In a repeat of last year, Subaru of America plans to inflate the price of its 2019 Crosstrek models by a dollar figure that’s small and manageable. Wouldn’t want those buyers to feel used, and with good reason. As the automaker rolls out MSRPs for next year’s physically unchanged models, it’s enjoying record sales for the lifted all-wheel-drive hatchback crossover.
By placing its Impreza five-door hatch in the time machine and pressing the “AMC Eagle” button, Subaru turned what many first saw as just an interesting alternative and turned it into a juggernaut. Colourful pie charts await.
May of 2018 saw the most sales in the Crosstrek’s history. Some 14,387 U.S. buyers drove off lots in the brand’s funky, high-riding compact — a 74.4 percent increase over the same month last year. Had the Crosstrek stayed stagnant, Subaru would have posted a year-over-year volume loss in May, rather than the 7.2 percent sales increase it actually recorded.
Over the first five months of 2018, Crosstrek sales rose 68.4 percent. Taking a look around the rest of the Subaru stable, the only other model to record a YTD sales gain is the Crosstrek’s larger Outback sibling. Sedans are slipping, and the popular (but aging) Forester is awaiting its all-new 2019 replacement. The Crosstrek came within 143 units of surpassing the Forester’s sales in May.
In just a year, the Crosstrek inflated its slice of the Subaru pie from 14.7 percent to 23.9 percent.
But what about those prices, you ask. Fine.
Pre-delivery, the base Crosstrek 2.0i, in both manual and CVT guise, rises $100 for the 2019 model year. The mid-level 2.0i Premium, also available with a six-speed stick or continuously variable automatic, rises $300. It’s a larger walk for buyers of the 2.0i Limited, who’ll find themselves facing an MSRP $900 dearer than last year’s model. It isn’t quite as simple as this, however, as these models also see a $60 increase in the destination and delivery fee.
All told, a base, manual Crosstrek carries an after-delivery sticker of $22,870, with the CVT version going for a grand more. Stick shift Premiums start at $23,870 (the same as a base CVT), with self-shifting Premiums starting at $24,870. The Limited, which carries no plebian “manual” transmission, stickers for $28,170 after delivery.
Naturally, there’s some content changes to discuss. Base CVT models can now be optioned with EyeSight driver assist technology — a feature that adds a color instrument cluster display. The Premium trim adds a cold-weather package, body-color mirrors, twin USB ports, welcome lighting, and an upgraded multimedia system. The screen size (6.5 inches) remains the same.
All the goodies find their way into the Limited, which now carries a CVT equipped with X-Mode and hill descent control (for buyers who like sneaking into work the back way). The touchscreen grows to 8 inches in this guise, and safety and convenience features abound. The only major options on this trim include a power moonroof and a package that lumps the moonroof with navigation and upgraded audio.
[Image: Subaru of America]
No surprise that Ford will look to tap into this segment with the upcoming Focus Active. Could Ford also pull off an Outback if there is a future mid-size wagon offered I. Non-NA markets?
Lift and butch up the Mondeo wagon?
The most shameless execution of the lifted hatchback. It doesn’t matter to buyers though, so more power to Subaru. I wonder when the regular Impreza goes away. It seems all those do is make it more obvious to these SUV buyers what their vehicle actually is.
Shameless?? It’s perfect- there are tons of customers who desire the added ground clearance compared to an Impreza, but don’t want something as big as the Forester.
When I talk to clients about them, and explain they’re the same size as an Impreza, many do indeed buy an Impreza and save some money. Also: Impreza is not going away anytime in the foreseeable future- because of what I just said, and because it’s a cheaper point of entry into a new Subaru, and also because the Impreza keeps the fuel economy average pretty high.
There’s nothing wrong with lifting a small car. I went through a whole ordeal of lifting my WRX with spacers and upgraded springs and shocks because I couldn’t take it up certain access roads I use to work on mountain bike trails. But a compact car suits me just fine, otherwise.
Also- it’s Subaru. They tend to be conservative (yes, really). Why spend all that money to design a body that is just slightly different from an Impreza when you can just start with an Impreza?
Very few people that buy these are buying it for any other reason than it’s an “SUV”. You are paying at least $3300 for a lift kit and plastic fender flares. I’m happy this functionally works for you, but most people that need the ground clearance also need some off road ability that this doesn’t have.
> I’m happy this functionally works for you, but most people that need the ground clearance also need some off road ability that this doesn’t have.
When you get to moving around elderly family or people with mobility issues, then you’ll understand why the added height is so popular. The Impreza has one of the easiest ingress/exit in the compact segment imho, but getting people in with weak hip strength is still a moderate challenge at times.
An aunt of mine has one of these (previous gen), and I have to admit to liking it a lot more than I thought I would.
From and ingress/egress standpoint, it’s probably the best four-door on the US market. Granted, that’s only one criterion, but it matters to some buyers. E.g., I have a good friend who was the primary caretaker for two great aunts for the final 10 years or so of their lives. Cars can be too low for nonagenarians, and BOF trucks/SUVs or CUVs of the “fake truck” type can be too high.
I haven’t sat in the current gen yet, but the previous gen has a nice back seat too – lots of head and legroom for a car with a relatively modest footprint.
@JaredN,
Let me put down my Mother Jones magazine. I’m assuming your clients are people who want to buy at the Sube dealership at which you are gainfully employed (excuse me again for a moment while I reach for another piece of vegan jerky).
Ok, I’m back, wondering why the buyers “who desire the added ground clearance” will do with said clearance. Have they raised the speed bumps at Starbucks? And they are “conservative”? In what regard – muted tones of sweaters?
I live in a “supposedly” higher-income suburb outside of Nashville, and while we still have a few teenagers coal-rolling Prius insecticide from their pipes, every time I see one of these cars, which is really what they are, no dirt, no nothing, they look like they just went through the car wash. If Subaru is able to keep this game up, perhaps I should consider joining the salesman ranks. It seems like a lift-job is no longer a lift-job, it’s virtue signaling.
Kudos to you, I hope the commissions are awesome!
I guess I don’t understand the vitriol. So people want to pay an extra $3k for some features on their AWD wagon they may or may not use. People option up Bimmers with sport packages and off-road packages on pickups all the time for a lot more money… and? I like the Crosstrek in terms of function and aesthetics, but I wish it had the foresters 2.5L motor or even the 2.0 XT mill as an option.
@gtem,
No vitriol, just utter amazement. I’m brewing a cup of green tea as I write this.
I live in Idaho. I see a lot of the previous gen of these cars, but I don’t think I’m joking when I say I think I already see as many of these new generation.
They’re everywhere. The new ones actually look good at least. I swear instead of taking an impreza and making a crosstrek, they designed the crosstrek properly then made an ugly impreza.
Suburban Portland here, same thing.
Eastern PA here, and yep, same thing. This place is becoming Subaru country. Our local Subaru dealer is the biggest volume dealer on the east coast, according to their ads.
automatic only?
Subaru’s marketing machine is working magic on American consumers. They aren’t buying a car….they are buying “love” ….which apparently costs a little extra next year. They are successfully associating their vehicles with pet lovers, out-doorsy types, generally good wholesome things that….let’s face it, have nothing to do with the sort of car you drive.
Yes, but Elon said that Tesla made cars out of love too.
I just test drove a WRX. It was like a blast back to the 90’s for better and worse. Simple interior, peaky (compared to something like an ecoboost) turbo, stick shift. I liked it but it felt dated. Nothing else they sell, save the BR-Z is remotely appealing to me.
I’m betting Subaru’s lesbian customers really enjoyed this article. They like anything with a pie chart.
So what’s it like being in your 70’s and not moving on with any kind of cultural references for the last 30 years?
I’m gonna guess you have a man bun and your favorite sport is being ironic.
Telegraaaaam for Bill O Reilly
I remember when the Eagle came out, people laughed. Now they sell like hot cakes. AMC should have used dogs and old blind men in their tv spots. They didn’t have “coexist” bumper stickers back then though, “No Fat Chicks” was a popular decal at the time.
Politely disagree, when the Eagle came out, most people didn’t notice, which is almost as big a problem.
I’ve always liked the Eagle, one of my school age friend’s mom drove one. They needed it , as they lived on a farm and drove 30miles one way to get to our school, which never cancelled.They ended up switching to a Pathfinder when it came out.It was a manual, making it even cooler.
AMG must like the Eagle, too, because GLC coupe pretty much re-morphs it.
I don’t remember because I’m too young… born in ’83. But I’ve owned four AMC Eagles and they are still probably my favorite modern (post 1960s) car. Slowest car I ever owned, but pretty much 4×4 tractors and never got stuck. Still hate Subaru with a generational passion for their slogan in the 1990s as the worlds “first sport utility wagon”.
I’ve been amazed by the number of these I’ve seen. They’re becoming like Outbacks, there’s so many of them on the road I’ve stopped noticing. However I still notice the Impreza (especially in sedan guise) because they are fairly rare by comparison.
My biggest issue is that they are simply under-powered. At least those who choose the stick and keep the spurs to the engine.
Hardly underpowered. My current Wrangler has 0.048 hp/lb and it never lacks power, and this has 0.055 hp/lb. Of course the new Wrangler has 0.069 hp/lb, which is way overpowered IMHO. I wish they de-rated Pentastar for reliability instead.
Motortrend’s info box indicates an 8.8 0-60 time for the Crosstrek, which is more than enough pep for dusting the drive-and-text crowd away from the stop light. It’d be fun for many drivers to have an up-engined version, but that doesn’t mean the Crosstrek as it exists is underpowered.
The Crosstrek has an ergonomic flaw for me – the hand brake is positioned to dig into my thigh.
Although I like the car’s looks, this – and the boxer engine – are both show stoppers.
Well, I’m looking at these right now, and Crosstrek is in the lead. If only it didn’t have its awful snout… Here’s how they stack up:
Crosstrek: has manual+AWD, 71″ wide, 175″ long, 1:17 low, 3100+#. Basically perfect no paper. The 2018 had significant issues with infotainment reliability.
Renegade: also manual+AWD, 74″ wide, 166″ long, 1:18 low (w/optional final gear), 3500+#. A bit heavy. Was in the lead until my wife saw the interior. Reliability problems with the AWD system, which is ridiculously complicated for a haldex. The 2018 is the last year that had AWD with manual; engine line-up seem completely borked from 2019 onward.
Wrangler: Same lack of headroom as before (actually worse, because it’s harder to modify), so-so mileage. Also, Jeep’s CEO Manley said it was “not any bigger” than JK, but lied. The car is noticeably wider than before. It is lighter, however. AWD in top trims only, so comes with a ton of expensive and useless junk. Old school 4×4 in other trims. Locked diff in Rubi only.
Evoque: Too wide (78″!!). It’s actually shorter than Crosstrek at 172″, which is good, but I’m not sure I trust the reliability (this needs more research but alas TrueDelta is no help for low-number cars (and it’s dead going forward)). Also, very heavy at 3800#.
XC40: About as good as Crosstrek, except no manual. 75.2″, 174.2¸ 3600_#. Heavily computerized. No physical controls for HVAC.
HR-V: CVT (manual with FWD only), wife says too small.
CX-3: Also heavily computerized (see savagegeese review), obviously too small, because it’s low. Width like Crosstrek, length like Renegade, squished to the ground like Evoque.
Countryman: LOL
All of these Subarus on the road present an opportunity. Find out which supplier they get their head gaskets from and add that company to your portfolio.
It took awhile for someone to talk about head gaskets and oil consumption.
LOL! Wrong engine model for head head gaskets as well as oil consuption issues. IIf you want a vehicle that changes it’s own oil, try BMW. The dealer’s sell BMW oil bottle racks to mount in the trunk.
Sub-600, +1.
I was also curious if “service dogs” were on the option list as well.
Subaru motors haven’t had the head gasket issue since the end of the NA EJ25 almost a decade ago. You should instead invest in whomever makes 0W-20 oil, as oil consumption is their current issue
For 2019, if you wanna Subaru with a turbo, you’ve 3 choices: Sedan only WRX, Sedan only/Manual only WRX STI, or the CVT only 3-row SUV Ascent. Forester XT turbo will be gone (Subaru claims sales were too low to continue it). Sad.