Car Buyer's Guide

Subaru Crosstrek: GP/GJ vs GU

Verdict

The GU is the more complete new-generation Crosstrek, but RM190,788 is RM44,988 above the GP/GJ’s RM145,800. That money brings 154 hp rather than 148 hp, eight airbags instead of three, autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go. It is also 30 mm longer, 20 mm wider and rides on a 35 mm longer wheelbase, yet boot space rises only 5 litres to 315 litres. The cheaper CKD GP/GJ still keeps AWD, a 196 Nm boxer four and a full-size spare.

GP/GJ

Pick the Subaru Crosstrek GP/GJ if RM44,988 in savings, CKD assembly and a full-size spare matter more than newer safety and convenience kit.

GU

Pick the Subaru Crosstrek GU if you want eight airbags, autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control and the stronger 154 hp direct-injection engine.

Key differences

  • Price: Subaru Crosstrek GP/GJ RM145,800; Subaru Crosstrek GU RM190,788.
  • Engine output: Subaru Crosstrek GP/GJ 148 hp at 6,200 rpm and 196 Nm at 4,200 rpm; Subaru Crosstrek GU 154 hp at 6,000 rpm and 196 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
  • Size: Subaru Crosstrek GP/GJ 4,450 mm long, 1,780 mm wide with a 2,635 mm wheelbase; Subaru Crosstrek GU 4,480 mm, 1,800 mm and 2,670 mm.
  • Practicality: Subaru Crosstrek GP/GJ has a 60-litre tank and 310-litre boot; Subaru Crosstrek GU has a 63-litre tank and 315-litre boot.
  • Safety: Subaru Crosstrek GP/GJ has 3 airbags and no autonomous braking; Subaru Crosstrek GU has 8 airbags and autonomous braking.
  • Wheels and spare: Subaru Crosstrek GP/GJ gets 17-inch alloys and a full-size spare; Subaru Crosstrek GU gets 18-inch alloys and a space-saver spare.

GP/GJ

  • RM44,988 cheaper
  • Malaysia CKD assembly
  • Full-size spare tyre
  • 148 hp versus the GU’s 154 hp
  • Only 3 airbags versus 8
  • No autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring or adaptive cruise control

GU

  • 154 hp direct-injection 2.0-litre boxer engine
  • 8 airbags, autonomous braking and steering correction
  • LED projector headlamps, 11.6-inch touchscreen and 360-degree camera
  • RM44,988 more expensive
  • Space-saver spare instead of a full-size wheel
  • No navigation
Price & overview
PriceRM145,800✓RM190,788
Body typeSUVSUV
SegmentC-SegmentC-Segment
AssemblyCKDCBU
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM438RM438
Powertrain
Engine Tech16-Valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing16-Valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with direct injection and variable valve timing
Capacity1,995 cc1,995 cc
Horsepower148 hp at 6,200 rpm154 hp at 6,000 rpm✓
Torque196 Nm at 4,200 rpm196 Nm at 4,000 rpm
Cylinder ArrangementBoxer 4Boxer 4
FuelPetrolPetrol
Bore × Stroke84 mm × 90 mm—
Compression Ratio10.5—
Drivetrain
TransmissionCVT AutomaticCVT Automatic
Transmission NameLineartronicLineartronic
Transmission ManufacturerAisin—
DrivelineAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h10.7 seconds—
Rated Economy6.6 L/100 km—
Top Speed187 km/h—
Co2153 g/km—
Dimensions
Length4,450 mm4,480 mm
Width1,780 mm1,800 mm
Height1,615 mm1,575 mm
Wheelbase2,635 mm2,670 mm
Weight1,430 kg—
Fuel Tank60 litres63 litres
Doors55
Seats55
Boot Space310 litres315 litres✓
Front Tyre225/55R17225/55R18
Rear Tyre225/55R17225/55R18
Spare TyreFull sizeSpace Saver
Factory Tyres—Falken Ziex ZE001A A/S
Chassis
AssemblyMalaysia (CKD)Japan (CBU)
Front SuspensionMacPherson StrutMacPherson Struts
Rear SuspensionDouble WishbonesDouble Wishbones
Front Wheels17" Alloy18" Alloys
Rear Wheels17" Alloy18" Alloys
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist)
Crash Safety Ratings
EuroNCAP5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control—
ANCAP5 stars — Equivalent to Subaru Impreza with 7 airbags and stability control—
ASEAN NCAP5 stars — With 3 airbags and stability control—
Safety
Airbags3 (Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee)8 (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 LockManual for rear doorsManual for rear doors
Seat Belts5 three-point5 three-point
Blind Spot Info System—✓
ISOFIXAvailable for two rear passenger seatsAvailable for two rear passenger seats
Autonomous Braking System—Yes
Lane-keeping Assist—Steering Correction
Collision Warning—✓
Seatbelt Reminder—For All Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsHalogen reflectorLED Projector
TaillampsNormal bulbLED Combination
LED Daytime Running Lights—✓
Front Foglamps✓✓
Rear Foglamps✓✓
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators✓✓
Cabin
Front SeatsManual AdjustmentPower Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory
Rear Seats60:40 split folding60:40 Split-folding
Front Air-conDual-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate Control
Sunroof—Front, Tilt and Slide
Power Sockets2 Front1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear
Interior LightingMap Lights and Room LampMap Lights
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front, 2 Rear
Sun Shade—Sunroof Shade
Audio2-DIN touch-screen with remote, DVD, USB, AUX, 6 speakers11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Convenience
Power WindowsAll four windows, driver auto up and down with anti-pinchFour Windows, Driver and Front Passenger Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch
Engine StartManual keyKeyless Push Button
LocksKeyless operationKeyless Operation
Auto Headlamps—✓
Auto Wipers—✓
Cruise ControlPassive Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
Paddle Shift✓✓
Steering Audio Control✓✓
Steering Tilt✓✓
Steering Telescopic✓✓
Boot Operation—Remote Control Activation
Parking Sensor Rear2 Sensors4 Sensors
Reverse CameraYesYes, 360-degree View Monitor
Folding Wing Mirrors✓✓
Bluetooth✓✓
Navigation✓—
Hill Start Assist✓✓
Instrument Cluster—Electroluminescent Analogue
Parking Brake—Electronic
Warranty
Warranty Mileage Manufacturer100,000 km100,000 km
Warranty Manufacturer5 years5 years

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 equipped, with 154 hp, eight airbags, autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control. The GP/GJ is the smarter choice if its RM44,988 saving matters more than those upgrades.

What is the price difference?

The Subaru Crosstrek GU costs RM44,988 more than the Subaru Crosstrek GP/GJ.

Which Crosstrek has the better safety equipment?

The Subaru Crosstrek GU has the stronger safety kit: eight airbags, autonomous braking, collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping steering correction. The GP/GJ has three airbags and lacks those driver-assistance systems.

More comparisons

Buying one of these? Sell your old car, get paid in 24 hours

Related PaulTan.org Content: Electric: Electric | 2025 | Motorsports | Tech | Reviews: Reviews | Featured: Featured