. The Subaru EyeSight active safety features are available as optional in Premium and Limited trim. The EyeSight includes:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Keep Assist and Sway Warning
• Pre-Collision Warning
• Pre-Collision Throttle Management

2018 Subaru Crosstrek Safety features are as follows:

• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Backup Camera
• Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Side Impact Beams
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Subaru Crosstrek vs Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V has found favor among many and for good reasons. It has a spacious interior that's supremely flexible. The engine is adequately powered and superbly efficient and like all Honda cars, the HR-V combines great handling with supple ride quality well. However, Crosstrek is far more capable off-road and has an overall outdoor air supplemented with everyday practicality.

Subaru Crosstrek vs Toyota C-HR

The C-HR has distinctive styling that will polarize opinions. It has good ride quality and surprising agility. However, this is dampened by its lethargic engine. Also, the extraterrestrial styling has made the interiors claustrophobic. However, if you can't resist its 'look at me' look inside and out, get it. Else, the Crosstrek is a more practical choice.

Subaru Crosstrek vs Mazda CX-3

The Mazda CX-3 will make you go weak on your knees with its sharp exterior and irresistible interior. Even more, its driving dynamics will make you giggle. However, the interior is cramped and luggage capacity is lowest in class - by a considerable margin. Get the Crosstrek if these things concern you.

The redesigned 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a bit of a departure from other crossovers - a spacious SUV with sedan-like handling. The standard AWD and 8.7 inches of ground clearance make it more capable off-road than many larger SUVs. The ride quality is supple, the cabin is quiet, materials are of good quality and now there is standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay too to keep up with times. With these, the Crosstrek also can impress you through mountain roads.

All said, the Crosstrek is a very capable vehicle that brings a rare combination of real off-road capability, car-like refinement, and high ride height of an SUV in a single package. However, the engine is underpowered - no escaping that. Also, if fuel economy is a very high priority, the FWD competitors will serve you well.

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