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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.

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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...
kim Crepea wrote on September 26, 2019 - 4:50pm
I agree, I love Subaru, have a WRX and an Outback in our family. I wanted the Crosstrek because it's the perfect size for me but had lousy power......turbo charge the engine and I'll buy it!!
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
Daniel Mount wrote on September 2, 2019 - 5:49pm
I personally would buy a 2.5 turbo. 48 HP isn’t enough of a bump for me personally. If a turbo option will be made I’d rather spend a little more cash up front and be happier with the power level for the years later.
RRon wrote on September 18, 2019 - 4:52pm
I'm waiting for a Crosstrek turbo engine. You described exactly what I want in the 2020 Crosstreck. My choice for 2020 right now is the Mazda3 Hatchback but if Subaru does bring out a 2.0 Turbo, I will buy one. Every test I've read on the 2019 has put me off the Crossteck but it looks like the case is being made for acceptable power in the way Subaru execs understand. Looking forward to your confirming post. - RRon
Didier Chatelain wrote on November 15, 2019 - 12:02am
Can’t understand how the CEO of Subaru America can be this arrogant. I know that if Subaru were to offer it, I would buy the Cross Trek XT Turbo in a heartbeat. Until then, I won’t buy the Cross Trek.
Jim wrote on November 15, 2019 - 4:29pm
Yes I would. I think Subaru could do better for the cross trek. If ford can make a 280 hp turbo 4 truck (ranger) that gets 27 mpg(granted it’s not getting that with the 4wd on) then certainly subaru can figure out how to get a cross trek over 200 and still get above 30 mpg...
Pedro Aloha wrote on December 6, 2019 - 5:38pm
For me to want any Subaru it has to be the 2.0 with a 5 or 6 speed. I don't want head gasket issues and an underpowered automatic. Anyone want to buy my 2010 Legacy GT? Most major repairs have already been done so it should be safe now. Just need the wheel wells de-rusted.
Rick Compton wrote on February 1, 2020 - 10:17pm
Would you buy a Crosstrek XT turbo? YES
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!?!?!
Peggy wrote on January 26, 2020 - 11:19pm
Not True! I am a 70-year-old grandmother who loves Subarus. I bought a 2003 WRX new. It helped me through tornados and snow storms and I believe I myself sold a few Subarus! :) I enjoyed it so very much until my bum knee couldn't keep up with the clutch! My grandson drives that great car now and it has 250,000+ miles. I bought a new 2013 Impreza and have put 95,000 miles on it. I am ready for a new one but love the compact SUV's.Have driven the beautiful packed Crosstrek but it is totally out of the question because of its lack of power. I am actually looking at Mazda cx-3 or even Honda crv. So you need to change your way of thinking just like Subaru needs to change that puny Crosstrek engine!
Abe wrote on February 10, 2020 - 9:33am
That's not true. When my wife and I bought our first Crosstrek in 2014 I asked if it came with a turbo, they said no. When we bought our 2019 Crosstrek I asked if the turbo was now an option, they said no. If Subaru doesn't come out with a turbo in the next year or so, I'm done with them.
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!
Kimberly S Crepea wrote on September 26, 2019 - 4:55pm
I have the WRX hatchback and couldn't agree with you more!
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.
Pedro Aloha wrote on December 6, 2019 - 5:42pm
Toyota doesn't make an AWD car. Audi is the only mfg comparable to Subaru and beats Subaru in every category. Very disappointed I bought my 2010 Legacy GT over an older S4.

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