Here’s the latest reader question, along with my reply!
Elizabeth asks: I very much enjoyed your chat with David Knight the other morning. The information about the electric car lithium batteries was particularly disturbing! Is there another car you would recommend, similar in price and performance to the Crosstrek?
My reply: There are several cross-shops you might consider, including the Mazda CX3 as well as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV. These have different merits – as well as demerits. For example, the Mazda CX3 much more engaging to drive – i.e., it is “sportier than the Crosstrek as far as high-speed cornering and so on. The just-updated RAV4 and CR-V both offer more power – and stronger acceleration.
However . . . both the Toyota and the Honda cost more in FWD form than the Subaru costs with standard AWD. The Mazda can be bought for a bit less than the Crosstrek – and with AWD – but it has much less ground clearance and a less-sophisticated AWD system.
It is not nearly as good in the snow – or dealing with mud/gravel/washed-out roads. Because it’s not designed for that.
So, it comes down to what you want – and need. If AWD and ample ground clearance are more important than power/high-speed cornering adroitness, the Crosstrek may be the one for you.
Or, not!
PS: I will have a full length review of the 2019 Crosstrek up later today or tomorrow…
. . .
Got a question about cars – or anything else? Click on the “ask Eric” link and send ’em in!
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