A MotorTrend favorite, the Subaru Crosstrek helped boost interest in the subcompact SUV segment. As one of the larger vehicles in that class, the Crosstrek is essentially a raised Subaru Impreza hatchback with body cladding.  Now in its second generation, the Crosstrek remains a class leader thanks to its versatility and capability. Together with standard AWD, the Crosstrek blends all-weather traction and the raised ride height that consumers crave in an appealing package.

In addition to the standard Crosstrek, Subaru also offers a plug-in hybrid version that can operate in all-electric mode for short distances.

What's New

• New 182-hp 2.5-liter flat-four added for Sport and Limited trims.
• Subtle exterior design refresh with new front bumper and grille.
• Sport trim joins the lineup featuring the dual-mode X Mode system with a deep snow/mud setting and StarTex leatherette upholstery.
• EyeSight driver assistance suite adds upgraded adaptive cruise control and lane centering. All CVT-equipped models get the EyeSight suite as standard.

What We Think

Subaru's Crosstrek is one of the strongest entries in the subcompact SUV segment. The Crosstrek, a well-rounded performer, has excellent ride and handling despite its raised suspension. Part of the credit goes to the SUV's communicative steering, which gives the driver confidence through winding roads. Thanks to generous ground clearance, the Crosstrek can travel farther off the beaten path than many car-based SUVs. A spacious, well-built interior further makes the Crosstrek a compelling offering. Even the mid-level models feature solid build quality and controls that are satisfying to use.

Quibbles? The base 2.0-liter flat-four is downright underpowered and lethargic, especially when climbing steep grades or merging to highway speeds. The CVT also operates in a jerky manner, which can make the whole powertrain feel too sensitive when you're accelerating from a stop.

We look forward to testing the more powerful 182-hp 2.5-liter flat-four to see if the Crosstrek finally has the power we've often wished pre-2021 models had.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The Base and Premium trims of the 2021 Crosstrek get a 2.0-liter flat-four with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque paired to a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic. New for 2021, Sport and Limited models are powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four rated at 182 hp and 176 lb-ft. A CVT automatic is the only transmission available with the more powerful engine.

EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2.0-liter are 22/29 mpg city/highway with the manual or 28/33 mpg with the CVT. The more powerful 2.5-liter is just about as efficient at 27/34 mpg.

Safety

All 2021 Subaru Crosstrek models equipped with a CVT automatic gets the automaker's EyeSight driver assistance suite of tech. That includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist with centering function, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and front automatic emergency braking. Automatic high beams and rear automatic emergency braking are added to the EyeSight suite on the Limited trim. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on the Limited grade and optional on the Premium and Sport.

Cargo Space

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek has 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up. Folding the standard 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks increases capacity to 55.3 cubic feet.

Technology

Subaru's Starlink interface is standard on the 2021 Crosstrek. Lower trims get a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Sport and Limited trims are available with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, built-in navigation, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Trim Levels (Interior and Exterior Options)

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Base

Exterior: Rearview camera, 17-inch alloy wheels
Interior: Four-speaker audio system, 6.5-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, keyless entry, rear seat reminder (CVT-equipped models only), one USB port
Safety (CVT-equipped models only): Forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, front automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist with centering function, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control
Performance: Active torque vectoring system

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium

Exterior: Automatic headlights
Interior: Dual front USB ports, 4.2-inch instrument cluster display, leather-wrapped steering wheel

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport

Exterior: Dark gray 17-inch alloy wheels
Interior: Yellow contrast stitching, StarTex leatherette upholstery, yellow door inserts
Performance: SI-Drive drive mode selector, dual-mode X-Mode with deep snow/mud option

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited

Exterior: Adaptive full LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights,
Interior: Six-way power driver's seat, 8.0-inch touchscreen, keyless start, rear-mounted USB ports, near field communication (NFC) support (enables you to pair your phone with the vehicle by holding it next to the NFC icon)
Safety: Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams

Available Options and Packages

CVT automatic and EyeSight driver assistance suite (Base only): Forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist with centering function, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, 4.2-inch gauge cluster display

Option package (Premium only with CVT): Six-way power driver's seat, keyless start, sunroof, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert

Option package (Sport only): 8.0-inch touchscreen, NFC capability, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, sunroof

Option package (Limited only): Built-in navigation, eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, sunroof

Sunroof (Limited only, standalone option)

Key Competitors:

• Kia Seltos
• Mazda CX-30
• Hyundai Kona