2021 Subaru Crosstrek Review: Reliable Small SUV With Low Ownership Costs As It Ages

LostinTexas on December 21, 2023

After two years, all I can say is, well done. The car has been solid. I only have 18K miles, but no complaints. It is a bit narrow, and can be a little "economical" in appearance, but not a single complaint. It is a low end car, but the ride and comfort, overall is very good. Gas mileage is always subjective, but I average 32+ MPG overall, and it is at least as good as the Camry I got out of. It has taken me through places I probably should have not ventured. It didn't complain or give me any drama, hardly missing a beat the whole way,,,, with factory AS touring tires. The AWD seems top notch. People complain about the windshield being fragile, but so far so good. They complain about engine performance too, but I have never felt like I was going to be run over or that the engine was underpowered. If you want a "Fast" car, look elsewhere. It does what it does well.

SquishCat on June 16, 2023

very good on gas and the seats are very comfortable and luv the safety features and like how i can connect my iPhone and use the star link. also enjoy the heated seats are a plus

Norma Sue on April 25, 2023

Absolutely LOVE it!! Great Mileage, Looks Great... nice ride.... Best Car I've ever bought! My first Subaru and most likely the last car I will ever purchase!

Bill on January 27, 2023

I’ve owned my 2021 Subaru Crosstrek touring 2.0L 6 speed manual for just over 2 years now. It’s been a great vehicle. Very reliable. Could be a bit better on fuel but I’ve heard the CVT does get better fuel economy. I’d recommend this vehicle for sure. No regrets buying my Crosstrek.

Sarah on November 12, 2022

I had the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport (2.5 L engine, 182hp) with Eyesight and moonroof package. There's a lot to like about it. The larger engine has tons of power and great acceleration. Tight steering, braking and fantastic suspension (you can barely feel bumps on the road). CD player, dimmable infotainment screen, great backup camera resolution and color. Things I didn't love: The moonroof positioning made it so that you couldn't see out it in your peripheral vision and the tilt probably opened a quarter of an inch with lots of air vibration if you slide it open instead. The StarTex seat material does not breathe - swamp xxx even when it is in the low 70s. For a used car that was only a year or so old, it had a lot of pitting on the windshield. The Deal Breaker... The seat comfort! Holy Moly this thing is a torture chamber. My driver's seat was manual - so maybe power seats would help, but maybe not. I am an average sized 41 year old female with no history of any back pain. I have never even considered seat comfort when car shopping because I've owned, driven and ridden in plenty of cars with no problem. I spent a week long road trip in my friend's Outback a few years ago with no trouble. I just had an hour long ride up to Boston in a Crosstrek 3 months ago. After a week commuting 40 minutes to work in the Crosstrek, I had burning throughout my whole lower back and my butt was numb all day and all night. I had to start driving my husband's pick up to work. Thank GOD I happened to buy from a dealership with a 30 day exchange policy. (Big shout out to Sam at Herb Chambers Honda in Seekonk, MA!) I would have been out thousands of dollars otherwise because this car is literally undrivable for me. Proud owner of a CRV that is older with more miles for the almost same price.

Linda on October 28, 2022

I bought this car because I live in the mountains and needed a car with the most clearance for driving in snowy conditions. It's easy and comfortable to drive. I love the interactive cruise control and Eyesight. I love the styling and color. This is my first Subaru, and will never buy anything but a Subaru again. The service department at the dealership is awesome.

BW Sheier on July 19, 2022

This was my 14th Subaru and my first Crosstrek. Great smaller SUV. Four cylinder engine is more than sufficient for excellent acceleration and superior MPG. Comfortable and safe. What more could you want?

DWHP on June 22, 2022

This is my first Subaru and I wish I had owned one earlier. It's super comfortable and fun to drive. The low profile leather seats are extremely comfortable so there's no driver fatigue. The interior is well thought out and the Harmon Kardon sound system is the bomb. I'm looking forward to many more years of enjoyment and possibly get another Subaru after this one. The price was unbeatable given the current shortage of used cars. I totally lucked out with this car.

Subman on March 17, 2022

Went from a Tundra 1794 to the Crosstrek, big difference, but absolutely no regrets. Not as many luxury features, but driving fun, economy and size more than makes for it. I wasn't paying attention driving home following some idiots on the interstate when I looked at the speedo, I was over 100, so I was one of the idiots. Car handles like a sports car. I have the small engine and manual. Love it.

cybergranny on June 7, 2021

Easy to get in and out. Car was expensive, the dealer instruction was valuable, but still learning and still referring to the books. Still waiting for the state paper work, will have to get a Pa inspection.