Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek is a small quasi-SUV version of the Impreza hatchback, with a raised ride height that gives it enough clearance to slosh through deeply rutted roads. It may appeal to those people who live at the end of a dirt road and don't want anything big and bulky. The cabin is rather noisy, the ride is stiff, and the 148-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine occasionally has to work hard, but fuel economy is a gratifying 26 mpg. The costlier Hybrid barely improves on that, at 28 mpg. At least the Hybrid version, discontinued in 2017, is a little quieter and sounds less strained. Either way, the regular Impreza hatch may be a better choice: It's quieter, quicker, cheaper, and better riding. Blind spot monitoring and cross traffic alert were offered beginning in 2016.