Best Subaru Crosstrek Model Years (Ranked)

The Subaru Crosstrek is the lifted, rugged-trim Impreza hatchback that became one of the best-selling small crossovers in North America. Launched for 2013 as the XV Crosstrek, it pairs standard symmetrical all-wheel drive with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, a tall greenhouse, and tough body cladding — a recipe that appeals to outdoorsy buyers, city dwellers who face snow, and anyone who wants real all-weather capability in a compact, fuel-efficient package.

Because the Crosstrek has a relatively short history spanning two main generations, this ranking sorts the best model years and trims by reliability, value, fuel economy, and how well each holds up on the used market. The big dividing line is the 2018 redesign onto Subaru's new global platform, which brought more power, a stiffer body, and standard safety tech.

Knowing which model years dodged the early oil-consumption concerns and which trims deliver the best value is the key to buying a Crosstrek that will serve faithfully for years.

Direct Answer

The best overall Subaru Crosstrek is the 2018–2020 (second-generation) car, particularly a 2019 or 2020 Premium, which combined the stiffer global platform, the improved 2.0L FB20 engine, and available EyeSight safety tech into the most complete Crosstrek yet. The best value is the 2015–2016 (first-generation) 2.0i Premium, which offers the same proven all-wheel-drive capability for $13,000–$18,000 while skipping the earliest first-year quirks.

Be cautious with first-year 2013 cars and with early FB20 engines that lack documented oil-consumption history. As a rule, the second generation is the refinement-and-safety sweet spot, while the late first generation is the bargain.

1. 2020 Crosstrek 2.0i Premium (Second Gen) 🏆 BEST OVERALL

The 2020 Crosstrek Premium is the standout of the second generation. It uses the 2.0L FB20 boxer four (152 hp) — more powerful and refined than the first-gen engine — paired with a smooth Lineartronic CVT and standard EyeSight driver assistance on CVT cars. The 2020 sits on the stiffer global platform, giving it a quieter, more composed ride and better crash performance.

The Premium trim adds heated seats, a better infotainment screen, and roof rails without the price jump of the top Limited. With the second-gen powertrain thoroughly sorted, the 2020 is the most reliable and well-rounded Crosstrek. Expect $21,000–$27,000 for a clean example with service records.

2. 2019 Crosstrek 2.0i Premium (Second Gen)

The 2019 Premium is nearly identical to the 2020 and usually a bit cheaper. It carries the 152-hp FB20, the CVT, and standard EyeSight on automatic-equipped cars, plus the roomy, well-built second-gen cabin. The 2019 benefits from a year of running production fixes over the 2018 launch car.

Excellent reliability and slightly lower pricing make it a smart alternative to the 2020. Budget $19,000–$25,000. The Premium trim's heated seats and upgraded infotainment make it the value-leading trim, and a documented clean example is a low-risk used buy that should run trouble-free for years.

3. 2015 Crosstrek 2.0i Premium (First Gen) 💎 BEST VALUE

The 2015 Crosstrek Premium is the best value on the used market. By 2015 the first-generation car had shed its earliest quirks, and the 2.0L FB20 (148 hp) with the CVT is durable and economical. The Premium trim adds the features most buyers want — heated seats, better audio, roof rails — without a big price premium.

A clean 2015 runs $13,000–$18,000, delivering the same 8.7 inches of clearance and all-weather grip as newer cars for thousands less. Confirm a clean oil-consumption history on the FB20, and you have a capable, fuel-efficient crossover that punches well above its used price.

4. 2018 Crosstrek 2.0i Premium (Second Gen)

The 2018 launched the second generation on Subaru's new global platform, bringing a stiffer body, a roomier cabin, and the improved 152-hp FB20. As a first-year design it had some early infotainment software complaints, which is why it ranks just below the 2019–2020 cars, but the mechanicals are sound and the platform is a clear step forward.

A clean 2018 Premium runs $17,000–$23,000. It's a strong pick for buyers who want the modern second-gen package at a lower entry price, provided the infotainment software has been updated and the engine has a documented service history.

5. 2016 Crosstrek 2.0i Premium (First Gen)

The 2016 Premium is the late first-gen pick, benefiting from years of running fixes. The 148-hp FB20 and CVT are well understood, parts are plentiful, and ownership costs stay low. A clean 2016 runs $14,000–$19,000 and offers strong value with the practical Premium feature set.

By this point in the generation the drivetrain was thoroughly proven, and the 2016 received minor infotainment and trim updates. For a buyer who wants genuine Subaru all-wheel-drive capability and excellent fuel economy without second-gen prices, the 2016 is one of the smartest used Crosstreks available, especially with documented oil-consumption checks.

6. 2021 Crosstrek 2.5i Sport (Second Gen)

The 2021 added a new 2.5L FB25 engine option (182 hp) in the Sport and Limited trims, addressing the long-standing complaint that the Crosstrek was underpowered. The 2.5i Sport brings noticeably stronger acceleration, distinctive styling cues, and the proven second-gen platform with standard EyeSight.

It ranks here mainly on price and limited long-term data rather than any flaw. Expect $24,000–$30,000. For buyers who found the 2.0L sluggish, the 2021 2.5i Sport is the answer, delivering the same capability and safety with much-improved highway passing power and a sportier character.

7. 2017 Crosstrek 2.0i Premium (First Gen)

The 2017 is the final year of the first generation, the most sorted version of that car before the redesign. It carries the 148-hp FB20, the CVT, and available driver-assist features, plus all the running fixes accumulated over the generation. Priced $15,000–$20,000, the 2017 is the best first-gen car if you want the maximum refinement of the original platform.

The end-of-generation status means the bugs are gone, making it a low-risk used buy. With a documented clean engine, the 2017 Premium is a dependable, economical crossover that holds its value well.

8. 2020 Crosstrek 2.0i Limited (Second Gen)

The 2020 Limited is the loaded version of the standout 2020 model year, adding leather upholstery, a larger touchscreen, blind-spot monitoring, and other premium features on top of the proven 152-hp FB20 and standard EyeSight. It ranks below the Premium only on value — you pay more for comfort features that aren't essential.

For buyers who want the nicest interior and the most equipment in a reliable second-gen package, the Limited is the pick. Expect $23,000–$29,000. The same strong reliability and capability as the Premium apply, with added luxury for those who want it.

9. 2014 Crosstrek 2.0i Premium (First Gen)

The 2014 is an early first-gen car with the 148-hp FB20, the CVT, and the practical Premium feature set. It ranks lower because the earliest FB20 engines are most associated with potential oil-consumption concerns, so a documented clean engine is essential. Priced $11,000–$16,000, it's an affordable entry into Crosstrek ownership, but buy only with proof of oil-consumption checks.

The 2014 also offered the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, a rare early hybrid variant. For budget buyers who do their homework, a sorted 2014 delivers the trademark capability and economy at a low price.

10. 2013 XV Crosstrek 2.0i (First Gen)

The 2013 XV Crosstrek is the model that started it all, the first-year car that introduced the lifted-Impreza formula. It uses the 148-hp FB20 and the CVT, and offers the same 8.7 inches of clearance and all-wheel-drive grip that made the nameplate a hit. As a first-year car it ranks last here — early oil-consumption reports and first-year quirks mean a documented clean example is a must.

Priced $10,000–$15,000, it's the cheapest entry. For buyers who want maximum value and can verify a healthy engine, the 2013 is a capable, economical original Crosstrek.

What to Watch For When Buying

The main mechanical concern on older Crosstreks is oil consumption on early FB20 engines, particularly the 2013–2015 years; Subaru addressed affected units, and a documented clean oil-consumption history is worth paying extra for. Always ask whether the engine has been checked or had any consumption-related work, and treat a car without that paperwork as a gamble.

The second concern is the Lineartronic CVT, which is reliable with regular fluid service but expensive to replace if neglected — so demand fluid-change records, especially on higher-mileage cars. A neglected CVT is the most common way an otherwise sound Crosstrek becomes uneconomical to repair.

On second-generation cars (2018+), check that the infotainment software has been updated, since early second-gen units had some software quirks that later updates resolved. Across all years, verify all-wheel-drive engagement on a test drive, listen for wheel-bearing rumble at highway speed, and confirm the EyeSight system (on equipped cars) calibrates and functions properly.

The Crosstrek is genuinely capable off-pavement, so inspect the undercarriage for damage from trail use, and check tires and suspension for even wear. A pre-purchase inspection at an independent Subaru specialist is inexpensive insurance that routinely catches the costly items before you buy.

How to Choose

If you want the most complete and reliable Crosstrek, target a 2019–2020 second-gen Premium with EyeSight and documented service — it's the best blend of modern safety, a refined platform, and fair used pricing. If your budget is tight, a 2015–2016 first-gen Premium delivers the same capability and economy for thousands less, and these cars are simple and cheap to maintain.

Buyers who found the 2.0L underpowered should seek a 2021 2.5i Sport, which finally gives the Crosstrek the highway muscle it always wanted. And if you want maximum value at the lowest price, a documented 2013–2014 first-year car can be a bargain, provided the oil-consumption history checks out.

Match the model year and trim to your budget and priorities, and the Crosstrek rewards you with one of the most capable, economical small all-wheel-drive crossovers on the road.

FAQ

Which Crosstrek model year is the most reliable? The 2019–2020 second-generation cars are widely considered the most reliable, with a refined platform, the improved FB20 engine, and standard EyeSight. The 2015–2017 first-gen cars are also very dependable when maintained.

Do Subaru Crosstreks burn oil? Some early FB20 engines (2013–2015) were prone to higher oil consumption. Buy these years only with documented oil-consumption checks; later first-gen and second-gen cars are far less affected by the issue.

Is the Crosstrek underpowered? The 2.0L (148–152 hp) Crosstrek is adequate but modest, especially on highways and grades. The 2021+ 2.5i Sport and Limited (182 hp) address this with much stronger acceleration for buyers who want more power.

Which Crosstrek trim is the best value? The Premium trim is the sweet spot, adding heated seats, upgraded infotainment, and roof rails without the price jump of the Limited. A second-gen Premium is the value-leading choice for most buyers.

Bottom Line

The Subaru Crosstrek's best years sit in the second generation (2018–2020), with 2019–2020 Premium as the standout for refinement, safety tech, and reliability. Budget buyers should hunt a 2015–2016 first-gen Premium for outstanding value, while those who want more power should look at the 2021 2.5i Sport.

Across every year, documented maintenance — especially oil-consumption history and CVT fluid service — separates a great Crosstrek from an expensive mistake. Buy on records and condition, not just mileage, and the Crosstrek delivers economical, capable all-weather motoring for the long haul.

Sources

• Subaru of America — Crosstrek model history and specifications, subaru.com
• Wikipedia — Subaru Crosstrek generations and engine details
• Consumer Reports — Subaru Crosstrek reliability ratings by model year
• Edmunds — Subaru Crosstrek used pricing and ownership reviews
• Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) — Crosstrek used values by year and trim
• NHTSA — Subaru Crosstrek recalls and service campaigns, nhtsa.gov
• Car and Driver — Subaru Crosstrek generational reviews and specifications