2021 Subaru Crosstrek Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$22,245 to $27,995

Original MSRP

7.8
of 10

expert review

4.8

avg user rating

(17 reviews)
7.8
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
8/10
Technology
8/10
Performance
7/10
Safety
8/10
Form & function
7/10
Cost-effectiveness
9/10
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Test Drive Review summaryImage

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is a hatchback in hiking boots.

The Crosstrek applies the successful formula of the Subaru Outback to a smaller vehicle. Like the Outback, the Crosstrek is an ordinary car that gets a raised ride height and plastic body cladding to make it look like an SUV, plus standard all-wheel drive. But while the Outback is based on the Subaru Legacy, the Crosstrek is a derivative of the Subaru Impreza.

Subaru launched the Crosstrek for the 2013 model year as a replacement for the Outback Sport. The current Crosstrek was introduced for the 2018 model year as the second generation of the model.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is the same basic vehicle as before, but gets a handful of notable updates. In Canada, new Outdoor trim level joins the previous Convenience, Touring, and Sport, and Limited trim levels, and a 2.5-litre engine is now available alongside the previous 2.0-litre engine. The 2021 Crosstrek also gets an upgraded version of Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance system.

8/10

The Crosstrek embodies the adage “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” Car shoppers are flocking to crossovers for their rugged looks, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and tall driving positions, so Subaru decided to imbue its Impreza hatchback with those same characteristics. It’s the same strategy that has allowed the larger Outback to outlast nearly every other station wagon in the United States.

Like most Subaru models, the Impreza hatch already comes standard with AWD. Visually, the Crosstrek is differentiated from an Impreza by black body cladding model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inch on Limited) and a taller ride height that affords 22 centimetres of ground clearance, according to Subaru. That’s a pretty good number for dedicated SUVs, let alone an ordinary car.

The changes have a big impact, allowing the Crosstrek to do a reasonably good impression of an SUV, and giving it more character than the base Impreza hatch. It also helps that Subaru typically offers more vibrant colours on the Crosstrek, including Plasma Yellow Pearl for the 2021 model year.

Under the plastic body cladding, the Crosstrek rides on the same Subaru Global Platform as most of the automaker’s other models, including the Legacy/Outback, Ascent, and Forester. It’s proven to be a fairly good design across the board, with all models exhibiting a greater level of polish and refinement than their predecessors.

The interior is virtually unchanged from the Impreza hatchback. That means it’s functional but somewhat plain-looking. Subaru makes Plasma Yellow Pearl accents standard on the Outdoor grade’s interior, which clashed with the Horizon Blue Pearl exterior on our tester (which is not offered in Canada; U.S. Subaru Crosstrek Sport model shown). The simulated carbon-fibre trim pieces included on the Crosstrek Outdoor also looked cheap, but the model does get water-repellant upholstery, which should come in handy on trips to the beach.

Stephen Edelstein
Published Nov 24, 2021 by Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering everything on four wheels. Whether it's a new EV or a full-size pickup truck, he's eager to drive it and tell you all about it in a CarGurus Test Drive Review. Besides contributing to CarGurus, Stephen currently has bylines at Digital Trends, Green Car Reports, and Motor Authority.

User reviews for 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

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User rating:
by Victor B
Dec 13, 2024
I love this Crosstrek. It was within my budget and the value I got was everything I was looking for in my next vehicle. Dec 13, 2024
by Larry H
Nov 14, 2024
Great safety features. Car handles very well up hills and curves Nov 14, 2024
by Conor W
Sep 22, 2024
Only had a short test drive, but it felt like driving a golf cart. Pinned the petal to the floor and didnt get any acceleration. Downshifted and didnt get any acceleration. This car simply doesnt have pace. If your looking for something cool to drive around town its a good pick, but if your looking to only own one car I wouldnt recommend. Sep 22, 2024

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Pricing

Original MSRP
$22,245 to $27,995
Price range
$25,440 to $27,329
Average price on CG
$25,440
YoY price change
$27,329 to $25,440

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Aha internet radio · Pandora internet radio · Touch screen display radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.8 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: leatherette · Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door trim: simulated carbon fiber · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Console Insert: organizer tray · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: grocery bag holder · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.90 · Locking differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: black · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 2.4 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: black

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 16 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.8 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Cargo area floor mat: rubber/vinyl · Center console trim: leatherette · Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Console Insert: organizer tray · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.44 · Locking differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: black · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Travel Link · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: black

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 16 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.8 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Cargo area floor mat: rubber/vinyl · Center console trim: leatherette · Dash trim: metallic · Door trim: metallic · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Console Insert: organizer tray · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: black · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: black

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: driver · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: vinyl

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 16 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.8 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat: rubber/vinyl · Center console trim: leatherette · Dash trim: metallic · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: with lighting · Console Insert: organizer tray · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: black · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Travel Link · Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: cornering

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: black

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: rear · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 16 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent