The Ultimate Subaru Crosstrek: Is It Worth the Price Tag?

Subaru made a statement at the VMS 2024 exhibition with the introduction of their B-sized SUV, the Subaru Crosstrek. The vehicle is offered in two variants imported from Japan, with the pure gasoline version priced at VND 1.098 billion. Additionally, Subaru introduced a hybrid version of their Boxer engine, equipped in the Crosstrek, priced at VND 1.268 billion.

With these price points, the Subaru Crosstrek has become one of the most expensive vehicles in its class, the B/B+ SUV segment, with prices ranging from VND 1.099 billion to VND 1.299 billion, similar to the Volkswagen T-Cross. It surpasses many of its competitors in terms of pricing.

Leading the Segment in Size

The Subaru Crosstrek boasts impressive dimensions, with a length of 4,480 mm, a width of 1,800 mm, a height of 1,580 mm, a wheelbase of 2,670 mm, and a ground clearance of 200 mm. In comparison to other B/B+ SUVs, the Crosstrek is one of the largest vehicles in its segment. Its overall length is on par with the BYD Atto 3 (4,455 x 1,875 x 1,615 mm) and the Toyota Corolla Cross (4,460 x 1,825 x 1,620 mm). It falls just short of the GAC Aion Y Plus (“newbie” in the market) which measures 4,535 x 1,870 x 1,650 mm.

The Subaru urban SUV also surpasses its competitors in terms of size, including the Mitsubishi Xforce (4,390 x 1,810 x 1,660 mm), Toyota Yaris Cross (4,310 x 1,770 x 1,615 mm), Hyundai Creta (4,315 x 1,790 x 1,660 mm), and the Kia Seltos (4,365 x 1,800 x 1,645 mm).

In terms of exterior design, the Subaru Crosstrek bears a resemblance to its older sibling, the Subaru Outback, featuring a honeycomb-patterned grille, a chrome strip connecting the main headlight clusters, and LED lights with a corner-illuminating function when turning.

The front bumper of the Subaru Crosstrek is large and shaped like fangs, complemented by fog lights. The rear end of the vehicle is equally striking, featuring prominent taillights and a substantial rear bumper.

While the exterior is impressive, the interior of the Subaru Crosstrek may not satisfy discerning customers. Unlike many of its competitors at VMS 2024 that feature electronic gearshift levers, the Crosstrek still utilizes a traditional straight-line gearshift.

The steering wheel is leather-wrapped and incorporates multiple function buttons, but it maintains a classic three-spoke design. The vehicle is equipped with an 11.6-inch vertically oriented central screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The Subaru Crosstrek is available in two versions, one powered by the traditional 2.0L Boxer engine, and the other by a hybrid system that combines the Boxer engine with an electric motor. Both variants are equipped with the advanced EyeSight 4.0 technology, symmetrical all-wheel drive (S-AWD), and a Lineartronic CVT transmission with 7 or 8 virtual gears.

Overall, the Subaru Crosstrek stands out with its hybrid engine option, combining the Boxer engine with an electric motor, and the well-known EyeSight safety technology package from the Japanese automaker. However, with its high price point, the Crosstrek may face similar challenges to those experienced by its predecessor, the Subaru Forester, in the Vietnamese market.

Challenges for a Newcomer

The urban SUV segment is one of the hottest in the Vietnamese automotive market, with numerous newcomers, both gasoline and electric, vying for attention. Some recent additions include the BYD Atto 3, GAC Aion Y Plus, MG4 EV, and the highly popular Mitsubishi Xforce and Toyota Yaris Cross.

The success of the Mitsubishi Xforce and Toyota Yaris Cross is noteworthy, as they have become the best-selling models in the B/B+ SUV/crossover segment. The Yaris Cross was introduced to the Vietnamese market in late 2023, while the Xforce was launched more recently in March. Such immediate success is rare for newcomers, and not every new model can replicate it. For the Subaru Crosstrek, the high price point presents a significant challenge.

The Subaru Crosstrek, priced at VND 1.098-1.268 billion, is significantly more expensive than its competitors in the B-sized SUV segment, such as the Mitsubishi Xforce (VND 599-705 million), Toyota Yaris Cross (VND 650-765 million), Kia Seltos (VND 599-799 million), Hyundai Creta (VND 599-699 million), and Honda HR-V (VND 699-871 million).

Even when compared to B+ SUVs, the Crosstrek fails to offer a more attractive proposition. The Toyota Corolla Cross (VND 820-905 million), Mazda CX-30 (VND 699-749 million), and Peugeot 2008 (VND 719-769 million) all present more affordable options.

In the realm of hybrid vehicles, the Toyota Yaris Cross HEV (VND 765 million) and Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8HEV (VND 905 million) are more affordable choices compared to the Subaru Crosstrek 2.0 i-S EyeSight e-Boxer Hybrid, priced at VND 1.268 billion.

Following its debut at VMS 2024, Subaru announced a promotional program offering a discount of VND 99 million for the first 99 customers of both versions of the Crosstrek. As a result, the 2.0 i-S EyeSight is priced at VND 999 million, while the Crosstrek 2.0 i-S EyeSight e-Boxer Hybrid costs VND 1.169 billion.

This strategy is familiar to Vietnamese customers interested in Subaru vehicles, as the Japanese automaker frequently offers significant discounts for their models, such as the Subaru Forester.

While pricing plays a crucial role in the success of a vehicle, it is challenging to expect Subaru to offer more competitive pricing for the Crosstrek, given that it is imported from Japan. In the future, the Subaru Forester will also be imported from Japan, likely resulting in a higher price tag than its current locally assembled version.

To make their vehicles more appealing to customers, Subaru Vietnam may need to continue offering promotional discounts, as they have done with the Forester. For now, the Subaru Crosstrek remains an intriguing option, thanks to its e-Boxer Hybrid engine, advanced safety technologies, and Japanese origin. However, its price of over VND 1 billion for the gasoline version and nearly VND 1.3 billion for the hybrid version may give potential buyers pause.

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