2021 Subaru Crosstrek

2021 Crosstrek Photos
Few vehicles define a segment quite as clearly as the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Before it came along nine years and one generation ago, there really weren't any subcompact crossovers. Today, competitors like the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona and Jeep Renegade keep popping out. Unlike those, though, the Crosstrek continues to basically be an Impreza hatchback with a 3.6-inch suspension lift, some black body cladding and chunky roof rails. It's a recipe that also continues to work.  Despite sharing a chassis with the definitely-not-a-crossover Impreza, the Crosstrek still manages to offer class-leading ground clearance with a correspondingly tall seating position and good visibility, multiple driving modes geared toward inclement weather and dirt roads, and a surprisingly spacious cargo area — you know, the kinds of things that small crossover buyers will actually use and appreciate. And like nearly all other Subarus, the Crosstrek comes standard with all-wheel drive. It now offers a choice of three powertrains (including a plug-in hybrid and a new 2.5-liter engine) and may very well be the best buy in its segment. What's new for 2021? The Subaru Crosstrek finally gets what it’s needed for years: more power. Base and Premium Crosstreks have the same underpowered 2.0-liter engine they’ve had for the last few years, but the new-for-2021 Sport (pictured above) and carryover top-shelf Limited trim levels get a new 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower. That’s an increase of 30 horses over the smaller engine, and it really transforms the driving and ownership experience. There are minor styling updates for 2021, most noticeably a redesigned grille, but you’d have to park the new model with the old to really pick them out. The Sport looks a little different, courtesy of unique wheel arches, gunmetal-colored accents and bright yellow badging and interior highlights, along with a StarTex upholstery that is easy to clean like leather but uses zero animal products (vegans take note: the steering wheel is still leather-wrapped). The Sport also boasts a different X-MODE system that features driving modes for snowy weather and muddy terrain that other Crosstreks lack. What's the Crosstrek interior and in-car technology like? The interior is comfortable and feels light and airy due to its upright pillars and plenty of glass. It’s not particularly exciting to look at, but the plastics are all high quality pieces and upper-trim models get unique items like faux carbon fiber and orange-trimmed leather. Those do a good job of keeping the interior from feeling like an all-black sea of sameness; we especially like the orange perforations of the Limited's grey and black leather seats. There are buttons and dials for the radio and climate controls, which we appreciate. A 6.5-inch touchscreen comes standard; an 8-inch is standard on the Limited and optional on lower trims. Both are refreshingly simple and painless to use, featuring large icons and the ability to download and install a selection of applications like Yelp and Magellan navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported and work well with Subaru's interface. How …
Full Review
Few vehicles define a segment quite as clearly as the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Before it came along nine years and one generation ago, there really weren't any subcompact crossovers. Today, competitors like the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona and Jeep Renegade keep popping out. Unlike those, though, the Crosstrek continues to basically be an Impreza hatchback with a 3.6-inch suspension lift, some black body cladding and chunky roof rails. It's a recipe that also continues to work.  Despite sharing a chassis with the definitely-not-a-crossover Impreza, the Crosstrek still manages to offer class-leading ground clearance with a correspondingly tall seating position and good visibility, multiple driving modes geared toward inclement weather and dirt roads, and a surprisingly spacious cargo area — you know, the kinds of things that small crossover buyers will actually use and appreciate. And like nearly all other Subarus, the Crosstrek comes standard with all-wheel drive. It now offers a choice of three powertrains (including a plug-in hybrid and a new 2.5-liter engine) and may very well be the best buy in its segment. What's new for 2021? The Subaru Crosstrek finally gets what it’s needed for years: more power. Base and Premium Crosstreks have the same underpowered 2.0-liter engine they’ve had for the last few years, but the new-for-2021 Sport (pictured above) and carryover top-shelf Limited trim levels get a new 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower. That’s an increase of 30 horses over the smaller engine, and it really transforms the driving and ownership experience. There are minor styling updates for 2021, most noticeably a redesigned grille, but you’d have to park the new model with the old to really pick them out. The Sport looks a little different, courtesy of unique wheel arches, gunmetal-colored accents and bright yellow badging and interior highlights, along with a StarTex upholstery that is easy to clean like leather but uses zero animal products (vegans take note: the steering wheel is still leather-wrapped). The Sport also boasts a different X-MODE system that features driving modes for snowy weather and muddy terrain that other Crosstreks lack. What's the Crosstrek interior and in-car technology like? The interior is comfortable and feels light and airy due to its upright pillars and plenty of glass. It’s not particularly exciting to look at, but the plastics are all high quality pieces and upper-trim models get unique items like faux carbon fiber and orange-trimmed leather. Those do a good job of keeping the interior from feeling like an all-black sea of sameness; we especially like the orange perforations of the Limited's grey and black leather seats. There are buttons and dials for the radio and climate controls, which we appreciate. A 6.5-inch touchscreen comes standard; an 8-inch is standard on the Limited and optional on lower trims. Both are refreshingly simple and painless to use, featuring large icons and the ability to download and install a selection of applications like Yelp and Magellan navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported and work well with Subaru's interface. How …
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Retail Price

$22,245 - $27,995 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine 2.0L H-4, 2.5L H-4
MPG Up to 27 city / 34 highway
Seating 5 Passengers
Transmission 6-spd man w/OD, Lineartronic 8-spd CVT w/OD
Power 152 - 182 hp
Drivetrain Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive all wheel
Curb Weight 3,117 - 3,298 lbs
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