Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru is one of the most loved vehicle manufacturers in the world, and the Subaru Crosstrek is one of their most popular vehicle options year after year. But why is the Subaru Crosstrek so popular, and what do you need to know about the different model years if you're shopping for a used Crosstrek?

Whether you're looking to purchase a Crosstrek for yourself or you're just looking to learn more about the vehicle, you've come to the right place!

We've highlighted the differences between model years and generations, the different engine options available for the Crosstrek, and some general Crosstrek information you should consider if you're in the market for one.

So, just keep reading and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this popular vehicle.

A Brief History

The Subaru Crosstrek is a newer vehicle model with the first Crosstrek hitting the road in 2012. Originally named the Subaru XV or the Subaru XV Crosstrek, it replaced the Subaru Outback Sport. It's a subcompact crossover SUV that directly competes with the Mazda CX-3 and CX-30.

Subaru dropped the XV in the name in the United States and Canada in 2015, and with the third-generation Crosstrek they've dropped the XV from the name in all markets.

And while the Subaru Crosstrek might be a newer vehicle option, in the last ten years it's made quite an impact. Including 2022 sale numbers Subaru has put more than 1 million Crosstreks on the road in the United States alone.

But while there are a ton of Crosstreks on the road today, they offer tons of different features and looks. In ten years Subaru has released three different generations, leaving us with quite a bit to unpack so you know exactly what you're looking for when you're shopping for a Crosstrek.

We've started out by breaking down each generation of the Crosstrek for you here.

The First Generation

The first generation Crosstrek (also known as the GP) first hit the market in 2012 and remained in production until 2017. In the U.S. market the Crosstrek started with a 2.0L FB20B engine that pushes 148 horsepower.

Originally the Crosstrek only had this engine option in the US market, but in 2014 Subaru released a hybrid 2.0L FB20X engine that ran simultaneously with the non-hybrid engine. However, the hybrid option only ran until the 2016 model year and was not available for 2017.

While the first generation Crosstrek ran from 2012 to 2017 they made plenty of changes throughout the years including adding a 7" Starlink multimedia plus system in 2015, heated seats and blind spot
monitoring in 2016 on the Premium trim level and a new trim level in 2017.

The Second Generation

In 2017 Subaru released the second generation Crosstrek, also known as the GT model. The second-generation Crosstrek featured the same base 2.0L engine block as the first-generation Crosstrek, but the FB20D engine uses a direct injection system to push 154 horsepower instead of 148.

Other additions to the second-generation Crosstrek include integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto up/down windows on the passenger side, and the five-speed manual transmission switched to a six-speed manual transmission.

You could also upgrade to a CVT automatic transmission, and in 2019 all models with the CVT transmission have Eyesight technologies. Subaru also released a plug-in hybrid vehicle for the 2019 model year, but Subaru only sold it in California. While it dropped the horsepower of the 2019 plug-in hybrid Crosstrek to 148, it improved the combined MPG to 35.

Subaru added additional new features to the Crosstrek in 2020, with the addition of the SI-Drive powertrain management system, an auto start-stop system, and they even moved the USB and AUX ports from the center console to the center console storage tray for easier access.

The Third Generation

The third generation Crosstrek hit the Japanese market in 2023, and it's the GU model. But while Subaru released the third generation Crosstrek in Japan for the 2023 model year, it's coming to the United States in the 2024 model year.

As a brand-new model, there's not a ton of information out yet, but more should be coming in the near future. But if you're looking to save a little money by purchasing a used Crosstrek, you'll have to wait a few years until you start to see any third-generation Crosstreks hitting the used car market.

Still, any time a new generation of a vehicle hits the market it's worth checking out to see what they're changing and what you can expect from future models.

Engine Options & Performance Specs

The Subaru Crosstrek has been on the market for a decade, and over that time there have been four different engine options you can find under the hood. While there aren't a ton of huge differences between the different engines, we've highlighted each option you can find under the hood of a Crosstrek for you here.

Ground Clearance

From 2013 to 2023 every Subaru Crosstrek has had 8.7 inches of ground clearance. This puts them a bit higher than most other compact crossover SUVs. And when you pair this with the AWD system, it's really one of the best options for small off-road adventures.

However, in 2024 Subaru is lowering the ground clearance of the Crosstrek to 7.9 inches, which is generating quite a bit of buzz and controversy. Of course, if you still want a Crosstrek that sits a bit higher off the ground, there are plenty of used options out there!

Cargo Space

If you're trying to figure out how much cargo space you'll have with a Crosstrek, you really need to look at the generation. From 2013 to 2017, the Crosstrek featured 22.3 cubic feet of storage space behind the second row, and if you folded the second row down, you opened up a total of 51.9 cubic feet of storage space.

But when Subaru redesigned the Crosstrek for the 2018 model year and on, there's actually a bit less cargo space behind the second-row seats. Behind the second-row seats there's 20.8 cubic feet of storage, which is still enough for a few suitcases and groceries.

But if you fold down the rear seats you open up 55.3 cubic feet of storage space which is more total storage space than the first-generation Crosstrek. It also translates to more usable clearance and room for second-row passengers!

Currently, storage space numbers are unavailable for the third-generation Crosstrek that's hitting the US market in 2024. But with a slightly larger wheelbase than previous models, we expect a nominal increase in the overall storage space.

Sales

It really doesn't matter what model year you look at, the Subaru Crosstrek has always been a popular vehicle. Sales numbers increased every year from 2012 to 2018, and 2019 only saw a slight dip, although the 131,152 sales in the United States is still a pretty good year!

The sales numbers dropped a bit in 2020 to 119,716 but considering the global pandemic that restricted supply chains throughout the world, those are still pretty good sales numbers. In 2021 sales started to rebound, increasing to 127,466. However, supply chain issues were still paramount in 2021, and it's likely that sales numbers would have been higher otherwise.

But no matter how you want to look at it, Subaru has sold over 1 million Crosstreks in the United States alone. If you're in the market for a used Crosstrek that means there are a lot of options for you to look at!

Safety Ratings

When you get behind the wheel of a vehicle you want to stay safe, and with a Subaru Crosstrek, you don't have to worry about that. The exact safety ratings of a Crosstrek varies by year, but whether you're looking at the NHTSA or IIHS safety ratings, the Crosstrek gets top marks in almost every category year after year.

One exception to this is the headlights, but most model years have an available trim level with the Crosstrek that helps it earn top marks.

Overall, the Subaru Crosstrek is one of the safest vehicles on the road year after year, and it's why it's earned a spot as one of the IIHS's "Top Safety Picks" every year since it first hit the road in 2013!

Final Thoughts

If you're interested in purchasing a used Subaru Crosstrek, the friendly team at Tim's Truck would love to help out. They'll answer any questions you might have from different vehicle options and specs to financing options, and they won't pressure you into a decision you don't want to make along the way!

So reach out and see what the team at Tim's Truck can do for you!

Used Subaru Crosstrek