This Crosstrek is pretty cute!

Every time I went out to the driveway to get into our test-vehicle for the week, I’d yell back into the house: “Hun! I’m taking the Cute Crosstrek!”

Even though Subaru was aiming for a more rugged look with the upgraded appearance on this 3^rd generation of the subcompact crossover, I have to say ‘Sorry Subaru but this tough little rig is pretty cute!’

There have been subtle changes to the exterior since the last iteration but it’s inside and underneath where the improvements shine.

The cute crossover has better seats, a stiffer chassis and a lot more technology, including the newest generation of Subaru’s award-winning safety system, EyeSight. The Crosstrek is also quieter than its predecessor.

I loved the Onyx model that we had, which included funky aluminum and yellow trims and touches

Yes, it’s boxy but that means its spacious. It’s not ugly-boxy, though, it’s adorable!

Of course, it’s a Subaru so it’s all-wheel drive.

Sadly, the manual transmission is gone but using the paddle shifters in manual mode was surprisingly satisfying, despite being equipped with a continuously variable transmission. A CVT, in many vehicles, whines like a litter of coyote pups waiting for milk from their mother, but not in the Crosstrek.

It was an easy vehicle to live with and sometimes that is the most positive review of all. Nothing flashy, but every time I pulled up to Garry somewhere in that Crosstrek, he would exclaim: “So cute!”. I’m pretty sure he was talking about the vehicle.

I didn’t venture out of the city much during my week with the Crosstrek. Our path did not cross any mud, dirt or snow (please! Not yet!) but Subaru’s off-road rally prowess has been forever tested in conditions much harsher than tooling around the streets of Halifax.

The experts seem to like it to0, with Consumer Reports rating it the #1 Subcompact SUV in 2022 and MotorTrend magazine putting it at the top in its category in 2023.

I think the new generation of the Subaru Crosstrek can hold its head high and look forward to similar ratings this year!