2021 Subaru Crosstrek | Pros & Cons | Reliability & Resale Value Data | Pricing | Trim Info

Is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek a good buy in the competitive subcompact crossover category? The competition is steep in this segment that includes the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Rogue Sport, and the Honda HR-V. I will discuss pricing, drivetrain, size, pros and cons, reliability, and resale value of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek.
Price
Basics
Size
Pros
Cons
Reliability
Depreciation
Recommendation
Price - Crosstrek starts at $22,245 for the base model, $23,295 for the Premium, $26,495 for the Sport, and $27,995 for the Limited model.
Premium model adds body colored mirrors, heated front seats, heated side mirrors and windshield, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto headlights, satellite radio, and 6 speaker stereo. All that for $1000. Not bad.
The Sport is new for 2021 and it adds the larger engine with more power, X-Mode enhanced traction management, hill descent control, extra cladding, water-repellent seats, and push button start.
The Limited adds leather seats, 18” wheels, LED headlights and fog lights, power driver’s seat, color multifunction display, 8” infotainment screen, automatic reverse braking, and blind spot detection.
Drivetrain - The base engine is a 2 L 4 cylinder boxer engine with 152 hp & 145 lb-ft of torque for the Base and Premium. The Sport and the Limited Models get the upgraded 2.5L 4 cylinder boxer engine with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.
The Crosstrek Base & Premium models are available with either a 6 speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission or CVT.
Maximum towing is 1500 lbs for all models.
Fuel economy for the 2L engine with the CVT is 33 miles per gallon on the highway while the larger 2.5L engine models get 34 mpg on the highway which is a nice surprise.
Ground clearance is 8.7 inches for all models.
Size
Cargo volume with the seats up is 20.8 cubic feet. With the rear seats down, there is 55.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
Pros -
One big advantage of buying the Crosstrek over its competition is the standard all wheel drive that you get with the Crosstrek. For example, Honda will charge $1,500 additional for AWD on the HRV and Hyundai will charge $1,400 extra for the AWD option on its Kona. The all wheel drive system on the Subaru is great since it’s always on instead of the on demand systems on competitors which are front wheel drive until slip is detected. You are going to feel more confident in adverse weather with the Subaru system.
Interior volume - The Crosstrek is based on the Impreza which is a compact sedan and not a subcompact so it has more room than the competition. It has 121.6 cubic feet of interior volume which bests the Toyota C-HR, Hyundai Kona, and the Nissan Rogue Sport.
Ground clearance - The Crosstrek has the most standard ground clearance in its class with 8.7”. That is more than the HR-V’s 7.3” and the Kona’s 6.7”. This extra clearance is useful if you take your Crosstrek off of the pavement and into some light trails and dirt roads. The Suspension in the Subaru has more give to provide a cushier ride in rougher terrain as well.
All CVT models get standard Eyesight which is Subaru’s driver assistance system. These are the automatic emergency braking, pre-collision throttle management, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering.
Cons
Because the Crosstrek is a large vehicle in this subcompact crossover segment, it is a longer vehicle. This means if you live in the city and want a shorter vehicle, the others will be easier to park. The Crosstrek is 12.5” longer than the Kona and 5.6 inches longer than the HR-V.
Like most vehicles in this class, the standard engine is only adequate. The upgraded 2.5l engine will improve that to around 8 seconds.
Reliability - Consumer Reports’ predicted reliability for the Crosstrek is much better than average. It is also the highest rated SUV under $25,000 according to their tests.
Resale Value- The Subaru Crosstrek has excellent resale value. According to Real Car Tips, the Hyundai Kona has an expected value of 44% of the original price after 3 years of ownership. The Crosstrek has an expected value of 58% of the original price after the same period of ownership. The Honda HR-V is even better with an expected value of 62% after 3 years.
Recommendation - The Subaru Crosstrek is an easy crossover to recommend as it's priced right, has a lot of room for its class, comes standard with all wheel drive, and all CVT models come with the Eyesight driver assistance package. The biggest advantage for the Crosstrek is the renowned all wheel system. If you live in a snowy climate or like to go light offroading, the Subaru AWD is hard to beat.
I think the Premium model is the one offering the best value for your money. If you want that extra power, the Sport model is worthy of the extra $2000 over the Premium model with the CVT. If you want the works, then the Limited will give you everything for $$.
#crosstrek

[@rob46711]

I just bought a 2020 Premium with under 19,000 miles. Huge upgrade from the 2016 Ford Focus SE I traded in. I love it. I haven't yet had a problem parking it. Took it on a day trip to Savannah, Ga and the adaptive cruise control worked perfectly. The heated seats are a Godsend on cold mornings plus they helped with my bad back not hurting after a long trip.

[@robertharrelson5024]

Thankyou, The information in your video hit the mark. No B.S. The 2021 Crosstrek Sport seems to be the car I am looking for.

[@jimbomendoza3415]

Very good review, simple and direct. I wish you can also do a video on how each perform on snow. Thank you.:)

[@MarksTech]

just bought this ! took it to the blue ridge mountains the next day. holy cow this subie take those sharp mountain roads with ease. I also did some light/medium off-roading - never had a feeing of getting stuck. insane value for money.

[@toetz4491]

Nice... im thinking of getting one too.. can you turn off the auto start stop thing ?

[@6maxwell99]

There is a button that can turn it off.everytime the engine is turned on you have to press this button to deingage auto start.

[@frankgoodwell1261]

My wife drives the 2020 premium Crosstrek with a package that adds Lineartronic® CVT • EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology[10] • Power moonroof • Blind-Spot Detection/Rear Cross-Traffic Alert[17] • Keyless Access with Push-Button Start • Power driver's seat... and we love it. We also drove the 2021 they had just gotten in but did not care for the bigger 2.5 motor which seemed harsh and loud compared to the more than adequate 2.0 boxer.

[@carsavvy4764]

Good to hear, Frank. It sounds like your wife an d you are enjoying the Crosstrek. Did you two consider any other vehicles before deciding on the Crosstrek?

[@frankgoodwell1261]

We drove Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and Mazda as well as consulting the Consumer Reports website.

[@carsavvy4764]

@@frankgoodwell1261 Thank you.

[@chazmazzing995]

How does the Crosstrek compare to the Kia Seltos AWD which comes standard. ?

[@clou1969]

Perfect for Rough Canadian winters and light off roading. Canadian model have front camera and heated steering wheel. Just trade my Touring for the Outdoor Crosstrek.

[@carsavvy4764]

Thanks for sharing!

[@robertharrelson5024]

My Toyota Tacoma 4x4 got left far behind my friends Crosstrek when we drove the snowy winding road to Paradise in Mt Rainier National Park this past winter. Deep snow may be a different story.

[@boblewis8838]

Tacoma has 9.4" ground clearance; CrossTrek has 8.7, so what, 3/4" difference?

[@danielfair4675]

My 30 year old 240dl Volvo wagon would leave a Tacoma behind on snowy roads. And I own a 4 Runner Limited, so obviously I'm not a Toyota hater. 😉

[@justinaskins2156]

I'm looking at one because I really want a manual that's not a small car

[@carlnilssonyoung8961]

Did u drive all of them?

[@sdc5683]

I had one of these at the top of my purchase list.Very nice car. Then I looked at a Mazda CX30. The CX30 is the better car imo with a better interior and 186 hp engine. It seems more refined but maybe not as rugged as the Crosstrek and a couple inches less ground clearance. Just my opinion from a 64 year old.

[@carsavvy4764]

Thanks for your comment. You're right the CX30's interior is luxury car territory. I hope you're enjoying the CX30.

[@jpmccormac]

CX-30 is lovely but the infotainment system is awful to use. Don't take my word for it; listen to the Wheelbearings podcast #170 and scan ahead to hear three auto journalists hammer the infotainment interface.

[@carsavvy4764]

@Loco Raindrops I think it's more like the depreciation of the Subaru is amazing. Subarus across the board hold their value. They're ranked #1 of all automakers for residual value.

[@WilliamDEllis]

People 0

[@tfbiah]

I just purchased the 2021 Limited, It won't be delivered until around 31 Oct. I went to 2 Subaru dealers in Houston, none would budge on price and all limited had all the extra junk options. Put a $500 deposit down, it will cost me total $35,000. yikes, I never spend that much for a car before. MSRP can be misleading and car dealers have the upper hand these days. Watching the videos while I wait for my Crosstrek is getting me excited. I hope, I am sure, I will have many years of great enjoyment when I get my Crosstrek.

[@chubun6631]

Which dealership did you deal with? I went to the one in Katy and they said 3-4 months wait, $500 deposit non-refundable. By that time it will be 2022 and I get a 2021 model without any discounts. So I didn't make the purchase.

[@sloppyy]

same thing happened to me in western massachusetts recently, 2021 premium with the blind spot detector package cost me 29k + extra fees coming to 34k despite the listing on the dealer website saying 24-26k. at least my corolla trade in value is good enough to offset

[@danielfair4675]

I ordered a '21 Limited in early September, got it October 17th. Loaded with the Sunroof, Eye Sight & Harmon Kardon system. I added all kinds of extras and got it for msrp at $33,600.

[@AbleMable]

@@sloppyy My parents live in Western Mass, they have a Crosstrek. Everyone seems to drive a Subaru over there, lol! I'm moving close by to Albany and buying a Crosstrek. Perfect all around vehicle with excellence resale value. You can hardly go wrong!

[@carsavvy4764]

I think the Crosstrek is great since it's big inside and rugged. How do you like the Crosstrek?

[@rustyshackleford1288]

Totally loved my 2018 until 32,581 miles when the cvt trans went out and Subaru refused to warranty it claiming it had "water" inside of it from abusing it off-road which is absolutely impossible considering my crosstrek had never been driven off-road and taken to dealership for all scheduled maintenance subarus warranty is a complete joke I plan on getting rid of it as soon as they get around to fixing it. Been at dealership 4 weeks at this point

[@carsavvy4764]

@@rustyshackleford1288 Sorry about your poor experience with the Subaru CVT. Have you reached out to Subaru itself and not the dealer? 1800-SUBARU-3, then #6, then #3 to talk to a representative. It's not smart to turn away a good customer like you.

[@marthabustamante9400]

I have a 2014 Premium Crosstrek with 115K miles - CVT malfunctioned at 93k (warranty is for 100k) - Subaru handled the repair at no cost to me. I have NEVER gotten more than 25 mpg combined per tankful, with it mostly being highway (65% +). This has been most disappointing.

[@tree356]

If you have a problem “parking” the Crosstrek... your ass needs to walk!😝👍🏼

[@yojohnny5]

Subaru Crosstrek in no way shape or form is at 58% of original price on resale after 3 years. You cannot touch a 2018 Base crosstrek for under $19,000 used in CT, NY or NJ. For that matter you can't even touch a 2017 (the previous version) for less than $17,500 (Unless it has 80 billion miles on it /sarcasm) That's closer to 85% of original value. I can tell you that because with financing rates as it stands now? With current rates, It's (WAY) better to buy new. I pick up my 2021 Crosstrek 6spd manual base tomorrow.

[@carsavvy4764]

You're right. Prices vary by location and demand. This was based on trade-in values and not private party or dealer sale prices.

[@yojohnny5]

@@carsavvy4764 Ah I see, yes trade in value makes sense. I'm loving mine so far. A little bit high rev-ing on the highway, but does the job. Looks great and just so practical. And the 6spd manual is awesome.

[@hughtorkelson5328]

I can vouch, it’s the same in the Pacific Northwest, where I can’t even find a 2018 base for under $18,000, even on car websites. And my dealerships have no used crosstreks for sale right now. Last one I saw on my local lot was a 2014 premium with 75,000 miles on it going for $20,000.

[@jamessimonds7362]

Subaru should at least offer the the 2.5 in ALL trim levels. The 2.0 is,a joke. It will not get out of its own way. I know, because I own one. The 2.5 should be offered in all trim levels of the Impreza as well. If Subaru wants to up their game, they should also off the the WRX engine in the crosstrek. Blow the competition out of the water.

[@locoraindrops7653]

Lol, people always say "they should add a turbo" like it is that simple. They would have to completely redo the suspension, and a whole plethora of other things to make it work reliably.

[@hughtorkelson5328]

I personally think the 2.0 is fine for regular driving. Would I tow with it? Probably not, but I never wanted a car that could tow. It does fine on its own, and even when I fully load my car it can still pass other people and accelerate just fine. I guess it’s just down to opinion though.

[@danielfair4675]

@@locoraindrops7653 and the added cost.

[@fanuvgod1]

Wow. The premiums are now the price of a limited.

[@danielfair4675]

There's actually a $4700 price difference in base Premium & base Limited msrp's.

[@patriley9449]

The prices shown at the beginning of the video are nowhere near realistic now. If I could get one for that price today, I would just get one, but I will not pay thousands above MSRP. While I can afford it, I will not just dump a bunch of money into the hands of greedy car dealers. Guess I will keep driving my 2003 Toyota until things get better.

[@wilfredogarciagonzalez2889]

Yesterday, I was in a Subaru Dealer and you are absolutely right. I was interested in buying a Subaru Crosstrek, after the price of MSRP, the dealer added an Estimated Market Value that are like $2,000 dollars more, without including, taxes, fees and a new tag, is literally greedy car dealers. Sorry for my English

[@danielfair4675]

@@wilfredogarciagonzalez2889 find yourself another dealership. I got a new '21 Limited, loaded in October (it was built in August in Japan). I added more than a few extras and it msrp'd at $33,6xx. I'm more than happy with it.

[@alp21188]

Ahem, cons: you only said about the led lights. You only mentioned the led lights only being available on the limited trim which is a huge con. But there are no ac vents in the back on any trim. The Harman Kardon system does not come with a bass box( like it does in the forester, outback and legacy. And of course all of its competitors) So you’re basically paying a premium price for a premium sound system and not getting the most important speaker possible. The moonroof is optional instead of standard on the sport and limited and probably should be standard on the premium as well. Getting any package with a moonroof on the top two trims (sport and limited) will push this subcompact above 30,000. Not to mention the terrible drivetrains. Boxer engine and cvt. The 2.0 engine is so unacceptable it shouldn’t even exist. The 2.5 is just barely adequate. Would have been just adequate enough for me if not for the other cons I previously rehearsed. Keep in mind the 2.5 is slower than the Mazda’s cx30 2.5 engine as well

[@alp21188]

Oh I said no ac vents I forgot to mention that IT also doesn’t have any USB ports in the back either. And don’t crack that windshield. It will run you upwards of 900-1400 to replace it especially if they have to re calibrate the eyesight feature

[@carsavvy4764]

Thanks for your insightful comment and I agree completely. I should have addressed more of those cons. You're right about the value going down on the top 2 trims of the Crosstrek. Comparing anything to a CX-30 is almost unfair as it's really a desirable crossover in terms of performance and interior. I know what you mean about the Forester / Outback having a better bang for the buck in terms of features.

[@carsavvy4764]

@@alp21188 I did recently have a windshield replacement for my Subaru with Eyesight and it was $450. The dealer said my Eyesight did not have to be recalibrated so it depends on what kind of damage your vehicle had.

[@alp21188]

@Car Savvy thanks for responding. The 2.5 liter engine should be available across the board as they should completely drop that 2.0 engine. All 4 of their trims should have ac vents and USB ports on the back. Any trim that offers the harman Kardon system should have the base box. Led taillights and fog lights should be standard on all trims or at least premium and up. At least should be standard on the limited and sport and available on the premium. The moonroof should be standard on the limited and sport and as an option on the premium. That said that would be extraordinary. I would add that a manual should be offered on all trims and maybe even a conventional automatic. Keep the cvt for those who want the fuel savings. The sales for the cross trek would go through the roof.

[@carsavvy4764]

@@alp21188 Solid post. Again, I agree with you. You won't see a conventional automatic anytime soon as Subaru's all in on the CVT. It's one of the better units on the market for a CVT. They could easily offer the manual on all trims but the take rate is so low that I'm just glad they offer it at all. Too bad they couldn't do the 2.5L with the manual. I notice that a lot of manufacturers are cheap about giving AC vents. Same with LED taillights - should be really inexpensive to implement. The profit margin on the Limited must be so much higher than the Base model. Thanks for your insight.

[@rustyshackleford1288]

Subaru crosstrek is garbage cvt trans will fail on you and Subaru will not warranty it just a warning from a guy dealing with this right now with my 2018 premium with only 32,581 miles and still supposedly under warranty

[@carsavvy4764]

I hope Subaru corporate will take care of you. Also try reaching out on Twitter. Good luck and sorry about your experience.

[@frankburns8871]

I'm buying one because it still offers a manual transmission. CVTs are crap. Unreliable crap to boot. I'm pretty sure that manual-transmission Crosstreks are one of the most reliable cars in the segment, if not the most reliable. Also, you don't have to get a turbo, which is another thing that always drags down long-term reliability. Manual tranny + naturally aspirated engine = the way to go. Sadly, both of these options are dying out.

[@frankburns8871]

@Loco Raindrops It's that, sure, but it's also a more reliable system than an automatic, and way more than a CVT. It's also less boring, even in a 150 HP car. I have my Challenger SRT for going fast; don't need to Subie to do anything other than be a Subie.

[@frankburns8871]

@Loco Raindrops More interesting than the same vehicle with an auto. But again, interesting is not what I'm after with this thing. Reliability and AWD is.

[@frankburns8871]

@Loco Raindrops Go for it, then. Don't need it, myself.