2017 Subaru Crosstrek

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 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
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
29 combined · 26 city / 33 hwy
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
1 campaign

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 27% better than the average 2017 small SUV (22.8 MPG).
  • Few owner complaints94 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 276 for similar models.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and all-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 33 highway), 27% better than the 2017 small SUV average of 22.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 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 94 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.

What changed for 2017

  • No hybrid version any more
  • Best combined MPG down from 31 to 29

Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Crosstrek →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Crosstrek AWD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)All-Wheel Drive26 / 33 / 29+27%$2,300311
Crosstrek AWD2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdAll-Wheel Drive23 / 30 / 26+14%$2,600348
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
22.8 MPG2017 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek.

Similar 2017 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2017 Subaru Crosstrek (this car)29 MPGNot rated1
2017 Toyota RAV432 MPGNot rated3
2017 Honda CR-V30 MPG★★★★★7
2017 Hyundai Tucson28 MPG★★★★★3
2017 Subaru Forester28 MPGNot rated1
2017 Mazda CX-527 MPGNot rated1
2017 Jeep Wrangler18 MPGNot rated5

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 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

94Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
28,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unknown Or Other33
Visibility/Wiper22
Electrical System17
Power Train12
Engine10
Service Brakes5
Steering5
Wheels4
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/12: 121/01: 321/02: 221/05: 221/06: 121/08: 321/09: 121/11: 122/01: 122/02: 222/03: 122/06: 122/07: 122/12: 123/02: 123/03: 123/05: 123/08: 224/01: 124/02: 124/03: 125/08: 125/09: 125/10: 120/1221/0521/0922/0222/0723/0324/0125/08max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2017 Subaru Crosstrek buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Visibility/Wiper — 22 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  3. Electrical System — 17 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Power Train — 12 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 28,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 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
2016 Crosstrek31–Not rated1132
2015 Crosstrek31–Not rated117

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