2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK: WHY I’D BUY IT - STEFAN OGBAC

What SUV should I buy?" It's a question consumers ask themselves every day, but what would associate online editor Stefan Ogbac drive? Keep reading for the answer, and see other editors' picks here.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek meets my requirements for a practical vehicle to drive daily. Its combination of tech, safety, versatility, and value make it a solid buy even for single millennials like myself. The Crosstrek fits into my life, happily shuffling between commuting, road trips, Ikea runs, and weekend food crawls. It's not the most stylish vehicle on the road, but what it lacks in style it makes up for in practicality.

More on Stefan: I'm Stefan Ogbac, an associate online editor at MotorTrend. I enjoy playing video games, binge shopping at Ikea, hunting down the best Asian cuisine in Los Angeles, and finding fun roads to drive.

he 2019 Subaru Crosstrek slots on the larger end of the subcompact crossover segment, yet it's still small enough that you won't have trouble finding parking in congested areas. Four passengers (or five in a pinch) fit comfortably thanks to the well-packaged interior. Even with all seats up, there's 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space, enough for weekly groceries. With the second row folded, that capacity doubles to 55.3 cubic feet, plenty for hauling impulsively bought flat-pack furniture. Its waist-level seating position means you simply slide into the car—no climbing or crawling needed.

Subaru's Starlink multimedia interface prioritizes user-friendliness over flashiness. Physical shortcut buttons and knobs keep the controls from getting overly complicated. Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay allow your smartphone to assume infotainment duties and provide access to things like your personal profile on Google or iCloud. The available 8.0-inch touchscreen's quick responses further minimize distraction when using the system, which is why I'd opt for the Limited trim.The EyeSight driver assistance suite is among the most accurate on the market. The superb adaptive cruise control system makes commuting in traffic less stressful because of its ability to follow traffic effortlessly. The lane keep assist gently centers the car back into its lane when you cross the dividing line.

Powered by a 152-hp 2.0-liter flat-four, the Subaru Crosstrek is slow; our recently departed long-termer took 9.0 seconds to hit 60 mph. Fortunately, what it lacks in straight-line speed it makes up in fuel economy. With the CVT, the EPA rates the Crosstrek at 27/33 mpg city/highway, higher than many of its competitors. The 16.6-gallon fuel tank should provide well over 300 miles, meaning you won't have to stop for gas often. A comfortable ride and secure handling rounds out the package, making the Crosstrek a great all-around vehicle. Its standard all-wheel-drive system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance also allows you to take it on rough trails comfortably.

My choice would be a Crosstrek Limited with the Harman Kardon audio system and moonroof. At just over $30,000, it's still a relative bargain considering how much car you're getting. The lower trims miss out on features like the larger screen and LED headlights, but they're still good buys.

Other SUVs I Would Consider: Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester