“When using temperature control knobs it is EXTREMELY difficult to see which vent the knob is turned to.”
2015 Subaru Crosstrek: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek is a new standard touchscreen system across the lineup. Subaru also made a rearview camera standard, quickened the steering and added a simpler 2.0i base trim.
About the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek
1st generation (2013-2017 US), third model year; major technology update before the 2016 styling refresh
Subaru positioned the XV Crosstrek as a compact, five-passenger crossover combining carlike dimensions with useful trail and winter capability. Its core differences were standard AWD, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, a practical hatchback cabin and relatively efficient four-cylinder powertrains. The range also included a conventional hybrid that preserved the gas model’s AWD and ground clearance, making the model especially suited to commuters and outdoor-focused drivers needing one small vehicle for varied weather and roads.
The 2015 Crosstrek pairs standard AWD and 8.7 inches of ground clearance with either a 148-hp gasoline engine or a 160-hp hybrid system. Premium focuses on cold-weather comforts, while Limited adds leather and a 7-inch touchscreen. Hybrid Touring combines the hybrid system with leather, navigation and a moonroof.
What changed, by category
Tech
Every trim received a new touchscreen. The 2.0i, Premium and Hybrid use a 6.2-inch system, while Limited and Hybrid Touring have a 7-inch system. Smartphone integration became standard on Hybrid, Premium and Limited; the hybrid trims also gained PIN-code access and welcome lighting, and Limited added a color gauge display.
Safety
A rearview camera became standard throughout the lineup.
Styling
Limited gained turn signals integrated into the side mirrors.
Structural
Subaru added a simpler 2.0i gasoline base trim, identified as Sport Utility in some listings. The electric power steering received a quicker ratio, and Limited gained a sound-insulating windshield.
2015 Subaru Crosstrek specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, CVT Manual | Auto, CVT Manual | Auto, CVT Manual | Manual, 5-Spd | Auto, CVT Manual |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 29 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 23 mpg | 29 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 30 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 160 hp | 148 hp | 148 hp | 148 hp | 160 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 50.2 cu-ft | 51.9 cu-ft | 51.9 cu-ft | 51.9 cu-ft | 50.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| Heated Windshield | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| SD Card Slot | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek?
The biggest change is a new standard touchscreen on every 2015 Crosstrek. Most trims have a 6.2-inch screen, while Limited and Hybrid Touring use a 7-inch screen.
Does every 2015 Subaru Crosstrek have a rearview camera?
Yes. A rearview camera became standard across the entire 2015 Crosstrek lineup as part of the cabin technology update.
Did Subaru add a new Crosstrek trim for 2015?
Yes. Subaru added a simpler 2.0i base trim with a 148-hp engine, 5-speed manual transmission, standard AWD and a 6.2-inch touchscreen. Some vehicle listings identify this trim as Sport Utility.
Is the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek offered as a hybrid?
Yes. The 2015 lineup includes Hybrid and Hybrid Touring models with a 160-hp gasoline-electric system, an automatic transmission and standard AWD. Hybrid Touring adds leather, navigation and a moonroof.
Is the 2015 Crosstrek meaningfully different from the 2014 model?
Yes, mainly inside the cabin. The 2015 model has standard touchscreens and a standard rearview camera across the lineup, along with quicker steering and a new base 2.0i trim, but its gasoline and hybrid powertrains were not substantially redesigned.
2015 Subaru Crosstrek Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek.
4.3
2015 Subaru Crosstrek
(249 reviews)
“We absolutely love this car, the only thing we would change is the pickup speed and noise level on acceleration. It feels sluggish on acceleration and is quite noisy.”
“speakers rattle at half volume. This is a very very poor sound system for a modern vehicle”
Sources
- subarumedia.iconicweb.com.s3.amazonaws.com — Mediasite / Specs / 2015 XV Crosstrek Hybrid AAG final
- subarumedia.iconicweb.com — Mediasite / Specs / 2015 XV Hybrid overview final
- subarumedia.iconicweb.com — Mediasite / Specs / 2015 XV Crosstrek Hybrid specs final
- subarumedia.iconicweb.com — Mediasite / Specs / 2016 Crosstrek equipment