Road Test: 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited AWD

Is It A Small Crossover or Raised Wagon?

What to call the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek? A compact or small crossover, a raised wagon, or maybe even a lifted hatchback? This may be the only vehicle on the road that can fit so many categories. Not that there’s anything wrong with that! Subaru says it is a compact crossover, so let’s go with that.

Three Engines, Two Transmissions, AWD Standard

The 2021 Crosstrek has two gasoline-only engine options, and is also available as a plug-in hybrid. All Crosstrek engines are four cylinders with a boxer design of horizontally opposed pistons. The non-hybrid engines are the base 2.0-liter putting out 152 horsepower (hp) and 145 pound-feet of torque (lb.-ft.), which is standard on the Base and Premium trim lines. The 2.5L, standard in the Sport and Limited models, delivers 182 hp and 176 lb.-ft. of torque. The Crosstrek plug-in hybrid has two electric motors adding 118 hp to its 137-hp 2.0L boxer engine for a total system hp of 148.

Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) has the SI-Drive modes of Sport and Intelligent. The CVT, delivering power to the symmetrical all-wheel drive system, was smooth and included X-mode and hill descent control for off-roading. This transmission is standard on the Sport and Limited models and optional on the Base and Premium where a six-speed manual is standard.

Clean Fleet Report drove the Crosstrek Limited with the 2.5L engine that the EPA rates at 27 mpg city/34 highway/29 combined. In 259 miles driving throughout Southern California we averaged 32.4 mpg, while on a 75-mile all-freeway run with the adaptive cruise control set at 65 mph, we averaged a stout 39.1 mpg. Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific, and represent the reviewer’s driving experience using the dash gauge computer. Your numbers may differ.

Driving Experience: On the Road

Crossovers made for highway cruising and semi-serious off-roading need to find a ride and handling compromise. The Crosstrek is smooth and easy-to-drive on the open highway with acceptable wind and road noise for a compact crossover. When the road became a series of moderate speed sweepers, the suspension and Falken Ziex 225/55 tires mounted on 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels required very small steering wheel corrections to find and keep the apex. When encountering tighter twisties, the handling became more confident as the brake-based active torque vectoring helped put needed power to the correct wheel at the correct time. On the fastest corners body roll was noticeable, but manageable, so there were no issues feeling planted.

There was very little at-speed body roll, and the 3,223 pounds never felt heavy or unbalanced. We also liked that when on rutted or washboard gravel surfaces the Crosstrek was not bouncy, nor were we jarred mercilessly.

While the Crosstrek isn’t designed or built for rock crawling, in limited off-roading it easily handled the loose rocks and gravel we found. When selecting the X-mode setting, we had confidence in any surface we encountered. The Crosstrek has a 1,500-pound towing capacity, which is good enough for a small camping trailer or boat.

If you live in an area where snow covers your roads each winter, the traction and grip delivered by the Crosstrek will bring a level of reassurance that you will get to where you are going. This is pretty much why the Crosstrek is the unofficial car of Colorado.

Performance-wise, the Crosstrek with the 2.5L and the CVT does 0-60 in about 8.1 seconds, which does not make it fall in the sporty category. Even with the paddle shifters that can make the CVT seem like it has eight gears, or selecting the Sport mode, this time does not get much quicker as the revs are slow, with optimum torque at a relatively high 4,400 rpm.

Driving Experience: Exterior

With 8.7-inches of ground clearance, the compact Crosstrek crossover features wide fender arches trimmed in cladding for protection when going off-road. Toss in the roof rails, which are raised a bit higher than most others, and the Crosstrek tells you immediately what is in store. Whether it’s camping, kayaking, skiing or just backroad adventuring, the Crosstrek is designed to get you there.

Based on the Subura Impreza sedan, the Crosstrek easily outsells the Impreza as it strikes a note with buyers seeking a rugged, but easily tamed, small crossover. The second generation 2021 Crosstrek has added a Sport model, while all trim levels get a redesigned front bumper and grille and new wheel designs. Also new is the color we tested, Horizon Blue Pearl. Otherwise, the Crosstrek carries over the look with slim A-pillars and tall windows, a sloped nose and a raised rear end.

Driving Experience: Interior

Those thin A-pillars and tall windows provide excellent forward and side visibility. The rear seat head rests don’t fold, which reduces rearward visibility, but it isn’t a big deal as most people will drop the 60/40 second row seat to increase the cargo space to 55.3 cubic feet. While the rear seating area is ample and comfortable for adults and can easily accommodate child safety seats, the Crosstrek is ideal for two on those long road trips. The power moonroof was a welcome option as was the rubber, removable mat in the rear cargo area.

Clean Fleet Report’s Crosstrek Limited had leather-trimmed seats in gray and white with orange top stitching. The front seats are heated, with the driver getting six-way power adjustments. This color theme continues to the door panels, which get simulated carbon fiber inserts, with a dash of silver metallic accents. The front cabin is comfortable for those under six feet, but a bit tight for those that don’t like resting their knee against the center console.

The Crosstrek’s optional Harmon Kardon eight-speaker system with a 432-watt amp really rocked the cabin. The 8.0-inch high-resolution touch-screen houses the StarLink in-vehicle technology with Tom Tom navigation and multimedia systems of SiriusXM/AM/FM HD radio/CD, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB ports front and rear complete the entertainment options.

Safety and Convenience

The 2021 Crosstrek comes with front, seat-mounted and full side pelvis/torso airbags along with curtain airbags triggered by a rollover sensor, and a driver-side knee airbag. The EyeSight advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) consists of adaptive cruise control with lane centering (which worked as designed) and automatic pre-collision braking and throttle management with lane departure prevention. Additional safety features include reverse automatic braking, steering responsive LED headlights, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2021 Crosstrek five stars, its highest overall safety rating.

Additional safety and convenience features include automatic climate control, rear vision camera, push button start/stop, remote keyless entry, electric power steering, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth control switches, exterior power mirrors, a tire pressure monitoring system, compact spare and four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes.

Pricing and Warranties

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek comes in four trim levels of Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited. With a choice of engines and transmissions, base prices range from $23,295 to $31,440, including the $1,050 destination and delivery charge. The 2021 Crosstrek Hybrid starts at $36,395, but is eligible for some federal, state and local incentives.

The 2021 Crosstrek comes with these warranties.

Basic – Three years/36,000 miles

Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles

Rust Perforation – Five years/Unlimited Miles

Observations: 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited

With 2020 sales numbers of 517,269 for the four Subaru crossover SUVs, versus 94,313 for the three Subaru sedans, it is apparent what consumers are looking for when shopping at their Subaru dealer. The Crosstrek with the larger 2.5L engine improves performance to the point where this popular crossover will not disappoint the faithful.

The Crosstrek has found a niche in the small compact crossover category, offering standard AWD, two gasoline engines, two transmissions and even a plug-in hybrid. But what the Crosstrek has more than anything going for it is a loyal customer base that sees a Subaru in their future for a long, long time.

If you are the adventurous type, are single or a married couple with no kids, then the Crosstrek should be high on your shopping list. You will be planning the next weekend trip even before their one you are on is finished.

Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.

Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner.

Related Stories You Might Enjoy—The AWD Compact Crossover Competition (is extensive—and diverse!)

Flash Drive: 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Road Test: 2021Toyota RAV4 Prime (PHEV)

Road Test: 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Road Test: 2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure

Road Test: 2019 Jeep Wrangler

Road Test: 2021 Mazda CX-30

Road Test: 2019 Subaru Forester

Road Test: 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

Flash Drive: 2019 Jeep Cherokee

Road Test: 2018 GMC Terrain

Road Test: 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Diesel

Road Test: 2021 Nissan Rogue

Road Test: 2020 Hyundai Nexo Fuel Cell Electric

Road Test: 2018 Kia Sportage

Road Test: 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Road Test: 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Flash Drive: 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid

Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.