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5 Reasons to Choose the Subaru Crosstrek Over Its Competition

subaru crosstrek

Sedan-based crossovers are the current flavor of the season, and for good reason. For car buyers looking at comfort and mileage for a city commute along with the ruggedness and power of an off-roader, a crossover is a wonderful choice.

A crossover like the new Subaru Crosstrek however, is a league apart within this category.

World-renowned Subaru engineering, a captivating design, upgraded suspension along with superior on-road performance, and intelligent features will make you fall in love with this vehicle. All this and more put Subaru miles ahead of competitors in the category.

Let’s take a look at five reasons to choose the Subaru Crosstrek over its competition.

Fuel Economy

The Crosstrek is equipped with a Subaru Boxer engine, providing more balanced, predictable handling and a smoother, quieter ride due to its unique, horizontal layout. It is a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine offering 152 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft of torque.

Wit this engine on the 6-speed manual transmission, the Crosstrek will get an EPA-estimated 23 miles per gallon when your driving in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. However, if you opt for the Limited version, you’re Crosstrek will have the Lineartronic CVT Transmission. When driving in automatic mode this transmission naturally adjust to match your acceleration, eliminating the need to shift and preserving the vehicle’s momentum. This added touch jumps your expected mpg to 27 in the city and 33 on the highway.

In comparison, the Toyota RAV4, Jeep Compass, Nissan JUKE, and Honda BR-V (CVT grade), to name a few, rep comparatively lower numbers.

All-Wheel Drive System

On cars with a manual transmission, the AWD system uses a mechanical viscous coupling center differential that evenly distributes power 50:50 front to rear. Models equipped with the CVT automatic use a more advanced electronic system that can vary torque distribution for better traction. The result either way is a superior grip on road or off-road surfaces, with maximum power, fuel efficiency, and safety guaranteed.

The key difference between the Subaru Crosstrek and its competitors is that Subaru offers the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard on every single grade. This feature is available at an extra cost on other car brands, or isn’t even available as an option in some cases.

Ground Clearance

One of the ways Subaru has set itself apart with the Subaru Crosstrek is also its superior ground clearance. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and available X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control — which electronically optimizes the engine, transmission, and other systems for increased traction in slippery conditions — Crosstrek ensures a superior driving experience even on uneven surfaces.

The ground clearance puts it higher off the ground than a Chevrolet Tahoe, and matched up with the heavier, shorter Jeep Renegade. Add to that a suspension that soaks up all the bumps, ruts, and rocks you may encounter very comfortably.

Customization & Comfort

The smartly designed 2019 Crosstrek provides a surprisingly spacious interior with up to 100.9 cubic feet of passenger volume in a compact SUV that remains agile and conveniently sized. A wide rear gate opening makes bigger gear easier to load and with 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, you can fit three in the back with both rear seat-backs up, or fold a seat down for extra cargo space.

The end result is that the Subaru Crosstrek provides more head, leg, and shoulder room than its competitors the Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Nissan JUKE, Toyota RAV4, the difference being significantly more so in some case. It also provides more trunk space than most, along with standard roof rails in all grades.

STARLINK Multimedia with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Pandora integration comes standard on the 2019 Crosstrek. Wireless pairing and hands-free smartphone operation allow for safe and easy connection to your favorite apps and content.

Also available is an inbuilt TomTom navigation system, along with an 8-inch touchscreen. 18-inch alloy wheels and a Harman Kardon Premium Audio system are available on the Limited trim.

Safety

Subaru has a long-standing dedication and commitment to top-level safety in each and every vehicle built. Every Crosstrek is equipped with stability control, electronic traction, and anti-lock brakes. There is also a rearview monitor plus a total of seven airbags including front, front side-impact, front and rear side curtain, and driver’s knee airbag.

The 2019 Crosstrek offers the newly updated STARLINK Safety and Security system. This advanced technology helps keep you and your Subaru safe whether you’re in your vehicle, at your computer, or on your mobile device. This is standard on the Premium and Limited trims.

The Subaru Crosstrek also features a surfeit of safety options, including Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic pre-collision braking. Headlights with steering-response and high-beam assist are available to help drivers see in low to no light conditions, while reverse automatic braking helps avoid accidents to a large extent.

Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) both presented the 2019 Crosstrek top marks in almost every category during crash tests. With a 5-star overall rating from the government and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS when equipped with the EyeSight system, the Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most recognized and safest vehicles in the category.

With all of these features, the Subaru Crosstrek trims still come at a price point that is highly competitive, making it one of the most financial responsible choices as well. Add to that Subaru’s reliability and the promise of a top-quality service and you’ve got yourself an absolute winner.   

So are you ready for test drive? Try out the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek today. It’ll be worth you time! 

2014: Best Family Cars with the Newest Safety Features

Finding a family vehicle that can fit the needs of every occupant, should also take safety into consideration. Several safety technology features are available in vehicles today, and the following represent some of the greatest advancements for the 2014 lineup of vehicles.

2014 Honda Odyssey

The 2014 Honda Odyssey van boasts exceptional cargo room for large road trips and growing families. It also features one of the highest safety ratings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Five stars of overall rating can be tied with the body structure and traction control system. Honda uses a structure known as the ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) structure that distributes energy from a crash throughout the car to reduce stress in one crumple zone. 

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Passengers will also be alerted and prepared for any collision. The Forward Collision Warning System uses a small camera to detect vehicles in front and activates a visual alert. The vehicle also engages in a dual-stage airbag system that inflates at different rates depending on the impact of the collision.

2014 Subaru Outback

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The Subaru Outback is a sporty and adventurous vehicle with plenty of safety features for growing families. The 2014 model features electronic stability control features that engage preemptively in rough terrain with the Eyesight Camera. Airbags are placed throughout the vehicle in the case of a potential rollover event.

2014 Volvo S80

Volvo has a long history of safety milestones, and the S80 is no exception. This large sedan is the perfect car for good fuel economy and road safety in one package. Enhanced crash protection include additional overhead and side impact airbags to prevent injury in the event of a rollover accident. 

The car also features a stability control system that can sense when the vehicle is undergoing stress, and reduces engine power to prevent a collision. Occupants will also rest assured when airbags go off. The anti-whiplash head restraints cradles the neck to prevent injury in a typical front collision incident.

2014 Mazda CX-5

The new Mazda CX-5 is a crossover vehicle with plenty of room and safety control for smart driving. According to Yearwood & Company Surrey lawyers, the vehicle supports additional smart braking procedures that engage in rough city traffic. Emergency notification will also automatically dial 911 when necessary in the touring models. A unique feature of this vehicle is the foldaway brake pedal that folds away on impact to protect the brakes from damage.

Whether your family is looking for off-road adventure, or a fuel-saving vehicle with stylish flair, there is a vehicle with plenty of safety features available. Consider test driving one of these vehicles today and find out if it’s a good fit for your family.

Images courtesy: Volvo | Honda | Subaru

Car Shopping Guide: Best Models to Buy New

Purchasing a new car is a major financial investment for most people. Ideally, you should seek to buy a vehicle that offers long-term value and driving satisfaction. Unfortunately, all vehicles are not engineered with the same level of quality. Here are a few of the best models that are best to buy new.

2014 Honda Civic Si

The Honda Civic Si is arguably the most reliable performance car on the market. The car’s sporty driving dynamics make it a good choice for the drivers who crave excitement on their daily commute. Prospective buyers can expect the Civic Si to deliver great fuel economy, and to maintain an excellent resell value. The 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine is known to last for at least 300,000 miles without needing an overhaul. The best part is that the Civic Si still delivers over 30 miles-per-gallon on the highway.

2014 GMC Sierra 1500

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The 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 is one of the best pickups trucks for the money. Although there is a V-8 engine offered, the six-cylinder engine delivers the best balance of power and fuel economy. Unlike some of the other high-tech engines on the market, the Sierra’s 4.3-liter engine has a very simple design. This means that most backyard mechanics will find the engine to be very easy to maintain. Although the towing capacity is rated at a hefty 7,200 pounds, the truck still has a frugal fuel economy rating of 24 mpg on the highway.

Nissan Altima

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Engineered with a well-built chassis and a reliable engine, the Altima will last for many years to come. Owner surveys reveal that the Altima has very few problem areas even after 100,000 miles. While the V6 version delivers a beefy 270 horsepower, most people will find the 182-horsepower base engine to be just as entertaining. With 45 inches of legroom in the front, even drivers who are well over six-feet tall will fit comfortably.

2014 Subaru Crosstrek

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Very few all-wheel drive SUVs can match the Crosstrek’s 33 mpg highway fuel economy rating. While the Crosstrek may appear small on the outside, there is an abundance of interior room for the family. While the Crosstrek is not capable of towing heavy loads, it is still rugged enough to take on an off-road trail from time to time.

All four of these vehicles are excellent choices for the driver who is seeking a long-term commitment. Every owner can expect great fuel efficiency, excellent resell value, and a satisfying driving experience.

“Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and recent college graduate. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She used www.aircompressorla.com/services/ as a resource for this article. Contact her via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.”