Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek is a compact crossover SUV with room for up to five passengers. It’s the smallest sport-ute in Subaru's lineup, slotting below the Forester, and it shares a platform and some components with the more on-road-focused Impreza. The Crosstrek's most recent (second) generation debuted in 2018, featuring updated styling, increased interior space, and additional technology and safety features.

The Crosstrek’s first generation (2013-2017) is available in 2.0i, 2.0i Premium, and 2.0i Limited trims. In 2016, a hybrid version was introduced but discontinued after 2017 due to low sales. However, the hybrid trim returned in 2019 as the Crosstrek Hybrid. With the introduction of the second generation in 2018, the trims were updated to the Base, Premium, and Limited. Each trim level offers incremental improvements in features and amenities, with the Limited being the most well-equipped. The performance-oriented Sport trim joined the lineup in 2021.

The first-gen Crosstrek employs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 148 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission comes standard on the lower trims, while a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is optional on those trims and standard on the Limited. The short-lived hybrid version combines the same engine with an electric motor for a total output of 160 hp. Starting in 2018, the second-gen Crosstrek comes with an updated 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 152 hp. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the Base and Premium trims, while a CVT is optional on those trims and standard on the Limited trim. In 2021, Subaru gave the Sport and Limited trims a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 hp, paired exclusively with a CVT.

The Crosstrek Hybrid, reintroduced in 2019, combines the 2.0-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors, one acting as a starter-generator and the other driving the wheels. This setup produces a total output of 148 hp. The hybrid model also utilizes a CVT and offers an all-electric range of up to 17 miles, thanks to its 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Since 2018, the Crosstrek has come with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which can be upgraded to an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration also became standard that year. Notable advanced safety features include Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite, which offers adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. EyeSight became available on select trims in 2015 and was made standard on all CVT-equipped models in 2019.

If you're considering a used Crosstrek, we recommend looking at models from the second generation (2018-present) due to their updated styling, additional features, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Specifically, examples from the 2019 model year onward would be ideal as they include standard EyeSight safety technology on CVT-equipped models. For a more powerful engine, consider the 2021 or later Sport or Limited trims, which offer the larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder. If fuel efficiency and limited all-electric driving are important factors, opt for the Crosstrek Hybrid.