Subaru has given its rugged little hatchback a slew of upgrades for the new model year, including a more powerful new engine, Sport trim level, subtle styling tweaks, and more. The most important update on the 2021 Crosstrek is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine standard on Sport and Limited trim levels that offers a “substantial performance boost over the 2.0-liter engine in the Base and Premium trims.”

First introduced on the 2019 Forester, the 2.5-liter unit produces 182 horsepower and 238 Nm of torque in combination with a standard Lineartronic CVT. According to Subaru, the 2021 Crosstrek equipped with this engine achieves EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg (8.7 l/100 km) city, 34 mpg (6.9 l/100 km) highway, and 29 mpg (8.1 l/100 km) combined.


The Base and Premium trim levels soldier on with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine rated at 152 HP and 196 Nm of torque. The smaller engine can be had with either a standard six-speed manual or an optional Lineartronic CVT which means stick shift fans will have to settle for the smaller engine. Regardless of the powertrain, all Crosstrek models are equipped as standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring.

The second major update for 2021 is the new Sport trim level which 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 for optimized AWD performance in difficult weather or road conditions.


The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport also comes with unique exterior trim elements including wheel arch moldings, unique 17-inch alloy wheels in a dark gray finish, and gunmetal finish for the front grille, side mirrors and badges. The Crosstrek Sport offers a choice of seven exterior colors, including new Plasma Yellow Pearl and Horizon Blue Pearl.

Inside, the Sport trim level brings StarTex upholstery with yellow stitching, as well as yellow stitching on the faux leather door armrests, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift boot, instrument panel visor, and center armrest.


The cabin also gets gunmetal and simulated carbon fiber trim accents, a high-grade combination meter with color LCD and yellow metallic finish trim rings, and a high-power LED rear gate light. Carpeted floor mats with Sport logo and yellow stitching are part of the package as well.

All 2021 Crosstrek models get subtle styling upgrades including a redesigned front bumper and revised front grille with details specific to each trim. The Base trim gets new-design fog light insert covers while all other trims feature fog light covers. Subaru has also improved the safety of the 2021 Crosstrek as the EyeSight suite has been enhanced with new Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering. The EyeSight safety kit is only offered on the CVT-equipped models. The 2021 Crosstrek will arrive in Subaru dealerships across the United States in late summer.