The 2017 Subaru Outback is an extremely versatile, rugged, compact SUV that's relatively efficient compared to other crossovers.The types of people who have Tevas and "dress Tevas" already know, but for the rest of us, the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is the automaker's smallest crossover SUV—a Swiss Army approach to automaking.
Pros Go anywhere... Go everywhere... Go whenever... And with whomever you want.
Cons But you won't get there quickly... And it might be loud inside... Without a whole lot to look at.
The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek ranks 8 out of 12 Subcompact SUVs. The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek delivers what subcompact SUV shoppers want – all-wheel drive, lots of cargo space, high-tech features, and good fuel economy. However, its underpowered engine lessens its overall appeal.
Pros Generous cargo space Roomy seats Athletic handling Standard all-wheel drive
Cons Underpowered engine
For 2017, the Subaru Crosstrek offers a new trim level, the 2.0i Premium Special Edition. Highlights include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and ambient cabin lighting. The Crosstrek Hybrid has been discontinued.
Pros All-wheel drive and tall profile combine for strong off-road ability Offers adult-sized front and rear legroom and headroom Achieves good fuel economy for a rugged all-wheel-drive car Big hatchback utility means room for loads of lifestyle gear
Cons Underperforming engine makes Crosstrek one of slowest in class CVT exacerbates the engine's droning sounds Infotainment interface isn't as user-friendly as many competitors'
For 2019, the Mazda CX-3 receives a refresh that includes new exterior touches, a very slight increase in engine output, redesigned seats, and front and rear center armrests. Some features have also been shuffled between trim levels, and advanced safety features are available across the lineup.
Pros Attractive and comfortable interior Engaging driving experience Impressive fuel economy for a crossover Good selection of available driver aids and active safety features
Cons Suspension tuning may be too firm for some Cramped rear seat Below-average cargo space
The 2019 Mazda CX-3 fails to launch in the crossover-SUV space race.
Pros Great, simple exterior shape Good standard touchscreen Standard advanced safety features Competitive fuel economy
Cons Cramped rear seat Not much cargo room with seats up Finicky infotainment system Small safety demerit
the 2019 CX-3 retains its trapezoidal bar grille but has a new inner grille design. New lower chrome trim on the sides complements the carryover side-sill chrome slat, while the headlights carry on unchanged. The rear lights, however, see a new design that’s more similar to those in front, with a round eye accented by straight lines.Inside, Mazda replaced the prior cable-operated parking brake with an electronic unit with an automatic hold feature and incorporated it into the center console next to the rotary infotainment dial. That change opens up some real estate on the console, and the mode selector has been relocated behind the shifter’s PRND indicator, the previous gloss-black surround is gone, the cupholders are repositioned, and the armrest gets a comfier makeover.
Mazda says the front seats, which can be ordered with full leather on top trims for the first time, have been completely redesigned to be wider and more comfortable. The dashboard wears new faux-suede appliqués, the climate-control dials feature flashy red accents, and the rear seats have a new fold-down center armrest with cupholders. Together, these small changes add up to a tidier and classier look.
