2019 Subaru Crosstrek Buying Guide | Specs, safety, and expert reviews

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek is in its second generation, based on the fifth-generation Impreza platform, and was completely redesigned for the 2018 model year. The popular crossover is Subaru's third-best-selling model after the Outback and the Forester, and it received subtle updates, a more rugged appearance and some new technology for the new model year.

Every Crosstrek comes standard with roof rails and alloy wheels with a machined finish and black-painted accents. Those wheels are available in either 17- or 18-inch sizes. The body sits atop a raised suspension that brings ground clearance up to an impressive 8.7 inches over the Impreza's 5.1 inches. Only the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk comes close to matching that clearance in this SUV segment.

Three trim levels are offered: 2.0i, 2.0i Premium, and 2.0i Limited. All models can be equipped with an optional CVT. The base and Premium trims can be had with a 6-speed manual transmission.

With this buyer's guide, Autoblog aims to help you make an educated decision about whether to buy the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. We'll include safety and reliability ratings, engine specs, fuel economy ratings and pricing. We'll also summarize what Autoblog's professional reviewers think of the Crosstrek.

Is the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek safe?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2019 Crosstrek a five-star overall rating, the highest possible. It gave it four stars for frontal crash protection, five stars for side crashes and four stars in its rollover crash tests.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety hasn't evaluated the 2019 model, but it's virtually identical to the 2018 Crosstrek that was given the best possible rating of Top Safety Pick+. It scores a "Good" (the highest possible rating) in all areas, including the notoriously difficult small offset frontal crash test. It gets a "Superior" for crash avoidance when equipped with the EyeSight driver assist technology, and its optional headlights (when so equipped) give it the highest possible overall rating.

We encourage you to visit the NHTSA and IIHS websites to review ratings on the specific vehicle you're researching.

Is the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

Subarus are generally known for their reliability and longevity, and indeed, the company cites IHS Markit data that shows 97 percent of all Subarus sold in the past 10 years are still on the road.

For third-party validation, we turn to J.D. Power, which gave the 2018 Crosstrek an overall score of 75 out of 100 — considered average. It gave it a 6 out of 10 — below average — for overall quality and a 9 for overall performance. Depreciation was not rated.

We should note that Autoblog has raised concerns about the way J.D. Power weighs serious and less-serious reliability issues. You can read more about that here.

NHTSA reports no open recalls for the 2019 Crosstrek, and indicates one for the 2018 model for an incorrect floormat retention bracket. That recall affects 2,367 vehicles.

How much interior and cargo room does the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek offer?

The 2019 Crosstrek offers 39.8 inches of front headroom (37.6 with the optional moonroof) and 38/37.8 respectively in the rear. Legroom is 43.1 and 36.5 inches, respectively. Cargo volume comes in at 20.8 cubic feet, with 55.3 cubes with the rear seats folded down.

The Jeep Renegade is probably the Crosstrek's most direct competitor, so let's look at how its specs compare. The Renegade offers 39.7 to 41.1 inches of front headroom, 41.2 front and 35.1 rear inches of legroom, and 18.5 (seats up) to 50.8 (seats down) cubic feet of cargo area. That makes the Crosstrek more spacious for long-legged passengers, and it has a larger overall cargo area.

What are the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek's engine specs and horsepower?

All models are powered by a 2.0-liter, direct-injected boxer four-cylinder engine. It makes 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque.

How fuel efficient is the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?

The EPA rates the all-wheel-drive 2019 Crosstrek at 27 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway and a combined 29 mpg when equipped with the CVT. The 6-speed manual lowers those figures considerably to 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined.

How much does the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek cost?

The 2019 Subaru starts at $22,870, including the destination fee, while the Premium starts at $28,170.

Use Autoblog's Smart Car Buying program powered by TrueCar to search out competitive local pricing and savings on the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek.

What does Autoblog think of the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?

Autoblog reviewed the 2018 Crosstrek in July 2017, and came away thinking the little crossover was big on utility but short on power. It offers hatchback maneuverability and driving manners with a dash of crossover flavor, a little extra ride height, and a some real light trail capability. Associate Editor Joel Stocksdale summed it up by saying, "it becomes a great option for someone looking for a small, practical car that won't quit when the going gets (a little) rough, or even for someone who just wants the look of a car like that".

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