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By Denis Flierl Aug 5 2019 - 7:07am

Why Now Is The Time For You To Get A New Subaru Crosstrek XT Turbo Model

The new-generation 2019 Subaru Crosstrek is everything you want, but it’s missing one key thing. See why Subaru needs to bring a new 2020 Crosstrek XT turbo trim for customers.
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2018 Crosstrek
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Interior
Side view

The Subaru Crosstrek has had a good run but sales of the compact SUV have slowed this year. Customers are happy with the newly-redesigned 2019 Crosstrek and like its utility, “go-anywhere” all-wheel-drive system with X-Mode, advanced safety features, and styling. But what is hindering the Crosstrek from going to the next level is its lack of power.

It has plenty of power for the daily commute and is a perfect urban vehicle. But it lacks the extra power needed for hauling people and cargo especially up into the mountains at altitude. The new-generation compact utility vehicle is powered by a 2.0-liter Boxer engine with direct fuel injection. It did get a bump in horsepower from 148 horsepower to 154 horsepower, from the previous generation model but the torque stayed the same at 145 lb. ft.

2019 Subaru Crosstrek
2019 Subaru Crosstrek

What the Crosstrek needs is a turbocharged engine option. Subaru can keep the naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter Boxer in the 2.0i, Premium, Limited, and Hybrid trims but the Japanese automaker needs a new trim level with a turbo engine. We are not advocating for a Crosstrek STI with 250 horsepower, but a Crosstrek XT trim level with a 2.0-liter turbo Boxer with 200 horsepower. Many customers want the option to buy one.

2019 Subaru Crosstrek

At the Chicago Auto Show in February, Subaru of America President and CEO Tom Doll told Motor Trend, Subaru won’t be bringing a Crosstrek turbo anytime soon. Doll said it's because the demand for the new-gen Crosstrek SUV is too high and selling too well for them to offer a turbo version. Doll said, “You could argue, and some people do, that for the Crosstrek we should have a higher-performance engine in that car, but on the other hand, we're selling as many as we can get. We haven't really hit the top with the Crosstrek yet."

2020 Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru has hit the top with Crosstrek in 2019. After seven full months in 2019, the Crosstrek is down 18.8 percent for the year. Its 16,397 units down from last year at the same time. That’s a significant drop and it’s time for the Japanese automaker to bring a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0XT turbo trim for customers. When will Subaru bring it? Stay tuned.

You Might Also Like: Your New Subaru Crosstrek, Outback, Forester With EyeSight Are Least Likely To Be Stolen

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Comments

Denis Flierl wrote on August 5, 2019 - 7:13am
Would you buy a Crosstrek XT turbo?
Thomas Kautz wrote on August 5, 2019 - 11:00am
Yes I would welcome a turbo
Dustin Crum wrote on August 5, 2019 - 11:05am
I would totally buy one - But I highly doubt it will happen
MARC P FURTADO wrote on August 5, 2019 - 1:45pm
I own a 2019 Crosstrek and the only thing i wish it had was more power and a performance package . XT Crosstrek would fit the bill perectly and i would buy one immediately .
Bob wrote on August 5, 2019 - 3:50pm
Turbo would be nice but a more powerful 25ltr engine would suffice.
Steve wrote on August 5, 2019 - 5:08pm
Not unless the introduce a turbo! I was ready to buy until I drove one...
Tom Kue wrote on August 6, 2019 - 12:23pm
i want the 250 HP version. Not 200 HP.
Kevin strunk wrote on August 6, 2019 - 9:37pm
I would buy one! When I'm finished with my 2018 model, if subaru does not offer it, I will move on to another manufacturer. It needs more acceleration. Call me if you wish. Your decisions on models are not convincing me to be a loyal client.
David wrote on August 12, 2019 - 9:10pm
Would love this car in a turbo. I am a 40 yr old father and just need something that will get me from a too b. With a kick. Bring some kinda off excitement too the road. I have driven one and its lack off power kills me
RdLowe wrote on August 5, 2019 - 10:21am
I would buy one if it had just that ! A new turbo. A friend just bought a 2019, and the interior and ride is a dream. On the new platform, you can really tell the difference between that and the old one. It is so very quiet now, and very smooth on most all surfaces...turbo, YES !
Digitaldoc wrote on August 5, 2019 - 11:18am
Yes, yes, yes. This has been an obvious miss for Subaru. I think they have a 1.6T overseas that should be an easy drop in, and give some additional power and get the power up. They already lost one sale by offering only that mediocre engine. At a certain point, they just might have to start listening to their consumers!
SubaruJake wrote on August 5, 2019 - 11:27am
The only ones asking for turbo’s on these cars are people that write articles about cars. I sell them and have never had a customer ask about a turbo option. They took it off the Forester because I sold probably two a year. Most people just want a car that get’s them through the snow, is reliable and safe.
Alex P wrote on August 5, 2019 - 5:57pm
SubaruJake - The "only ones asking for turbos" are certainly not ONLY people that write about cars. I'm a layman, I don't write about cars, I don't work in the car business in any way, and I decided against a Crosstrek after a test drive last year precisely because it suffers from a lack of power. That car really needs an extra fifty horsepower - not to go fast, but just to get out of its own way. If Subaru added a turbo model to the Crosstrek lineup, I'd most certainly be interested because I otherwise love the car. Otherwise, you'll never hear a customer like me asking you about a turbo option simply because I would have taken my business elsewhere.
Ren wrote on August 6, 2019 - 2:25pm
Same at my dealer. They had many xt's left over sitting on the lot and selling at reduced prices.
Tiny Cadon wrote on August 10, 2019 - 9:35pm
Yes, probably because they had a $37,000 vehicle with an interior straight out of 1995! Who wants to drop that kind of money in a car where you don't even get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, ridiculous!?!?!
skip wrote on August 5, 2019 - 1:09pm
oh ya! I have an '18 crosstrek and an '18 wrx STi. love both of them. but, Subi needs to come out with a hardcore crosstrek. a fully offroad capable Sti. not built for speed but built for trails and sand!!!!!
Matthew Dickinson wrote on August 5, 2019 - 1:11pm
Yes, I would! They either need to put a turbo in the Crosstrek (with manual) or bring back the WRX hatchback. They will sell the hell out of them!
James wrote on August 5, 2019 - 1:33pm
Subaru has peaked, period. They do not seem to take customer feedback seriously. Why does it take > 6 months to provide recall parts? Why no more manual transmissions? Why no fix to the rattling heat shields after almost 20 years? And who really likes CVTs? Toyota starting to look pretty good.
Kevin Dowler wrote on August 5, 2019 - 9:41pm
I totally agree. The CVT is chasing customers away from Subaru in large numbers. I'm a Subaru tech and I constantly have to explain how the transmission behavior is normal. They are jerky and very VERY unreliable. I don't recommend buying one until that mess has been sorted. They need turbos and planetary style transmissions. The old 4 and 5 speed autos are wonderful compared to these.
Dana Francey wrote on August 5, 2019 - 2:58pm
ONLY if: 1. Hood scoop. It needs to look the part... none of this "aerodynamic and better performing duct system" bs.. Subaru's rally cars have hood scoops because it is better performing. 2. It needs real power.. near WRX equivalent 0-60.
David Deaton wrote on August 5, 2019 - 3:09pm
I cNt wait to buy one I really want to mod it into an sti
James Senmestoam wrote on August 5, 2019 - 4:23pm
What a misleading headline. How can you get a turbo model, when Subaru does not make one? unethical practice
S wrote on August 5, 2019 - 4:40pm
Subaru's are boring and underpowered family cars now days. I used to own a few back when they were exciting. Even after me and many of you complaining for yrs that cvt is shyt and we want turbo options back, they ignored us. Has anyone tried to pass in heavy traffic in a crosstrek? Impossible. Boring. Slow.
Paco wrote on August 5, 2019 - 4:54pm
I used to only buy Subaru. Their engines haven't improved in 20 years now outside the 2.4L Turbo. I've moved on to other brands.
Bruce C Penniman wrote on August 5, 2019 - 6:06pm
This CEO Tom Doll didn't get your point that a lot Subarus are operating in the mountains at altitude and a turbo is perfect for high altitude applications. No power loss at all. Normally aspirated automobiles lose a fair amount of power at ski lodge altitudes, and the majority of young skiers are buying Subarus.
Randy of NorCal wrote on August 5, 2019 - 6:58pm
Yes, I would. In December 2018, I placed an order for a 2019 Limited in Cool Blue Khaki and after a month of waiting (which I was fine doing), I cancelled the order for its overall lack of power. I loved every other aspect of it, small, go anywhere, "real" all wheel drive, boxer engine, and even car play...but couldn't get over lack of power. Sadly, I voted with my wallet. These crosstrek's with BFGs and method race wheels look really really nice. Oh well.
max wrote on August 5, 2019 - 7:43pm
Got rid of my Crosstreck and bought a Honda HR-V Love it compare to Subaru *** Rides like an Car not some old!!!!
Mike.2004.Audi.... wrote on August 5, 2019 - 8:01pm
When you do offer it, please have the common sense to offer better engine, leather, sunroof... and a stick shift. I, as hords of people I work with, want stick. So many are not happy with there cars/trucks because either it wasn’t an option or you had to deal with “paper bag seats and 4/60 air conditioning ( 4 windows open at 60 MPH). It can’t be that hard to offer it...
Brent wrote on August 6, 2019 - 4:36am
This would be on my "List" with the XT version. Not interested in the non turbo. It is just not enough. It would be just about perfect with the WRX 2.0T!
Pat wrote on August 6, 2019 - 8:39am
How about the 2.0l ,200 HP naturally aspirated engine in the BRZ ?

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