Overview: Affordable, Capable and Practical
The Subaru Crosstrek is an adventure-focused subcompact SUV — it’s essentially an SUV-ized, lifted-suspension derivative of the Impreza compact hatchback. Like the Impreza (and most other Subarus), it has standard all-wheel drive, but its loftier ground clearance gives it greater capability to wander farther off pavement. In Wilderness trim, the Crosstrek is even more adept on trails.
Trim Levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Wilderness Compared
- Base: Entry-level trim with an appealing mix of features at an accessible price
- Premium: Includes basic tech features like a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Sport: Adds yellow exterior and interior accents and upgrades including heated front seats, steering wheel and windshield
- Limited: Gains additional safety tech, power-adjustable driver’s seat, moonroof and leather upholstery with orange stitching
- Wilderness: Off-road-fortified trim sits on raised suspension (9.3 inches of ground clearance versus 8.7 for other trims) and features all-terrain tires, increased towing capacity, extra body cladding and water-resistant upholstery
What’s New for 2026: Base Engine Dropped, Hybrid Available
- 0-liter flat-four engine discontinued
- 180-horspower, 2.5-liter flat-four is now standard
- New 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain available on Sport and Limited trims; bumps output to 194 hp and meaningfully improves fuel economy
Performance: 2.5-liter Engine With or Without Hybrid Assist
The 2026 Crosstrek dumps the 2.0-liter flat-four engine that was standard on the 2025 model, giving buyers of the base hatchback a 28-hp bonus. There’s little trade-off in fuel economy for the more powerful engine, which returns an EPA-rated 26/33/29 mpg city/highway/combined versus the old 2.0-liter’s 27/34/29 mpg. Meanwhile, the new hybrid powertrain is rated at 36/36/36. (The Crosstrek Hybrid is reviewed separately on Cars.com.)
Technology and Safety: Standard Subaru EyeSight
Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite is standard on the 2026 Crosstrek and includes forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering assist. Evasive steering assist, blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking are standard on higher trim levels or included in option packages.
Is the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek a Good Subcompact SUV?
With superb ride quality, a comfortable and spacious cabin, and a choice of efficient powertrains at affordable prices, the Crosstrek is an extremely compelling vehicle. It can’t manage the sort of hardcore off-roading a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco can, but it is plenty capable of getting you to a remote campsite or hiking trailhead.