Should You Take the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Off Road?

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek has what it takes to tackle the trail—as long as they aren’t too intense.
Written by Macy Fouse
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek puts the rugged athleticism of Subaru SUVs in a more compact package. It’ll suffice for easy off-road excursions, but if you’re looking for a more capable vehicle, you’ll have to search elsewhere.
Having a solid off-road vehicle means you’re prepared for any adventure—on or off the pavement. Many vehicles talk a big off-road game, but which ones are the real deal?
We're here to walk you through all the off-road specs of the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek. We’ll go over what makes a great off-road option—like ground clearance and torque—and some alternatives if the Crosstrek doesn’t fit your needs.
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Can the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek go off road?

Yes. While it won’t be rivaling the
Jeep Wrangler
anytime soon, the Crosstrek is adept at handling light off-road terrains, especially the
Sport
trim. It can handle even rougher situations with a few modifications, too. 
Starting at $24,320 for the base trim, the 2022 Crosstrek is the more compact sibling of the
Outback
, fitting in tighter spots and navigating traffic more easily. With a lower price than off-road-capable rivals, it’s a decent option if you’re a city-dweller with a passion for weekend adventures. 
What specifically makes the 2022 Crosstrek a viable off-roading partner? Let’s look at all the key details.  

Ground clearance

If you’re looking for a proper off-roading vehicle, one of the important numbers to take into account is its ground clearance. The 2022 Crosstrek has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, which makes it a decent off-roading option. 
For ideal off-roading ability, however, you want to look for a ground clearance between 8.8 and 10.8 inches. With a higher minimum clearance, you can hit the rough roads without being concerned you’ll damage your car’s undercarriage. When you compare the ground clearance of the Crosstrek to leading off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler’s 9.7 inches, it’s obvious the Crosstrek isn’t the most heavy-duty option—but it can still handle a decent level of adventure. 

Torque

Another important number to consider when looking at a vehicle’s off-roading capability is torque. Vehicles with low-end torque—higher torque at lower rpm—make better off-roading options, since turning power is more important than speed when you’re out exploring the wilderness.
The Crosstrek’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine gets 145 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm—but upgrading to the Sport or Limited trims will bump that up to 176 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm. Either way, the Crosstrek’s torque isn’t the best for off-roading, but it’s definitely not the worst—it’s just not as suitable for the more extreme excursions. 

Tires

The bad news is that the 2022 Crosstrek’s standard tires aren’t the most ideal for traversing difficult terrain. The base Crosstrek comes fitted with 17-inch wheels and P225/60R17 Yokahama Geolander G91F tires. These tires are all-season tires, which are more suited for paved roads and aren’t equipped to handle any intense off-roading. 
For more serious off-roading, you’ll need to replace the tires with
all-terrain tires
, or A/T tires, which are specifically fit for a mix of off-roading and highway driving. These types of tires aren’t for everyday driving, but they will provide you with better traction on off-road excursions. 

Drivetrain

No vehicle is fit for off-roading with all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is standard on the 2022 Crosstrek—even on the base trim.

Angles

Another major key in a car’s off-roading potential? Angles. More specifically, the approach angle and departure angle: 
  • Approach angle: the maximum angle a vehicle can ascend without interference 
  • Departure angle: the maximum angle a vehicle can descend without interference
The Crosstrek’s got an 18-degree approach angle with a 29-degree departure angle. These angles will get the Crosstrek over some gentle dips or rises, but it won’t be scaling any rocky mountainsides. 

Off-road rating: Rough and ready

With all of that info in mind, we’ve rated the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek with
Jerry’s
technical DIRT rating system, explained in the table below:
Rating
Meaning
Description
D
Don’t Try It
Vehicles better suited to highway conditions
I
In a Pinch
Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances
R
Rough and Ready
Vehicles designed for casual off-roading
T
Trail Boss
True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a range of terrain
The 2022 Crosstrek earns an R rating: while its rugged name implies that it’s made specifically for off-roading, it’s more suited for easy trails, dirt paths, and paved roads. If you’re searching for a more capable off-roader, you’ll need to look somewhere else. 

The best off-road alternatives to the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek

If you’re in the market for a compact crossover that can handle gentle unpaved roads with certainty, the 2022 Crosstrek is the perfect pick. However, if you’re looking for a cheaper ride, more verve in your off-roading adventures, or better gas mileage, there are some great alternatives to choose from.
Alternative
Model
Price
Description
Best affordable alternative
2022 Kia Soul
$19,290
The 2022 Kia Soul sits lower than the Crosstrek, and it’s less rugged, but it’s a comfy crossover that’s $5,000 cheaper.
MORE: Cheap off-road trucks
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How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles

In most cases, off-roading vehicles tend to be more expensive—to buy and insure. Since adventuring poses a greater risk to your vehicle, even with the most legit specs and heavy-duty mods, insurance providers charge more for coverage. 
There may be a way around it though—by shopping with
Jerry
. As
a licensed insurance broker
, the Jerry app compares rates between more than 50 top providers in 45 seconds or less to find a policy to fit your needs.
Users who shop with Jerry save $800+ each year on average. That amount of cash could go toward extra off-road mods like a lifted suspension or new A/T tires!
“After signing up with
Jerry
, I went from $199/month to $97/month for my car insurance. My 2019 Subaru Forester now has full coverage for a great price!” —Rhonda H.
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