Used 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The Crosstrek Hybrid's daily driving character differs from that of the gasoline version due to the electrification of its powertrain. In gasoline mode, it feels more willing because it accelerates quicker (about 1.5 seconds quicker to 60 mph) and exhibits more low-end torque around town. When the battery is charged, it delivers the smooth feel of direct drive in a pure EV mode.

It excels off-road and exhibits coordination and control on winding mountain roads. The steering is reassuring too. But in more common suburban circumstances, it's quite vague and uncertain. The brakes are powerful and feel predictable when driving casually around town, but they can be springy with more aggressive use.

Don't be fooled by the Crosstrek's jacked-up stance. The ride is unexpectedly smooth, controlled and comfortable. It makes sense when you consider this vehicle's generous suspension travel and reasonably sized wheels with generous sidewalls. We also found much to like about the nicely contoured seats and the effective air conditioning.

As for noise, this plug-in hybrid has a Jekyll and Hyde personality. It's very quiet when running on battery power, but the engine and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) do make themselves heard when the juice runs out. It's not as raucous in this mode as a gasoline-only Crosstrek, though, because the hybrid system's CVT automatic can blend in an electrical component.

The Subaru Crosstrek may have a hiked-up stance, but that only serves to make it easier to enter and exit than a standard car. Once inside, the controls are easy to reach and simple to understand. The audio and climate controls are logically arrayed, and the two information screens complement each other.

It feels reasonably roomy too, particularly up front. That's because not only is it nicely spacious in a strict physical sense but also because the view out is expansive. It also helps that the driver has all the adjustments necessary to settle into an agreeable position behind the wheel.

The regular Crosstrek's cargo hold isn't exactly cavernous. But the plug-in hybrid is even worse because the battery raises the load floor behind the rear seats substantially, reducing the cargo volume and raising the height that cargo must be lifted for loading.

Further forward, the rear seats do accommodate child car seats well. And when no one is there, they fold down as they do in any other Crosstrek. Small-item storage is no better than adequate. The door pockets, center console box and glove compartment are a reasonable size, but there aren't many more places to stash items beyond these basics.

The Crosstrek's technology is easy to get along with. The infotainment interface is pleasantly straightforward because the touchscreen employs a nice combination of physical controls and logical on-screen menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto hookups are easy too. The sound quality isn't liable to win any awards, but it does the job.

On the driver aid side, the Subaru's system is comprehensive and easy to live with. The accident avoidance systems never issued any false alarms, and the daily-use systems such as adaptive cruise control are effective and easy to use. We particularly like how the rear cross-traffic alert system is able to apply the brakes if a hazard appears suddenly when you're backing out of a parking space.