By: Peter Perrotta
Most good football or baseball teams always have a talented utility player – a performer who is versatile and can play more than one position on the field well.
Managers love these type of players because they are multi-skilled and can be plugged in anywhere and at anytime and still perform well.
While the folks at Subaru don’t field any ball teams, the new 2019 Subaru Crosstrek (plug-in) Hybrid acts much like the typical utility player in the lineup of vehicles the Japanese automaker now features.
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek (plug-in) Hybrid represents Subaru’s first ever plug-in hybrid, featuring an all new Subaru StarDrive technology that enables this unique vehicle to be driven in three different modes: as a regular gas driven vehicle; as a traditional hybrid that switches itself back and forth between gas and electric mode on an as needed basis; and strictly as a fully electric car running off of a plug-in charge.
This is truly one amazing and versatile ride.
I recently test drove the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek (plug-in) Hybrid for one week and came away quite impressed with all the different features this vehicle offers.
This vehicle integrates two electric motors, a four cylinder direct injection boxer engine, Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive and a new lineartronic CVT (continuously variable) transmission.
One of the electric motors functions as an engine starter and electricity generator and the second one powers the vehicle for hybrid and electric use modes and charges the hybrid battery during regenerative braking.
The four cylinder engine puts out 137 horsepower at 5,600 rpm. When you combine the gas engine with the 8.8 kilowatt hybrid batter the horsepower increases to 148.
The Crosstrek Hybrid is capable of speeds up to 65 mph when in full electric mode and is a full second faster from 0 to 60 mph than the standard Crosstrek.
The high-capacity lithium-ion battery, mounted beneath the cargo area, enables the Hybrid to achieve an EV range of 17 miles while in the strict electric mode.
The approximate charging time for the electric battery is two hours when using a 240 volt outlet and five hours for a 120 volt outlet.
My overall driving impression of this Subaru – in all of its different modes – was that it is a very competent small utility vehicle that seems amply powered and handles well through all the twists and turns the road may throw at it.
Like most of the vehicles in Subaru’s line up, one can feel very confident commandeering this ship in any kind of weather thanks to the seamless all-wheel drive system Subaru offers up. It has become the staple and brand mark for this Japanese import manufacturer.
The Crosstrek is has a comfortable interior, complete with enough of the usual creature comforts to make it an almost luxury vehicle.
When accelerating into traffic it does quite well for itself. While it won’t bowl you over with its power, it certainly has enough to deal with any everyday driving situation.
The Crosstrek (plug-in) hybrid that I tested has a base price of $34,995. The Lagoon Blue Pearl vehicle I drove for one week had an MSRP price tag of $38,470.
The added options included a $2,500 option package that provides a power moonroof, heated steering wheel, navigation and Harman Kardon premium audio system with eight speakers and a 432 watt EQ amplifier. When you add the $975 destination and delivery charge it comes to $38,470.
Some of the standard features on this Crosstrek included: 18-inch alloy wheels; all wheel drive; blind spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert; 6-way power drivers seat; rear vision camera; Subaru’s Starlink 8 inch multi-media screen and center with Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto; a 120 volt charge cable with storage bag; a tire repair kit (replaces spare tire) and more.
Other than that, I would give this Crosstrek Hybrid (plug-in) high marks for its versatility and uniqueness.
This is the kind of vehicle you can feel very comfortable with on trips to the mountains, sea shore, or even taking it on ski trips or putting your kayak on top and taking it to the lake.
Moreover, this new SUV also qualifies for High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) permits in many states, including CA, MD and NY.
While Subaru isn’t one of the largest selling of the Japanese import carmakers, it has managed to carve out a niche for itself among the environmentally sensitive and alternative living crowds.
The versatility and overall quality performance of this vehicle in many aspects makes it a serious contender when considering which small SUV to purchase or lease.
The Crosstrek has become the brand’s third-best-selling model in America since its debut six years ago.
The 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid is built around the Subaru Global Platform that was designed to accommodate hybrid and electric powertrains.
The standard Linerartronic CVT transmission features X-MODE and Hill Descent Control for enhanced performance in low-friction and off-road conditions.
Moreover, the Crosstrek Hybrid’s 8.7-inches of ground clearance and 1,000 lb. towing capacity provide versatility in both off-road and city driving.
Furthermore, the 60/40-split fold-down rear seats offer up to 43.1 cu.ft of cargo space, enough space for camping gear or luggage.
The standard SI-DRIVE is a powertrain performance management system that allows the driver to tailor the vehicle’s throttle characteristics by choosing between “Intelligent” and “Sport” modes.
Standard Active Torque Vectoring, first introduced on the WRX model line, applies light brake pressure to the inside front wheel while cornering for improved control and handling.
Peter Perrotta’s On The Road column will appear weekly. Comments and questions are welcomed. To contact him email: pperrotta@comcast.net
