From behind the wheel, the first thing you notice is how settled the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek feels on a worn stretch of freeway. The steering is light but direct, the ride absorbs expansion joints without drama, and the all-wheel-drive system never makes a fuss. I spent a week in a fully loaded Limited and came away impressed. It isn't exciting like a sports sedan, but it is honest, capable, and remarkably easy to live with.
That honesty shows up where it matters: real ground clearance, a useful cargo area, and standard all-wheel drive on every trim. You also get hard plastics, a base engine that makes you wait for passing power, and a continuously variable transmission some drivers distrust. The trick is knowing which version to buy.
The Case for the Crosstrek
The compact crossover segment is full of softly styled, pavement-only machines. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek stands apart because it treats unpaved roads as part of its brief. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, hill descent control, and X-Mode for low-grip surfaces, it goes places a Honda HR-V or Toyota Corolla Cross won't. For campers, mountain bikers, and snow-country drivers, that capability is the point.
It is also economical. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder returns 33 mpg on the highway, and the optional 2.5-liter still manages 34 mpg. I saw a combined 29 mpg in mixed driving with a roof rack fitted. And because it shares a platform with the Impreza, it handles like a car, not a tall SUV. Body roll is controlled and the steering feels natural.
Two Powertrains, Two Personalities
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offers two engines, and the difference between them is the difference between a commuter and a proper crossover. The base 2.0-liter makes 152 horsepower, adequate around town but strained on fast freeways or mountain passes with four people aboard. This is the car's famous weakness, and I won't sugarcoat it.
The optional 2.5-liter, found on Sport and Limited trims, makes 182 horsepower and transforms the car. The extra 30 horsepower moves 0-60 into the mid-seven-second range and takes the strain out of daily driving. The CVT is well calibrated, with simulated shift points that feel conventional. If your budget allows, the 2.5-liter is the one to get.
A Cabin That Puts Function First
Open the door and the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek makes no attempt to hide its Subaru ancestry. There are hard plastics, a plain touchscreen, and physical climate knobs that are easy to use while driving. The layout is simple, and that's a win for a car aimed at people who value function over flash.
The front seats are comfortable for long days, and rear space is decent for two adults. Cargo space stands at 20.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 55.3 cubic feet with them folded. The standard roof rails and available power liftgate add real usefulness.
EyeSight, X-Mode, and the Safety Story
Subaru's EyeSight safety suite is standard on all but the base trim in 2021, and it remains one of the better systems in the class. Adaptive cruise control is smooth, lane-keeping assist is subtle, and automatic emergency braking doesn't false alarm. If you're comparing the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek against rivals, this is a big point in its favor.
X-Mode, Subaru's traction system, keeps you moving in mud, snow, and gravel. Combined with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, it gives the Crosstrek a capability envelope that rivals lack. The 2021 model also earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, a meaningful credential. The system's steering-responsive headlights are a nice touch on winding two-lane roads.
How the Crosstrek Holds Up Now
The Crosstrek is now a few years old, which is part of its appeal as a used buy. It shares its structure with the Impreza, and the 2.5-liter engine is also used in the Outback and Legacy, so parts and service knowledge are easy to find. The CVT is the main reliability question, but Subaru's units have built a reasonable track record.
On the used market, a 2021 Crosstrek with the 2.5-liter engine sits in the mid-to-high twenties for a low-mileage example. Base models with the 2.0-liter can be found near the low twenties. That's close to new pricing, so you should weigh warranties and finance rates. A certified pre-owned 2.5-liter model is the sweet spot. If you're financing, used rates typically run a point or two higher than new car rates, so run the numbers before you sign.
The Verdict
After a week in the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, the verdict is clear. That's not a phrase I use lightly. If you want a small SUV that handles dirt roads, snow, and weekend trips without punishing you on the commute, this is one of the most complete packages in the class. Its strengths are standard all-wheel drive, a comfortable ride, strong safety gear, and the optional 2.5-liter engine. Its weaknesses are the base engine's sluggishness, an interior that skimps on premium materials, and a CVT that still won't convert skeptics.
The bottom line: buy a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek with the 2.5-liter engine and you'll understand the following. Buy it without that engine and you'll always wonder what the fuss is about. I score the model a 7.5 out of 10, with a strong recommendation to skip the base powertrain and find a Sport or Limited trim.