Subaru Crosstrek: Sport Vs Premium, Which Is Best?

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Subaru Crosstrek, comparing the Sport and Premium trims to help you figure out which one is the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Both offer that classic Subaru reliability and adventurous spirit, but there are some key differences that could sway your decision. Let's break it all down!

Subaru Crosstrek Sport: A Closer Look

Let's start with the Subaru Crosstrek Sport. When it comes to choosing the right vehicle, especially within the adventurous Subaru Crosstrek lineup, understanding the nuances of each trim level is essential. The Crosstrek Sport distinguishes itself with a blend of enhanced aesthetics, practical upgrades, and a focus on active lifestyles. The exterior of the Sport trim features unique design elements that set it apart from the base and Premium models. You'll notice distinctive wheel arch moldings that add a rugged touch, complementing the vehicle's off-road readiness. The dark gray finish on the grille and side mirrors gives it a more aggressive and sporty look, aligning with its adventurous persona. One of the most significant enhancements in the Sport trim is the inclusion of the more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers a robust 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, a considerable step up from the 2.0-liter engine found in the base and Premium trims. The increased power translates to better acceleration and overall driving performance, making it more confident on highways and more capable when tackling challenging terrains. The Sport trim also offers unique interior features designed to enhance the driving experience. The StarTex upholstery is water-resistant, making it ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities and need a vehicle that can withstand wet or muddy conditions. Yellow contrast stitching adds a pop of color to the interior, giving it a sporty and youthful vibe. Additionally, the Sport trim includes features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, which provide a more premium feel and improved grip. Beyond aesthetics and power, the Sport trim includes several functional upgrades. The dual-function X-MODE with Hill Descent Control optimizes the vehicle's performance in various off-road conditions, providing enhanced traction and stability. This feature is particularly useful when navigating steep inclines or slippery surfaces. LED fog lights improve visibility in poor weather conditions, adding an extra layer of safety. The inclusion of keyless access with push-button start adds convenience, allowing you to get in and start the vehicle without fumbling for your keys. These added features make the Sport trim a well-rounded package for those who value both style and substance.

Subaru Crosstrek Premium: What Makes It Special?

Now, let's check out the Subaru Crosstrek Premium. For many car buyers, the Premium trim often represents the sweet spot in a vehicle lineup, offering a compelling blend of features, comfort, and value. This holds true for the Subaru Crosstrek Premium, which enhances the base model with several key upgrades that cater to those seeking a more refined and convenient driving experience. While the exterior of the Premium trim shares a similar design with the base model, it introduces several notable enhancements. Alloy wheels replace the standard steel wheels, providing a more stylish and upscale appearance. The body-colored side mirrors and door handles give the vehicle a more cohesive and polished look, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. Roof rails come standard on the Premium trim, adding practicality and versatility. These roof rails allow you to easily mount cargo carriers, bike racks, or other accessories, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those who frequently transport larger items. Inside, the Premium trim offers significant upgrades in terms of comfort and technology. The most notable addition is the inclusion of heated front seats, a feature that is highly appreciated in colder climates. These heated seats provide added warmth and comfort, making winter commutes much more enjoyable. The Premium trim also features an upgraded infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display. This system includes smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The inclusion of a six-speaker audio system enhances the listening experience, providing clearer and more immersive sound quality. In terms of convenience, the Premium trim offers several key features that make daily driving more enjoyable. Automatic headlights turn on and off automatically based on ambient light conditions, ensuring optimal visibility at all times. The windshield wiper de-icer helps to prevent ice buildup on the windshield, improving visibility in winter weather. The inclusion of a security system provides added peace of mind, protecting your vehicle from theft and vandalism. These convenience features make the Premium trim a practical and user-friendly choice. Although the Premium trim does not receive the upgraded 2.5-liter engine found in the Sport and Limited trims, it still offers adequate performance for most drivers. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides sufficient power for city driving and highway cruising, while also delivering good fuel economy. For those who prioritize fuel efficiency and affordability, the Premium trim remains a compelling option. The Subaru Crosstrek Premium offers a well-rounded package of features, comfort, and value. Its blend of stylish exterior enhancements, upgraded interior amenities, and practical convenience features make it an attractive choice for those seeking a more refined and enjoyable driving experience. While it may not have the same level of performance as the Sport trim, its combination of features and affordability make it a popular choice among Crosstrek buyers.

Performance and Engine

When we're talking about the performance and engine options in the Subaru Crosstrek Sport versus the Premium, this is where a big difference lies. The engine is the heart of any vehicle, and it significantly impacts the driving experience, fuel efficiency, and overall capability. So, let's get into the details. Under the hood, the Crosstrek Premium comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. While this engine is adequate for daily commuting and city driving, it can feel a bit underpowered when accelerating onto the highway or tackling steep inclines. The 2.0-liter engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT is designed to optimize fuel efficiency, providing smooth and seamless gear changes. However, some drivers may find the CVT to be less engaging than a traditional automatic transmission. In terms of fuel economy, the 2.0-liter engine offers decent numbers. It achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway when paired with the CVT. The manual transmission version has slightly lower fuel economy ratings. The Crosstrek Sport, on the other hand, boasts a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, a noticeable upgrade from the 2.0-liter engine in the Premium trim. The increased power translates to better acceleration, making the Sport trim more responsive and enjoyable to drive. Whether you're merging onto the highway or climbing a hill, the 2.5-liter engine provides ample power for a variety of driving situations. The 2.5-liter engine in the Sport trim is exclusively paired with a CVT. However, this CVT is specifically tuned to maximize the engine's performance, providing quicker and more responsive acceleration. While some enthusiasts may miss the option of a manual transmission, the CVT in the Sport trim is well-suited to the engine's characteristics. Despite the increased power, the 2.5-liter engine in the Sport trim still delivers respectable fuel economy. It achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. While the city fuel economy is slightly lower than the 2.0-liter engine, the highway fuel economy is actually better, thanks to the engine's efficient design. When it comes to performance, the Crosstrek Sport clearly has the upper hand. The 2.5-liter engine provides a noticeable boost in power and acceleration, making it more enjoyable to drive in a variety of situations. Whether you're commuting to work or exploring off-road trails, the Sport trim offers a more engaging and confident driving experience. However, the Premium trim still offers adequate performance for most drivers, especially those who prioritize fuel efficiency and affordability. The 2.0-liter engine is well-suited for city driving and provides decent fuel economy, making it a practical choice for daily commuting. Ultimately, the choice between the Sport and Premium trims comes down to your individual driving needs and preferences. If you value performance and want a more powerful engine, the Sport trim is the clear winner. However, if you prioritize fuel efficiency and affordability, the Premium trim may be a better fit.

Interior and Technology

Stepping inside, let's compare the interior and technology features of the Subaru Crosstrek Sport and Premium. These aspects significantly contribute to the overall driving experience, affecting comfort, convenience, and entertainment. Subaru has packed both trims with a range of features, but there are some key differences that might sway your decision. The Crosstrek Premium offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior. The seats are upholstered in cloth and provide good support for both short and long drives. Heated front seats come standard, adding a touch of luxury and comfort, especially during colder months. These heated seats are a welcome addition for those living in colder climates, providing warmth and relaxation. The Premium trim features a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to use, making it simple to control the vehicle's audio and climate settings. A four-speaker audio system provides decent sound quality for everyday listening. While it may not satisfy audiophiles, it's adequate for enjoying music, podcasts, and audiobooks. The Premium trim also includes features like automatic climate control, which allows you to set your desired temperature and have the system automatically maintain it. This feature adds convenience and helps to keep the cabin comfortable. Other notable features in the Premium trim include a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what's behind the vehicle when backing up. This feature enhances safety and makes parking easier. Power windows and door locks are also standard, adding to the convenience of the vehicle. The Crosstrek Sport builds upon the features of the Premium trim with several key upgrades. The seats are upholstered in StarTex water-repellent material, which is more durable and easier to clean than cloth. This material is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities and may frequently track dirt or water into the vehicle. Yellow contrast stitching on the seats and dashboard adds a sporty and stylish touch to the interior. This stitching gives the cabin a more vibrant and youthful look. The Sport trim features an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is larger and more advanced than the system in the Premium trim. This system includes all of the features of the Premium system, plus additional features like SiriusXM satellite radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The larger touchscreen is easier to read and provides a more immersive experience. A six-speaker audio system comes standard in the Sport trim, providing better sound quality than the four-speaker system in the Premium trim. This system delivers clearer and more detailed sound, enhancing the listening experience. The Sport trim also includes features like keyless access with push-button start, which allows you to unlock and start the vehicle without using a key. This feature adds convenience and makes it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. Aluminum alloy pedal covers add a sporty touch to the interior. These pedal covers enhance the look of the cabin and provide better grip for your feet. When it comes to interior and technology, the Crosstrek Sport offers several advantages over the Premium trim. The StarTex upholstery, larger touchscreen, and upgraded audio system make it a more comfortable and enjoyable place to spend time. However, the Premium trim still offers a well-equipped interior with all of the essential features. Ultimately, the choice between the two trims comes down to your individual preferences and priorities.

Safety Features

Of course, we need to discuss the safety features in both the Subaru Crosstrek Sport and Premium. Because when it comes to choosing a new vehicle, safety is paramount. Subaru has a strong reputation for building safe and reliable vehicles, and the Crosstrek is no exception. Both the Sport and Premium trims come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. Both the Sport and Premium trims come standard with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This suite of safety features includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Automatic emergency braking can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes automatically to help prevent or mitigate a crash. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, and lane keeping assist can gently steer the vehicle back into the lane. These features work together to enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents. In addition to EyeSight, both trims come standard with a rearview camera. This camera provides a clear view of what's behind the vehicle when backing up, making it easier to park and avoid obstacles. The rearview camera is a valuable safety feature that can help prevent accidents. Both trims also include a suite of airbags, including front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags. These airbags provide protection in the event of a collision, helping to reduce the risk of injury. Both trims come standard with antilock brakes (ABS), which prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking. This allows you to maintain steering control and stop more quickly. Both trims also include electronic stability control (ESC), which helps to prevent skidding and maintain control of the vehicle in slippery conditions. ESC can detect when the vehicle is starting to lose control and apply the brakes to individual wheels to help stabilize the vehicle. Both trims come standard with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which alerts you if your tires are low on pressure. Maintaining proper tire pressure is important for safety and fuel efficiency. While both the Sport and Premium trims offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, there are a few differences to note. The Sport trim comes standard with blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert. These features are optional on the Premium trim. Blind-spot detection alerts you if there is a vehicle in your blind spot, and lane change assist alerts you if there is a vehicle approaching quickly in the adjacent lane when you signal to change lanes. Rear cross-traffic alert alerts you if there is a vehicle approaching from the side when you are backing up. These features enhance safety and can help prevent accidents. Overall, both the Subaru Crosstrek Sport and Premium trims offer excellent safety features. However, the Sport trim has a slight edge due to the inclusion of blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert as standard features. When choosing between the two trims, it's important to consider which safety features are most important to you.

Price and Value

Alright, let's talk about the price and value proposition of the Subaru Crosstrek Sport versus the Premium. Because, at the end of the day, the sticker price plays a huge role in deciding which car lands in your driveway. The Subaru Crosstrek has always been known for offering great value, but let's see how these two trims stack up against each other in terms of cost and what you get for your money. The Subaru Crosstrek Premium typically starts at a lower price point than the Sport trim. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who want a well-equipped vehicle without breaking the bank. While the exact price may vary depending on your location and any optional features you choose, the Premium trim generally offers a more affordable entry point into the Crosstrek lineup. Despite its lower price, the Premium trim offers a strong value proposition. It comes standard with a range of features that enhance comfort, convenience, and safety. Heated front seats, alloy wheels, and an upgraded infotainment system are just a few of the features that make the Premium trim a great value for the money. For buyers who prioritize affordability and essential features, the Premium trim is an excellent choice. The Subaru Crosstrek Sport typically has a higher starting price than the Premium trim. This is due to its more powerful engine, unique styling elements, and additional features. While the Sport trim may require a larger initial investment, it offers a compelling value proposition for buyers who prioritize performance and style. The Sport trim's more powerful 2.5-liter engine provides a noticeable boost in performance, making it more enjoyable to drive in a variety of situations. The unique styling elements, such as the dark gray finish on the grille and side mirrors, give it a sportier and more aggressive look. The StarTex water-repellent upholstery is durable and easy to clean, making it ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities. The Sport trim also comes standard with additional features like blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, which enhance safety. For buyers who are willing to spend a bit more to get a more powerful and stylish vehicle with additional features, the Sport trim is an excellent choice. When evaluating the price and value of the Crosstrek Sport and Premium trims, it's important to consider your individual needs and priorities. If you're primarily concerned with affordability and essential features, the Premium trim is the better choice. However, if you're willing to spend more to get a more powerful engine, unique styling elements, and additional features, the Sport trim offers a compelling value proposition. It's also important to consider the long-term costs of ownership, such as fuel economy, maintenance, and insurance. The Premium trim's 2.0-liter engine is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Sport trim's 2.5-liter engine, which could save you money on gas over the long term. However, the Sport trim's additional features and enhanced performance may make it worth the extra cost for some buyers. Ultimately, the best way to determine which trim offers the best value for you is to test drive both models and compare their features and prices. Consider your individual needs and priorities, and choose the trim that best fits your budget and lifestyle.

Which Crosstrek is Right for You?

So, after all that, which Crosstrek is right for you? Let's recap. If you're on a budget and want a reliable, well-equipped car with great safety features, the Premium is a solid choice. But, if you crave a bit more power and a sportier vibe, the Sport is definitely worth considering. I hope this helps you make a decision! Happy driving, guys!