1 / 1Illustrative AI renders — not manufacturer photographs.
Subaru Crosstrek
Rugged little wagon-SUV that goes anywhere
Subaru Crosstrek review
The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover built on the Impreza hatchback, lifted for genuine trail capability. Every version ships with standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, giving it more off-pavement confidence than most rivals. It is not quick, and the CVT can drone, but the Crosstrek earns loyalty through dependable traction, easy parking-lot size, strong resale, and a cabin that shrugs off muddy boots and wet dogs without complaint.
On the road the Crosstrek feels honest rather than thrilling. The base 2.0-liter boxer makes 152 horsepower, which is adequate for commuting but strains on steep grades and highway merges; the optional 2.5-liter (182 hp) in Sport, Limited and Wilderness trims is the one to get if you regularly carry passengers or gear. The Lineartronic CVT is smooth in normal driving but raises engine noise under hard acceleration. Ride quality is a highlight, with that tall suspension soaking up broken pavement and pothole-ridden city streets with ease.
Where the Crosstrek separates itself is the moment the road ends. Standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, real ground clearance, and the X-Mode terrain system let it handle snow, gravel, light trails and steep dirt approaches that would beach a typical front-drive crossover. The Wilderness trim pushes this further with 9.3 inches of clearance, all-terrain tires, and a higher towing rating. For active buyers who ski, camp or live where winters bite, this capability is the whole point.
Inside, the layout is sensible and durable rather than plush. The available 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen looks modern but buries some climate functions in menus, and the screen can lag. Material quality is decent for the class, visibility is excellent thanks to a high seating position and slim pillars, and the rear seat and cargo area are usable if not class-leading. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, which is appreciated.
Safety is a genuine strong suit. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist suite is standard across the range and includes adaptive cruise, lane centering and automatic emergency braking, and the Crosstrek consistently earns top crash-test scores. The trade-offs are familiar Subaru ones: leisurely acceleration, modest fuel economy for a small car, and a price that creeps up quickly as you climb trims.
Pros & cons
What we like
- Standard all-wheel drive across the range
- Genuine off-pavement capability and clearance
- Excellent EyeSight safety suite standard
- Strong resale value and reliability reputation
- Comfortable ride and easy outward visibility
What could be better
- Base 2.0L engine feels underpowered
- CVT drones under hard acceleration
- Touchscreen can lag and buries controls
- Fuel economy only average for its size
Subaru Crosstrek price & variants
| Variant | Fuel / Transmission | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Base Best value | PetrolAutomatic | $25,195 |
| Premium | PetrolAutomatic | $26,395 |
| Sport | PetrolAutomatic | $28,995 |
| Limited | PetrolAutomatic | $30,695 |
| Wilderness | PetrolAutomatic | $33,000 |
Key specifications
Model Overview
Engine & Transmission
Dimensions & Capacity
Fuel & Performance
Comfort & Convenience
Safety
Subaru Crosstrek colours
Crystal White PearlExpert rating breakdown
Owner reviews
Unstoppable in winter
I bought mine specifically for the snowy roads here and it has never let me down once. The all-wheel drive and ground clearance get me to the trailhead when friends in regular crossovers turn back. It's not fast, but I knew that going in and don't regret it.
Great car, sluggish engine
Love the size, visibility and how easy it is to live with day to day. My only real gripe is the base engine paired with the CVT really struggles to merge on the highway when the car is loaded up. If I did it again I'd pay for the bigger 2.5-liter.
Reliable and worry-free
Two years in and zero issues beyond routine maintenance. The cabin handles my dogs and muddy gear without a second thought, and the safety tech has saved me from a couple of close calls. The screen could be quicker, but that's a minor complaint.
Alternatives to the Subaru Crosstrek
Hyundai Palisade
4.4$37,000 – $54,000Starting MSRP
Rivian R2
4.3$45,000 – $68,000Starting MSRP
Audi Q5
4.2$45,000 – $58,000Starting MSRP
BMW X3
4.4$50,000 – $65,000Starting MSRP
Subaru Crosstrek — frequently asked questions
Does the Subaru Crosstrek come with all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every Crosstrek trim comes standard with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive, so there is no front-wheel-drive version to choose from.
Which engine should I choose?
The base 2.0-liter (152 hp) is fine for light city use, but the 2.5-liter (182 hp) found in Sport, Limited and Wilderness trims is noticeably stronger and worth the upgrade if you carry passengers or drive a lot of highway miles.
Is the Crosstrek good in snow and off-road?
Yes. With standard AWD, 8.7 inches of clearance (9.3 on the Wilderness) and the X-Mode terrain system, it handles snow, gravel and light trails far better than most compact crossovers.
What kind of fuel economy can I expect?
The 2.0-liter returns roughly 27 city and 34 highway MPG, while the 2.5-liter is slightly lower at around 26/33 MPG. Real-world combined figures sit near 29 MPG.
How much can the Crosstrek tow?
Most trims are rated to tow about 1,500 pounds, while the Wilderness trim raises that to roughly 3,500 pounds, enough for a small trailer or lightweight camper.
Is the Crosstrek a reliable car?
Subaru has a solid reliability reputation and the Crosstrek holds its value well at resale. Routine maintenance is straightforward, and the standard EyeSight safety suite helps lower long-term ownership risk.
Image is an AI-generated illustration. Specifications and prices are indicative and may vary by variant and city — please confirm with an authorized dealer. Last updated 2026-06-25.