Crossovers have become the go-to choice for many Filipino families, offering SUV practicality in a compact and manageable package. The Subaru Crosstrek—formerly the XV—has long struck that balance between city comfort and weekend adventure. I spent a few days behind the wheel of the Crosstrek 2.0 i-L EyeSight around Metro Manila, packed it full for a trip to Clark, and pushed further up the TPLEX to see if it still carries the Subaru DNA that drivers look for in a versatile crossover.
Design: 4/5
The Crosstrek projects a rugged yet refined presence. A bolder grille and sharper LED headlights give it a tougher face, complemented by chunky wheel-arch cladding and stylish 18-inch alloys. It looks equally at home in Makati’s CBD as it does heading north for a weekend escape.
Inside, the 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen dominates the dashboard. It handles both infotainment and climate controls, with a clean layout that just takes some getting used to if you prefer traditional buttons. Cabin materials feel solid, leather seats are supportive, and rear space is decent for two adults. On my Clark run, the cargo area easily swallowed weekend bags, sports gear, and a cooler, with room to spare once the rear seats were folded.
Hardware: 5/5
Power comes from a 2.0-liter flat-four Boxer engine paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT, producing 154hp and 196Nm. On paper, the numbers are modest, but on the road, the Crosstrek feels capable for both city driving and highway stretches. The Boxer’s low center of gravity adds stability, while the CVT’s simulated gear steps keep acceleration smooth.
The real standout is Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Unlike most rivals that are primarily front-wheel drive, the Crosstrek drives all four wheels full-time. On NLEX and TPLEX, stability was reassuring even during high-speed overtakes, and on rougher provincial roads, traction was never in doubt. With 220mm of ground clearance plus X-Mode for tricky terrain, it confidently handled bumps, gravel, and shallow floods.
Even more telling was how it performed under heavy rain. On waterlogged expressway stretches, the Crosstrek never felt nervous. Instead, it proved its sure-footedness and balance, maintaining composure with confidence-inspiring grip—exactly the kind of reassurance you want when the weather turns unpredictable.
User Experience: 4/5
In Metro Manila, the Crosstrek’s compact size and light steering make it easy to weave through traffic. The suspension finds a sweet spot between comfort and control—absorbent without being floaty. Even loaded with cargo on the way to Clark, it maintained composure, while at highway speeds, the cabin remained calm and stable.
Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist suite is a real asset on long drives. Adaptive cruise control took the stress out of the TPLEX run, lane-departure and pre-collision braking added safety, and its 360 All-View Monitor made parking in crowded stops less of a chore. Passenger comfort is another strong point, with supportive front seats, rear vents, and large windows that give the cabin an airy, open feel.
Value: 3.5/5
At around PHP 1.99 million, the Crosstrek 2.0 i-L EyeSight competes in the premium compact-crossover space. While some rivals boast more power or flashier designs, Subaru makes its case with usability, long-term reliability, and all-weather AWD confidence.
Fuel economy was respectable: 9–11km/L in Metro Manila and up to 15km/L on TPLEX. Subaru’s expanding service network in the Philippines also makes ownership more convenient than before.
And with the brand’s current promo, every purchase of a Crosstrek 2.0 i-L EyeSight comes with a FREE GT Kit Upgrade (until supplies last) —giving it an added dose of sportiness and flair. It’s also available with an all-in downpayment of just PHP28,000, making it even easier to bring home this well-rounded crossover.
Bottomline
The Subaru Crosstrek 2.0 i-L EyeSight isn’t about outright power—it’s about balance. City-friendly dimensions, practical cargo space, highway composure, advanced safety tech, and Subaru’s hallmark AWD come together in a crossover that feels secure in any condition.
Even in heavy rain, it stood out—proving its sure-footedness and balance while maintaining stability and driver confidence. For anyone looking for a compact crossover that can handle Metro Manila traffic, weekend trips, and unpredictable weather, the Crosstrek delivers with quiet capability and outstanding value.
Reviewed by Enrique Miguel Lim
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 26 Issue No. 5