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

- 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
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XV Crosstrek Hybrid AWD Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 29 / 32 / 30 | +38% | $2,250 | 293 |
| XV Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +28% | $2,400 | 320 |
| XV Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +15% | $2,700 | 349 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Subaru Crosstrek (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2014 Toyota RAV4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2014 Honda CR-V | 26 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2014 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2014 Subaru Forester | 27 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2014 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2014 Jeep Wrangler | 18 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
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.
Not every 2014 Subaru Crosstrek is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2014 Subaru Crosstrek buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 7 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Crosstrek | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Crosstrek | 36 | 176.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 10 |
| 2025 Crosstrek | 29 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 46 |
| 2024 Crosstrek | 29 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 120 |
| 2023 Crosstrek | 35 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 35 |
| 2022 Crosstrek | 30 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 31 |
| 2021 Crosstrek | 35 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 116 |
| 2020 Crosstrek | 35 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 69 |
| 2019 Crosstrek | 35 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 285 |
| 2018 Crosstrek | 29 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 195 |
| 2017 Crosstrek | 29 | – | Not rated | 1 | 94 |
| 2016 Crosstrek | 31 | – | Not rated | 1 | 132 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →