The biggest news for the loveable right-size SUV is a new Sport trim with a cool X-MODE function. Naturally, Subaru’s Boxer engine is in the house, along with a host of tech and safety features. Here is a quick but detailed look at the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek.
Standard Features Across The Board
Every 2021 Crosstrek comes with 17-inch alloy wheels with a black machine finish, roof rails, black side cladding, and a gloss black rear roof spoiler. Also standard are power windows with auto up/down (both driver and passenger sides), 60/40-split and folding rear seats, and a security system with an engine immobilizer among other features.
Also standard for 2021 is Subaru’s Starlink multimedia system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek: Engines & Fuel Economy
The Crosstrek Sport and Limited receive a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer plant with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft. of torque. Astute Subaru fans may recognize this engine as it debuted last year with the Forester. Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT is standard with the 2.5-liter engine.
Crosstrek Base and Premium feature a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine with 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft. of torque. Base and Premium buyers have a choice in transmissions: the Lineartronic CVT or a six-speed manual!
All CVT models (except the Base) feature an eight-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters. Drivers can use the feature to control the transmission via eight pre-set ratios. By contrast, the base Crosstrek includes a selectable Low Shift Mode for more control when descending hills.
All Crosstrek models are standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring. Likewise, all Crosstrek models feature 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport
The new Sport trim comes with the multi-function X-MODE with hill descent control. Drivers can pick between different modes like Snow and Dirt, or Deep Snow and Mud. Subaru says the system maximizes traction and performance in severe weather and challenging road conditions.
The Sport is a looker with its unique wheel arches, 17-inch alloy wheels in dark gray, and a gunmetal finish for the front grille, side mirrors, and badges. Seven exterior colors, including Plasma Yellow Pearl and Horizon Blue Pearl, are available for the Sport.
On the inside, style and sustainability are the central themes. Drivers will sink into a new StarTex upholstery, a urethane material without traces of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), phthalate, or chlorine. The backing of the floor mats is made from 25 percent recycled polyethylene terephthalate.
Yellow accents decorate the inside of the Crosstrek Sport as well. The door panel armrests, steering wheel, shift boot, and center console all receive the contrast yellow stitching.
The Premium trim adds a host of comfort and convenience features. Among the upgrades are dual USB ports, a six-speaker sound system, retractable cargo cover with cargo tray, and an All-Weather Package with heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors.
An optional package for the Premium includes a moonroof, push-button start, and active safety features like blind-spot detection, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek: Limited Trim
At the top of the Crosstrek lineup is the Limited. On the outside are exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels with a black machine finish and body-color exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals. Also standard are LED daytime running lights and fog lamps.
Buyers receive a more swanky cabin with black or gray leather and orange stitching on the seats, door armrests, and instrument panel. A moonroof is available along with TomTom navigation and a Harmon Kardon premium audio system.
High beam assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-spot detection with lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert are each standard on the Limited.
Subaru Factory Warranty
All Subaru customers receive a New Vehicle Limited Warranty with a term of three years or 36,000 miles, and a powertrain warranty of five years or 60,000 miles. For more information on Subaru’s factory warranty and to determine if you need more coverage, see this helpful guide.
Pricing & Availability
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $22,245, with the hybrid option starting at $35,345. If you are in the market for a new Crosstrek, this free and easy search tool* will show you which dealers in your area are offering the best price. That tool will also help you obtain the invoice price, which is a good starting point for negotiations.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. He serves on the board of directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, is a past president of Detroit Working Writers, and a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Gallery
Sport Trim
Limited Trim
Photos & Source: Subaru of America, Inc.
*Although always free for you, Automoblog and its partners may receive a commission when you use the services provided through that link. MSRP figures are subject to change.
