Following a surprise preview in late March this year, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is now officially on sale in Malaysia. Previously known as the XV, the third generation of the brand’s crossover was first revealed in 2022 and sees the use of the Crosstrek nameplate globally – this was already used in North America for previous generations.
We’re getting the Crosstrek in a sole 2.0i-S EyeSight variant which comes fully imported (CBU) from Japan, as per TC Subaru’s (TCS) statement put out nearly two years ago – the Forester was the first to arrive following the company’s announcement. The asking price is RM190,788 on-the-road without insurance
The successor to the second-generation XV continues to be built on the Subaru Global Platform (SGP), albeit enhanced so the chassis is 10% stiffer than before. This change allows for softer spring rates to be fitted to improve ride quality without compromising the driving dynamics.
Compared to the outgoing XV, the Crosstrek is 15 mm longer at 4,480 mm and its overall height is down by 35 mm at 1,580 mm. The width remains unchanged at 1,800 mm and the same applies to the wheelbase at 2,670 mm.
Design-wise, the Crosstrek appears to be an evolution from its predecessor, retaining a familiar profile and general shape. Still, there are specific cues to mark out the latest model, including a larger hexagonal-shaped grille at the front with a horizontal bar that leads into the sleek automatic LED headlamps.
The black cladding around the vehicle is also more pronounced than before, particularly at the corners of the front bumper as well as the on the wheel arches, the latter with extractor vents on the front pieces. At the rear, the Crosstrek sports C-shaped taillights, while the bumper features a diffuser-like element.
Moving inside, we find a cabin that should be familiar to those who have gotten into the latest Forester or WRX. The highlight here is the 11.6-inch portrait-format infotainment touchscreen that is flanked by vertical air vents, accompanied by a three-spoke steering wheel. One area where the Crosstrek differs from its sibling is the centre console, which is asymmetrical when it comes to the matte and glossy plastic trim.
The Crosstrek is powered by a FB20D 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine rated at 156 PS at 6,000 rpm and 196 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The boxer mill is mated to a Lineartronic CVT and drive is sent to all four wheels via Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. We should point out this setup is carried over from the previous-generation facelift that the Crosstrek replaces.
Subaru’s Dual-function X-Mode is standard for those looking to go off the tarmac, while SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) provides selectable drive modes. Other driving-related features include hill descent control, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, engine auto start/stop, Active Torque Vectoring and Vehicle Dynamics Control System.
Standard kit for the Crosstrek includes 18-inch wheels (with 225/55 profile tyres), LED fog lamps, a powered glass sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, leather seat upholstery, keyless entry and engine start, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless charging pad, analogue gauges with a 4.2-inch multi-info display, paddle shifters and a powered tailgate.
On the safety front, you get eight airbags (front, side, curtain, driver’s knee and front passenger seat cushion), steering-responsive headlamps, LED cornering lights and a multi-view monitor bundled with a rear-view camera.
No shortage in terms of ADAS functions either, as the Crosstrek gets a full complement of EyeSight functions enabled by stereo cameras and an additional wide-angle monocular camera. This three-camera system allows for an expanded detection range compared to the older setup that lacked the wide-angle unit.
Included features are pre-collision braking with autonomous emergency braking and emergency steering, adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention, lane centring control, preceding vehicle adaptive steering control, lead vehicle start alert, pre-collision throttle management, high beam assist, blind spot monitoring, driving monitoring and reverse automatic braking.
Each Crosstrek purchased is accompanied by a five-year/100,000-km vehicle warranty, and you get eight colours to choose from: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Sapphire Blue Pearl, Pure Red, Sand Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl. Cost add-ons offered include Raytech window tint for RM2,000, Rhadium coating (RM2,200) and a Subaru digital video recorder (RM860).
GALLERY: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i-S EyeSight
The post 2026 Subaru Crosstrek launched in Malaysia – 2.0L NA, CVT; EyeSight 4.0 ADAS; CBU, RM190,788 OTR appeared first on Paul Tan’s Automotive News.
