“It's smooth, has the right amount of room, doesn't have a large trunk, looks nice, drives well in snow.”
2021 Subaru Crosstrek: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is a stronger 182-hp 2.5-liter engine in the new Sport trim and the Limited. This mid-cycle update also brings refreshed front styling and improved driver assistance on versions with the automatic transmission.
About the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
2nd gen (2018-2023), mid-cycle refresh year
Subaru positioned the Crosstrek as a small SUV for drivers who want everyday size and fuel economy without giving up rough-weather confidence or light-trail ability. The core pitch was standard AWD, generous ground clearance, strong safety tech, and useful cargo flexibility in a compact package that still fits city driving and commuting. Against many small-SUV rivals, Subaru leaned hard on the fact that all-wheel drive and rugged capability were part of the basic formula, not expensive extras.
The 2021 Crosstrek lineup runs from straightforward AWD transportation to more specialized versions. The new Sport pairs the stronger engine with extra low-traction drive modes and water-repellent upholstery, while the Limited emphasizes comfort with leather-trimmed seats and an 8-inch touchscreen. The plug-in Hybrid offers up to 17 miles of electric driving while retaining standard AWD.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The new Sport and the Limited use a 182-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 176 lb-ft of torque. The 2020 Limited had a 152-hp 2.0-liter engine with 145 lb-ft. Base and Premium models retain the 2.0-liter engine and manual-transmission option.
Styling
Every Crosstrek gets a redesigned front bumper and grille. The new Sport trim also has its own exterior styling details.
Safety
Versions with the automatic transmission receive upgraded EyeSight driver assistance with more advanced adaptive cruise control and lane centering.
Tech
An 8-inch touchscreen becomes standard on the Limited and plug-in Hybrid.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 29 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 152 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 152 hp | |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 134 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1000 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 55.3 cu-ft | 55.3 cu-ft | 43.1 cu-ft | 55.3 cu-ft | 55.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.7 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 17 | ||||
| MPGe Combined | 90 | ||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| Heated Windshield | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
The biggest change is the stronger 182-hp 2.5-liter engine fitted to the new Sport trim and the Limited. The 2021 refresh also updates the front bumper and grille across the lineup.
Is the Sport trim new for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
Yes. The Sport joins the Crosstrek lineup for 2021 with the 182-hp 2.5-liter engine, extra low-traction drive modes, water-repellent upholstery, and unique styling.
How is the 2021 Crosstrek Limited different from the 2020 Limited?
The 2021 Limited has a 182-hp 2.5-liter engine instead of the previous 152-hp 2.0-liter engine. It also receives refreshed front styling, lane centering, and a standard 8-inch touchscreen.
Did the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek get improved driver-assistance features?
Yes. Crosstrek models with the automatic transmission gain more advanced adaptive cruise control and lane centering through Subaru's EyeSight safety suite.
Does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek still have a manual transmission?
Yes. The base and Premium trims retain a manual gearbox with the 2.0-liter engine. The stronger 2.5-liter engine in the Sport and Limited is paired with an automatic transmission.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek.
4.4
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
(755 reviews)
“The Crosstrek is an excellent combination of reliability, performance, and luxury. I love my black leather seats with the orange stitching. I love all the extra comfort, technological, and safety features. It's great for a road trip and also for routine errands.”
“My Crosstrek has the perfect amount of pickup and go. I was a little worried that the trunk space would be too small but I've had no issues so far. She drives like a dream.”