DecodedCars2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- 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, 2.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 152–182 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
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 46% better than the average 2021 small SUV (23.9 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
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl), 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), 46% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility/wiper.
What changed for 2021
- Engine added: 2.5L 4-cyl
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Crosstrek →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Crosstrek configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV Convenience | 176 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 105.1 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 3,190 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV Limited | 176 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 105.1 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 3,307 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV Sport | 176 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 105.1 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 3,265 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV Touring | 176 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 105.1 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 3,234 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosstrek Hybrid AWD Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 36 / 35 / 35 | +46% | $1,900 | 151 |
| Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 28 / 33 / 30 | +26% | $2,250 | 297 |
| Crosstrek AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 34 / 29 | +21% | $2,300 | 302 |
| Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +5% | $2,700 | 355 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.6% |
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Subaru Crosstrek (this car) | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-5 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch · Nov 9, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V755000 · 95,830 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
- Risk
- An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
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.
Not every 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Subaru Crosstrek buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Visibility/Wiper — 29 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Engine — 17 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 15 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 5,700 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 2021 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 |
| 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 |
| 2015 Crosstrek | 31 | – | Not rated | 1 | 17 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →