2021 Subaru Crosstrek Review - Same Rugged SUV, More Punch

The Crosstrek's success can largely be attributed to its outgoing nature. However, with rising competition from the Hyundai Kona, Toyota CH-R, Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30, the Crosstrek could use an upgrade. For 2021, Subaru did just that.
CORRECTION - I on accident typed "2020 Subaru Crosstrek" in the spec sheet. Both Crosstreks driven for this review were 2021s. ALSO, I forgot to mention that dual mode x mode comes on the Sport Trim!
Thank you Royal on the Eastside for giving me a few Crosstreks for this review. Check out their inventory!
Royalontheeastside.com
MANUAL TRANSMISSION REVIEW: • 2021 Subaru Crosstrek ...
2020 Crosstrek 2.0 CVT Review: • 2020 Subaru Crosstrek ...

[@marktepper3440]

The CX-30 is great if you don’t want any utility, no back seat room, a claustrophobic interior, a twist beam rear suspension that will ensure you feel every expansion joint on the road, a raspy loud engine and made in Mexico quality. I chose the Crosstrek Sport and couldn’t be happier.

[@reyrevo121]

THank you handsome! such a great review :) can't wait to drive my subaru crosstrek outdoor

[@thommeyer6356]

Thanks for the review! We have two Outbacks now ('07 & '19), but want to downsize (the "07) and this helped with our consideration of the Limited model.

[@luisdj-intecnogy407]

Great review! Looking forward to the in-depth review for the Manual transmision

[@roamaroundgisg7362]

I just subscribed. Thanks for covering the MT variant of crosstrek. Kodus!

[@wtfx5757]

I have a limited spec'd just like this one. Pearl white. Definitely has adequate power now with the 2.5. I dont find it lacking at all for daily duties. Great car with more personality than your average CUV

[@SAMusement]

Love your style of car reviews. Feels fresh and original. Keep it coming!

[@Realistick]

Thank you!

[@michellekraft1691]

Thanks for the review. I had been considering trading in my 2014 Crosstrek manual for a newer one because I want some newer features like lane avoidance. So I am disappointed that isn’t on new manual Crosstreks. I guess I will hold on to my current car a little longer in case the come out with one eventually.

[@Realistick]

Nice car! I don't know if that will ever happen, 2023 will be a complete redesign, I wouldn't be confident that the stick makes it to that generation (I hope I'm wrong). The Civic hatch, Corolla hatch, and Mazda3 hatch can all have a manual and active safety tech. You just lose the awd :(

[@waunita6]

very informative! Thank you

[@Hexsyn]

Just to put you in my mindset as a potential buyer... I am 31 years old, married, live in Central Washington, and drive a 2003 taurus ses. My wife has a 2013 hyundai accent, and though I hate to give my taurus up, I could use a car with better gas economy, better storage, towing ability (if slight), rooftop rail accessory options, and the ability to act as the go-to car during bad snow periods. Some dya i might have enough family demands on me to get a more traditional suv or truck, but for now, i want to keep a car-like driving experience if I can! Basically the crosstrek checks all my boxes at the premium level, but honestly the sport trim adds the bit of extra fun that makes upgrading from my taurus worth considering.

[@alyssamartinez4412]

Edit--- I finally picked it up last week! I love it so much. Drives smooth and it's considerably quiet on road noise compared to my Jeep I traded in. I was stuck between the Honda hrv, Toyota Corolla Cross and the crosstrek. I chose crosstrek 😁 the 2023 limited in cool grey khaki. its getting delivered December 7th! Definitely the best Christmas gift to myself 😄

[@douglasdonatien7044]

Awesome review as usual 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@Realistick]

Appreciate it!

[@newamsterdanm]

great review man, love that #crosstrek #savethemanuals 🇯🇵🔰🕹💯🆗😎

[@mattball2700]

Thanks! I would really love to know how quiet or loud cars are when covering rough roads, like the bad roads here in Tucson.

[@fourhill]

Thanks for the review, over the last year I checked out everything anywhere near the Crosstrek in size because I don't like large, lumbering vehicles. The Mazdas and luxury brands didn't convince me that they could handle anything rougher than a well maintained dirt road plus they all had very distracting and hard to use technology. The last place you'd want IT that is needlessly overcomplicated is in a car. The bottoms on the Mazdas seats were horrible with no support in the middle and intrusive bolsters hard as wood. Also the stereo on the Mazda Premium demo I had was weak with almost no bass. I've had Jeeps before but I don't trust the current rebadged Fiats selling as Jeeps. The Crosstrek was too underpowered...until now, so I bought a 2021 Limited and it is almost everything I had wished for. It has enough power to merge and pass and I've already taken it to places that the competition couldn't handle. This car is well balanced but not perfect, for example someone should tell Subaru that we'd buy a loaded 2.5 Limited with a manual! Also, Canada gets more features than the U.S. for no explicable reason. I'd have happily paid more for more features. You are one of the few reviewers who have figured out that some of us have different criteria for our SUVs, so thanks again!

[@Realistick]

Thank you for the feedback and congratulations on the Crosstrek! I swear the manual trans in the Crosstrek could be more popular if Subaru boosted availability. Also, I saw your other reply about 0-60, I will plug that on the screen in later reviews. I always do the test on the same stretch of road (roughly 800 ft above sea level) but I never record the temp so I will add that in.

[@defazpr]

I agree with your points. You’re right on Mark. Like the liftgate. I would pay for an automatic liftgate, they should have that as an option.I’m curious though, on your long-term use experience. Did you find a ride quality at high-speed’s on highways satisfactory? And do you ever grow tired of the limited features and creature comforts?

[@oogabooga72]

hybrid model is available in Vermont as well!

[@ak4939]

I certainly like the Mazda CX30 or the Honda CRV, but they lack the "real stick" like the 2.0 6MT that this model has. Wish the 2.5 came with the 6MT, but at least the 2.0L has it. Kudos to Subaru.

[@BaconatorJames]

Honda should be ashamed of themselves re: the HR-V. Dangerously underpowered. They tried way too hard to protect the CRV market & ended up with theHRV being an insult to the consumer.

[@jazzbeau507]

At 8:00 you didn't show the nice ring sound that it makes from inside the vehicle when the car is started.

[@andrewdonohue1853]

i ordered one early this month wont see it until march. NO CVT for ME. i ordered a premium manual 2.0

[@CrossTrekking]

I noticed you were outside an old Marsh supermarket. If you're near Indianapolis, let me know. I have a 2021 Crosstrek Premium with a manual!

[@Realistick]

Congratulations on the Manual! I already got one to do a review with and posted it earlier this week, they certainly are hard to source though. Also, I'm out of Bloomington

[@MaidenBklyn]

how do you like your 2021 manual?...looking forward to test driving this one on Saturday!

[@Realistick]

@@MaidenBklyn check out my full manual review! (Link in description of this video)

[@CrossTrekking]

I love it! Coming from a 2010 Mazda6 manual, I thought i would miss the extra power. I don't miss it one bit, and the AWD makes the Crosstrek feel much more planted. No regrets!

[@defazpr]

I’ve been doing research and comparison shopping between the outback Onyx edition and the cross track limited. Your review is the best I’ve seen. And for me I’m trying to make a decision on the trade off between the luxury and sophistication of the outback and the price savings of the cross track. My test drives of both vehicles I came away with impression the Crosstrek was more fun. It’s tossable, lighter more agile. But the outback is more of a substantial vehicle. Love to hear your thoughts. I would add lack of automatic liftgate in the Crosstrek Limited high-end trim is a miss. I would pay extra for that.

[@Realistick]

Personally, if you appreciate the simplicity of the Crosstrek over the more tech savvyness of the Outback, I would say that the Crosstrek is a great option. However, if you spend a lot of time in your car, the Outback Onyx is the better choice for the long run. It's more refined and comfortable for long drives, far more powerful, almost as efficient, it's roughly 6-7 grand more car but I think if you can afford it, the additional satisfaction might be worth the price. This is my personal view though, so my priorities are probably different. Also, maintenance costs would swing in favor of the crosstrek and resale should be excellent on both. Good luck, either way you go you will have an awesome SUV!

[@defazpr]

@@Realistick Wow! Impressed the your quick response. As impressive as your review. Yes, tough choice. I can see the value in the long haul (no pun intended) going with the Outback, especially if you're in the business I am in (PR) were image is relevant to some. That looks and feels like a more impressive vehicle. Both do the job for a skier/hiker like me. The delta in price is not insignificant, tho. And the Crosstrek is more fun to drive IMHO. But I only drove in short distances and back roads. Long highway drives might pinch a bit.

[@Realistick]

Thank you, it sounds like the Crosstrek fits your needs well without asking all that much money! Best of luck

[@philc824]

Have you looked at the Mazda CX-30, very nice interior, power rear tailgate , heads up display, similar ground clearance. More horse power than Crosstrek. ( I own a Crosstrek )

[@danielnormandeau2393]

Just a few quick corrections for those shopping for this. I have the 2021 Crosstrek Sport. It does have Duel mode Xmode but only on the Sport, that's is why I chose the trim 2.5 with duel mode awesome! I also wanted to mention an often overlooked party trick the Sport can be started from anywhere by your Cell Phone, "Starlink" no remote install needed! It is currently the only Subaru I know of that for sure that has that but it is coming across the line.

[@Realistick]

I did include the 2 mode xmode bit in the description awhile ago and pretty much every brand offers a form of the phone remote start (they call it different things). The remote start function, however, will only work with push button start equipped models. I can't go through everything with these as the video would be incredibly long. Congratulations on your Crosstrek!

[@jamessimonds7362]

Subaru needs to put the 2.5 in all Impreza and crosstrek.

[@rivercitymetaldetecting9854]

Rear vents are under the front seats. I have yet to see a single reviewer who could do a simple Google search which would tell you this. Subaru has been doing this for a long time. Many have gotten high 7s low 8s 0-60.

[@jwawker]

Dual X-Mode is present in the Crosstrek Sport trim.

[@Realistick]

That is correct, I will mention that in the description! Thank you

[@Xenophene01]

What’s that???

[@Realistick]

@@Xenophene01 www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-forester-s-new-dual-function-x-mode-why-adventure-seekers-want-it This article way overhyped the system but it does explain what it does. Summary, dirt and snow mode: the car will cut power and try to intervene as much as it can to help in bad conditions when traveling slowly. Deep snow and Mud mode: traction control off, the car will still aggressively shift power but it allows for more slippage as that is what you need in some extreme scenarios.

[@Xenophene01]

@@Realistick thanks!

[@johnbanket7000]

I want orange brought back!

[@floppinfish]

40 years old now and I have never owned an automatic. Going to look at this car tomorrow and it might be my 1st automatic vehicle. I just can't pass up that xmode.

[@Thanir]

I'm a bit older than you and my Crosstrek Sport is my first ever non-manual car. Actually traded in a WRX for it, and I am very happy with it.

[@floppinfish]

@@Thanir I ended up putting a down payment on a 2023 crosstrek sport in PYP. Ordered July 4th. Will be here no later than sep 11th. Dealer said prob sooner. Can't wait. I'm counting the days. Already got the Vin number and it's being shipped as we speak.

[@Thanir]

@@floppinfish Hope you enjoy the new Crosstrek, I really love mine.

[@zhanglin317]

They need to option a wrx version with nice beefy tires and call it Baja.

[@mountainhobo]

No lumbar support is ludicrous on a car these days. However, long ago, I had a Kia without lumbar support, but it was still excellent, so... how is the fixed lumbar area in these seats?

[@Realistick]

I thought these were uncomfortable but I begun to get used to them. My parents bought a crosstrek and never had an issue with it so it just depends on the individual.

[@TeamGun]

I like the 3.6 in my outback, 250hp/250tq, they should have put it in this.

[@eskieman3948]

How?

[@TeamGun]

@@eskieman3948 What do you mean how? Just put the 3.6L H6 engine in it.

[@carlmanu]

So you can’t get the “Sport” with a manual... Good job subaru 👍 on offsetting your own sales.

[@Hexsyn]

As much as i am not the target market for manual transmissions... I can't say you are wrong

[@The314moses]

It's ridiculous.

[@GoodDaySir]

Great review. One suggestion, it would have been great to get the opinion of the woman you had driving it too for how it feels at the wheel for people shorter than you.

[@Realistick]

Thank you for the feedback, I will try to incorporate that into future videos when I can!

[@djkenny1202]

But No Manual Sport.. crossed off the List. How is the 2.0 manual compared to the 2.5 CVT? HP numbers are not that far off. Oh, saw the test of manual. Ill stick with my 2.4 Scion XB manual. It scoots. Is a Sunroof available on a manual Crosstrek? All the safety tech I can do without.

[@Realistick]

Out of curiosity, what else will you consider? No other competitor offers AWD in a manual (in the us at least). I guess there is the Impreza Sport MT but your choice is either this or a Venue FWD (I don't think the renegade has one anymore either) if you want a small suv.

[@djkenny1202]

@@Realistick Used. Or skip the AWD. I really do not “need” to replace my car. We just get a lot of wet and some rare snowy days. But my wife has aForester anyway. The XB suits 95% of my needs very well.

[@Realistick]

@@djkenny1202 Ah, gotcha. No sunroof with a mt crosstrek either, the used market is almost the only way to go at this point for manual SUVs. I've been eyeing a 2018 Forester MT for a minute now, or possibly a new Impreza 5 spd too!

[@djkenny1202]

@@Realistick yeah the mistake we made in 16 was not getting the manual on our otherwise standard equipment Premium Forester. Kick Myself. Even though I do LIKE our CVT, and panoramic roof.. I miss the stick in the 04 model we Sold to buy the Forester (to accommodate forward face seats for new kids).

[@djkenny1202]

@@Realistick I prefer the space and ground clearance, and much better power of a Forester.

[@pauliet92]

Wouldn’t the taller gears help a weak engine…. It’s like low rang in a truck 4.44 axle drive ratio is great imagine if it was 290s or 330s the thing wouldn’t even move

[@Realistick]

Tall gearing means lower gearing. Low range is higher gearing (more aggressive). The wording is dumb but that's how it is phrased.

[@jamalifill8965]

I'm waiting for the full in-depth review of the manual........save the manuals

[@chicomalo4ever]

I want the 2.5 with manual... will not trade/upgrade my 2013 MT crostrek. Till that happens. :)

[@wayneross-kent8534]

Where's the turbo.

[@Realistick]

There isn't one, yet...

[@ashleykbarks]

Sorry. The orange is better than the yellow. Just as the hyper blue was better than either of those. I WANT HYPER BLUE. BRING IT BACK, SUBARU.

[@reyrevo121]

don't be sorry. we all have different tastes. :)

[@RKmndo]

I don't like the Plasma Yellow either. It reminds me of baby poop. I'm also not crazy about the light blue. I hope they offer the 2.5L with a manual soon. I have a 2016 CVT Crosstrek and it's a great little all-weather, all-road commuter...40MPG on a tank, but it would be a rallycross riot with a manual and the 2.5L's 30+ more HP.

[@mariaestherrivas4988]

Damn he is cute😍

[@MistaRhoi]

👍🏽 for the great hair

[@edsmith9855]

8.7 seconds to 60 seems a bit slow. Factory time is 8.2 seconds, closer to what I would expect.

[@Realistick]

Real world isn't the same as manufacturer. Temperature, weight (this was a fully optioned limited and I'm 200 + lbs), wind will affect the time. Also depends if rollout was used.

[@thebeans66]

@@Realistick "if rollout was used"? What's that?

[@Realistick]

@@thebeans66 a dragstrip timing technique (1 foot rollout) that usually results in a 0.2 - 0.3 second quicker time to sixty. It’s what 99 percent of the big outlets use when testing vehicles.

[@fourhill]

@@Realistick Altitude and temperature affect acceleration, please include altitude and temperature in your reports, thanks,

[@grayman618]

I love how people always have an opinion on how slow these crossovers are. People don't buy these because they are quick . The Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor which was used around United States as the primary police chase vehicle did 0 to 60 in 8.5 seconds. Seems to me that if you can do 0 to 60 in 9 seconds or less you're doing pretty good.

[@BaconatorJames]

It's almost identical to the 2020. I'm a Subaru owner and I'm considering the Crosstrek, but it seems like Subaru are trying hard to make the interior looked phoned-in. It's a sparse, reluctant "I guess if the competition has it, we can find something to fill the gap". Subaru could learn a lesson from Mazda re: Interior. Subaru's always been dowdy & mom-jeans, a yuppy-loved 'ugly'. (Red stitching in the leather? Carbon fiber? Yellow flaps on the steering wheel? god almighty, please stop). I'd recommend the Audi Q3 over any of these. At least it has an adequate 200hp.

[@danielfair4675]

That Q3 starts at about $12k more. Lol.

[@bonniel4325]

Thanks for your great review. I have a comment to the manufacturer: Subaru your color options are the pits for 2023. Why did you drop the gorgeous quartz blue pearl color from previous years? And why is sapphire blue pearl only available in other models including Impreza. Horizon blue pearl is so very milk toast. And now you have the new khaki grey/blue. I guess you know nothing about American culture. That color is confederate/pro-slavery blue. Is that your target market? Chromium yellow should be called bilious yellow. Of all the great yellow shades to choose from why that? Yuck! And now you're slapping so much excess cladding on the 2024 cars, geez. Honda cannibalized their design esthetic to copy Toyota, and now you too Subaru. If we wanted a Toyota, we would just buy that. You're not going to sell more cars by making them ugly like Toyotas. People will just go and buy Toyotas. Dear Realistick if you communicate with Subaru, please pass this on to them. Thanks.

[@chooseymomschoose]

"No doubt, balls to the wall, the manual is quicker to 60." Why? Because it "feels" better to row the gears? Brass tacks, son: You are not going to catch a CVT with all that manual rev hang. Every time you pull your foot off the throttle and wait for the emissions programming to slowly drop revs and allow you to shift, that CVT would just keep holding the engine in the power band, even when pretending to shift. No, you are not going to get the same torque on launch from a CVT, but good old Suby emissions programming will ensure you won't be able too catch it with the manual.

[@Realistick]

Actually, CVTs have more drivetrain loss and you certainly can beat them with a manual, "son." Do some research.

[@domd5280j]

Why are you so cute tho