2016 Subaru Crosstrek: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek is a mild front-end refresh with a new bumper, grille, and headlight design. Subaru also shortened the U.S. name from XV Crosstrek to Crosstrek, while the basic vehicle carried over.

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About the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek

1st generation (2013-2017), mid-cycle styling refresh and U.S. name-change year.

For 2016, Subaru positions the Crosstrek as a small crossover for drivers who want hatchback-like size and efficiency but more bad-weather confidence and light-trail ability. Its core appeal is standard all-wheel drive, generous ground clearance, easy everyday usefulness, and room for people and gear without moving up to a larger SUV. The hybrid keeps that same outdoorsy, practical identity while aiming for slightly better fuel economy.

The 2016 Crosstrek remains a compact, raised hatchback with standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The base 2.0i keeps a simple manual-transmission setup, the Premium adds cold-weather equipment, and the Limited brings leather seating, a 7-inch touchscreen, and extra driver-awareness features. The conventional Hybrid and leather-lined Hybrid Touring pair a 160-horsepower gas-electric system with all-wheel drive; neither is a plug-in.

What changed, by category

Styling

Subaru revised the front end with a new bumper, grille, and headlight treatment. Minor interior trim updates also arrived.

Safety

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert joined the lineup and became standard on the 2.0i Limited, Hybrid, and Hybrid Touring.

Tech

Touchscreen-equipped models received expanded STARLINK app content, and selected trims gained STARLINK connected services. The base 2.0i added steering-wheel audio and Bluetooth controls plus an illuminated console tray, while push-button start became standard on the Hybrid.

2016 Subaru Crosstrek specs and features by trim

Feature	2016 Subaru Crosstrek2.0i0 in stock	2016 Subaru CrosstrekHybrid0 in stock	2016 Subaru Crosstrek2.0i Limited9 in stock	2016 Subaru Crosstrek2.0i Premium13 in stock	2016 Subaru CrosstrekHybrid Touring0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter
Transmission	Manual, 5-Spd	Auto, CVT w/Manual Mode	Auto, CVT w/Manual Mode	Auto, CVT w/Manual Mode	Auto, CVT w/Manual Mode
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Hybrid	Gas	Gas	Hybrid
MPG City	23 mpg	30 mpg	26 mpg	26 mpg	30 mpg
MPG Highway	31 mpg	34 mpg	34 mpg	34 mpg	34 mpg
Horsepower	148 hp	160 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	51.9 cu-ft	50.2 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
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Automatic Emergency Braking
Blindspot Sensors
Active Lane Keep Assistance
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
Heated Windshield
Power Moonroof
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Trailer Hitch Receiver
Entertainment & Electronics
Navigation System
SD Card Slot
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Subwoofer
Comfort & Convenience
Automatic Air Conditioning
Heated Front Seats
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Start

How the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek compares

The biggest change for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is the loss of the Hybrid and Hybrid Touring trims. Otherwise, the three core gas trims carry over with no major mechanical, styling, safety, or technology updates.

See the full 2017 changes

Frequently asked questions

What changed on the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek compared with the 2015 model?

The 2016 Crosstrek received a mild front-end refresh, dropped the XV prefix from its U.S. name, and added several safety and cabin-tech updates. The underlying first-generation design, standard all-wheel drive, 8.7-inch ground clearance, gas engines, and hybrid setup largely carried over.

Is the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek the same model as the XV Crosstrek?

Yes. Subaru shortened the U.S. name from XV Crosstrek to Crosstrek for 2016; this was a name change and light refresh, not a full redesign. The Premium and Limited trim names also became 2.0i Premium and 2.0i Limited.

Which 2016 Subaru Crosstrek trims have blind-spot monitoring?

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on the 2016 2.0i Limited, Hybrid, and Hybrid Touring. These systems warn about vehicles beside the Crosstrek and approaching from either side while it is backing up.

Does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have a hybrid model?

Yes. The 2016 Crosstrek Hybrid and Hybrid Touring use a 160-horsepower conventional hybrid system with standard all-wheel drive. They recharge through driving and braking rather than plugging into an external charger.

Is the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek a full redesign?

No. The 2016 Crosstrek is a mid-cycle update of the first-generation model, not a full redesign. Its main changes are the revised front styling, shortened name, and selected safety and technology upgrades.

2016 Subaru Crosstrek Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek.

4.3

2016 Subaru Crosstrek

(369 reviews)

5 stars (185)

4 stars (138)

3 stars (34)

2 stars (9)

1 star (3)

No rating

“Love this car. Love the ease of driving, maneuverability, and cargo capacity in this small car”

ELEfren L.
2016 Subaru Crosstrek

“It's a fun, easy and reliable car. Good versatility and handles nice. Comfortable for long distance and local driving.”

SASusan A.
2016 Subaru Crosstrek

“Like but engine had to be replaced at 12,000 miles and the rebuilt engine had to be taken out at 13,500 miles to have valves adjusted!!”

WRWilliam R.
2016 Subaru Crosstrek