The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek lasts around 250,000 miles with relatively minor stereo system and traction control issues reported. At $18,525 to $21,975, it’s a decent value for a small SUV with a great standard all-wheel drive system.
Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Subaru Crosstrek, excellent all-wheel drive paired with a nice interior gives it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the reliable engine, safety technology, as well as the fuel efficiency.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are high-quality for a small SUV, the seats are very supportive on long drives, however, there’s not much cargo space.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no serious problems on the 2018 Crosstrek. Avoid models from 2013–2014 since they have mechanical issues, 2015–2021 are much more reliable.
- Performance 6/10 – Performance is poor from the 4-cylinder engine, although it’s more focused on efficiency rather than speed.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2018 Crosstrek is a safe SUV, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, as well as adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 30 MPG, giving 498 miles of range from the 16.6 gallon tank. Gas costs are $45 cheaper than average, at $142 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is expensive for a small SUV, although it depreciates slowly, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Crosstrek?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Crosstrek is a fun compact SUV, with high owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Crosstrek at 4.3/5, praising the spacious interior, but doesn’t like the loose handling.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Crosstrek a 4.4/5, enjoying the excellent all-wheel drive system, but owners don’t like the weak engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek include the stereo system freezing, a loss of traction from the rear wheels, as well as chipped paint. Overall, these problems are minor for a small SUV, leading to cheaper repair costs as the Crosstrek ages.
The stereo system freezing is the most widespread complaint from Crosstrek owners at around 15,000 miles. There are software updates for the stereo which improve its reliability. Most dealerships will install the software for free on affected models, while some charge around $50.
A loss of traction from the rear wheels is another common issue mentioned by Crosstrek owners in the first 25,000 miles. In some cases it’s a sign of damage to the rear suspension, which costs about $450 to fix. There’s also a rear stabilizer bracket which is covered by a recall and will be replaced for free by Subaru dealerships.
Chipped paint also has been reported in the first 5,500 miles. Paint which is not properly cared for and becomes more brittle and prone to chipping. If you take your Crosstrek off-road a lot, it may also throw up dirt and rocks which can damage the paint. The only way to fix chips permanently is to repaint the damaged area, costing around $1,000 per panel.
There are five recalls on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, which is a few more than some other compact SUVs on the market. The most serious recalls cover the engine control management software which may make the engine stall, as well as the rear stabilizer bracket which can detach. Subaru will reprogram and replace the parts on affected models for free. There’s a minor recall for the floor mats, which is not as much of a mechanical concern.
How Long Will the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Subaru Crosstrek can last around 250,000 miles, which is around 50,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $413 per year.
As a used 2018 Subaru Crosstrek reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the coolant lines for $300, parking brake cable costing $250, along with the oil pan gasket which costs around $550.
No problems that we have noticed so far really enjoy driving it. I really enjoy all the features and the color and the interior.
Never had any problems. The service had been great. The app keeps my service needs organized. The safety features are fabulous.
Yes it has been very reliable. I have not had any issues with it so far. I bought it because of Subaru's reputation.
Yes, very reliable! We have had ZERO issues with our Crosstrek. We do regular maintenance in keeping her clean, oil changes, and checking the tires.
The Crosstrek is a very reliable and safe vehicle. I feel secure driving and parking this car and have not experienced any issues.
Recalls with floor mats and electrical recalls recently are raising a bit of concern. Although we have experienced the issues for these recalls first hand they aren't all that serious as they are annoying
It is very reliable. I've never had any issues with it not working. It has never broken down or had anything else go wrong. I haven't noticed any problems after having it for a little over a year.
Very reliable. The only issue I know of with this Crosstrek was that there was a recall on the radio system. I believe with the apple car play system. I took it in and it was fixed. Only thing now is that I can't get the clock set to the correct hour.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good in the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek offering a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include an 8-inch display and a Harman Kardon stereo system.
Safety technology on the entry-level model is okay with a standard rearview camera. The Premium and Limited models have Subaru EyeSight. Advanced safety features in EyeSight include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, reverse automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control.
Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a good value since it’s reasonably reliable with good all-wheel drive capabilities. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $18,525 to $21,975, making it more than a Nissan Rogue or Kia Sportage. When new, the price range was $21,795 to $26,295. Depreciation is slower than other small SUVs, losing about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Subaru Crosstrek?
There are three models of the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek offered, from the base 2.0i model all the way up to the more luxurious Limited. All Subaru Crosstrek models come standard with all-wheel drive.
2.0i is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Carpeted Floor Mats
- Auto Up/Down Windows
- 60/40-Split Folding Rear Seat
- Rearview Camera
- 5-Inch Touchscreen
Premium is a step up, adding:
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Automatic Headlights
- Heated Seats
- Subaru Starlink Remote Communication Services
- Sunroof
- Contract Interior Stitching
- Subaru EyeSight Safety Features
Limited is the flagship model which has:
- 18-inch Alloy Wheels
- LED Adaptive Headlights
- Leather Seating
- Automatic Climate Control
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Six-Way Power-Adjustable Driver Eat
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Harman Kardon Audio System
What Engines Come In the Subaru Crosstrek?
The engine found in the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a weak 2.0L 4-cylinder which makes 152 horsepower while getting up to 30 MPG. It comes standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Performance is slow, taking 8.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Subaru Crosstrek Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has a comfortable and spacious interior for its size with seating for up to five passengers. The front seats are generally well-padded and offer good support, and the rear seats have plenty of legroom and headroom for adult passengers. The ride is generally smooth and refined, even on rough roads, thanks to the Crosstrek’s standard all-wheel drive and high ground clearance.
The Crosstrek’s small size and upright body can make it feel a bit cramped on long drives, and some owners have noted that the cabin can be a bit noisy at higher speeds. Overall, the Crosstrek is a comfortable and practical choice for daily driving and short road trips.
How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Crosstrek Have?
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has enough room for 5-6 suitcases with the rear seats up, and 10-12 with the rear seats folded down. This is a decent amount of space for a small SUV, and should be enough for most everyday needs.
The Crosstrek also has a lot of convenient storage features, including a large center console, a covered storage area under the cargo floor, and several small compartments throughout the cabin. Overall, the Crosstrek provides a good amount of storage space and practical features for its size.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Subaru Crosstrek came out in 2013, and was replaced by the second generation for 2018.
2015: New entry-level model, optional Subaru EyeSight safety system, standard rearview camera.
2016: Updated interior trim and mild front-end styling changes.
2017: Hybrid model discontinued, new 2.0i Premium Special Edition model added.
2018: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new exterior, interior, and suspension.
2019: More features added to Subaru Starlink infotainment system.
2020: Standard engine start-stop, upgraded LED lighting added.
2021: Redesigned front bumper and grille, more powerful 2.5L 4-cylinder.
How Does the Subaru Crosstrek Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a very good compact SUV, offering a very nice all-wheel drive system, low ownership costs, and a nice interior for the money. All of these features help it earn our recommendation.
The 2018 Subaru Outback and the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek are both practical and capable SUVs, but they have some key differences to consider. The Outback is a larger and costs about $500 more with a spacious and comfortable interior, a smooth ride, and a choice of two engines. The Crosstrek, on the other hand, is a smaller and more affordable option, with a compact, fuel-efficient design and a standard four-cylinder engine. It also has a higher ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive, making it a good choice for tackling rough roads and light off-roading. We recommend the Subaru Outback for most shoppers, but both are good choices for 2018.
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 is a more mainstream, fuel-efficient compact SUV with a car-like ride and a wide range of safety features. The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a more rugged option with standard all-wheel drive, a higher ground clearance, and a spacious, comfortable interior. Both offer versatility and capability, but the RAV4 is better for city driving and the Crosstrek is better for off-road adventures.
Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Crosstrek?
Yes! It is a great vehicle to drive. It has a lot of great features I really enjoy driving it. I love the color we chose and the interior is great.
The Crosstrek is a good size for an active couple or family with 1 child. It handles well and has great safety features.
Yes, I absolutely love everything about it. I have no complaints about it. Great gas mileage and very functional.
Absolutely! Yes! Our Crosstrek is fun to drive and better yet, it comfortable to drive! The interior is very pleasing to my eye, the sound system is fantastic, and even with a car full of passengers, everyone is comfortable and has plenty of room.
I really enjoy driving the Crosstrek. This is my first car with a backup camera and Bluetooth, and it makes a world of difference.
Absolutely! I adore my Crosstrek. It is quite comfortable to drive both because of the seat and the ease of which you can control everything. The safety features are rather astounding. It has the ability to move the car if you veer off the road, it will warn you if you move out of your lane and the headlights actually turn with the steering wheel.
Absolutely 100% yes! I love it. Gas mileage, spacious, and best of all SAFE! Purchasing this vehicle to be our new primary vehicle and testing it out right off the bat with a road trip to Florida from New York we literally paid no more than 250 in gas
Yes it’s great. I've had it for a year and haven't had any issues so far. It is sporty and good for long road trips. It has a good amount of space for me to store items for work and trips. It had good gas mileage and I feel safe in it.