“The Crosstrek I bought handles like a luxury vehicle. It feels safe and sturdy and the gas mileage is unreal.”
Subaru Crosstrek: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact five-seat SUV known for standard all-wheel drive, useful ground clearance, and an easy-to-manage size. It is built mainly for everyday driving but has extra ability for snow, dirt roads, and weekend trips.
The Crosstrek has always blended small-car maneuverability with the all-weather confidence and raised ride height of an SUV. Standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance defined the original 2013 model and remained central through later redesigns. Over time, Subaru added stronger engines, broader safety technology, hybrid versions, and the more trail-focused Wilderness without changing that practical everyday character.
Strengths
- Standard all-wheel drive gives every Crosstrek built-in help on wet, snowy, or loose surfaces.
- Its compact size makes it easy to park and use every day without giving up a flexible cargo area.
- The 8.7 inches of ground clearance found throughout much of its history helps on deep snow, rough roads, and mild trails.
- Safety has been a steady focus, with Subaru expanding its driver-assistance technology across the lineup over time.
- The lineup covers a broad range of needs, from straightforward daily transportation to the more trail-focused Wilderness.
- The 2026 hybrid was rated at 36 mpg in both city and highway driving, while keeping all-wheel drive.
Who it's for
The Crosstrek fits commuters and small households that want a compact vehicle for daily errands, tight parking, and road trips, but regularly face winter weather or unpaved roads. It also makes sense for hikers, campers, and other outdoor-minded drivers who need room for gear without moving up to a larger SUV.
Subaru Crosstrek lineup
Base models keep the Crosstrek formula simple, while Premium models add everyday comfort and have long served as the practical middle of the range. Sport models have emphasized a more adventurous look and, since 2021, stronger performance; pick one when the basic trims feel too modest but luxury is not the goal. Limited is the comfort-focused step up, with a more fully equipped cabin than the trims below it. Since the 2024 redesign, Wilderness has been the trail-focused choice with extra ground clearance and greater towing ability, while hybrid versions suit shoppers who value lower fuel use and some electric assistance.
Subaru Crosstrek generations
From 2013 to 2026, the Crosstrek spans three generations. The current 3rd Generation arrived for 2024, following the 2nd Generation (2018–2023).
3rd Generation (2024–Present)
The third-generation Crosstrek has a redesigned body and cabin, updated touchscreen technology, and a newer driver-assist safety suite. The Wilderness brought a more trail-focused version, while 2026 added hybrids and made the 2.5-liter engine standard across the lineup.
129 In Stock
2026Trim changes
New hybrid trims join the lineup. The 2.0-liter engine is dropped, making a 2.5-liter engine standard with or without hybrid assistance.
2025Trim changes
The Premium gets the stronger 2.5-liter engine and the more advanced traction-control system previously used by higher trims.
2024New generation
A full redesign brings new styling, a new cabin, improved ride and handling, updated touchscreen technology, and a newer safety suite. The trail-focused Wilderness also joins later in the model year.
2nd Generation (2018–2023)
This generation moved the Crosstrek to Subaru’s newer Global Platform, with a reworked body and cabin, improved ride and crash protection, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A plug-in hybrid arrived for 2019, followed by refreshed styling and a stronger 2.5-liter engine for 2021.
274 In Stock
2023Trim changes
A Premium Special Edition joins the lineup; the rest of the Crosstrek is largely unchanged.
2022
Carryover year with no significant lineup-wide updates.
2021Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling arrives with a new Sport trim and a stronger 2.5-liter engine for Sport and Limited.
2020Trim changes
The driver-assist safety suite becomes standard on gas models with the automatic transmission, alongside several equipment updates.
2019Trim changes
A new plug-in Hybrid joins the lineup, adding electric driving while retaining standard AWD.
2018New generation
A full redesign moves the Crosstrek to Subaru’s Global Platform and brings a reworked body and cabin, improved ride and crash protection, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
1st Generation (2013–2017)
The first Crosstrek debuted as the XV Crosstrek, combining an Impreza-based five-door body with standard AWD, a raised suspension, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. It gained a conventional hybrid for 2014, then dropped the “XV” name in the U.S. during a mild 2016 refresh.
68 In Stock
2017Trim changes
The hybrid leaves the lineup, and a 2.0i Premium Special Edition joins for the generation’s final year.
2016Mid-cycle update
A mild front-end refresh brings a new bumper, grille, and headlights. Subaru also shortens the U.S. name from XV Crosstrek to Crosstrek.
2015Trim changes
A new entry-level 2.0i trim joins, and every trim gets a redesigned touchscreen and a standard rearview camera.
2014Trim changes
Hybrid and Hybrid Touring trims join with Subaru’s first production gasoline-electric powertrain.
2013New generation
The all-new XV Crosstrek debuts in the U.S. with standard AWD, raised suspension, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Subaru Crosstrek.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Subaru Crosstrek an SUV or a hatchback?
It is a small SUV with four doors and seating for five. Its compact footprint makes it easy to park, while the raised ride height, standard AWD, and folding rear seat give it more bad-weather and cargo flexibility than a typical hatchback.
Does every Subaru Crosstrek have AWD?
Yes. AWD is a core Crosstrek feature across the model’s history, including gas and hybrid versions. You do not need to move to a higher trim to get it.
Does the Subaru Crosstrek come as a hybrid?
Yes, but the hybrid type depends on the era. Gas-electric Hybrid trims appeared for 2014–2016, a plug-in Hybrid ran from 2019–2023, and a new hybrid system joined the lineup for 2026. All retain AWD.
Is the Subaru Crosstrek good in snow and on dirt roads?
Yes. Standard AWD and useful ground clearance make the Crosstrek well suited to winter roads and maintained dirt roads. The Wilderness goes farther with 9.3 inches of clearance, revised gearing, extra body protection, and additional traction settings.
Who is the Subaru Crosstrek a good fit for?
It suits commuters, couples, and small families who want an easy-to-park SUV with room for weekend gear. It seats five, and newer gas models provide about 55 cubic feet of cargo space at their maximum cargo setting.
How many generations of the Subaru Crosstrek are there?
There are three generations: 2013–2017, 2018–2023, and 2024 onward. Early U.S. models were called XV Crosstrek; Subaru shortened the name to Crosstrek for 2016.
How much can a Subaru Crosstrek tow?
Towing ability depends on the version. In the latest lineup, most Crosstreks are rated for 1,500 pounds, while the trail-focused Wilderness is rated for 3,500 pounds. Check the exact year and trim before towing.
Subaru Crosstrek Reviews
What owners are saying about the Subaru Crosstrek.
4.3
Subaru Crosstrek
(4,031 reviews)
“I love my Crosstek however i wish the passenger seat was power adjusting vs manual and that there was an inside hatch release.”
“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.”
“Love this car. Love the ease of driving, maneuverability, and cargo capacity in this small car”
“My Crosstrek handles very well. It meets my needs as to power and safety features. The storage available is excellent. It is a Subaru. What more do I need to say.”
“I love my highly rated Subaru Crosstrek. I feel very safe driving it, including in bad weather. It is just the right size for me, and is roomier than it looks.”
Sources
- subaru.com — Pdf / Vehicle Resources / MY24 Crosstrek Pricing Press Release
- subaru.com — Crosstrek / Gas / 2026
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2026 / CTK
- subaru.com — Brochures / 2026 / 2026 CTK Brochure 100825
- subaru.com — Crosstrek / Wilderness / 2026
- subaru.com — Gas / 2026 / Features
- subaru.com — Crosstrek / Gas / 2025
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2025 / CTK
- subaru.com — Brochures / 2024 / 2024 Crosstrek Brochure 072823
- subaru.com — Crosstrek / Wilderness / 2025
- subaru.com — Brochures / 2024 / MY24 CTK Brochure
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2024 / CTK