There are so many crossover SUVs to pick among, and they have multiple trim levels. MotorTrend proclaims the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek to be perfect as “a full-time city runabout and part-time adventure-mobile.” If you’ve already decided that this is the SUV for you, then what are the differences among the trim levels, and which one offers the best value? 

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is a lifted crossover hatchback. It offers three drivetrain options, and they all come standard with all-wheel drive, says MotorTrend. That includes two gas-powered engines as well as a hybrid powertrain.

U.S. News finds the 2021 Crosstrek to have a “cushioned ride.” With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Crosstrek can do some off-road driving. The 2021 Crosstrek has a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is easy to use and compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An 8-inch option is available on higher trims. The Crosstrek does have lower-than-average predicted reliability ratings from U.S. News.

The trim options of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

There are four trim levels for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek in addition to the Crosstrek Hybrid. The base trim has a 2.0-liter flat-four-cylinder engine, generating 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a manual transmission, but a CVT is an available option. Along with the CVT, the Crosstrek also gets the Subaru EyeSight suite of advanced safety features. That provides “forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control,” says MotorTrend. The base trim starts at $22,245, according to the Subaru website.

The Crosstrek Premium trim has all the standard features of the base trim, plus it has halogen foglights, automatic headlights, and body-color side mirrors that are heated. On the interior, it provides a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth upholstery with orange contrast stitching. It has two front-seat USB ports and a six-speaker audio system. The Premium trim starts at $23,295.

The Sport trim is new for the 2021 model year and offers a new engine option. Past model years were known for being “sluggish,” so this more powerful engine is definitely a welcome option. It is a 2.5-liter flat-four engine that produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. It’s the same engine that appears in the base Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback. It comes with a CVT with paddle shifters and has eight simulated gears.

The Sport trim also has different external finishes, with dark gray 17-inch alloy wheels, a black grille with gunmetal accents, a gunmetal-color side mirror with turn signals, and Sport fender cladding. On the inside, this trim has faux-leather upholstery with yellow contrast stitching. It also adds a 4.2-inch digital gauge cluster plus keyless access, push-button start, and two rear USB ports. The larger 8-inch touchscreen is available. The new Sport trim has a starting price of $26,495.

The Limited trim also has the 2.5-liter engine. With the additional power, it also has more luxury. It comes standard with the eight-inch touchscreen, plus it has leather-trimmed upholstery this time with orange contrast stitching. It also provides “a power driver’s seat, body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals, LED foglights, LED swiveling headlights, and 18-inch alloy wheels finished in black,” according to MotorTrend. An upgraded audio system and navigation system are available. The top Limited trim starts at $27,995.

Which trim provides the best value?

MotorTrend recommends the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport trim as the best value and the best choice. It has plenty of power along with lots of features, all for a reasonable price. In addition, with its gunmetal accents, it offers a variation on the usual design.