Subaru Crosstrek

How it looks when you see it on the street: Subaru put the utility in the SUV. The Crosstrek occupies the smaller segment in the lineup and was fully redone for the 2024 model year. It has athletic shaping and strong stance.

How it makes you feel when you get in: Subaru takes the spartan approach. We’d call it functional. Materials are plain, but practical.. In the Limited model we drove, we had a 11.6 inch multimedia system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This model adds in heated seats, wipers, and mirrors.

How it drives: The 2.-0 liter gas engine with paddle shifters is good in the muckety muck where Subaru thrives as king of the northeast. It earns an impressive 29 mpg in gasoline form. The plug-in hybrid is new and gets even better than that. The power is wont at 182-hp.

Space for people and things: Average size seating for the subcompact category that opens up more 55 ft of cargo space. with seats folded flat.

What should you compare it to: Kia Niro, Buick Envista, Mazda CX-30

How much does it cost: We drove a 2025 gas model priced at $31,000 and change.