The Subaru Crosstrek has always been synonymous with all-wheel drive. Choosing the “Crosstrek” name itself suggests a commitment to all-wheel drive. Yet, in Japan, a new front-wheel drive variant of the latest Crosstrek is now available at a lower starting price.
This fresh model marks the inaugural front-wheel drive edition of the Crosstrek, a vehicle renowned for its off-road capabilities. Apart from being exclusively front-wheel drive, the Crosstrek in the Japanese market will solely come in a hybrid version. It features an “e-Boxer” powertrain composed of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 143 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque, paired with an electric motor producing 13 horsepower and 48 pound-feet. The hybrid model is only available with a CVT and does not offer a manual transmission option.
By eliminating the all-wheel drive system, adopting a hybrid setup, and offering only a CVT, the Crosstrek essentially transforms into a slightly taller Impreza hatchback. Apart from the raised ride height and black plastic cladding, it’s challenging to understand why customers would prefer a front-wheel drive Crosstrek over an Impreza.
The arrival of the third-generation Crosstrek in the U.S. market is imminent, expected sometime in 2024. Upon its introduction, it will be intriguing to observe whether the front-wheel drive model will accompany it. American consumers have developed an affinity for the Crosstrek’s durable off-road capabilities, with many opting for manual transmissions. Therefore, it’s hard to envision strong sales for a front-wheel drive Crosstrek in the United States, particularly considering the availability of all-wheel drive versions, as seen in Japan.
In the Japanese market, the front-wheel drive Subaru Crosstrek commences at ¥2,662,000 ($19,819), offering a significantly lower price point compared to the all-wheel drive variant priced at ¥3,234,000 ($23,714). When the 2024 Crosstrek makes its way to the U.S. market, the starting price is likely to be marginally higher than the current model. Nevertheless, if a front-wheel drive version is introduced in the U.S., it will probably necessitate a substantial discount to attract customers.
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