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2021 Subaru Crosstrek

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Make
Subaru
Model
Crosstrek
Year
2021
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Used Car Price Range
$18,999 - $27,999
$18,999 $27,999
Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2021 Base 4dr All-Wheel Drive
most popular
Price:   -  From $22,245
2021 Premium 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $23,295
2021 Sport 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $26,495
2021 Limited 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $27,995
2021 Crosstrek Hybrid Base 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $35,345
Expert Rating
3 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Overview

What's New

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has been refreshed. The big news is the availability of a more powerful engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. This is standard on the top two trim levels, while the bottom two continue with the carryover 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

Other changes include the addition of a new Sport trim, a new front bumper and grille, redesigned wheels, and adaptive cruise control becoming standard.

Choosing Your Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek is available in four trim levels: Crosstrek, Premium, Sport, and Limited. Pricing starts at $23,295 including destination for the base model and climbs to $29,045 for the Limited.

Engine Choices

The Crosstrek and Premium trims are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the Sport and Limited get the newly available 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The larger engine is more powerful and better suited to motivate the subcompact crossover.

Engine TypeHorsepowerTorqueFuel Economy (Combined)
2.0L 4-Cylinder152 hp145 lb-ft30 mpg
2.0L 4-Cylinder182 hp176 lb-ft29 mpg

The smaller engine starts with a six-speed manual transmission, but a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available for $1,350. The larger engine comes exclusively with the CVT. In typical Subaru fashion, all-wheel drive is standard.

Models equipped with the CVT gain X-Mode all-wheel drive, which incorporates power application management. The Sport model gains additional traction control modes for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud. The Premium, Sport, and Limited trims receive steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to simulate an eight-speed conventional geared transmission.

The Crosstrek will not be beaten in the all-important ground clearance statistic where it measures 8.7 inches to ensure that it can at least get to the trailhead unscathed.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

The Crosstrek stretches to 176.5 inches long, which is about 6 inches longer than a Honda HR-V. It can seat five passengers, but four is more its speed.

The Crosstrek offers 20.8 cubic feet of space behind the second row, or 55.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. These figures are less than the HR-V.

Subaru Crosstrek

Safety Features

Models equipped with the CVT get an updated version of Subaru's EyeSight suite of active safety features. It now includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist.

The Sport model brings automatic high-beams, while the Limited adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking. CVT Premium and Sport trims offer blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as part of a larger option package.

The Crosstrek has a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

Connectivity

The base trim features a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display that incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and plays sound through four speakers. The base trim only comes with one front USB port.

Moving up to the Premium brings a second front USB port, satellite radio, wi-fi hot spot capability, and six audio speakers. The Sport gets two rear USB ports.

The Limited trim upgrades to an 8-inch infotainment screen with HD radio. The larger touchscreen is available on the Sport model through its option package. The Limited's option package offers navigation and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Subaru Crosstrek

Crosstrek - From $23,295

The base Crosstrek wears 17-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights, black side mirrors, a roof spoiler, and, of course, roof rails. Inside, a six-way manual driver’s seat, a four-way manual passenger seat, cloth upholstery, and automatic climate control are standard fare for an entry-level car at this price.

Premium - From $24,345

The Premium trim is further equipped with fog lights, automatic headlights, heated side mirrors, and a windshield wiper area de-icer. The interior receives heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and orange contrast stitching.

On models equipped with the CVT, a $1,955 option package becomes available. It bundles a moonroof, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, push button start, and a six-way power driver seat.

Sport - From $27,545

Besides the engine upgrade, the Sport is distinguished with unique 17-inch wheels with a gray finish, unique wheel arch moldings, and gunmetal-finished grille, mirrors with integrated turn signals, and badges.

Inside, the seating surfaces are adorned with yellow stitching that extends to the door armrests, instrument panel, central display visor, steering wheel, shift boot, and center console while the steering wheel wears a yellow metallic trim and the interior trim is designed to resemble carbon-fiber. Push button start and a 4.2-inch driver information display are also standard.

The single option package here is $1,600 and brings the moonroof, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and the 8-inch touchscreen.

Limited - From $29,045

The Limited trim builds off of the Premium but with the larger engine. The range-topper adds adaptive LED headlights, LED fog lights, and 18-inch alloy wheels in black with machine finish. The seats are wrapped in leather with orange stitching, while the driver's seat gains standard six-way power adjustability.

The moonroof can be had as a standalone option for $1,000. Or, buyers can bundle it with navigation and the Harman Kardon audio system for $2,395.

Compare Crosstrek Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

The upgraded powertrain is certainly worth pursuing to motivate the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The Sport trim’s unique touches and added features create a desirable adventure vehicle without putting a hurt on the wallet.

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Pros
  • Off-road capability
  • Rugged good looks
  • Plenty of safety tech
Cons
  • Pokey engines
  • Forgettable manual transmission
  • Odd USB port placement
Expert Rating
3 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

The class of compromise. The subcompact crossover segment is odd, as there’s no one Goldilocks model that does everything just right. Each model does a few things great and struggles in other areas. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek isn't exempt from this trend, as its off-road capabilities are legendary, but it suffers severe design flaws and a lack of on-road excitement.

In a segment with increasing competition, these flaws hold it back from reaching the top of the class. Still, you could do a lot worse than a relatively affordable crossover with standard all-wheel drive and a good set of safety features.

Go anywhere, but slowly. Like most Subaru models, the Crosstrek boasts the brand's famed all-wheel-drive system and standard and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

This setup can handle anything from a light coat of rain to a dusting of snow to a mud-slicked backwoods trail. Is it a rock crawler? No, but it has no problem getting to the more remote campsites.

Though it’ll go virtually anywhere, the Crosstrek gets there slowly with its standard 152-horsepower, 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder engine. Buyers seeking more potency can opt for the 2.5-liter flat-four with 182 hp, but this only takes it from a sluggish 9.7-second 0-60 mph time to a slightly less pokey 8.2 seconds.

This class isn’t known for power, but buyers seeking more zip will find it in the upcoming Mazda CX-30 Turbo with 250 hp.

On-point CVT, but manual is forgettable. We have hit the era of the continuously variable transmission (CVT). After ages of complaining about the CVT, it’s finally hit a point where automakers are getting it right, and the Crosstrek’s CVT is about as good as it gets.

This CVT keeps the Crosstrek’s engine right in its sweet spot for ample responsiveness while resisting the urge to drone or rubber band like previous-generation CVTs. Even when off-roading, the control it offers is far superior to any before it.

While purists may yearn for a row-your-own manual transmission, the Crosstrek’s standard six-speed manual gearbox leaves a lot to be desired. First, opting for the manual eliminates key advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Compounding its shortcomings are its sluggish feel and reduced fuel efficiency. It’s a tough pill to swallow, so you should skip the manual.


Subaru Crosstrek

Rugged but not simple. The Crosstrek is rugged yet refined. It boasts all the off-road looks and capabilities any family could ever want, but it also offers the comfort and safety gear they want.

Inside, the Crosstrek pleases with its standard 6.5-inch touchscreen and water-repellant upholstery. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard, but its nearly inaccessible USB ports make using these features a struggle.

A new car without Android Auto and Apple CarPlay seems impossible today, but the base CX-30 is just that. But that’s not even the worst of it, as the Honda HR-V’s base infotainment system lacks smartphone integration and a touchscreen.

Buyers looking for a better-equipped base model can look to the Hyundai Kona, which has a touchscreen that's 0.5 inches larger. There’s also the Kia Seltos and its standard 8-inch screen.

If you skip the manual transmission, the Crosstrek leaves little to be desired with its standard automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Buyers who prefer safety without adding options can get much Crosstrek's optional safety gear standard on the CX-30. The Kona may not offer all that safety tech standard, but it at least has compulsory automatic emergency braking – the same goes for the Seltos.

Final thoughts. The subcompact crossover segment is a class of compromise, as each model has its strengths offset by equal weaknesses. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is no exception with glorious off-road capabilities but glaring issues in power, standard safety gear without the CVT, and fuel economy.

Buyers seeking a better-equipped crossover will want to check out the nicely equipped Kona and Seltos. Those who want a more exhilarating on-road drive may want to wait for the CX-30 Turbo to arrive.

Check prices for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek »

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L H-4 / 152 HP / 145 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 6-spd man w/OD
Available: Lineartronic 8-spd sequential shift control CVT w/OD
Drive Type
Full-time Symmetrical All-wheel Drive All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
22 / 29 / 25 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L H-4 / 152 HP / 145 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Full-time Symmetrical All-wheel Drive All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
22 / 29 / 25 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Double Wishbone
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
16.6 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$63
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
55.3 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
101 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
176.5 "
Exterior Width
71.0 "
Exterior Height
63.6 "
Front Headroom
39.8 "
Rear Headroom
38.0 "
Front Legroom
43.1 "
Rear Legroom
36.5 "
Front Shoulder Room
56.7 "
Rear Shoulder Room
55.6 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,117 Lbs. / 3,188 Lbs.
Wheel Base
105 "
Turning Radius
17.7 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 17.0 " Black Sti Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/metal-look Accents / Black
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Seek-scan
Speakers
4
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver And Passenger
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Eyesight Pre-collision Braking Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Eyesight Lane Keep Assist Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Eyesight Pre-collision Braking Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Eyesight Sway Warning Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2021 Subaru Crosstrek for Sale

23 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Subaru
2.0i Premium
Color: Pearl White
Price

$18,999

Mileage

29,650 mi

Map location icon

R/S AUTOLINE INC. (30 mi)

Phone: (714) 600-5343
Subaru
2.5i Limited
Color: Pure Red
Price

$22,995

Mileage

55,067 mi

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AutoNation Acura South Bay (8 mi)

Phone: (888) 208-0477
Subaru
2.0i Premium
Color: Crystal White Pearl
Price

$23,595

Mileage

44,894 mi

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McKenna Subaru (29 mi)

Phone: (714) 842-2000
Subaru
Limited
Color: White
Price

$23,988

Mileage

42,254 mi

Map location icon

South Bay Ford Lincoln (3 mi)

Phone: (888) 541-5110
See All Used Car Listings

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