Subaru Crosstrek: GP/GJ vs GU
Verdict
This is a clear budget-versus-safety-kit split. At RM145,800 versus RM190,788, the GP/GJ is RM44,988 cheaper yet keeps the same 1,995 cc petrol engine size, CVT and all-wheel drive, with identical 196 Nm and a stated 10.7-second 0-100 km/h. The GU adds 6 hp, eight airbags instead of three and auto emergency braking, plus a longer 2,670 mm wheelbase and 315-litre boot. For Malaysia, the newer car’s safety case is strong; the older one is the sensible spend.
Pick the Subaru Crosstrek GP/GJ if you want the cheaper all-wheel-drive Crosstrek and can live with three airbags and no auto emergency braking.
Pick the Subaru Crosstrek GU if eight airbags, auto emergency braking and the longer 2,670 mm wheelbase matter more than the RM44,988 premium.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru Crosstrek GP/GJ RM145,800, Subaru Crosstrek GU RM190,788
- Power: Subaru Crosstrek GP/GJ 148 hp, Subaru Crosstrek GU 154 hp
- Torque: Subaru Crosstrek GP/GJ 196 Nm, Subaru Crosstrek GU 196 Nm
- Wheelbase: Subaru Crosstrek GP/GJ 2,635 mm, Subaru Crosstrek GU 2,670 mm
- Boot space: Subaru Crosstrek GP/GJ 310 L, Subaru Crosstrek GU 315 L
- Airbags: Subaru Crosstrek GP/GJ 3, Subaru Crosstrek GU 8
GP/GJ
- Much lower price
- Same 196 Nm, CVT and all-wheel drive
- 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating
- Only three airbags
- No auto emergency braking
- 6 hp down on the GU
GU
- Eight airbags
- Auto emergency braking
- Longer wheelbase and slightly larger boot
- RM44,988 more expensive
- No stated 0-100 km/h, top speed or fuel economy figures
- 40 mm lower body than the GP/GJ
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 145,800✓ | RM 190,788 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-Valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with direct injection and variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,995 cc | 1,995 cc |
| Horsepower | 148 hp | 154 hp✓ |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Boxer | Boxer |
| Timing Type | — | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 84 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Lineartronic | Lineartronic |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 10.7 seconds | — |
| Rated Economy | 6.6 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 187 km/h | — |
| Co2 | 153 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,450 mm | 4,480 mm |
| Width | 1,780 mm | 1,800 mm |
| Height | 1,615 mm | 1,575 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,635 mm | 2,670 mm |
| Weight | 1,430 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 60 litres | 63 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 310 litres | 315 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Full size | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Falken Ziex ZE001A A/S |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Japan (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Disc | Solid Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars — Equivalent to Subaru Impreza with 7 airbags and stability control | — |
| ASEAN NCAP | 5 stars — With 3 airbags and stability control | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Passenger Seat Cushion |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 three-point | 5 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two rear passenger seats | Available for two rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen reflector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Normal bulb | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 split folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | — | Front, Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 2 Front | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Room Lamp | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 2-DIN touch-screen with remote, DVD, USB, AUX, 6 speakers | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | All four windows, driver auto up and down with anti-pinch | Four Windows, Driver and Front Passenger Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Manual key | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 438 | RM 438 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
GP/GJ vs GU FAQ
Is the Subaru Crosstrek GP/GJ or Subaru Crosstrek GU better?
The Subaru Crosstrek GU is better if safety equipment is the priority, with eight airbags and auto emergency braking. The Subaru Crosstrek GP/GJ is the better-value buy because it keeps all-wheel drive, the same torque and a much lower price.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru Crosstrek GU costs RM44,988 more than the Subaru Crosstrek GP/GJ. That extra spend mainly buys more safety equipment, a little more power, a longer wheelbase and a slightly larger boot.
Do they use the same engine and drivetrain?
Yes. Both use a 1,995 cc petrol engine, CVT automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Torque is identical at 196 Nm, while the GU makes 154 hp against the GP/GJ’s 148 hp.