The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek lasts around 250,000 miles with some relatively minor lighting and stereo system issues reported. At $23,075 to $31,775, it’s a great value for a practical compact SUV with all-wheel drive, which is fun to drive.
Is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Subaru Crosstrek since it offers great reliability ratings with standard all-wheel drive. Owner reviews praise the advanced technology, smooth suspension, along with the responsive engines.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for a compact SUV, the seats are supportive on long drives, although cargo space is slightly lower than other SUVs.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread problems found on the 2021 Crosstrek. Models from 2013–2014 have some reported engine problems, while 2015–2021 are much more dependable as they age.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from either of the four-cylinder engine options, yet it’s not as quick as some of the competitors on the market.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 Crosstrek is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, along with lane keep assist.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 30 MPG, giving 498 miles of range out of the 16.6 gallon tank. Gas costs are $33 cheaper than average, at $182 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek holds its value better than nearly any other compact SUV on the market, making it a great choice.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Crosstrek?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offers a smooth ride and a roomy cabin with high owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Crosstrek at 4.4/5, praising the high ground clearance, but doesn’t like the loose handling.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Crosstrek a 4.4/5, enjoying the standard all-wheel drive, but owners don’t like the lower fuel economy with the manual transmission.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Have?
Problems on the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek include interior lighting issues, the stereo system freezing, along with rare reports of the transmission shifting into reverse noisily. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to other small SUVs on the market, leading to low repair costs.
The most widespread complaint on the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is the interior lighting not working properly in the first 5,000 miles. Usually, owners complain that some lights are not working, while others are dull. Replacing the bulbs fixes the issue usually, and usually Subaru dealers will do it for free. If they don’t then new bulbs cost around $40.
The stereo system freezing is another problem with the 2021 Crosstrek at around 10,000 miles. There are software updates for the stereo system which improve its reliability. Most of the time dealerships will install these updates for free while the Crosstrek is in for normal service, but sometimes they charge around $50.
The transmission shifting into reverse noisily is a rare, but serious complaint on some 2021 Crosstrek models in the first 20,000 miles. The noise is usually a sign of some damage to either the linkage or internal components. Fortunately, usually the problems are covered by Subaru’s warranty, so it will be fixed for free.
There are no recalls on the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, which is better than some other small SUVs and shows that there are no problems that are widespread or compromise the security of the SUV.
How Long Will the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Subaru Crosstrek can last around 250,000 miles, which is similar to other small SUVs on the market like the Honda CR-V. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other compact SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $418 per year.
As a used 2021 Subaru Crosstrek reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the brake light switch for $225, brake pads costing around $300, along with the A/C compressor which costs $900.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system along with a larger 8-inch touchscreen.
Standard safety technology is basic with a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features available include:
- Forward and reverse automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keep assist
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Adaptive headlights
Is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is a good value since it’s reliable and capable off-road while also boasting the latest safety technology. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $23,075 to $31,775, making it more than a Ford Escape or Nissan Kicks. When new, the price range was $22,245 to $27,995. Deprecation in current market conditions is nearly nonexistent, although in normal conditions we expect it to lose about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Subaru Crosstrek?
There are four models of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered, from the entry-level Base all the way through to the more luxurious Limited. All the Subaru Crosstrek models come standard with all-wheel drive.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Wheels
- Roof Rails
- Cloth Upholstery
- Automatic Climate Control
- One USB Port
- 5-Inch Touchscreen
- Four-Speaker Stereo System
Premium is a step up adding:
- Heated Front Seats
- Sunroof
- Fog Lights
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Heated Side mirrors
- Six-Speaker Stereo System
Sport is in the lineup, which adds:
- Wider Fender Flares
- Simulated Leather Upholstery Called StarTex
- Yellow Interior Stitching
- Rear USB Ports
Limited is the flagship model which has:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Upholstery
- LED Headlights
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Eight-Speaker Harman Kardon Audio System
What Engines Come In the Subaru Crosstrek?
- The base engine in the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is an average 2.0L 4-cylinder which makes 152 horsepower at up to 30 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
- An available upgrade is the stronger 2.5L 4-cylinder which produces 182 horsepower and gets up to 29 MPG. It comes standard with the continuously variable transmission. Performance is average, taking 7.5 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Subaru Crosstrek Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is known for its comfortable and spacious interior, making it a desirable choice for both daily commutes and long road trips. The cabin is designed to accommodate up to five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear occupants. The seats are supportive and comfortable, wrapped in high-quality materials that enhance the overall driving experience.
Additionally, the Crosstrek’s suspension is well-tuned to absorb road imperfections, providing a smooth and composed ride. The cabin is also effectively insulated from external noise, providing a serene environment for passengers. With its blend of spaciousness, comfort, and ride quality, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is an excellent choice for those seeking a pleasant driving experience in a compact SUV.
How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Crosstrek Have?
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is a versatile and popular compact SUV that offers ample storage space to accommodate various needs. Regarding cargo capacity, the Crosstrek provides 20.8 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats.
However, if you need to transport large items or require additional storage, the rear seats can be folded down to create a generous 55.3 cubic feet of space. This flexibility makes the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek a practical choice for individuals or families who require a vehicle with substantial cargo room for daily use or weekend adventures.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Subaru Crosstrek was launched for the 2018 model year.
2015: New entry-level model, rearview camera is standard on all models, Subaru EyeSight offered as an optional upgrade.
2016: Small front bumper changes, new interior trim options available.
2017: New 2.0i Premium Special Edition model added, hybrid model discontinued.
2018: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new styling, engines, and interior.
2019: Subaru Starlink infotainment system updated with new software.
2020: LED headlights added, engine start-stop standard on all models.
2021: Front bumper redesigned, new more powerful engine offered.
How Does the Subaru Crosstrek Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is a very nice small SUV, offering good reliability ratings as it ages along with a strong standard all-wheel drive system which is good on dirt roads and in snow.
The Subaru Outback is a larger SUV made by Subaru which costs about $5,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Subaru Outback, while the Subaru Crosstrek offers more responsive steering. We recommend the Subaru Crosstrek since it’s more fun to drive unless you need the extra space found in the outback.
The Mazda CX-5 is another compact SUV which is available for about $2,000 less. Standard safety technology is better in the Mazda CX-5, while the Subaru Crosstrek’s standard all-wheel drive system is better on rough roads. We recommend the Mazda CX-5 since you get more features for your money, but both are decent compact SUVs for the 2021 model year.
