The Subaru Crosstrek is a subcompact SUV with decent off-road chops, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and generous ground clearance. It’s like a smaller, more affordable, more fuel-efficient alternative to the bigger Subaru Outback.
A few close rivals in this class include the Jeep Compass, which has similar off-road capabilities when equipped with all-wheel drive, and the Mazda CX-30, which is more athletic.
Except for the hybrid model, power for every Subaru Crosstrek comes from a 2.0-liter flat-4 “boxer” engine making 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the lower trims, but most models get a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The Crosstrek gets up to 27 city/33 highway mpg with the automatic transmission. The manual comes with a significant fuel economy penalty, returning 23 city/29 highway mpg.
Let’s look at the Crosstrek lineup and find the right SUV for you.
2019 Subaru Crosstrek (starting price when new: $21,895)
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The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek started at $21,895 when new.
The base trim of the Subaru Crosstrek comes with some excellent standard features, but it’s debatable whether it’s the best value.
On top of the boxer engine and all-wheel drive, standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, 60/40 split-folding back seats, air conditioning, cruise control, cloth seats, remote keyless entry, roof rails, and a backup camera. The standard StarLink 6.5-inch infotainment system includes Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
If you get the optional CVT, it also bundles the X-Mode off-road drive mode with hill descent control.
The EyeSight safety tech suite is optional on the base trim when equipped with the CVT transmission. It includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist.
Who is this trim for? The base trim is for drivers who want a little SUV that’s good off-road at the most affordable price point.
2019 Subaru Crosstrek includes:
All-wheel drive — All-wheel drive comes standard on every Subaru Crosstrek, good for all-weather traction and modest off-roading.
Starlink infotainment system — This 6.5-inch screen is loaded with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and more.
Transmission options — The Crosstrek is one of the only SUVs in its class with a choice of a manual or automatic transmission.
2019 Subaru Crosstrek Premium (starting price when new: $22,895)
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The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Premium started at $22,895.
The Premium trim adds many desirable features with a slight price increase over the base trim. For most drivers, this is the best value in the Crosstrek lineup.
Standard features in the Crosstrek Premium include heated front seats, heated mirrors, a 6-speaker audio system, dual rear USB ports, an upgraded infotainment system with SiriusXM, HD Radio, and Magellan navigation, automatic headlights, fog lights, orange interior stitching, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Like the base model, getting the CVT transmission instead of the manual adds X-Mode with hill-descent control, and the EyeSight safety tech suite is optional on CVT-equipped models. Additional options include a power moonroof and blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.
Who is this trim for? The mid-range Premium trim is the best value in the Crosstrek lineup for drivers looking for many standard features at an affordable price.
2019 Subaru Crosstrek Premium includes:
Navigation — The Magellan navigation system gets you to your destination with confidence.
Heated front seats — This feature is essential if you live in a cold climate.
Rear USB ports — Your passengers will appreciate this handy tech feature.
2019 Subaru Crosstrek Limited (starting price when new: $27,195)
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The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Limited started at $27,195.
The Limited model is the top trim of the non-hybrid Subaru Crosstrek. It comes exclusively with the CVT, so it also comes standard with X-Mode and the EyeSight safety tech suite.
Standard features on the Limited trim include an 8-inch infotainment system with NFC, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, a power driver’s seat, LED headlights, paddle shifters, automatic climate control, a high-grade multi-function display, push-button start, and a rear center armrest.
On top of what you get with EyeSight on the lower trims, the Crosstrek Limited has reverse automatic braking, high-beam assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and steering-responsive headlights.
Additional options available for the Limited trim include Harman/Kardon premium audio, TomTom navigation, and a power moonroof.
Who is this trim for? The loaded Crosstrek Limited is for drivers who want premium features like leather seats and modern safety tech in a small SUV that’s capable off-road.
2019 Subaru Crosstrek Limited includes:
EyeSight safety tech — Standard safety features in the Limited trim include forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more.
Leather upholstery — Leather seats add a luxurious feel to the Crosstrek.
8-inch infotainment system — This big screen is feature-rich and easy to use.
2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid (starting price when new: $34,995)
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The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid started at $34,995.
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is motivated by the StarDrive plug-in hybrid powertrain. It has a gas engine mated to an electric motor fed by a battery pack. It can go up to 17 miles on electricity alone on a full charge before the gas engine kicks in, and it gets a 90 MPGe combined fuel economy rating. All-wheel drive still comes standard, and it’s still an excellent little off-roader.
Other than what’s under the hood, a few unique touches include an available Lagoon Blue Pearl paint color exclusive to the hybrid, blue headlight projector rings, silver metallic exterior finish, 18-inch black wheels, and high-contrast gray and navy blue leather seats.
Feature content is similar to the loaded Limited trim. It has an option package that adds a power moonroof, Harman/Kardon premium audio, a heated steering wheel, and TomTom navigation.
Who is this trim for? The Crosstrek Hybrid is for anyone who likes the idea of a plug-in hybrid Subaru that’s practical, capable, efficient, and even luxurious. However, it’s a little pricey.
2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid includes:
StarDrive plug-in hybrid powertrain — This PHEV powertrain gets a combined 90 MPGe rating, and it can go up to 17 miles on electricity alone.
2-tone seats — The hybrid model has unique high-contrast gray and navy blue leather seats, door panels, and armrests.
Premium option package — An available option package for the Crosstrek Hybrid includes a power sunroof, a heated steering wheel, navigation, and Harman/Kardon premium audio.
