There’s a new ‘Subie’ in town, and it is called the new 2026 Subaru Crosstrek, officially launched today in Malaysia by local brand importer and distributor TC Subaru Sdn Bhd.
Fully-imported (CBU) from Japan, this new SUV crossover is available in a single 2.0i-S EyeSight variant priced at RM190,788 on-the-road sans insurance. Mind you, said price is inclusive of a standard 5-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty.
For those who aren’t familiar with the Crosstrek, this is essentially the original name for the Subaru XV that was on sale prior, with the newly-launched model here being the third generation of this SUV crossover that debuted globally back in 2022.
Single 2.0i-S EyeSight Variant with Same Boxer Engine
Despite being billed as a next-gen model, the new Crosstrek shares many of its mechanical components with the previous-gen version, including the Subaru Global Platform (SGP) architecture it underpins and the power plant beneath its bonnet.
The powertrain in question is Subaru’s tried-and-tested 2.0-litre 4-cyl naturally-aspirated FB20D ‘Boxer’ engine rated at 156 PS and 196 Nm. This flat-four mill is then mated to a Lineartronic CVT automatic gearbox that drives all four wheels via the brand’s signature symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with an active torque split.
Those figures are indeed a step-up over the previous-gen XV, and they are translated to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 10.5 seconds, a 198 km/h V-max, and a relatively decent fuel consumption rate of 7.2 litres per 100 km, Subaru claims.
Moving on to the off-roading bits, the new Crosstrek does come with Subaru’s Dual-Function X-Mode, which includes multiple terrain modes, such as Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud. Other driving-related functions primed here are the SI-Drive selectable driving modes, Active Torque Vectoring, Vehicle Dynamics Control, and the Subaru EyeSight 4.0 ADAS suite.
Sharper, Impreza-esque Looks
Besides XV, the Crosstrek is also known as the Subaru Impreza XV in several overseas markets, and that moniker is more apparent for this third-gen model, as it traces back to its Impreza-on-stilts look.
Some key design highlights include the sharp LED headlights flanking its big hexagonal front grille, C-shaped LED taillights, 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, diffuser-like accents on the rear bumper, and prominent plastic underbody cladding that also covers all four wheel arches and a large chunk of its derriere.
The third-gen Crosstrek also gets a slight bulk-up over its predecessor, as it now measures 15 mm longer at 4,480 mm and sits 35 mm lower at 1,580 mm. Having said that, both its width and wheelbase remain unchanged at 1,800 mm and 2,670 mm, respectively.
Rounding off the exterior bits are the eight colour options offered to the Crosstrek, including Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Sapphire Blue Pearl, Pure Red, Sand Dune Pearl, and Citron Yellow Pearl.
Still A Largely Utilitarian Interior
Putting aside its refreshed exterior, the new Crosstrek still retains its utilitarian charm inside the cabin, albeit with some modern amenities scattered around it now.
Key highlights include the 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the smaller 4.2-inch semi-digital metre cluster, leather seat upholstery, dual-zone A/C (no rear vents), wireless charging pad, a powered sunroof, powered driver’s seat with 10-way adjustment, and many more.
To further jazz up your Crosstrek, TC Subaru also offers some optional add-ons for this SUV, including a Raytech window tint worth RM2,000, Rhadium coating worth RM2,000, and a Subaru digital video recorder (DVR) worth RM860.
Given its very minor bulk-up, practicality remains largely unchanged for the new Crosstrek, as its boot space measures at 291 litres as standard and can be expanded to 1,261 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats being put down.
