When I arrived in Da Nang, Vietnam, I was excited to get
behind the wheel of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, marking my first-ever new car
review in this vibrant country. The new Subaru Crosstrek, a rugged and
versatile crossover, had just entered the Vietnamese market in October 2024,
and I’d previously seen it at the Vietnam Auto Show in Saigon. However, seeing
it on the showroom floor was one thing—driving it on the real streets of
Vietnam was an entirely different experience.
Subaru has long been the underdog in the automotive world, often overshadowed by its Japanese peers like Toyota and Honda. Yet, Subaru’s ability to adapt and cater to its loyal customer base has ensured its survival over the years. The 2024 Crosstrek continues this tradition, combining Subaru’s hallmark reliability, practicality, and off-road capability in a package that’s surprisingly well-suited for the unique challenges of the Southeast Asian market.
Vietnam’s Evolving Automotive Landscape and the Role of
the Crosstrek
Vietnam is in the midst of an economic boom. Known as the
land of motorbikes, the country is experiencing a shift as more consumers gain
access to disposable income and aspire to own cars. This presents a unique set
of challenges for both automakers and drivers. Vietnam’s cities, like Da Nang,
Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, are dense with narrow streets, chaotic traffic
patterns, and frequent flooding during the rainy season. Cars need to be
compact yet versatile, efficient yet rugged enough to handle unpredictable
urban conditions—and that’s where the Subaru Crosstrek comes in.
The Crosstrek is, at its core, an Impreza hatchback with added ground clearance and off-road capability. With a higher ride height and better approach and departure angles, the Crosstrek is designed to tackle both Vietnam’s congested city streets and occasional trips into the countryside. Its all-wheel-drive system, a Subaru staple, gives it a competitive edge over many rivals, particularly in a market where flooding and poor road conditions can often be an issue.
According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport, car ownership
has been steadily increasing, with an annual growth rate of around 10% in urban
areas. Subcompact crossovers like the Crosstrek are particularly appealing to
first-time car buyers, thanks to their combination of size, affordability, and
practicality. Priced competitively in the range of approximately 850 million
VND (around $35,000 USD), the Crosstrek fits neatly into the budget of many
middle-class families looking for their first car.
Climbing Into the Driver’s Seat: Interior Impressions
The driving position was equally impressive. The ergonomics
were spot-on, with everything within easy reach. A supple armrest, conveniently
placed cup holders, and ample legroom contributed to a sense of comfort that
Subaru has not always been known for.
One major update for the 2024 model was the shift to a
single large touchscreen infotainment system in the center of the dashboard.
While Subaru has traditionally been conservative with its interior technology,
this 11.6-inch screen represented a modern and intuitive approach. Climate
controls were integrated into the bottom portion of the screen but retained
physical buttons for key functions like temperature adjustment—a thoughtful
compromise between modernity and usability.
The Crosstrek also retained some analog elements, such as
traditional gauge clusters for the speedometer and tachometer, which I
appreciated for their simplicity. For an old-school driver like me, the
combination of digital and analog features struck the perfect balance.
The Back Seat and Cargo Space
Moving to the rear, I found the back seat surprisingly
spacious for a vehicle in this class. At 5’9”, I had plenty of headroom and
legroom, even with the front seat adjusted to my driving position. The seats
were a bit firmer than those in the front, but they still offered decent
comfort for passengers.
One of the Crosstrek’s compromises is its relatively small
cargo area. While the boot isn’t massive, the rear seats fold nearly flat to
create additional storage space when needed. For a small family or someone who
enjoys weekend getaways, this setup is more than adequate.
Driving the Crosstrek: Performance and Handling
Now, the real test: taking the Crosstrek for a spin. As I
pulled out of the dealership and onto the streets of Da Nang, the first thing I
noticed was how confident the car felt. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance,
navigating curbs and potholes was effortless, and the all-wheel-drive system
provided a reassuring sense of grip, even on uneven or slippery surfaces.
The 2024 Crosstrek is powered by a 2.0-liter Boxer
4-cylinder engine, producing around 150 horsepower. While not overly powerful,
the engine felt adequate for daily driving and occasional adventures. Subaru
has discontinued the manual transmission for the Crosstrek, so all models now
come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While I generally prefer
manual transmissions, I have to admit that the CVT performed well, delivering
smooth acceleration and keeping the engine in its sweet spot.
Steering was another highlight. Subaru has faced criticism
in the past for vague steering feel, but that wasn’t the case here. The
Crosstrek’s steering was precise and responsive, making it easy to maneuver
through Da Nang’s narrow streets and chaotic traffic.
Out on the open road, the Crosstrek came into its own. It
handled winding mountain roads with confidence, thanks to its low center of
gravity (a benefit of the flat Boxer engine) and well-tuned suspension. There
was minimal body roll, and the car felt planted even during spirited driving.
On rougher roads, the suspension soaked up bumps and ruts without feeling
overly stiff.
The hybrid model I tested also impressed me with its quiet
operation. In electric mode, the Crosstrek glided silently through the streets,
and the transition to the gasoline engine was seamless. Fuel efficiency is
another major selling point for the hybrid, which achieves an estimated 17-18
km/L (around 40 mpg), making it an economical choice for daily commuting and
long trips alike.
The Crosstrek’s compact size and high ground clearance make
it ideal for navigating both the tight streets of cities like Da Nang and the
challenging conditions of rural roads. Its comfortable interior, modern
technology, and excellent visibility further enhance its appeal. And while it’s
not a performance car, its responsive handling and all-wheel-drive system make
it genuinely fun to drive.
Subaru has a long history of building cars that cater to
adventurous, practical-minded buyers, and the 2024 Crosstrek continues that
legacy. Whether you’re a young professional upgrading from a motorbike, a
family looking for a reliable all-rounder, or someone who simply wants a car
that can handle whatever life throws at you, the Crosstrek is well worth
considering.
For me, the Crosstrek represents a symbol of how Vietnam’s
automotive landscape is evolving. As the country continues to grow and develop,
vehicles like the Crosstrek will play a key role in shaping the way people
live, work, and explore. And who knows—after this experience, I might even
consider getting one for myself someday.
Until next time, happy driving!