2019 Subaru Crosstrek

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 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
Body styles
4dr SUV Convenience, 4dr SUV Limited, 4dr SUV Sport, 4dr SUV Touring
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl
Horsepower
152 hp
Transmission
CVT
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
35 combined · 36 city / 35 hwy
Length
176 in
Curb weight
3,190–3,307 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 47% better than the average 2019 small SUV (23.8 MPG).
  • Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Modest powerUp to 152 hp, versus about 190 hp for similar 2019 models.
  • Emergency braking not standardAutomatic emergency braking is optional or limited to some trims.
  • 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 176 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,190 lb (4dr SUV Convenience).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (36 city / 35 highway), 47% better than the 2019 small SUV average of 23.8 MPG, for an estimated $1,900 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 285 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility/wiper.

What changed for 2019

  • New plug-in hybrid version
  • Best combined MPG up from 29 to 35

Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Crosstrek →

Trims, performance & features

Engine152 hp2.0L 4-cyl
TransmissionCVT
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

Premium+EyeSight+Blind Spot DetectionLimited+ES+BSD+NAVILimited+ES+BSDPremium

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingSome trims
Forward collision warningSome trims
Blind-spot monitoringSome trims
Lane departure warningSome trims
Lane keeping assistSome trims
Adaptive cruise controlSome trims
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startSome trims

Built in: Ota, Gunma

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 Crosstrek configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV Convenience176 in70.9 in63.8 in105.1 in61 / 61.4 in3,190 lb60/40
4dr SUV Limited176 in70.9 in63.8 in105.1 in61 / 61.4 in3,307 lb60/40
4dr SUV Sport176 in70.9 in63.8 in105.1 in61 / 61.4 in3,265 lb60/40
4dr SUV Touring176 in70.9 in63.8 in105.1 in61 / 61.4 in3,234 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Crosstrek Hybrid AWD Plug-in Hybrid2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)All-Wheel Drive36 / 35 / 35+47%$1,900151
Crosstrek AWD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S7)All-Wheel Drive27 / 33 / 29+22%$2,300301
Crosstrek AWD2.0L 4-cylManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 25+5%$2,700353
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.8 MPG2019 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2019 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.6%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2019 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD
Frontal crash test — 2019 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2019 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD
Side crash test — 2019 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2019 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2019 Subaru Crosstrek (this car)35 MPG★★★★★8
2019 Toyota RAV440 MPG★★★★★8
2019 Honda CR-V30 MPG★★★★★8
2019 Hyundai Tucson26 MPG★★★★★1
2019 Subaru Forester29 MPG★★★★★3
2019 Mazda CX-529 MPG★★★★★2
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan25 MPG★★★★★5

Recalls (8)

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery · Feb 14, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V080000 · 8,413 vehicles

Problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Crosstrek Hybrid vehicles. The harness terminal that supplies low-voltage power from the converter to the 12-Volt battery may corrode and break, preventing the 12-Volt battery from charging.
Risk
A 12-Volt battery that is unable to recharge can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the converter terminal mounting bracket. If corrosion is found on the terminals, the 12-Volt output harness and terminals will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 12, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-23.
Suspension › Rear · Apr 15, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V263000 · 408,271 vehicles

Problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Risk
Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
Electrical System › Software · Apr 15, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V264000 · 466,205 vehicles

Problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
Risk
A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other · Mar 31, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V189000 · 4,862 vehicles

Problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek vehicles with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.
Risk
In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. The began April 15, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-20.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) · Dec 2, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V856000 · 51,613 vehicles

Problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Risk
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
Electrical System › Software · Oct 18, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V743000 · 466,205 vehicles

Problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.
Risk
If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear · May 30, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V404000 · 256 vehicles

Problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The driver's side rear-door window glass may be improperly tempered. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."
Risk
Improperly tempered glass can shatter into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side rear-door window glass, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUG-92.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Feb 6, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V065000 · 10,417 vehicles

Problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Risk
Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2019 Subaru Crosstrek is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

285Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
10,542 miTypical mileage at failure
Visibility/Wiper113
Electrical System52
Unknown Or Other49
Engine34
Power Train23
Steering15
Fuel/Propulsion System14
Visibility › Windshield9
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/09: 223/11: 123/12: 224/01: 224/02: 124/05: 124/10: 124/11: 324/12: 125/01: 125/02: 225/03: 125/04: 125/06: 225/08: 425/09: 225/11: 125/12: 126/02: 226/05: 226/06: 226/07: 426/08: 226/10: 123/0924/0124/1025/0125/0425/0926/0226/07max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2019 Subaru Crosstrek buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Visibility/Wiper — 113 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  3. Electrical System — 52 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine — 34 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 10,542 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 2019 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 rated311
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★★★★★170
2018 Crosstrek29176 in★★★★★5195
2017 Crosstrek29–★★★★★194
2016 Crosstrek31–★★★★★1132
2015 Crosstrek31–Not rated117

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