Subaru Crosstrek


The Subaru Crosstrek is a subcompact crossover built by Subaru as a successor to the Subaru Outback Sport in the United States and Canada, and the Subaru Impreza XV internationally. Like the Outback Sport, the Crosstrek is a lifted Subaru Impreza hatchback with minor differences, though with a more substantial lift than the Outback Sport. The Crosstrek has a variety of engine and trim options, depending on the market.

First generation (GP, 2012–2017)

Overview

The Subaru XV Crosstrek was introduced for the 2013 model year at the 2012 New York International Auto Show with an MPG of 25 city, 33 highway with a Lineartronic CVT or 5-speed manual transmission with an FB20B making , sharing powertrain specifications with the Impreza. It included 17-inch wheels, as well as roof rails and tinted glass. All trims, along with all Subaru vehicles, included Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, with Lineartronic CVT equipped models being able to send 100% of torque to the wheels with the most traction. Models with the 5-speed manual transmission returned an MPG of 23 city, 30 highway. A 4.2 touchscreen and backup camera were included on the Limited trim, along with the all-weather package with heated seats. All trims had driver's auto up/down windows.
For the 2014 model year, a Hybrid was released in two trims, the higher of which had new features with some of these being optional on the non-Hybrid Premium and Limited trims.
For the 2015 model year, reversing cameras and 6.2 inch head units were added to all trims, as well as an upgraded electric power steering system. MPG was increased to 26 city, 34 highway. The Limited trim got an insulation-glass windshield, optional keyless ignition, an upgraded instrument cluster which included a color Liquid-Crystal Display. Upgraded mirrors with welcome lighting and turn signals were added as well. The then-new Starlink multimedia plus system with a 7.0 inch display that debuted on the 2015 Subaru Legacy and Outback was included as well. The Premium, Limited and Hybrid trims could be optioned with Subaru EyeSight and Hybrid models gained a PIN code access system. A special edition variant based on the premium trim with Sunrise Yellow paint was also available, but limited to 1,000 units.
For the 2016 model year, the Premium trim received the all weather package with heated seats and mirrors as standard equipment, along with the option of Subaru's Starlink Safety and Security system including an SOS button, automatic collision notification system, stolen vehicle recovery, and a vehicle monitoring app. The Limited trim got rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and lane-change assist. This year also included revised styling and the removal of the XV prefix from the name in the United States and Canada. It was also the last year of the Hybrid model.
The 2017 model year, which was also the last year of the first generation Crosstrek saw MPG ratings fall to 26 city, 33 highway. Otherwise, the 2017 model was largely unchanged, with the only change being a new trim, which was the Platinum Special Edition. Included was special interior and exterior styling, a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Despite being a lifted Subaru Impreza hatchback, sales have been much stronger in the US, due to sedan/hatchback sales slowing in the country.

XV Crosstrek Hybrid

For the 2014 model year, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid was introduced in two trims, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid and Hybrid Touring. The base Hybrid model included the Limited's features, MPG of 29 city, 33 city, removes the leather interior, and added different wheels, grill shutters, quick-ratio electric power-steering, side mirrors with signal repeaters, keyless ignition, chrome door handles, and an upgraded multi-function display, along with more power. The Hybrid touring included a sunroof, leather, a navigation system with voice controls, Aha radio, HD radio, Satellite radio, and a 6.1 inch head unit. The Premium and Limited trims could be equipped with the upgraded head unit and a sunroof.
For 2015, Hybrid trims had their MPG increased to 30 city, 34 highway.
In 2016, after Subaru dropped the XV prefix from the model name in the United States and Canada, the model was known as the Crosstrek Hybrid.
The model was discontinued after the 2016 model year.
Pre-facelift styling
Post-facelift styling

Second generation (GT, 2018–present)

For 2018, the Crosstrek was moved to the Subaru Global Platform and received an upgraded FB20D engine making in the US, a year after the Subaru Impreza which it's based on. MPG on CVT trims was increased to 27/29/33. The base transmission was changed to a 6-speed manual transmission as opposed to the 5-speed in the first generation. The interior quality was upgraded, and a new 6.5 inch Subaru Starlink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality was standard, with an 8.0 inch system and navigation being available on the Limited trim. While navigation was an option, all trims could use Apple Maps, Google Maps. Magellan Navigation is also available on all trims via the Starlink app, though the optional navigation is the only system that does not use the driver's smartphone to get map data, and is the only system that displays speed limits in the gauge cluster. Auto up/down windows were for the first time included for the passenger side. The Starlink Safety and Security system was made standard on the Premium trim. Models optioned with Eyesight got adaptive high beams. The Limited trim got adaptive LED headlights, keyless ignition and entry, an optional Harman Kardon was available and a 6-way power driver's seat was included. Subaru's X-MODE off-road assist function was also added.
For 2019, the Crosstrek received Eyesight on all models equipped with the CVT transmission. The Hybrid trim was reintroduced as a Plug-in Hybrid, based on the Toyota Prius Prime's Hybrid system. It was based on the top Limited trim, and retailed for $34,995. Power was reduced to 148 HP, and combined MPG was increased to 35 MPG. Subaru claimed a range of 17 miles for all-electric driving.
For 2020, the Crosstrek received Subaru's SI-Drive powertrain management system, first available on the Subaru Forester and Subaru WRX models with a CVT. An auto start-stop system was added, along with an optional 6-way power driver's seat being added to the Premium trim. All models had USB and AUX ports moved from the center console to the console storage tray, which received lighting on the Premium and Limited trim. The Limited and Hybrid trims got rear seat USB ports. New is an automatic door locking and unlocking system with automatic unlocking in a collision. The Eyesight system now features lane centering. MPG on the CVT model rose to 28/30/33.

Crosstrek Hybrid

In May 2018, Subaru of America announced a plug-in hybrid electric version for the 2019 model year to serve as a compliance car, and thus is only sold in states that follow California emission standards. The Crosstrek Hybrid features the FB20 gasoline engine detuned to, coupled with two electric motors developing a combined. The car has a fuel tank of and an 8.8 kWh battery, which together enable a range of 480 miles. The two electric motors have separate functions: Motor Generator One is the starter and acts as a generator under regenerative braking; Motor Generator Two is the traction motor with an output of and ; together, the two motors and battery pack add approximately to the curb weight of the car. Under electric power only, the Crosstrek Hybrid can achieve a range at speeds up to.

XV e-BOXER

Subaru introduced the e-BOXER hybrid powertrain for the European-market Forester and XV at Geneva in March 2019; the e-BOXER integrates an electric motor into the Lineartronic continuously-variable transmission to improve fuel economy and increase power. The battery for the traction motor is placed above the rear axle, improving the front/rear weight balance. The e-BOXER powertrain features a modified FB20 rated at, but compared to the US-market Crosstrek Hybrid, the XV e-BOXER uses a single electric motor rated at maximum output.

Facelift

Starting summer of 2020, Subaru will begin selling the 2021 Crosstrek with changes including aesthetic tweaks, a new trim level, more driver assistance technology, and a new 2.5L engine option. The most obvious exterior styling change is larger front lower bumper cladding in black plastic. The new Sport trim level, above Premium and below the top spec Limited, will bring with it Subaru's dual X-Mode traction control with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud terrain options. The Sport trim will also get a unique interior with a Sport logo plus yellow stitching. Limited trim vehicles will get a leather interior with orange stitching. For driver aids, any CVT equipped Crosstrek can get adaptive cruise control and lane centering. Top-of-the-line Limited models will receive blind-spot detection with lane-change assist plus cross-traffic alert, reverse automated emergency braking, and high-beam assist. For the first time, the Crosstrek will also get a new 2.5L FB25D as an engine option. It will be offered with Sport and Limited trim levels. The new engine offering makes, 30 more than the standard 2.0L engine.

Issues

Many believe the Crosstrek is underpowered, like most cars in its class, and advocate for a turbocharged model, akin to the Subaru Impreza Gravel Express.
MY2013–2015 XV Crosstreks with the CVT have had their transmission warranties extended to 10 years 100,000 miles with Subaru saying there were no complaints or conditions behind this. All MY2013 Crosstreks were recalled for oil consumption after a class action lawsuit, with MY2014 and MY2015 models only being recalled with the manual transmission. All first generation Crosstreks were recalled for faulty brake light switches which Subaru stated was discovered themselves, with 33 reports on all affected models in the US. 83,499 2018 Crosstreks and 37 2019 Crosstrek plug-In hybrids, along with 2017–2018 Subaru Imprezas and 2019 Subaru Forester and Ascent models were recalled for a faulty PCV valve that could break apart and cause oil consumption or possibly a stall.

Sales

Sales have been much stronger than its predecessor, the Outback Sport, with 2019 being the first year with a sales drop, which could be attributed to a car sales slump in the US.
YearU.S.
20127,396
201353,741
201470,956
201588,927
201695,677
2017110,138
2018144,384
2019131,152