What's new?

 Planet-exclusive 2021 Crosstrek Sport gallery. Click images to enlarge.


 
Executive Summary--big changes for 2021

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is on sale now at Planet Subaru, although the 2021 Hybrid arrives February of 2021.  

Subaru debuted the current generation Crosstrek in 2013 (then called the XV Crosstrek), and introduced an all-new Crosstrek for the 2018 model year. There were significant changes...it grew slightly in size and now rides on an all-new platform with 40% better crash absorption capability. 

On its volume products, including Crosstrek, Subaru typically introduces all-new models on a five-year product cycle.  Take a look at the way this cycle unfolds on the Crosstrek:

Model year (and sequence in product cycle):Change:
2018 (first year)
All new design from the ground up
2019 (second year)
Very similar to prior year
2020 (third year)
Very similar to prior year
2021 (fourth year)
"Refresh": exterior and interior revisions
2022 (fifth year)
Very similar to prior year
2023 (first year)
Cycle repeats...all new design from ground up

Historically, Subaru makes very few changes in the three model years after introducing an all-new version. In the fourth year, though, things can get interesting, and that's what's happening for the 2021 model. The headline news is that Subaru introduced its first ever Crosstrek Sport model, and with it the first 2.5 liter engine ever in a Crosstrek. Most customers find the standard 2.0 liter engine (currently with 152 horsepower) quite sufficient, but the new engine will satisfy those who want extra power, including customers who tow or live in mountainous terrain. The 2.5 liter engine kicks out 182 horsepower. Other sport features include the popular leather-alternative StarTex interior. Subaru will also make the 2.5 liter engine standard on the Crosstrek Limited model, a trim level that has been available since the car was introduced for the 2013 model year.




A 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport on a country road.

All-New Crosstrek Sport

The all-new 2021 Crosstrek Sport pushes the up-for-anything Crosstrek spirit even further. A 2.5-liter direct-injection SUBARU BOXER engine comes standard, and the exterior features unique design elements like the aggressive grille and wheel arch moldings, gunmetal finish exterior accents and dark gray wheels, and the available exclusive Plasma Yellow Pearl paint. Inside, the cabin is clad in adventure-ready StarTex® water-repellent upholstery with yellow contrast stitching and yellow accent trim.

A 2021 Subaru Crosstrek driving on a rainy street.

The Safest Crosstrek Yet

Every Crosstrek offers peace of mind on every drive with standard Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology[4]. EyeSight can help reduce frontal impacts up to 85% by applying full braking force in emergency situations with Pre-Collision Braking[5]. New for 2021, the Crosstrek now features Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering[6], which can take some of the stress out of everyday driving by helping with braking and throttle control to maintain a safe distance ahead.

A closeup of the new front bumper and wheel design on the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport.

Rugged New Styling Updates

The 2021 Crosstrek features an updated grille and front trim, accentuating its strong, athletic stance. The available 18-inch machine finished wheels showcase a new design to complete the high-energy style that makes the Crosstrek a one-of-a-kind compact SUV - at home at the trailhead or in front of your favorite neighborhood restaurant.




Even More Detail about the 2021 Crosstrek:

The 2021 Crosstrek features a redesigned front bumper with new-design fog light insert covers (Base trim) or fog light covers (all other trims), plus new-design front grille, with details specific to each trim.

Two Power Levels for 2021
Debuted on the 2019 Forester, the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine in the 2021 Crosstrek Sport and Limited produces 182 hp and 176 lb.-ft. of torque. With their standard Lineartronic® CVT(continuously variable transmission), these trim levels achieve EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 city / 34 highway / 29 combined MPG.

The 2021 Crosstrek Base and Premium trims continue to use the efficient and responsive 2.0-liter 4-cylinder BOXER engine that delivers 152-hp and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. Base and Premium trim levels are offered with either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or optional Lineartronic CVT. The CVT models achieve EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 city / 33 highway / 30 combined MPG. The 6-speed manual models are rated at 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG.


New Crosstrek Sport Amps Up SUV Style and Performance
The distinctive and more powerful new Crosstrek Sport is the only Crosstrek model to feature the dual-function X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control with SNOW/DIRT and DEEP SNOW/MUD selectable settings to optimize AWD performance for difficult weather or road conditions.

The new Sport trim offers unique exterior trim elements that include specific wheel arch moldings, Sport-type 17-inch alloy wheels with dark gray finish, and gunmetal finish for the front grille, side mirrors and badges. The Sport interior equipment includes the Premium trim's content, plus exclusive StarTex™ upholstery with yellow stitching. StarTex upholstery is a lightweight, urethane material manufactured without polyvinyl chloride (PVC), phthalate or chlorine. Also, yellow stitching has been added to the simulated leather door trim panel armrests, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift boot, multifunction display visor, and center console storage box lid. Carpeted floormats feature the Sport logo and yellow stitching. The backing of the floormats is made from 25 percent recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The new Sport is available in seven exterior colors including new Plasma Yellow Pearl and Horizon Blue Pearl.

The Sport is further distinguished by its cabin with gunmetal and simulated carbon fiber interior trim accents, a high-grade combination meter with color LCD and yellow metallic finish trim rings, and a high-power LED rear gate light.

All other Crosstrek trim levels equipped with the CVT feature X-MODE with Hill Descent Control for enhanced performance in low-friction and off-road conditions. Also standard on all CVT-equipped models, SI-DRIVE is a powertrain performance management system that allows the driver to tailor the vehicle's throttle characteristics by choosing between "Intelligent" and "Sport" modes. Selecting "Intelligent" mode helps smooth out accelerator inputs for fuel saving, while "Sport" mode tunes the throttle to emphasize performance.

All CVT-equipped models except the Base feature an 8-speed manual mode function with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the transmission via eight pre-set ratios. The base model features a driver-selectable Low Shift Mode for more control when descending hills.

Enhanced Safety for 2021
Crosstrek models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT, whether standard or as an option, come with award-winning Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. The EyeSight system has been enhanced for 2021 with new Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering. The suite of driver assist technologies includes Automatic Pre-Collision Braking; Pre-Collision Throttle Management; Lane Departure Prevention; Lead Vehicle Start Alert; Auto Start-Stop; and SI-Drive. The Rear Seat Reminder (with CVT-equipped models) is designed to help prevent child or pet entrapment by alerting the driver to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle.

All 2021 Crosstrek trim levels include seven airbags: driver and front passenger frontal airbags, side curtain airbags and side pelvis/torso airbags, as well as a driver's knee airbag. Crosstrek has been named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+ for six years running (2015-2020). The 2020 model earned the award with EyeSight and Steering Responsive Headlights.

Subaru SUV Value
The 2021 Crosstrek combines a bold SUV design with standard 17-inch alloy wheels in black with machine finish, roof rails, black side cladding, and a gloss black rear roof spoiler. The rugged look is matched by a highly capable chassis with 8.7-inches of ground clearance for versatility in both city and off-road driving.

The 2021 Crosstrek comes with a long roster of standard features, including automatic climate control; SUBARU STARLINK™ 6.5-inch Multimedia system with touchscreen; Android™ Auto and Apple CarPlay™; power windows with auto up/auto down on both driver and passenger sides; 60/40-split fold-down rear seat; power door locks and side mirrors; multifunction display with fuel economy information; tilt and telescoping steering column; keyless entry; security system with engine immobilizer; carpeted floor mats; and more. The cabin features black simulated carbon fiber finish on the center dash panel as well as the front and rear door panels. The Base trim is equipped with a standard 6-speed manual or available CVT.

The Premium also comes standard with a 6-speed manual or optional CVT. The Premium trim adds the STARLINK 6.5-inch Multimedia Plus; STARLINK Safety and Security features; fog lights; All-Weather Package (heated front seats, windshield and exterior mirrors); body-color exterior mirrors; dual USB input ports; On/Off automatic headlights linked to windshield wiper operation; and Welcome Lighting. In addition, the Premium trim upgrades comfort and conveniences with a 6-speaker sound system; retractable cargo cover; cargo tray; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever handle; and more.

An option package for Premium adds a Power Moonroof; Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert; 6-way power driver's seat; and Keyless Access with Push-Button Start.

The Limited continues as the top of the model line and is distinguished by standard LED Steering Responsive Headlights with Automatic Height Adjustment Control and LED daytime running lights. LED fog lights are also standard.

In addition to the standard 182-hp 2.5-liter BOXER engine and CVT, the Limited comes equipped with exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels in black with machine finish and body-color exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals. The Limited further bolsters driver assistance with standard High Beam Assist; Reverse Automatic Braking; and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

The Limited cabin features black or gray leather with orange stitching on seats, door armrests and instrument panel, plus a 6-way power driver's seat. Standard amenities include leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever handle; Keyless Access with Push-Button Start; STARLINK 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus system; and high-grade multifunction display with color LCD.

An optional Power Moonroof is available on the Limited. A more robust option package adds the moonroof along with the STARLINK 8-inch Multimedia with Navigation powered by TomTom® and Harman Kardon® premium audio.

STARLINK Multimedia
All STARLINK Multimedia systems for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek feature a high-resolution touchscreen; smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity; voice activated controls for phone; and AM/FM stereo. The 6.5-inch Multimedia Plus that is standard on Premium and Sport adds a single-disc CD player, SiriusXM® All-Access Radio, SiriusXM Travel Link® (4-month free subscription), STARLINK apps, Wi-Fi hotspot capability (subscription required), and HD Radio®.

The 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus, standard on Limited and optional for others, adds over-the-air updates and Near Field Communication to the list of features. The top-of-the-line 8.0-inch Multimedia with Navigation, optional for Limited, adds voice-activated navigation powered by TomTom (3-year free over-the-air map updates) and SiriusXM Traffic (3-year free subscription) and SiriusXM Travel Link (upgraded to 3-year free subscription).

STARLINK Connected Services
There are three packages for STARLINK connected services available on Premium, Sport, and Limited trims. The STARLINK Safety Plus Package includes SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, advanced automatic collision notification, maintenance notifications, monthly vehicle health report, and diagnostic alerts.

For even greater peace of mind, the STARLINK Safety Plus & Security Plus Package adds remote engine start with climate control; stolen vehicle recovery service; vehicle security alarm notification; remote lock/unlock; remote horn and lights; and remote vehicle locator. Also, parenting features including boundary, speed, and curfew alerts are part of the service. The STARLINK Concierge Package adds the convenience of in-vehicle assistance with restaurant and hotel reservations, purchasing tickets for sporting/theater events and scheduling service appointments.



Crosstreks through the years:
Subaru technically introduced the XV Crosstrek name in 2013, but Subaru debuted its "mini-ute" as the Impreza Outback Sport in 1996.  Through four generations, the basic formula remains the same:  start with an Impreza hatchback, raise the suspension, and give it a rugged exterior. 
 


2018+




Subaru maintained maximum cool factor with this latest generation, but changed almost everything.  Built on an all-new platform that will ultimately underpin most Subaru models, crash absorption capability increases by a stunning 40%. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto debut, along with an optional power seat and Harmon Kardan audio.  New Eyesight features include rear automatic braking, steering responsive headlights, and high-beam assist.
   
2013 through 2017


Subaru became the compact SUV to beat with this recent generation.  Introducing a continuously variable transmission and new 2.0 liter engine lifted fuel economy to 33 mpg highway.  Other new features included the optional Eyesight driver assistance system. Subaru hit the styling bullseye, producing one of the coolest looking utility vehicles available.  Outward visibility remains outstanding.  Subaru's first hybrid powerplant appeared in the 2014 Crosstrek.





 
2008 through 2011









Subaru stretched the wheelbase on this generation, appealing to a much broader audience who required more room for people, dogs, and gear.    


 
2002 through 2007








The previous generation lacked refinement, so Subaru upped its game with a standard 2.5 liter engine, modern interior, and side airbags.  Exterior styling went from weird to handsome.   




 
 
1996 through 2001





Subaru introduced the Impreza Outback Sport in 1996 with a 2.2 liter Boxer engine by adding a long-travel suspension and styling we call "rugged whizbang."  Added equipment included crossbars, hood scoop, two tone paint, and phat fog lights.  It looks a little goofy today, but this car really pioneered the mini-ute craze in the industry that is just now coming into full bloom.









More!
  • Visit Planet's dedicated Crosstrek center.


Search our inventory for your Crosstrek or place a factory order:




  

  





 




 





Are you in the area metro looking for a 2021 Crosstrek and want to know when it's coming out (release date), then you've picked the right dealership on the South Shore of Massachusetts.