“I was told that the Crosstrek and Impreza are the same vehicle, with the Crosstrek having higher clearance. I find that the Crosstrek does not handle as well and has blind spots the Impreza did not have. While I need the clearance of the Crosstrek, I miss the handling of my Impreza.”
2018 Subaru Crosstrek: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a full redesign and the first year of the second generation. The headline change is its move to Subaru’s new Global Platform, which underpins a more substantial update throughout the vehicle.
About the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
2nd gen (2018-2023), first year / full redesign
Subaru positions the Crosstrek as a compact SUV for people who want hatchback-friendly size with real bad-weather and dirt-road capability. Its core appeal is standard all-wheel drive, useful ground clearance, a flexible cargo area, and a practical cabin that still feels easy to park and live with every day. Compared with many small crossovers, the Crosstrek leans harder into outdoor capability and rough-road confidence without growing into a larger, heavier SUV.
The 2.0i is the simple, capability-focused trim, with standard all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, roof rails, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen. The Premium focuses on daily comfort with heated front seats, heated mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, and a quieter cabin. The Limited is the upscale version, with leather upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen, LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry, and a power driver’s seat.
What changed, by category
Structural
The Crosstrek moved to Subaru’s new Global Platform with a stiffer body and revised suspension. Cargo capacity increased from 51.9 to 55.3 cubic feet, while rear legroom grew from 35.4 to 36.5 inches.
Powertrain
The 2.0-liter engine was revised with direct injection. Active Torque Vectoring, which helps the vehicle turn more securely, became standard on every trim.
Styling
Subaru redesigned the exterior and cabin. The Limited gained LED headlights, while fog lights on the base 2.0i moved from standard to optional.
Safety
The new body structure improved crash-energy absorption.
Tech
Every trim received a new touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited got an 8-inch screen and the Crosstrek’s first power driver’s seat; keyless entry and push-button start also became standard on that trim.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, CVT w/Lineartronic | Auto, CVT w/Lineartronic | Auto, CVT w/Lineartronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 33 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 152 hp | 152 hp | 152 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 55.3 cu-ft | 55.3 cu-ft | 55.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Hill Start Assist | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Heated Windshield | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek redesigned?
Yes. The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek was fully redesigned and began the model’s second generation. It moved to Subaru’s new Global Platform with a stiffer structure, revised suspension, redesigned body, and reworked cabin.
Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek a meaningful update over the 2017 model?
Yes. The 2018 Crosstrek is a major update rather than a light refresh. Its new platform, revised direct-injection engine, roomier interior, improved crash structure, and updated touchscreen systems separate it clearly from the 2017 model.
Does every 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Every 2018 Crosstrek trim has a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2.0i and Premium use a 6.5-inch screen, while the Limited has an 8-inch screen.
Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek roomier than the 2017 model?
Yes. Rear legroom increased from 35.4 to 36.5 inches, and cargo capacity increased from 51.9 to 55.3 cubic feet for 2018.
What distinguishes the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited?
The 2018 Crosstrek Limited is the most upscale trim. It has leather upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen, LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry, push-button start, and the first power driver’s seat offered in a Crosstrek.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek.
4.3
2018 Subaru Crosstrek
(472 reviews)
“It's a great decision! If you love feeling safe, adventurous, and secure, the Subaru Crosstrek is for you!”
“Good fit for myself easy to drive on road trips, good safety features. An adjustment figuring out storage for phone and recharging option. Overall quite satisfied.”