What to Know About the Subaru Crosstrek

Your top questions about the Subaru Crosstrek answered: trims, fuel economy, towing, hybrid models, safety, and more.

Subaru Crosstrek FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re researching compact SUVs, the Subaru Crosstrek is likely on your radar. It’s popular for its reliability, all-wheel-drive capability, and practical design. At Hello Subaru of Temecula, part of the Hello Auto Group, we get a lot of questions about the Crosstrek—from performance and fuel efficiency to off-road capabilities and used model recommendations.

Here’s a breakdown of the most frequently asked questions about the Subaru Crosstrek.

Is the Subaru Crosstrek good for off-roading?

Yes, the Crosstrek is one of the most off-road vehicles in its class. Thanks to Subaru’s standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, it handles rough terrain better than many crossovers. The Wilderness trim takes that a step further with increased clearance (9.3 inches), all-terrain tires, and improved angles for off-road driving. If you’re looking for a compact SUV that can handle dirt trails and light off-roading, the Crosstrek delivers.

How fuel-efficient is the Crosstrek compared to other SUVs?

The Subaru Crosstrek is highly fuel-efficient for an all-wheel-drive SUV. According to current EPA estimates:

• Base 2.0L engine (CVT): 28 mpg city / 33 mpg highway
• 5L engine: 27 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
• Crosstrek Hybrid: 35 mpg combined (up to 90 MPGe with electric power)

Compared to similarly sized AWD SUVs, the Crosstrek is competitive—often better—especially in hybrid form. It balances efficiency with capability, which makes it appealing for both urban driving and weekend getaways.

What’s the difference between the Crosstrek trims?

As of the latest model year, the Subaru Crosstrek is available in the following trims:

• Base: Solid standard features like AWD, EyeSight® Driver Assist, and Apple CarPlay / Android Auto.
• Premium: Adds better interior materials, heated seats, and more tech.
• Sport: Comes with a stronger 2.5L engine, sporty styling, and advanced driver aids.
• Limited: Top-tier interior, leather-trimmed upholstery, and more tech upgrades.
• Wilderness: Built for rugged use with more clearance, unique suspension, and trail-ready features.

Choosing a trim depends on your budget and how you plan to use the car. For off-road driving, the Wilderness excels. For daily commuting with comfort, the Limited or Sport is a smart choice.

Does the Subaru Crosstrek come in a hybrid version?

Yes. The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) combining a 2.0L BOXER engine with electric motors. It offers an all-electric range of about 17 miles and switches to hybrid mode after that. With charging at home or public stations, you can drive short distances using mostly electricity, which helps cut fuel costs.

How reliable is the Subaru Crosstrek over time?

The Crosstrek is known for strong long-term reliability. Subaru’s engineering—especially its AWD system—is built to last. Most owners report minimal issues even past 100,000 miles. Routine maintenance and proper care are key, but overall, the Crosstrek has a reputation for durability. That’s why it often shows up in rankings of the best-used compact SUVs.

What safety ratings does the Subaru Crosstrek have?

The Crosstrek has consistently high safety scores. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) gave recent model years top marks in crashworthiness. Models with EyeSight® have received “Top Safety Pick” designations. The NHTSA also rates it 5 stars overall.

• Safety features include:
• Pre-collision braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane keep assist
• Rear-vision camera
• Blind-spot detection (available on higher trims)

Can you sleep in the back of a Subaru Crosstrek?

Yes, with the rear seats folded flat, the Crosstrek offers about 55.3 cubic feet of cargo space—enough for most people under 6 feet tall to lie down. While it’s not built for full-time camping, it works well for quick weekend trips or overlanding setups. Some owners use inflatable mattress pads or sleeping platforms to make it more comfortable.

How much can a Subaru Crosstrek tow?

Towing capacity varies by trim:

• Base, Premium, Sport, Limited: up to 1,500 pounds
• Wilderness: up to 3,500 pounds

The Wilderness trim’s enhanced suspension and cooling systems allow for more capability. It’s a great choice if you occasionally tow small trailers, boats, or motorcycles.

What’s the best Crosstrek model year to buy used?

If you’re shopping used, the 2018–2023 Crosstrek models are solid bets. Subaru introduced the second generation in 2018 with a more refined interior, better tech, and improved ride quality. The 2021 model brought more power to the Sport trim with a 2.5L engine. Look for vehicles with full-service records and, ideally, certified pre-owned coverage from trusted dealerships like Hello Subaru of Temecula.

Is the Crosstrek a good car for new drivers?

Yes, the Crosstrek is ideal for new drivers. It’s compact, easy to park, and comes standard with all-wheel drive—giving it excellent road grip. Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist adds an extra layer of safety with features like automatic emergency braking and lane centering. Plus, it’s built tough, which is reassuring for parents buying a first car for their teen.

Visit Hello Subaru of Temecula

Whether you’re buying new, used, or just comparing models, Hello Subaru of Temecula, part of the Hello Auto Group, is your trusted resource. Our team helps you find the right Crosstrek for your lifestyle—with no-pressure sales and expert service to keep your car running strong. Visit us today.

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

LinkedIn