2008 Subaru Legacy Gt Limited Sedan 4-door 2.5l on 2040-cars

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2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs. small crossover SUVs: How they compare on paper

In the midst of the crossover SUV boom, each traditional size segment has become saturated. As a result, automakers are beginning to fill the gaps that separate classes, giving us some interesting in-between options. The all-new 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross jumps right into one of those in-between categories bookended by compact and subcompact crossovers. It's a niche that offers more space and feature content than the smallest vehicles, with an extra dose of style and a lower price than bigger ones. Because of the Eclipse Cross' in-between nature, though, there's not really an obvious direct competitor. As such, we've selected a diverse group of small crossovers that are similar to the Eclipse Cross in some but not all key areas: size, price, feature content, style and likely buyers. The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2018 Toyota C-HR and 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport each have elements in common, but are different enough to provide useful points of comparison. A chart of specifications and key standard features is shown below, followed by more in-depth analysis. And if you wish to compare these crossovers with others not listed, be sure to check out our comparison tools. Engines and Drivetrains One of the Eclipse Cross' biggest advantages in this segment will be its engine. Subcompact crossovers, including the other three we've chosen, are sluggish to say the least. This new Mitsubishi should be different as it packs a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that belts out a whopping 184 pound-feet of torque. We say whopping, because the C-HR, Crosstrek and Rogue Sport all have between 139 and 147 pound-feet. Horsepower is similarly unimpressive at just 152 horsepower - the same as the Crosstrek - but that torque should make passing and on-ramp runs much more satisfying. The appeal of crossovers for many people is the availability of all-wheel-drive, and this is where the Subaru gets an advantage. Like with all Subarus that aren't a BRZ, the Crosstrek has standard all-wheel drive. The Mitsubishi comes close, making all-wheel drive standard on every trim level except the very base ES trim level. On the Rogue Sport, all-wheel drive is an option on all trim levels. Depending on where you live, though, being able to have front drive on a high-trim crossover could be a plus because it will save some money and improve fuel economy. The C-HR loses this battle as it's only available with front-wheel drive.

Next-generation Subaru Forester spotted with minimal camouflage

Though the Subaru Forester received a slight refresh last year, the crossover is due for a full redesign, since its bones date back to the 2014 model year. That redesign is coming soon though, as revealed by these spy shots. The crossover looks relatively similar to the current one, but it's completely new underneath. As for the outside, it's definitely an evolutionary design. The boxy shape and signature grille clearly derive from the current model. But there are changes. The prow doesn't slope back as much as the current one. Instead, it's nearly upright, and the corners are pushed forward, too. It gives the Forester a more truck-like appearance. The headlights also look as though they sit higher and wrap around more. The lower vents that were integrated in bumper creases on the current one appear to have disappeared, as well, perhaps for a more conventional front bumper. Moving to the side and the back, we can just make out some slightly more complicated surfaces on the flanks. They look a bit like the subtle creases found on the Impreza and the Crosstrek. The taillights also appear to be inspired by the new Impreza and Crosstrek. Rather than the small units in the body of the current Forester, the new lights extend into the rear hatch. Not only does this bring the crossover's styling in line with Subaru's other offerings, this may improve the size of the hatch opening, as Subaru says the Impreza's new lights did. Underneath the modest redesign should be Subaru's global architecture, which currently underpins the Impreza and Crosstrek. Our experience with both of those cars showed that the platform has yielded agile handling and solid ride quality. And if the Forester continues to offer a turbocharged engine, it should rectify the power (or rather, lack thereof) in the Impreza pair. The platform will also underpin the upcoming three-row Ascent SUV, which is expected to be released next year. With that in mind, and the near production-ready body, we'd say we'll see the new Forester revealed either at the end of this year, or early next year. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 Subaru Forester View 9 Photos Image Credit: KGP Photography Spy Photos Subaru Crossover

2015 Subaru Outback

"We like producing cars that are different." That's the company line trumpeted by several Subaru executives during the launch of the 2015 Outback - one of Fuji Heavy's most successful vehicles to date. Managing Editor Jeremy Korzeniewski accurately noted that while Subaru has never really found salvation with its mainstream sedans, it's the higher-riding, butcher offerings like the Outback and the Impreza-based XV Crosstrek that have been sales stars for the Japanese company. In 2013, for example, Subaru sold nearly three Outbacks for every Legacy it moved. And in 2014, the XV is on pace to outsell the Impreza upon which its based.
But Subarus have always been different, catering to unique customers that desire something a bit more special than your run-of-the-mill sedan or crossover. It's clearly worked, with Subaru having posted 30 months of year-over-year sales increases as of this writing. And even as the automaker's portfolio goes more mainstream, smoothing out its serially awkward styling and gunning for a larger market share here in the United States, that intrinsic Subaru differentiation is still baked in to each and every product.
It's that new Outback we're here to talk about today, a vehicle that's been comprehensively redesigned for the 2015 model year while not shaking up the formula that's made it successful since its inception in the mid-1990s, back when it (arguably) launched what we now know as the crossover utility vehicle segment. It's still plenty different - and plenty good, too.