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2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek Luggage Test | How much cargo space?

You take one look at the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek and you're bound to go, "well that doesn't look like it has much space." Popping open the hatch will do nothing to change that opinion. You may even assume that since the Crosstrek is just a lifted Impreza hatchback that more traditional crossover SUVs would be able to hold more stuff.  Well, the Crosstrek certainly isn't a big vehicle. And judging by the number I see here in Portland, Ore., with Yakima or Thule roof carriers, owners are apt to need more space than they provide. However, Subaru's smallest crossover (or lifted hatchback, if you prefer) is bigger than it looks. On paper, it has 20.8 cubic feet of space behind its back seat, which is more than most subcompact crossovers like the Hyundai Kona, Jeep Renegade, etc. Only the Nissan Kicks and Honda HR-V have more. So too does the Kia Seltos, though it's a half-size larger than the Crosstrek in the growing in-betweener compact crossover segment.  That's how much cargo capacity it has on paper, though. Let's see how much it can actually fit in terms of luggage. It can't be that much, right? I mean, this does not look very big, specifically in terms of height compared to a crossover (especially the shockingly spacious Kicks). However, it's pretty wide and deep. Subaru thoughtfully included that rubber cargo mat, but as it could reduce capacity ... Buh-bye. Subaru also included the cargo cover, so let's start by seeing how much can fit with it in place. This is helpful since you might not always remember or realize your need to take the cover out and have nowhere else to stash the thing inside (the airport scenario where the people you pick up have WAY more stuff than expected).   As with every luggage test, I use two midsize roller suitcases that would need to be checked in at the airport (26 inches long, 16 wide, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that just barely fit in the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that fits easily (23L x 15W x 10D). I also include my wife's fancy overnight bag just to spruce things up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).  With minimal height to start with, the cargo cover's reel does significantly reduce cargo space. More than usual, too. I was sort of able to close the cover over the bags here, but it wasn't easy. The same bags fit in the Nissan Kicks under its cargo cover, but it was easier to do so and was a neater fit.  As such ... Buh-bye. Well, that made a difference.

Subaru Viziv 2 presages Tribeca replacement with diesel hybrid tech

Subaru is in the middle of a new product bonanza. It has recent replacements for the Impreza and Forester at dealers, and soon we're getting the WRX, Legacy and if rumors are right the new Outback as well. Now, there are rumblings that there could be two more models from the Japanese brand on the way with styling inspired by the Viziv 2 concept from the Geneva Motor Show.
According to a company insider speaking with Motor Trend, the crossover concept shows the way for the brand's future design language. The shape would be used on a smaller CUV that is still being kept quite secret, and a second, larger one that would replace the recently axed Tribeca. The bigger model is the first priority and is planned as a new technology showcase.
It's rumored to use a turbodiesel, four-cylinder boxer engine that would be boosted with one electric motor on the front axle and two at the rear, with a plug-in hybrid system sourced from Toyota. It should provide a great mix of torque and fuel economy. A smaller flat-six engine would be a second powertrain option. Though the Viziv 2 concept only seats four, the production version would probably offer three rows.

Subaru recalls 200k vehicles in snowy states to reapply anti-corrosion wax

This past summer, Subaru issued a recall for some 660,000 of its vehicles over a problem stemming from salt from the road corroding brake lines. It was the second such recall the company had issued, and now it's issuing another. Under this latest recall, Subaru is bringing in 198,900 vehicles that were already covered under the previous recall to fix the same issue. This time around, the notice is issued for the 2008-11 Impreza, 2008-14 WRX and STI, and the 2009-13 Forester – specifically those registered (currently or formerly) in 20 states that use salt on their roads: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin, plus the District of Columbia. The remedy is the same as last time, coming down to applying a special anti-corrosion wax to prevent corrosion, but needs to be carried out again due to "incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers" last time around, according to the statement below from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. RECALL Subject : Brake Line Corrosion at Four-Way Connector Report Receipt Date: DEC 31, 2014 NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V830000 Component(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Potential Number of Units Affected: 198,900 Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc. SUMMARY: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia that were remedied under recall 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may experience brake line corrosion due to salt water splashing on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector. CONSEQUENCE: Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.