You’re taking one have a look at the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek and also you’re sure to go, “effectively that does not seem like it has a lot house.” Popping open the hatch will do nothing to alter that opinion. It’s possible you’ll even assume that for the reason that Crosstrek is only a lifted Impreza hatchback that extra conventional crossover SUVs would have the ability to maintain extra stuff.
Properly, the Crosstrek definitely is not an enormous car. And judging by the quantity I see right here in Portland, Ore., with Yakima or Thule roof carriers, house owners are apt to wish extra space than they supply. Nevertheless, Subaru’s smallest crossover (or lifted hatchback, should you want) is greater than it appears to be like. On paper, it has 20.8 cubic ft of house behind its again seat, which is greater than most subcompact crossovers just like the Hyundai Kona, Jeep Renegade, and so on. Solely the Nissan Kicks and Honda HR-V have extra. So too does the Kia Seltos, although it is a half-size bigger than the Crosstrek within the rising in-betweener compact crossover phase.
That is how a lot cargo capability it has on paper, although. Let’s examine how a lot it will probably truly match by way of baggage. It could possibly’t be that a lot, proper?
I imply, this doesn’t look very large, particularly by way of peak in comparison with a crossover (particularly the shockingly spacious Kicks). Nevertheless, it is fairly large and deep.
Subaru thoughtfully included that rubber cargo mat, however because it may cut back capability …
Buh-bye.
Subaru additionally included the cargo cowl, so let’s begin by seeing how a lot can match with it in place. That is useful because you won’t at all times keep in mind or understand your must take the duvet out and have nowhere else to stash the factor inside (the airport state of affairs the place the folks you choose up have WAY extra stuff than anticipated).
As with each baggage take a look at, I take advantage of two midsize curler suitcases that might should be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 large, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that simply barely match within the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that matches simply (23L x 15W x 10D). I additionally embody my spouse’s fancy in a single day bag simply to spruce issues up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).
With minimal peak to start out with, the cargo cowl’s reel does considerably cut back cargo house. Greater than regular, too. I used to be form of capable of shut the duvet over the luggage right here, nevertheless it wasn’t simple. The identical baggage match within the Nissan Kicks beneath its cargo cowl, nevertheless it was simpler to take action and was a neater match.
As such …
Buh-bye.
Properly, that made a distinction. All the luggage match, which is a rarity amongst sub-compact crossovers. That is principally the identical as the larger Mazda CX-30, and the Kicks betters it solely by a smidge since its association of luggage would not impede rear visibility in any respect.
Talking of which …
That is completely acceptable.
Now, if I re-Tetris the luggage, there’s truly some room left over right here for one more small bag whereas sustaining rear visibility.
So, because the numbers recommend, the Crosstrek can certainly maintain extra stuff than most opponents. Apart from these linked above, I examined a number of others once I was a contract journalist, and so they certainly held much less.
Amongst these is the plug-in Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, which has a battery that considerably chews into cargo house. You will discover that video take a look at right here.
