2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport AWD: The Brand’s Compact Crossover

Highlight:  The compact crossover is also available as a plug-in hybrid.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $ 29,145 (Base Model: $23,295)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; all-wheel drive; traction control; vehicle dynamic control; a tire pressure monitoring system; a temporary spare tire; and a rear camera  

Standard Equipment (Base Model): 17-inch alloy wheels; a 6-speed manual transmission; an automatic climate control system; 6.5-inch infotainment screen; 60/40 rear fold down seats; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; keyless entry; carpeted floor mats; roof spoiler; black finish raised roof rails; manual adjustable front seats; cloth seats; and grocery bag hooks in the cargo area

Standard Equipment (Sport): 17-inch alloy wheels with a dark grey finish; wheel arch cladding;  2.5-liter, 4-cylinder/182-horsepower; CVT engine; pseudo leather seats; yellow stitching is immersed in the seats, steering wheel and dashboard; carbon fiber interior trim accents; floormats made from recycled materials; a dual function X-mode with hill descent control; a 6-speaker AM/FM/HD/CD with SiriusXM; fog lights; a leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter handles; a push button ignition starter; center console with armrest lid; cargo cover; high beam assist headlights; in-car Wi-Fi capabilities; automatic climate controls with a voice activated system;

Options:  power moonroof; blind spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert system; and Starlink 8-inch multimedia plus system

Other Trim Levels:

Premium

Limited

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 4-speaker audio system

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine/152-hp

Recommended Fuel: Unleaded

Standard Fuel Mileage: 22-city/29-hwy

What’s New: For the 2021 model year, the front fascia has been redesign. And this model adds an all-new Crosstrek Sport trim to the brand’s portfolio. Moreover, the 2.5-liter engine horsepower is enhanced.

Why: 

Stylish

A choice of three powertrains

Manual transmission available on base and premium models

Additional horsepower for the 2.5-liter engine

Plug-In Hybrid available

CD player available

Utility space when rear seat folding down

Off-roading capabilities 

Deep snow driving with new Sport model

Easy to maneuver

All-wheel drive configuration

Pricing is under $30,000

But: 

Needs a more refined base engine

Push button start not available on lower end models

And how about a standard AM/FM/HD audio system on the base model?

The Plug-in model total driving range is less than the gas powertrains

Verdict:  For those in the market for a compact crossover, with a more wagon-like design, the all-wheel Crosstrek is worth considering. The roomy five passenger is available in both a gasoline and plug-in hybrid configuration. And depending upon the trim, the vehicle can be outfitted with a features ranging from a high beam assist headlamps to a CD player.

While the average transaction price of a new vehicle has soared to $45,000, the versatile Crosstrek has a starting price under $24,000. In fact, this places the Crosstrek  below the price of the average cost of a used vehicle too these days.

Overall the Crosstrek is a sexier alternative to today’s compact crossovers, especially when shoppers become aware that the all-wheel drive configuration is not available for the majority competitors in the segment.

Competition: Chevy Trax, Honda HRV, Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos