DecodedCars2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- Convenience/Touring 4dr SUV, Onyx/Limited 4dr SUV, Wilderness 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 162–180 hp
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 36 combined · 36 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 176.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,285–3,417 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 39% better than the average 2026 small SUV (25.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 38 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 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 3,285 lb (Convenience/Touring 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 36 MPG combined (36 city / 36 highway), 39% better than the 2026 small SUV average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,850 a year in fuel.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the vehicle speed control.
What changed for 2026
- New hybrid version
- Engine dropped: 2.0L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 29 to 36
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 Crosstrek →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Lafayette, Indiana · Ota, Gunma
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2026 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Convenience/Touring 4dr SUV | 176.4 in | 70.9 in | 63 in | 105.1 in | 61 / 61 in | 3,285 lb | 59/41 |
| Onyx/Limited 4dr SUV | 176.4 in | 70.9 in | 63 in | 105.1 in | 61 / 61 in | 3,373 lb | 59/41 |
| Wilderness 4dr SUV | 176.4 in | 71.7 in | 63.8 in | 105.1 in | 61 / 61 in | 3,417 lb | 59/41 |
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 Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 36 / 36 / 36 | +39% | $1,850 | 246 |
| Crosstrek AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 33 / 29 | +12% | $2,300 | 307 |
| Crosstrek Wilderness AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 29 / 26 | 0% | $2,600 | 337 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
Similar 2026 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek (this car) | 36 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 | 43 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2026 Subaru Forester | 35 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Kia Seltos | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint · Oct 19, 2026 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 26V685000 · 8 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles. The castle nut on the left-front lower control arm ball joint may be improperly fastened, which can lead to the ball joint separating from the lower control arm.
- Risk
- A ball joint that separates from the lower control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the left-front lower control arm ball joint assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 16, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI26.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Jul 7, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V436000 · 541,237 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
- Risk
- An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe And Cap · Feb 23, 2026 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 26V106000 · 69,870 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek hybrid, and 2025 Forester hybrid vehicles. When the fuel tank is near full capacity, an increase in ambient temperature may cause the fuel to expand and spill out of the filler neck due to an insufficient seal on the fuel cap.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, and to limit the fuel level to 50% until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the fuel filler cap gasket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 16, 2026.
Not every 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other Crosstrek years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Crosstrek | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 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 |
| 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 →