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Subaru Crosstrek
Car and Driver says hybrid powertrains seem like a no-brainer for nature-loving Subaru buyers, but after a couple of false starts in the 2010s, Subaru is now embracing hybrids wholeheartedly, launching the Forester Hybrid for 2025 and following it up with the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, noting the first Crosstrek Hybrid sold from 2014 to 2016 was a half-hearted affair adding just 13 horsepower, and a plug-in variant from 2019 to 2023 had just 17 miles of electric range and limited production, whereas the new 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid pairs a modified version of the standard car's 2.5-liter boxer engine with two electric motors as a mainstream gas-electric option. MotorTrend rates the 2026 Crosstrek 9.5/10, saying the new Crosstrek Hybrid is the most powerful Crosstrek yet, feeling noticeably more spry off the line while retaining the gas-only model's ride height, approach angle, and passenger compartment dimensions, giving up only a little cargo volume, and rivaling the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Honda HR-V, and Toyota Corolla Cross.
Third time's the charm on hybrids
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says hybrid powertrains seem like a no-brainer for nature-loving Subaru buyers, but after a couple of false starts in the 2010s, Subaru is now embracing hybrids wholeheartedly, launching the Forester Hybrid for 2025 and following it up with the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid.
Two earlier attempts fell short
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) notes the first Crosstrek Hybrid, sold from 2014 to 2016, was a half-hearted affair adding just 13 horsepower, and a plug-in variant from 2019 to 2023 had just 17 miles of electric range and limited production, whereas the new 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid pairs a modified version of the standard car's 2.5-liter boxer engine with two electric motors as a mainstream gas-electric option.
The most powerful Crosstrek yet
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) rates the 2026 Crosstrek 9.5/10, saying the new Crosstrek Hybrid is the most powerful Crosstrek yet, feeling noticeably more spry off the line while retaining the gas-only model's ride height, approach angle, and passenger compartment dimensions, giving up only a little cargo volume, and rivaling the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Honda HR-V, and Toyota Corolla Cross.
Questions buyers ask
Is the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid a plug-in hybrid?
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says no, it's a traditional hybrid, unlike the discontinued 2019-2023 plug-in version.
Is the new Crosstrek Hybrid more powerful than the gas model?
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says yes, it's the most powerful Crosstrek yet.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is built around 2.0L or 2.5L flat-four, rated at 152 / 182 horsepower across its subcompact SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2025 U.S. lineup has 5 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe most the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is published to tow is 1,500 / 3,500 lb.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 43 owner complaints for the 2025 Crosstrek.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2025 Crosstrek pairs standard all-wheel drive with two naturally aspirated engines. Wilderness is the distinct capability configuration with the higher towing maximum.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
4 indexed Subaru Crosstrek model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Subaru Crosstrek | 2027 record → | |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Subaru Crosstrek | 2025 record → | |
| 2017 Subaru Crosstrek | 2017 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Subaru Crosstrek.
The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover SUV produced by Subaru since 2012. It is a successor to the Outback Sport in North America, and the Impreza XV globally. Like the Outback Sport, the Crosstrek is a lifted Impreza hatchback with minor differences, though with a more substantial lift than the Outback Sport.
- Safety
- The second-generation Subaru XV ("Crosstrek" for the North American market) was unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2017. Like the Impreza, the XV/Crosstrek has moved to the Subaru Global Platform.
- Sales
- Sales in the United States have been much stronger than its predecessor, the Outback Sport, with 2020 being the first year with a sales drop, which could be attributed to a car sales slump in the US.
Source: Subaru Crosstrek (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Subaru Crosstrek at a glance
- Production
- 2012–present
- Model years
- 2013–present
- Class
- Compact crossover SUV (C)
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, all-wheel drive, Front-engine, front-wheel drive (Japan, 2022–present)
- Predecessor
- Subaru Outback Sport (North America), Subaru Impreza XV (global markets)
- Related models
- Subaru Impreza
- Also called
- Subaru XV (outside of North America, until 2022), Subaru XV Crosstrek (North America, 2013–2015)
NHTSA rated the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (2 campaigns across the latest model years)
- November 2023, Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break. Consequence: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios…
- August 2023, Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles. Due to insufficient clearance, the instrument panel harness may contact the steering beam bracket, damaging the wire insulation and causing a short circuit. Consequence: A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners filed 43 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek, most often about unknown or other (13), lane departure (10), visibility (8).
Year by year
The Subaru Crosstrek across 13 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Subaru Crosstrek | 26–29 | $2,250–$2,500 | 2 | |||
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek | 26–36 | $1,750–$2,400 | 3 | 5 stars | ||
| 2025 Subaru Crosstrek | 27–29 | $2,150–$2,300 | 3 | 43 | 5 stars | |
| 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | 27–29 | $2,150–$2,300 | 3 | 2 | 113 | 5 stars |
| 2023 Subaru Crosstrek | 25–35 | $1,800–$2,500 | 4 | 34 | 5 stars | |
| 2022 Subaru Crosstrek | 25–30 | $2,100–$2,500 | 3 | 30 | 5 stars | |
| 2021 Subaru Crosstrek | 25–35 | $1,800–$2,500 | 4 | 1 | 114 | 5 stars |
| 2020 Subaru Crosstrek | 25–35 | $1,800–$2,500 | 3 | 68 | 5 stars | |
| 2019 Subaru Crosstrek | 25–35 | $1,800–$2,500 | 3 | 7 | 284 | 5 stars |
| 2018 Subaru Crosstrek | 25–29 | $2,150–$2,500 | 2 | 5 | 194 | 5 stars |
| 2017 Subaru Crosstrek | 26–29 | $2,150–$2,400 | 2 | 1 | 97 | 5 stars |
| 2016 Subaru Crosstrek | 26–31 | $2,000–$2,400 | 3 | 1 | 131 | 5 stars |
| 2015 Subaru Crosstrek | 26–31 | $2,000–$2,400 | 3 | 1 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Subaru Crosstrek, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Electric range, miles | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 to 2027 | 3 to 2 | 31.0 to 27.5 | Labels: Crosstrek Hybrid AWD; Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI; Hybrid; Transmissions: Automatic (AV-S6) | ||
| 2025 to 2026 | 28.0 to 31.0 | Labels: Crosstrek Hybrid AWD; Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI; Hybrid; Transmissions: Automatic (AV-S6) | Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI | ||
| 2023 to 2024 | 4 to 3 | 30.0 to 28.0 | Labels: Crosstrek Wilderness AWD | Labels: Crosstrek Hybrid AWD; Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Transmissions: Automatic (variable gear ratios), Manual 6-spd; Fuels: Regular Gas and Electricity | |
| 2022 to 2023 | 3 to 4 | 27.5 to 30.0 | first listed: 17 | Labels: Crosstrek Hybrid AWD; Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Transmissions: Automatic (variable gear ratios); Fuels: Regular Gas and Electricity | |
| 2021 to 2022 | 4 to 3 | 30.0 to 27.5 | Labels: Crosstrek Hybrid AWD; Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Transmissions: Automatic (variable gear ratios); Fuels: Regular Gas and Electricity | ||
| 2020 to 2021 | 3 to 4 | Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI | |||
| 2019 to 2020 | Transmissions: Automatic (AV-S8) | Transmissions: Automatic (AV-S7) | |||
| 2018 to 2019 | 2 to 3 | 27.0 to 30.0 | first listed: 17 | Labels: Crosstrek Hybrid AWD; Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Transmissions: Automatic (variable gear ratios); Fuels: Regular Gas and Electricity | |
| 2017 to 2018 | 27.5 to 27.0 | Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic (AV-S7), Manual 6-spd | Engines: 2L 4-cyl; Transmissions: Automatic (AV-S6), Manual 5-spd | ||
| 2016 to 2017 | 3 to 2 | 28.5 to 27.5 | Labels: Crosstrek AWD | Labels: XV Crosstrek AWD, XV Crosstrek Hybrid AWD |
Buying used
What the Subaru Crosstrek recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); power train (driveline) | None |
| 2021 | 1 | power train (automatic transmission) | None |
| 2019 | 7 | steering (electric power assist system); visibility (glass, side/rear); electrical system (software); 3 more | None |
| 2018 | 5 | service brakes; engine and engine cooling (exhaust system); electrical system (software); 1 more | None |
| 2017 | 1 | exterior lighting (brake lights) | None |
| 2016 | 1 | exterior lighting (brake lights) | None |
| 2015 | 1 | exterior lighting (brake lights) | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| visibility/wiper | 287 | 26% | 2019 (113) |
| unknown or other | 259 | 23% | 2019 (49) |
| electrical system | 190 | 17% | 2019 (53) |
| engine | 120 | 11% | 2019 (34) |
| power train | 92 | 8% | 2019 (24) |
| steering | 46 | 4% | 2019 (15) |
Trim by trim
Every 2027 Subaru Crosstrek trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 180 | 178 | 3,296 | 1,500 | – | – |
| Premium | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 180 | 178 | 3,304 | 1,500 | – | $29,470 |
| Limited | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 180 | 178 | 3,349 | 1,500 | – | $34,470 |
| Wilderness | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 180 | 178 | 3,369 | 3,500 | – | $35,270 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2027 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Subaru Crosstrek model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 4 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 180 | 3,296–3,369 | 1,500–3,500 | 16.6 |
| 2026 | 5 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 180 | 3,296–3,369 | 1,500–3,500 | 16.6 |
| 2025 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 152–182 | 3,277–3,369 | 1,500–3,500 | 16.6 |
| 2024 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 152–182 | 3,277–3,369 | 1,500–3,500 | 16.6 |
| 2023 | 6 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | 137–182 | 3,188–3,717 | 1,000–1,500 | 13.2–16.6 |
| 2022 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | 137–182 | 3,188–3,717 | 1,000–1,500 | 13.2–16.6 |
| 2021 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | 137–182 | 3,188–3,717 | 1,000–1,500 | 13.2–16.6 |
| 2020 | 4 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (PZEV) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | 148–152 | 3,157–3,726 | 1,000–1,500 | 13.2–16.6 |
| 2019 | 4 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (PZEV) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | 148–152 | 3,157–3,726 | 1,000–1,500 | 13.2–16.6 |
| 2018 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (PZEV) | 152 | 3,157–3,230 | 1,500 | 16.6 |
| 2017 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (PZEV) | 148 | 3,109–3,208 | 1,500 | 15.9 |
| 2016 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (PZEV) | 148–160 | 3,109–3,495 | 1,500 | 15.9 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Subaru Crosstrek.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2025 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2024 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2023 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2022 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2021 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2020 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Subaru Crosstrek: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2019 Subaru Crosstrek : 7 recalls on file, most commonly affecting electrical system and visibility/wipers.
- 2018 Subaru Crosstrek : 5 recalls on file, most commonly affecting electrical system and engine cooling.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | not available | ||
| 2025 | 43 | ||
| 2024 | 2 | 113 | electrical system, powertrain |
| 2023 | 34 | ||
| 2022 | 30 | ||
| 2021 | 1 | 114 | powertrain |
| 2020 | 68 | ||
| 2019 | 7 | 284 | electrical system, visibility/wipers, seat belts, steering |
| 2018 | 5 | 194 | electrical system, engine cooling, suspension, brakes |
| 2017 | 1 | 97 | exterior lighting |
| 2016 | 1 | 131 | exterior lighting |
| 2015 | 1 | not available | exterior lighting |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Subaru Crosstrek model year 2015 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Subaru Crosstrek?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2019, 2018 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Subaru Crosstrek model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek has 7 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting electrical system, visibility/wipers, seat belts; The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has 5 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting electrical system, engine cooling, suspension. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03What are common recall-related problems on the Subaru Crosstrek by model year?
2024: electrical system, powertrain. 2021: powertrain. 2019: electrical system, visibility/wipers, seat belts, steering. 2018: electrical system, engine cooling, suspension, brakes. 2017: exterior lighting. 2016: exterior lighting.
Q04Why do some Subaru Crosstrek model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Subaru Crosstrek model year 2015 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Climate and electrical, Engine and cooling, Brakes, tires and steering, Buying, records and recalls, Transmission and drivetrain.
2019 Subaru Crosstrek owners specifically: see Climate and electrical and Buying, records and recalls and Brakes, tires and steering.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek owners specifically: see Climate and electrical and Engine and cooling and Brakes, tires and steering.
Compared with
Models this Subaru Crosstrek is most often compared with.
Nearest Subaru models
Other Subaru models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2025 Crosstrek come in?
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek (subcompact SUV) comes in 5 trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Wilderness.
Q02What are the 2025 Crosstrek trims?
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek trims are Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Wilderness, listed from the entry Base up to the top Wilderness.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2025 Crosstrek use?
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is built around 2.0L or 2.5L flat-four, rated at 152 / 182 horsepower across its subcompact SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2025 Crosstrek have?
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is rated at 152 / 182 horsepower (2.0L or 2.5L flat-four).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2025 Crosstrek?
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is offered with Standard AWD.