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 Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.0L 4-Cylinder | 152 hp | 145 lb-ft | 30 mpg |
2.0L 4-Cylinder | 182 hp | 176 lb-ft | 29 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.