The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek looks more sportier this year along with a new Sport model. The 2021 Crosstrek's base model starts at an MSRP of $22,245, while the Sport costs $27,545. The big news for 2021 is the availability of a 2.5-liter 182 hp engine standard on Sport and Limited trim levels. Borrowed from Forester, the Crosstrek's 2.5L flat-4 offers a 30-horsepower advantage over the base 2.0-liter boxer-4 in the base and Premium models. The Crosstrek crossover has standard AWD, and blends all-weather traction with the raised ride height.
The facelifted 2021 Subaru Crosstrek gets redesigned wheels and a redesigned front fascia including a new bumper and grille. The list of safety features on Crosstrek adds Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control as standard on trims with EyeSight/CVT. From comfort amenities to stylish features, the cabin of the Crosstrek has it all - including an Automatic temperature control system, leather-trimmed upholstery, and CVT paddle shifters. Based on the Impreza hatchback, the Subaru Crosstrek offers carlike driving dynamics along with more ground clearance and rugged styling. Moreover, Crosstrek can be had as a plug-in hybrid.
Latest Update:
Feb 19, 2021:2021 Subaru Crosstrek is the most powerful Crosstrek model ever - with 20% extra horsepower and more on-road and off capability.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Ratings
Pricing And Features
7.3
Engine And Performance
7.2
Fuel Economy
8.9
Interior
8.3
Exterior
7.0
Safety
9.0
Competition
7.0
Final Verdict
7.5
7.6
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
7.6
Overall Rating
"Whether it's cruising through the urban streets or taking on a rugged off-road trail, the Subaru Crosstrek has both the looks and the capability to naturally do both." -Carbuzz.com
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is offered in a total of 4 trims with prices starting from $22,245 and goes all the way up to $27,995 for the top-of-the-line Limited trim. As compared to the price of the 2020 Crosstrek, the 2021 Crosstrek's MSRP takes a slight bump. New for the 2021 Crosstrek is a slightly resculpted front and rear fascia, a new powertrain option, a new trim line-up, and of course the addition of the Crosstrek's Hybrid variant.
There are several changes taking place in the 2021 Crosstrek. However, what remains unchanged is the competition this Subie faces. The Subaru Crosstrek goes against the likes of Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX 3, Buick Encore, and many others. So is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek a worthy buy? Read below to learn more.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek SUV Front View
2021 Subaru Crosstrek SUV Side View
7.3/10 Pricing and Features
7.2/10 Engine and Performance
8.9/10 Fuel Economy
8.3/10 Interior
7.0/10 Exterior
9.0/10 Safety
7.0/10 Competition
7.5/10 Final Verdict
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Pricing and Features
7.3/10
"The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek flexes a more potent available powertrain but still prioritizes safety and capability." - TheCarConnection.com
How much should I pay for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $22,245 (MSRP) for the base model (plus a destination fee of $1,050). The cheapest Crosstrek model comes with a four-cylinder 2L and a 6-speed manual. For the optional CVT automatic, the 2021 Crosstrek's base model starts at an MSRP of $23,595 (including destination). Next-in-line is the Premium, starting at $23,295 with a manual while adding CVT costs $1,350 extra. New-for-2021, Crosstrek Sport comes equipped with the 2.5-liter engine as standard and costs $26,495. The top-range Limited starts at $27,995 and is the second Crosstrek model available with a 182 hp 2.5L engine as standard.
The Subaru Crosstrek gets a new Sport trim for 2021.
The 2021 Crosstrek Sport and the Limited trims are fundamentally the same. However, the Sport trim features the dual-mode X Mode system with a deep snow/mud setting and StarTex leatherette upholstery. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium is available with a popular option package ($1,995) - Features a power driver’s seat and a moonroof along with a blind-spot detection system, rear cross-traffic alert, and pushbutton ignition.
Trim
Base (2.0L)
Premium (2.0L)
Sport (2.5L)
Limited (2.5L)
MSRP (Manual)
$22,245
$23,295
-
-
MSRP (CVT)
$23,595
$24,645
$26,495
$27,995
Key Features
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Includes Crosstrek Base key features and adds:
Includes Crosstrek Premium key features and adds:
Includes Crosstrek Premium key features and adds:
STARLINK Multimedia with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
The leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle
The new Subaru Crosstrek Sport has a similar options package. For $1,600, it comes with all the same equipment except the power driver’s seat. The Crosstrek Limited can be equipped with a moonroof for $1,000 or a $2,395 option package that includes said moonroof plus navigation and a premium Harman Kardon audio system.
To keep the drive in your control, it is better to go with Crosstrek Premium trim. Starts at $23,295, the 2021 Crosstrek Premium has a manual gearbox with a 2.0-liter powerhouse along with lots of standard features. For the buyers looking for more power and performance regardless of the fuel efficiency, you can go with Crosstrek Limited. The top-range Crosstrek model has a 182 hp 2.5-liter powerhouse and lots of premium comfort features.
"The new Sport model's enhanced features—unique 17-inch wheels, yellow-stitched upholstery, carbon-fiber trim, and advanced driving modes—are nice, but the more powerful 182-hp 2.5-liter engine is more worthy of the upgrade." - CarAndDriver
For 2021, Subaru Crosstrek has two choices of four-cylinder engines. The base and Premium models use a 2.0-liter flat-4 with 152 horsepower while the Sport and Limited models come standard with a 2.5-liter flat-4 that produces 182 hp and 176 lb.-ft. of torque. Unlike the base 2.0-liter engine, which is available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the Crosstrek 2.5 models pairs exclusively to a CVT.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek gets a new 2.5L Flat-4 engine option.
The 152 hp 2.0L engine takes the 2021 Crosstrek from 0-60 mph in 9 seconds. The Subaru Crosstrek has a lower center of gravity as Subaru’s flat-4 engines ride low in the chassis, offering car-like handling. Regardless of engine choice, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is rated to tow 1,500 pounds. Subaru's boxer engine in 2021 Crosstrek delivers abundant torque and increases output to 182 hp while still reaching up to 34 MPG.
Models
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Base
2021 Hyundai Kona
2021 Mazda CX-3
2021 Buick Encore
MSRP
$22,245
$20,400
$20,640
$24,195
Engine
2.0L BOXER 4
2.0L GDI 4-cylinder
2.0L Inline-4
1.4L turbocharged Inline-4
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
FWD
FWD
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
6-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic
6-speed automatic transmission
6-speed shiftable automatic
Power
152 hp @ 6000 RPM
147 hp @ 6200 RPM
148 hp @ 6000 RPM
138 hp @ 4900 RPM
Torque
145 lb-ft @ 6000 RPM
132 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM
146 lb-ft @ 2800 RPM
148 lb-ft @ 1850 RPM
0-60 MPH
9.0sec
10.0 sec
8.2 sec
10.0 sec
Quarter-Mile
16.9 sec
17.3 sec
16.3 sec
16.8 sec
Top Speed
140 MPH
127 MPH
114 MPH
120 MPH
Talking about the rivals, the Subaru Crosstrek even with its standard 2.0L engine is the most powerful car in this segment. The 2021 Mazda CX-3's 2.0L Inline-4 makes it the second most powerful car with 148 hp. Whereas, the 2021 Buick Encore is the least powerful car in the segment. What further differentiates the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek from all its rivals is the standard AWD drivetrain.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek gets Subaru's Symmetrical AWD drivetrain as standard.
The Subaru Crosstrek suspension is not firm and absorbs the bumps smoothly. The body roll is contained and Crosstrek's handling feels controlled around the corners but not sporty. At 8.7 inches, Subaru Crosstrek's ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive help give the Subaru some light off-road capability. Though Mazda CX-30 offers sporty handling and driving dynamics.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek with 2.0L CVT gets an mpg rating of 28 mpg city /33 mpg highway/30 mpg. With the manual transmission, EPA fuel economy ratings drop to a combined 22/29/25 a city/highway/combined. The EPA rates the 2.5L engine in the Crosstrek Sport and Limited at 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. The Crosstrek 2.5L comes standard with CVT.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek posts the best in class range figures.
Moreover, the Crosstrek offers a cavernous fuel-tank capacity of 16.6 gallons. This is the best in class gas tank capacity which makes the Crosstrek a serious mile cruncher. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a new model and returns up to 35 mpg combined.
The Crosstrek's cabin is highly functional and well laid out. -Edmunds.com
The interiors of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek score high on interior space, comfort, and infotainment system. Subaru has retained the interior layout, so the 2021 Crosstrek's cabin see are no major change. Subaru's have a clean dashboard layout and good quality materials but rivals like Mazda CX-3 offer modern design and a better quality cabin.
The Subaru Crosstrek gets a new cloth-upholstery for 2021.
T new-for-2021 Crosstrek Sport tries to rectify the complaint with a splash of color contrast theme, sporty graphics, and trim-specific badges scattered around the cabin. The Subaru Crosstrek above-average space in a subcompact SUV, with 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Crosstrek's 60/40 split-folding rear seat expands cargo to 55.3 cubic feet behind the front seats.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek's new Sport trim gets a new color contrast theme.
The infotainment system of Crosstrek has always been a center of attraction for buyers. The 2021 Crosstrek comes with Subaru's Starlink Infotainment system (SSIS) along with a standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. The lower variants in the Crosstrek lineup get a 6.5-inch touchscreen unit coupled with 6 speakers. If you opt for Sport or above trims, you get a bigger 8-inch unit with a premium 9-speaker Harman Kardon music system.
Models
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Base
2021 Hyundai Kona
2021 Mazda CX-3
2021 Buick Encore
Seating Capacity
5
5
5
5
Front (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches)
39.8/56.7/43.1
38.0/55.5/41.5
38.4/53.5/41.7
39.6/54.2/40.8
Rear (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches)
38.0/55.6/36.5
37.8/54.5/34.6
37.2/50.4/35.0
38.8/52.5/35.8
The Subaru's infotainment system is easy to interact with and displays all the vital information in the form of crisp and well-laid out graphics. The steering-wheel-mounted audio controls come with the privilege of voice-activated commands.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek gets a 6.5-inch touchscreen panel in lower trims and an 8-inch display in upper trims.
Various infotainment features in the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek are:
Despite its small exterior footprint, the Crosstrek is supremely practical. -MotorTrend
Subaru has introduced changes to the 2021 Crosstrek's exterior including a tweaked front fascia, use of chrome, and tweaked fog lamp cutouts. The new 2021 Crosstrek Sport trim costing $26,495 get wheel arch moldings, a gunmetal finish on its grille, side mirrors, and badges. The Sport also sports unique 17-inch alloy wheels with a dark gray finish.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek gets a refreshed rear end.
The Subaru Crossback underpins the same platform as the Subaru Impreza, which makes it look like a "hatchback on steroids". A total of seven exterior colors are available, including two new choices: Plasma Yellow Pearl and Horizon Blue Pearl (both pictured here). There's a total of 8.7 inches of ground clearance that's ideal ride height for both on- and off-road routes.
Models
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Base
2021 Hyundai Kona
2021 Mazda CX-3
2021 Buick Encore
Curb Weight (lbs)
3117
3126
2,851
3237
Length (inches)
175.8
164.0
168.3
168.4
Width (inches)
71.0
70.9
69.6
70.1
Height (inches)
63.6
61.6
60.7
65.3
Ground Clearance (inches)
8.7
6.7
6.1
6.2
Wheelbase (inches)
104.9
102.4
101.2
100.6
The Crosstrek is the heaviest car in this segment, which explains the underwhelming performance of its base 2.0L engine. However, the Crosstrek is well known for its 17/18 inch wheels. Comparatively, the Crosstrek 104.9 inch wheelbase is longer than rivals including Kona, Encore, and CX-3. Its curb weight ranges from 3,117 to 3,298 pounds, which is average in the class for AWD-equipped SUVs. Moreover, the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid will be pointed out from the rest of the trims via its black rear spoiler.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek crash-test results are bright - the SUV scores the highest five-star safety rating from NHTSA and bagged the Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS. has not yet been bashed into a pole or a barrier by NHTSA or the IIHS. The 2021 Crosstrek CVT models come equipped with Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology which now features Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering. The optional driver-assistance features are available at a reasonable cost with the base Crosstrek as compared to the rivals.
The Subaru Crosstrek has been awarded the Top Safety Pick by IIHS.
The Subaru and Hyundai cars are the best of the lot but Crosstrek manages to get a slight advantage over Kona. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has a higher ground clearance and a more spacious interior than the 2021 Kona. Talking of the price difference, the base variant of the 2021 Crosstrek costs $22,245 whereas the base variant of the 2021 Hyundai Kona FWD comes at an MSRP of $20,400. The higher price of Subaru Crosstrek includes standard AWD and more space.
2021 Hyundai Kona
2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 Mazda CX 3
With the base engine configuration, the 2021 Mazda CX 3 is more powerful than Subaru Crosstrek. But with the introduction of the new 182 hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine in Sports and Limited trims, 2021 Crosstrek becomes even more valuable. The Crosstrek Sport starts from $26,495 and comes with 182 hp, AWD drivetrain, sports tunes dynamics, and unique exterior cues.
2021 Mazda CX-3
2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 Buick Encore
Going by the spec sheet, Crosstrek scores better ratings for engine & performance, mileage, and interior features than the 2021 Buick Encore. Most importantly, the $22,245 Subaru Crosstrek's MSRP is almost $2000 cheaper than the starting price of 2021 Encore. The only advantage that Encore carries is its top speed and efficient braking system which enables it to stop from 60 mph to idle condition at a distance of 117ft. But this difference does not make it up to have an overall advantage over the Crosstrek.
2021 Buick Encore
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Final Verdict
7.5/10
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is an all-rounder vehicle and definitely, worth a go. Subaru's Crosstrek has a spacious and comfortable cabin, mileage is above average, modern exterior design, high safety ratings, and now a new powerful engine as well. The Crosstrek review highlights a strong return on investment, justified by strong safety and comfortable ride quality. Moreover, Crosstrek is pocket friendly, unlike its rivals which cost more than the average. Subaru also provides its customer with the best after-sales experience, and due to which the automaker has a very good Customer retention ratio.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 9 seconds.
Subaru has come a long way since it entered the US. It now makes some of the most reliable cars in the industry and is backed by contended customers and impressed regulatory organizations. The 2020 Crosstrek bagged an impressive 80 out of 100 in the J.D. Power Report which is impressive in general. Recalls were a handful, but Subaru has always been quick to rectify it and make the least hassle in doing so.
What is the annual maintenance cost of a Subaru Crosstrek?
The annual maintenance cost of a Subaru Crosstrek, on average, ranges from $480 - $492, depending upon your service provider.
Is the Subaru Crosstrek AWD?
Yes, the Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system.
How much is an oil change for a Subaru Crosstrek?
An oil change for a Subaru Crosstrek costs around $162 for the base engine and $220 for the more powerful 2.5L engine.
How often does Subaru Crosstrek need an oil change?
According to Subaru, you should get your Crosstrek's oil changed every 3000 - 5000 miles.
The hands free audio visual bluetooth screening is a great tech advancement in my subaru . The mileage is good an the its your perfect weekend gateaway car .Although i feel the power could be more amped up. costed me $24000, very cheap. Has a very soft upholstery which makes seating and ride quality amazing. The design is very sporty. Basic safety standards. Great reliability.
I feel the tech is same as that of the previous edition which i have so that could have been amped up. The shifting in my cross treck is slick its engaging and powerful drive. Costed me $29000 highly affordabe. The seats are well padded making seating experience great. The subaru has definitely tweaked some edges making it more aesthetic as well the chrome exteriors have a premium finish to them. Pre and post collison system makes the ride safe. Subaru is great in it.
The illuminated vanity mirrors are great add on as well as the heated and ventilated seats. Smooth drive the shifts are smooth and its a great city drive. Very affordable and practical. The sport edition of mine has a new startex uplholstery which makes the ride very pleasant. This subaru is better styled and design is amped up. The vehichle stability control is great safety addon. Good maintenance coverage offered.
