2014 Subaru Crosstrek

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.

Subaru Crosstrek
Pictured: Subaru Crosstrek 2.0ie Active (III) – f 31052025. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
30 combined · 29 city / 32 hwy
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
1 campaign

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 38% better than the average 2014 small SUV (21.8 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • Few owner complaints16 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 195 for similar models.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2014 Subaru Crosstrek is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (29 city / 32 highway), 38% better than the 2014 small SUV average of 21.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2014

  • New hybrid version
  • Best combined MPG up from 28 to 30

Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 Crosstrek →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
XV Crosstrek Hybrid AWD Hybrid2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)All-Wheel Drive29 / 32 / 30+38%$2,250293
XV Crosstrek AWD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)All-Wheel Drive25 / 32 / 28+28%$2,400320
XV Crosstrek AWD2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdAll-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 25+15%$2,700349
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.8 MPG2014 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2014 Subaru Crosstrek.

Similar 2014 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2014 Subaru Crosstrek (this car)30 MPGNot rated1
2014 Toyota RAV426 MPGNot rated7
2014 Honda CR-V26 MPGNot rated1
2014 Hyundai Tucson25 MPGNot rated2
2014 Subaru Forester27 MPGNot rated2
2014 Mazda CX-529 MPGNot rated3
2014 Jeep Wrangler18 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (1)

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Feb 28, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V149000 · 1,303,530 vehicles

Problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Risk
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2014 Subaru Crosstrek is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

16Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
60,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train7
Unknown Or Other3
Vehicle Speed Control2
Electrical System2
Engine2
Exterior Lighting2
Service Brakes2
Suspension1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
17/07: 217/10: 117/11: 118/03: 118/10: 118/11: 118/12: 119/02: 119/04: 219/05: 219/06: 119/07: 217/0717/1118/1018/1219/0419/06max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2014 Subaru Crosstrek buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 7 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Vehicle Speed Control — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  4. Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Subaru Crosstrek. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Crosstrek years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Crosstrek29–Not rated00
2026 Crosstrek36176.4 inNot rated310
2025 Crosstrek29176.4 in★★★★★046
2024 Crosstrek29176.4 in★★★★★2120
2023 Crosstrek35176 in★★★★★035
2022 Crosstrek30176 in★★★★★131
2021 Crosstrek35176 in★★★★★2116
2020 Crosstrek35176 in★★★★★169
2019 Crosstrek35176 in★★★★★8285
2018 Crosstrek29176 in★★★★★5195
2017 Crosstrek29–Not rated194
2016 Crosstrek31–Not rated1132

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →