The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is here with a few significant changes from the 2020 model that make it pretty interesting. However, you still could do better. Check out why it might be better to pass on the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. 

Is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek worth buying? 

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is a compact SUV that starts around $22,245, which is only $100 more than the 2020 model. Rivals in that price range include the Hyundai Kona, which starts around $20,300, and the Honda HRV begins around $20,920. Notice how both options are cheaper. 

But the Subaru Crosstrek is pretty good on gas. CarandDriver was able to get up to 30 mpg during their test drive. But the official EPA numbers haven’t been released, and the more expensive Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid will have an even better fuel economy. For comparison’s sake, the Hyundai Kona should be able to get up to 32 mpg on the highway. 

1. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is slow 

The big thing for the Subaru Crosstrek is the addition of the optional 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 hp with 176 lb-ft of torque. However, you have to upgrade to the Subaru Crosstrek Sport or Crosstrek Limited trims to access this engine option. 

Upgrading to these trims will cost around $26,495 for the Sport and $27,995 for the limited. Otherwise, you can say hello to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.  

With the 2.0-liter engine, CarandDriver accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a leisurely 9.2 seconds. Upgrading to the hybrid transmission shaved .9 seconds off this time. Also, the Subaru Crosstrek Sport only accelerates to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. Now that is faster, but not much. 

If you’re looking for a racer, look elsewhere. The Subaru Crosstrek Sport and Limited trims aren’t available with the manual transmission. But this may not be that big of an issue, as according to TheCarConnection, the manual transmission is five mpg less efficient and doesn’t come with standard features such as automatic emergency braking. 

2. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is small 

We know, duh! Of course, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is small, it’s a compact option. But it has less cargo room than rivals. There are 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 55.3 cubic feet total. 

The Honda HRV comes in with a bit more room. It provides up to 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 58.8 cubic feet total. 58.8 cubic feet doesn’t sound much bigger than 55.3, but it makes a difference in vacations and activities like moving. 

3. The Subaru Crosstrek isn’t the best off-roader 

The Subaru Crosstrek is a perfect option for traversing through snow, mud, and other slippery conditions, but it won’t make it on tough off-roading trims. It only has all-wheel-drive, instead of true 4×4 capability. 

AWD is sufficient for driving through snow, but 4×4 helps you get unstuck and crawl over rocks. The Jeep Renegade is the better option as a compact SUV that can tackle off-roading challenges. Also, only the Crosstrek Sport trim comes with off-roading modes for snow/mud and deep snow/mud.