Subaru Crosstrek Safety Rating: Crash Tests Revealed

Sandy B
Mar 5, 2021

Orange Subaru CrossTrek at auto show - Vehicle History

When you’re in the market to buy a car, you expect it to have features and tech that fit your needs, but you also need to know it’s safe. The Subaru Crosstrek may be on your mind as a top-performing compact SUV loaded with performance and features.

How safe is the Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek received a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA and the highest score of “Good” from the IIHS. Combine that with a 4.78-Star Owner and a 4.6/10 Expert Review Rating from Vehicle History for a solid, safe vehicle.

All of those ratings look good, but what does it really mean for you when it comes to ensuring you’re safe behind the wheel? Here, we’ll break down those specs, providing you with insights into test results but also performance features that can make you feel good about buying.

2020 Subaru Crosstrek Crash Test Ratings

Crash tests are a good look at the overall performance of the vehicle in some of the most damaging and high-risk collisions possible. These organizations put these vehicles through a range of tests to give us a good, honest look at their safety.

2020 Subaru Crosstrek Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Test

Owners should feel pretty good about the IIHS crashworthiness test for the Crosstrek. This vehicle received the top score of “Good” across the board, including in areas of side, roof strength, and head restraints. That includes the small overlap front for driver and passenger sides.

One key area where the IIHS downgrades it a bit is in the area of Headlights. Specifically, the optional, upgradable headlights are not safe, and the agency gives them a “Poor” rating for quality. Still, the LATCH ease of use and the overall system is solid in overall performance.

2020 Subaru Crosstrek National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Test Results

The NHTSA gives the 2020 Crosstrek a 5- star rating overall, but there are a few things you should know about before you buy this car. It only received 4 stars in the area of overall front star rating, front driver side, and front passenger side impact, a significant deviation.

The car does get a full 5-star rating on the overall side safety, including the side barrier and pole ratings. That’s top-of-the-line performance. In the rollover star rating, the 2020 Crosstrek received only 4 stars, downgraded for having a rollover risk of 15.6%.

Available Safety Tech on the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek

Many companies are putting more sensors and tech into vehicles to provide more insight into how people are driving them and to provide ways for the vehicle to take action to prevent accidents. You’ll see this in the Subaru Crosstrek through features like the following:

EyeSight Driver Assisted Technology: This is the overarching name for all of the company’s driver assist features. These are designed to provide drivers with improvements in safety on the road, generally using its overall sensor setup.

Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control: This feature gives drivers more support while using the cruise control feature. It can help them to follow the driver in front of them at a pre-set distance, automatically speeding up or slowing down as needed to keep drivers safe.

Lane Departure and Sway Warning: This feature is designed to help drivers stay in their lane. If the vehicle strays outside of the marked lane on the roadway, the vehicle will alert the driver that they need to notice what’s happening.

Lane Keep Assist: Drivers will find this feature allows them to take lane departure to the next level. It allows for the vehicle to steer the vehicle to remain in the lane and away from the side of the road. It focuses on keeping the car in the center of the lane.

Pre-Collision Braking: If there is some risk that the driver is going to collide with something, the vehicle has the ability to apply the brakes. This is done automatically and can be done immediately with significant force to stop the vehicle from colliding with objects, including people.

Here’s What Other People are Asking about the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek

You’re thinking about buying this car. That means you need information about the safety and performance of it. Here’s what other people are asking about this vehicle and its overall performance abilities.

Is the Subaru Crosstrek a good car?

There is no doubt the Subaru Crosstrek is a reliable, subcompact SUV. It has a strong engine for its size and a number of key features, including the suite of safety features to keep you safe on the road. This vehicle is quick, easy to maneuver, and feature-packed.

What makes the Subaru Crosstrek a safe car?

There are a number of reasons to consider this a safe car, including the good ratings by NHTSA and IIHS. You will also find it has good customer reviews when it comes to handling and performance on the road. Many people find it is a strong car to keep them safe.

How long will a Subaru Crosstrek last?

Newer models are lasting longer than ever. The vehicle has a 60,000-mile warranty on the powertrain. With decent upkeep and routine maintenance and service, this vehicle may last 150,000 or more miles without any significant repair needs in most cases.

What are common complaints about the Subaru Crosstrek?

There are some noted problems with the Crosstrek for the 2020 model year. Customer complaints include concerns about the vehicle’s electrical system and engine. In addition, there have been over 10 complaints about the visibility and wipers of this vehicle.

Is the EyeSight Driver Assisted Technology package available on all cars?

The company started using this in 2012, though it has been upgraded many times over. It is available on all Crosstrek vehicles, though some may require purchasing optional upgrades to get them.

Are You Thinking about Buying a Pre-owned Subaru?

The more information you have, the better. That’s why Vehicle History has paired up with industry-leading organizations like Edmonds.com to provide you with access to information, including our no-cost tool that provides vehicle history information to you.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Cassidy B on July 17, 2021
If I could give this car 6 out of 5 stars I would.
I love my car. It is very reliable and I always feel safe taking my family in my car. Not only that but it comes with features like CarPlay, Bluetooth, lane assist, and back-up camera. It can easily take on all terrain and weathers. Gas mileage was one of the top reasons I purchased this vehicle. State of the art features for a very reasonable price. There is ample room in the back seats, as well as easily functionable with animals. Seats are weather and water resistant which is a top feature for an active lifestyle, no complaints for this car.
accountCircle Julia D on April 18, 2021
Subaru Crosstrek is a beautiful, sporty fun car perfect for families.
This cars rides really smoothly, with sensitive breaks to keep you safe. The sunroof is really nice on hot summer days, and the heated seats are going to be great in the winter. I really enjoy that it has so many safety features to keep you in your lane and correct your steering when you accidentally go out of the lines. Comes with a few free months of SiriusXM as well depending on the package you get. Love that you can switch easily between manual and automatic, and the trunk has plenty of storage.
accountCircle Madelyn K on September 8, 2021
Perfect all weather amazing car.
This car has never caused me any problems in the time I have owned it. I commute for school and the gas mileage is great and I only have to refill once a week. The size of the car is ideal, enough space for cargo and friends, but still small enough to easily maneuver in the city. The car performs exceptionally well in snow and rain and the lane departure/collision warning system helps me feel safe and confident driving. The CarPlay system is also very convenient and easy to use.
accountCircle Wendy C on July 8, 2021
Cool, sporty and great sized compact SUV.
I love my new Crosstrek!! The ride is smooth & the safety features great except for the turning off of the engine when stopped. I am not sure if this is a good feature or not but you can manually turn it off. My only complaint is that there is not as much little storage compartments as my last car but I think it is because of some of the safety features and/or cameras. It is sporty looking & not a huge SUV with good gas mileage. Happy customer!
accountCircle Tracy S on August 31, 2021
Subaru. Just average. Not luxury.
The car itself drives ok. I really do not like where the cup holder is it is very difficult to get your cup of coffee while you are driving. I do not like the orange thread on the black leather trim it just looks tacky. I think the overall look at the car is not as sporty as I would've liked I do not like that the passenger side seat does not have electric seats. The car does get good gas mileage I wish the navigation system was easier to use.
accountCircle Steve W on June 22, 2021
2020 Subaru Crosstrek. With all safety features in class.
The safety features have been great thus far. The car being able to sense when cars cut us off and applying proper brake pressure is great. The blind spot sensor is useful and works well. The ride is better than I would have expected as well, very smooth. The pick up and go is better than expected as well, especially in the s mode setting of the car. Gas mileage has not been quite as good as expected but overall am happy with our purchase.
accountCircle Judy M on August 15, 2021
The amazing Subaru Crosstrek.
My Subaru Crosstrek is amazing. It's the perfect size for me. I have the pure red with a moonroof. Has all wheel drive, eyesight, adaptive cruise control which I absolutely love. Also has lane assistance which gives you a warning if you cross over the line. It will also gently adjust your back on the road. The ride is nice and smooth and the car will break automatically if it detects a car in front.
accountCircle Cassie P on September 8, 2021
Why I chose the Crosstrek.
I haven't had any problems with my 2020 Crosstrek! I love all the safety features it has and cannot wait for snow to fall to see how it handles the snow! The eyesight feature is great and keeps you in your lane on the interstate and watches for cars to run out in front of you or to stop suddenly in front of you! Subaru also has a great warranty! I cannot wait to see how this car holds up!
accountCircle Karla P on May 16, 2021
Premium is the way to go!
It is the most comfortable call I have owned. Blind sight control is very useful and driving it feels natural. Great space for those who are taller but is not a massive vehicle. The option of having the car start from the my Subaru app is great because you can control the climate, lock/open/start the car anywhere! There is not a radius limit which is great.
accountCircle Natalie R on March 11, 2021
2020 Subaru Crosstrek: amazing!
I love all the features that the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek premium has to offer. I haven't had any issues and it runs great! It is speedy and the traction on it is perfect for the state I live in. As far as the comfort, I think that it is very roomy and comfy and I love that I can pump up the driver seat because it helps for visibility.
accountCircle Chloe H on August 25, 2021
The Subaru Crosstrek are both sporty and safe.
My 2020 Crosstrek is the most reliable and safe car. It is refreshing to have a vehicle I know I can rely on 100%. Anytime my vehicle needs something, like windshield wiper fluid, it sends me a notification in my car and in my email so I fix it right away. This can come in handy when something is seriously wrong with my car.
accountCircle Hannah M on April 25, 2021
The Subaru Crosstrek is so amazing- you will not regret your purchase.
My car is so reliable! It drives so smoothly and quietly. I feel so safe in my Subaru Crosstrek. Definitely do not regret my purchase! This car is so comfortable. I am also able to see out of all of my windows-there are no blind spots! I am also able to control my vehicle from the app- which has been amazingly convenient.
accountCircle Alex C on May 3, 2021
Should you buy a Subaru Crosstrek.
As far as problems the Crosstrek is very reliable and can be counted on. Performance wise; not so good. The Crosstrek only has 152 hp stock. The vehicle is not focused on comfort but more for off roading. I would highly recommend the Subaru Crosstrek as I have had it for 1 year and loved every minute of it.
accountCircle Danielle B on July 9, 2021
Perfect size, perfect all weather vehicle.
I love my Crosstrek - it is super safe and reliable. I know that, in any weather, I can count on feeling secure while driving. I can take it anywhere -- to the river, camping in the mountains -- and I have. I never worry about snow. It is the perfect size and height, so comfortable and sporty as well.
accountCircle Rita B on June 30, 2021
Subaru Crosstrek features.
It is a durable car, good quality, and has a ton of features. There's Bluetooth connective in the car; lane change assistance; and two front cameras to help you brake on time if you are too close to a car. There is a back camera to assist you while you reverse and good sound quality for your music.
accountCircle Diana G on March 7, 2021
Subaru makes great vehicles!
Love my Subaru Crosstrek! It is a fuel efficient, safe and sporty vehicle. I enjoy the standard features (lane departure, blind spot detection, lane correction, all wheel drive). The Crosstrek has a very smooth ride and the safety cameras help me to feel safe while driving on a highway or off-road.
accountCircle Sally W on June 22, 2021
Great car for city or nature!
Compact and tight turn radius makes it perfect for city driving while AWD means you will not have any issues on road trips. A little bumpy/less smooth of a driving experience. Plenty of cargo space and ability to put more on top of the car. Acceleration on highway can take some time.
accountCircle Annemarie P on August 22, 2021
Pros and cons: easy drive but some features disappoint.
The Crosstrek is so comfortable to drive and feels like driving a car. I love the rear camera, the trunk space and the satellite radio. My complaint is that the heated seats are not hot enough, which makes it a waste. I also wish there was a way to turn off the seatbelt alert.
accountCircle Terry S on May 20, 2021
Auto cruise control is nice.
Sometimes the auto safety features get confused and turn on and off repeatedly. This mainly occurs in worn out streets or odd intersections. Otherwise it is a great vehicle. Comfort, features, apple CarPlay, fuel economy and storage space is wonderful in a small package.
accountCircle Nikki A on August 10, 2021
Go for the base model. Electronics are horrible.
Hate the sensors. Never works. I have had my vehicle back to the dealer. Still nothing. If it is a clear day, everything works. Get even slightly cloudy and all errors. Plus the Bluetooth phone is the worst I have used. This is my second Subaru, and will never buy again.
accountCircle Lauren H on April 4, 2021
Very safe car for old and young.
This vehicle is awesome. It is extremely safe and has a lot of safety features such as blind spot monitoring, eyesight, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning etc. Also, I have leather seats which are so comfortable and very sporty. Gas mileage is decent also.
accountCircle Anna J on June 2, 2021
Overall best car I have ever owned.
Love everything about this car, the eyesight is the best thing ever. Sound is great and so is the apple car play. The touch screen is great and super easy to use. Steering wheel has everything you need right under your fingers. Great on gas. Really no complaints.
accountCircle Cyann M on May 2, 2021
Gray, fast, great on gas and affordable.
Runs great. I really love the sunroof. My car has the ability to go into an off road mode so I like that aspect because I could be moving up north sometime. I also really love that my car has driver assistance. This allows me to drive while feeling safe.
accountCircle willow445 on November 11, 2021
Best car I have owned to date
Bought it new May 2020. Safe, reliable, feels bigger than it is. Great safety features, decent power, big plus is good amount of leg room for rear seat passengers. Love this car.
accountCircle Katherine K on September 6, 2021
Safety is subaru’s number 1 priority.
I have no complaints. The safety mechanisms are state of the art. I love all the cameras to help with safety.
avatar Sandy B
Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)
  • Articles
  • chevronRightAlternative
  • Subaru Crosstrek Safety Rating: Crash Tests Revealed