We recommended the 2021 Crosstrek before, just with the caveat that it was painfully slow. Now, thanks to the optional 2.5-liter engine, it has near class-leading acceleration to go with its premium interior, solid off-road capability, and impressive suite of driver aids.
New 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides more power
More standard driver assist features on automatic-equipped Crosstreks
Refreshed front bumper with new front grille
Part of the second Crosstrek generation introduced for 2018
What is the Crosstrek?
The Subaru Crosstrek is in the extra-small subcompact SUV class, which makes it more like a high-riding hatchback in many ways. It ranks a respectable fourth place in its class, just behind the class-leading Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul and Honda HR-V. We like the Crosstrek for its high ground clearance for better off-road abilities, generous passenger space and smooth ride. Cargo space is a little small, though, and it's not as confidence-inspiring on a curvy road as some rivals.
We're also unimpressed by the current Crosstrek's weak engine and slow acceleration, but that may change for 2021. There are rumors that a new turbocharged engine could join the lineup, though we'd expect it would only be available in the more expensive models. As it stands, the 2020 Crosstrek's 152-horsepower engine takes an interminable 10.3 seconds to reach 60 mph.
If that new turbo engine does become a reality, there's a good chance that the Crosstrek could break into the top three in Edmunds' rankings for the class. We should have confirmation as we get closer to the summer, so watch this space.
Edmunds says
We like the Subaru Crosstrek. It's good, but its weak engine holds it back to the point where a Prius will legitimately out-accelerate it. There could be help on the horizon in the form of a more powerful engine option for 2021, so it might be worth it to wait until we get confirmation.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Subaru Crosstrek from 2008-2022.
$456/yr
vs. $465/yr for Average Compact SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).
0.38x/yr
vs. 1x/yr for Average Compact SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).
10.3%
vs. 11.5% for Average Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Originally, I was going to get the Premium model. I drove it and liked the cloth seats and the 2.0 engine seemed adequate for my needs. While I waited for the car to arrive from the port, I started looking at the other models online. The Limited model provided so many more features for relatively little more money, that I just had to switch. I now have the 2.5 engine that has quite a bit … of power, plus I'm averaging 32.9 MPG combined. I have the 8" touch screen, leather seats and nicer looking 18" wheels, instead of 17". Some people complain about the transmission, but I actually like the CVT transmission. I find it pretty smooth. I chose the grey interior, so that it would lighten up the inside and I'm glad I did. I love the Eyesight and how it can keep the car in the lanes and the cruise control paces very accurately and will even apply the brakes if someone cuts in front of you. All things said, I feel safe in this car and I really like the quality of the car. I had a Forester 10 years ago, but didn't like it, cause it felt too big. This car is small on the outside, but has a lot of room inside. Its really a great size.
Now it's been 3 years and 50,000 miles later. I've had an ongoing problem with the radio. Periodically, when I start the car, the radio has no volume on AM or FM even though its set for #12 volume. If I turn it to Sirius, then there is sound. This is random and may happen once every 2 months or sometimes twice in the same month. It seems to occur more in cold weather. The sound may restart itself in 2 minutes or 10 minutes or never. I can always restart it by turning off the radio & resetting it or turning off & restarting the car. The dealer has replaced the radio twice, but this doesn't change the problem. The last radio had a failure the next morning and I drove right to the dealer and left the car running for 2 hours till they opened so I could show them. They scheduled service and had the car for 2 weeks trying to start the car & see the failure, but of course, it didn't happen. The Factory has no solution & right now the dealer wants a factory tech to come & check it.
Other than the radio, I've had no other problems. I still have the original tires, but replaced the rear brakes. I also changed the air filters, cabin & engine several times. I'm averaging 32 MPG in the "I" mode, but do 3/4 miles on the highway and usually do 60 MPH in the right lane to work & 65 MPH home. I no longer like the leather seats as they're too firm without enough padding and are uncomfortable on anything more than a 1 hour trip. I think I would like a bigger rear trunk area also. I usually don't drive in the winter till the roads are plowed, so I really haven't had any issue with traction.
On another note: While I had a loaner for 2 weeks, the dealer let me use a Forester Wilderness model. The car is pretty identical inside to mine & has the same engine, but it had softex seats and they were better. I drove it the same way as always, but the all-terrain tires took 4 MPG from what I get in my car, so I only got 28 MPG. I really like the way these tires ride and grip, but I don't like the loss of MPG. The factory had the tires inflated to 40 PSI, if I lowered it to 33 PSI as recommended, it would probably lose another 1 MPG.
2021 Crosstrek
5 out of 5 stars
2021 Crosstrek Limited, 11/19/2020
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
We purchased a loaded limited model and absolutely love it. The new 182hp engine vs other vehicles in its class has a lot of get up and go. The safety features and quality are top notch. It also gets great gas mileage around 29mpg combined. We have now owned for a year with 18,000 miles. Still enjoy driving and have had no issues
4 stars solid - Base CVT
4 out of 5 stars
Landon, 09/26/2020
2021 Subaru Crosstrek 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
I like honest reviews that help normal people. I just got a 2021 Crosstrek and plan to keep it for 9 or more years. I will have plenty to say. After my first 100 miles, I LOVE it. It is lacking in power a little, but I don't have any negatives yet. 8.7" of clearance. One of the best AWD systems out there. The CVT is FAR better than my last one in a Corolla. Mines a 2.0 152 HP. Safety … features are amazing. Ride is great. I will re-do this review when I get some miles on it.
Update: After 18 months from purchase and 6400 miles driven. 1/2 of miles were long 300 mile trips (12 so far) 3600 miles...and 1/2 were around town going 15-35. It rides like a sedan, but can handle 6 inches of snow without issue. Even in 4-6" of snow going 70 on the freeway (not recommended but there were no other cars around) It has a really good "feel" No slippage (or so little I didn't notice) The AWD system makes it feel like no other car I've driven. It feels solid. It's still early in my ownership. I'm accustomed to Toyota. As a company, Subaru is WAY smaller than some others....and you can tell. (although Toyota is slowly buying Subaru, and even share some parts in 2021+ models) It seems to be well made, although my 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is a BASE model with CVT. The switches and buttons for heat and cool seem and look like they haven't changed since the 1990s. I don't mind this and actually wanted a simple system. Works great. Looks fine. I knew all this before buying except about the color LCD on the upper screen. Missed that one.
I also was told by the dealer I could turn off the auto start / stop system. It's terrible! Every stop sign your car quits only to immediatelly start. Turns out you can disable that, but it resets every time you turn the car off, so it's become habit to push a button quickly right after starting. That disables the auto start / stop feature. It's a gimmick to get better gas mileage numbers from the NTSB or EPA some other bothersome government BS.. I even have a real "KEY" Not a fob. That's rare in 2021 cars for sure. It's no bother. exactly what I've done since I learned to drive in the early 80s. One more thing about interior storage. There is not even nearly enough. The cavity below radio and buttons for climate is WAY to small. then you have center cupholders and ones in the door. But you do have a lot of room in back, just not the seats. Passengers don't even have cupholders in back. Not good for some. Lot's of room in the back. I've hauled bikes, boards, and all kinds of stuff. No problem. Seats fold down and a smaller person could sleep in it easily. I'm 6'2" and could sleep in it, but it might not be the most comfortable.
One reason I wish I had looked at the step above the Base to the Premium closer....I still would have gone with the Base. It's what I wanted. The Premium package comes with a few things I would use. #1 being a color LCD for the screen in the upper-middle. I have the base 6.5" color touch screen. The BASE comes with a B&W upper screen with less options.In upper trims (All other trims I believe) it's a color screen with a few more options for personalizing. #2 is heated seats. These are a couple of other things the Premium had that I really don't care about, but you might. Do some research before buying. Don't trust sales people. I still give the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Base 4 stars. It's a #1 for value. I got mine in 2020 before the major upheaval in the car market. Glad I missed that, and now my Crosstrek is worth $5000 more than I paid. I hope great resale values follow the Crosstrek. I have had great value from the 4 Toyotas I've purchased. I hope Subaru is even close to the unbelievable resale I got for my Tacomas and even a Corolla. I have had no issues, just good times so far in the Crosstrek. I recommend it highly after 18 months. Lets see what happens after 4-5 years. Almost nobody has anything bad to say about the Crosstrek except it's underpowered. I drove a 2.5L in a Crosstrek as 2021 was the 1st year you could get a 2.5L vs 2.0L. (For almost $4000) I saw no upside in getting the larger engine for one person and rising gas prices and inflation. I've never had problem with too little power. I will continue to let you know my experiences with the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Base. Basically the same info as any other trim, just remember they have heated seats, and some other useful and more useless stuff vs BASE models.
June 2 2022 - 6500 miles
I am a lifetime Toyota owner. My only new cars purchased have been 2 Tacomas and 1 Corolla. Now I add Subaru to that list. I’ve got 6500 miles on my ‘21 Crosstrek Base. I can’t complain about much. I was aware of most of the downsides when I got it. The build quality (if you’re a perfectionist) is not quite up to Toyota or Honda standards but it’s still good. I’ve had no issues with any major system. There have been times when my phone wouldn’t pair with CarPlay or Bluetooth. I went to the dealer once and they said it’s common and disconnected the + terminal on the battery and grounded it saying that resets something. That was a year ago and it hasn’t happened again. I’ve also had the eyesight be disabled in heavy snow and sleet. Only two times…it comes back on as soon as the cameras can see out of the glass. Not a big deal. I’m a perfectionist and have noted a few places where the design and build could be better. That said, it’s still good. I never thought that when I owned my Toyota vehicles. I have taken it off-road a few times and as long as you don’t push it , you’ll be fine in most spots. I can’t compare the off road capabilities with a Tacoma, it’s not fair. The Subaru 4WD system seems great. (Until you have to buy tires) Has a very “solid”or “ground hugging” feel. Handles well in ice and snow. I’ve been caught in 3-4 storms that being in a car without 4WD would have been hard. The Crosstrek handles it like a pro!
Sound system IS one place where I can complain. It works, but is terrible. Most people won’t care but I’m a musician and audio nut. Need to upgrade sound if that’s something you need. I also only have one USB to charge and use phone with CarPlay. It should have 2 or more. I am always alone so it hasn’t been an issue. One step up in trim gives you 2 USB and another sound connection.
November 15 2022 update. The ‘21 Crosstrek Base CVT has been excellent so far. I will keep my review going as long as they let me. I only have 8160 miles on the vehicle. It’s not burning oil or leaking. I have had no problems at all. The ‘21 Crosstrek is a pleasure to drive. Next update in a few thousand miles.
3/1/2023 - 2021 Crosstrek Base 9550 miles. I still don’t have much bad to say. Build quality of the interior is not as good as Toyota. The interior of my 2015 Corolla was nicer. Apple CarPlay works and that makes things better (until wireless CarPlay is widely adopted) The interior and exterior of the car is not as good as Toyota. It’s noticeable after decades of driving Toyota. Subaru is trying to compete with giants and they offer one if the best values in the industry. Good features inside like the in house AWD built from scratch instead of adapting 2WD to 4WD as its competitors have done. Major competitors simply offer front wheel drive and charge extra for 4WD at a steep price. Subaru base Crosstrek came with Subaru’s award winning AWD and amazing capabilities with Eyesight. Auto cruise. The car can get through stop and go never touching gas or brakes.
3/1/25 17060 mi
Love the car, had some issues early on
4 out of 5 stars
Dr. Morgan, 06/23/2021
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
I love my 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport. The car is comfortable and fun to drive. I just returned from a trip to Colorado from Mississippi where I got an average of 34 mpg for the whole trip, with 38 mpg on the flat parts from Mississippi to New Mexico. Down side was that in Colorado with less than 6000 miles it started making a chirping noise when accelerating. Took it to a dealer in … Colorado and found out the drive shaft was bad and had to be replaced. Up side was that the dealer was fantastic. Fit the car in for diagnosis immediately, went out of their way to find the parts before I had to leave to return home, and gave me an identical car with less miles on if for a loaner. While I was disappointed with the drive shaft failure, the fantastic customer service from a dealer that I didn't even buy the car from more than made up for it. Assuming no more early mechanical failures, I am a Subaru convert. The extent to which dealer customer service can affect how you feel about a car is amazing. Subaru nailed it with their customer service for me. Shout out to Flatirons Subaru in Boulder, Colorado.
Top Subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022 | Extra-Small & Easy to Drive – What's Not to Like?
Subcompact SUVs have been gaining in popularity over the last few years. For people who don't need or want the space of a midsize SUV or for those who just want to save a few bucks, a subcompact SUV is a smart and economical choice. These extra-small SUVs maintain that elevated ride height and utility of their larger counterparts, but their smaller size means easier… parking and better gas mileage. What's not to like? In this video, Mark Takahashi runs down our choices for the best subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022. From the Subaru Crosstrek, the new Chevy Trailblazer and Hyundai Kona to the more luxurious BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40, Mark gives a breakdown of each pint-sized SUV. What do we like and dislike about each? What should you know about them? How do they rank in each category? Mark explains all. So whether you're a first-time driver, you have a small family or you're just looking for something fun to drive, we've got you covered in this video of the 2021 Top Subcompact SUVs.
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