2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2020 Subaru Crosstrek: Which Is Better?
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shares a lot of similarities with the 2020 model, but a few differences set it apart.
Written by Pat Roache
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2021 Crosstrek have very few differences, but the 2021 model’s additional Sports trim and included engine upgrade offer enhanced performance that the 2020 model can’t beat.
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super app, is here to help you figure out which model year of Subaru’s smallest crossover SUV is right for you. We’re comparing the 2020 and 2021 Subaru Crosstreks side-by-side. Then we’ll help you compare Subaru Crosstrek insurance costs
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2021 Crosstrek vs. 2020 Crosstrek: which is more expensive?
The 2021 and 2020 model years of the Subaru Crosstrek had very similar MSRPs across trim levels, with the exception of the 2021 Crosstrek’s additional Sport trim. The 2020 Crosstrek started at $23,155 and the 2021 Crosstrek at $23,295, with price differences across trim levels maxing out at $640 for the Limited trims.
As of 2022, both the 2020 and 2021 Crosstreks have maintained their value well—the 2020 Crosstrek has even resold for higher prices in certain areas. Check your local resale and certified pre-owned options to see which model is cheaper in your area.
Model | Starting MSRP | Model | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
2020 Crosstrek Base | $23,155 | 2021 Crosstrek Base | $23,295 |
2020 Crosstrek Premium | $24,205 | 2021 Crosstrek Premium | $24,345 |
N/A/ | N/A | 2021 Crosstrek Sport | $27,545 |
2020 Crosstrek Limited | $28,405 | 2021 Crosstrek Limited | $29,045 |
2020 Crosstrek Hybrid | $36,155 | 2021 Crosstrek Hybrid | $36,395 |
Ownership costs
Let’s consider the five-year costs of ownership for each model year to better understand which is more economical in the long run.
Long-term ownership costs for the base model 2020 Crosstrek are $39,760 as estimated by Edmunds. The same ownership costs for the 2021 Crosstrek are $34,177. Those include $3,494 in insurance costs for the 2020 Crosstrek and $3,529 in insurance costs for the 2021 Crosstrek.
While you’d expect the 2020 model year to be the less expensive option, it’s likely to be more expensive in the long term than the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Why would that be? The 2021 Crosstrek is expected to have better reliability, meaning cheaper maintenance and repairs, and about $3000 less in five-year depreciation.
Insurance costs
The difference in insurance costs for both model years fits the trend that older cars cost less to insure. The 2020 Crosstrek costs $698 per year on average, or $58 per month, to insure. The 2021 Crosstrek, is only a bit more expensive: $706 per year, or $59 per month, to insure.
Winner: 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
When you consider the long-term costs of ownership, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is likely to be the more affordable option, though that could change once the 2020 Crosstrek has had some more time to depreciate. But while prices for these older models are similar or higher to their original MSRPs, you’d be better off paying a little bit more upfront for the 2021 Crosstrek.
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2020 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2021 Crosstrek: In-Depth Comparison
Cost of ownership isn’t the only advantage the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has over the 2020 model year. The two model years have a lot of features and specs in common, but there are a few 2021 upgrades that are worth your consideration.
Body style and size
The Subaru Crosstrek is virtually the same vehicle in style and size for the 2020 and 2021 model years. The one exception? The 2021 Crosstrek is 0.7 inches longer.
That’s just about the only difference. Both are equipped for light off-roading thanks to decent ground clearance, and their dimensions are otherwise totally unchanged:
Dimensions | 2020 Subaru Crosstrek | 2021 Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
Wheelbase | 104.9 inches | 104.9 inches |
Total Length | 175.8 inches | 176.5 inches |
Passenger volume | 100.9 cubic feet | 100.9 cubic feet |
Headroom (front/rear) | 39.8/38 inches | 39.8/38 inches |
Legroom (front/rear) | 43.1/36.5 inches | 43.1/36.5 inches |
Cargo volume w/seats up | 20.8 cubic feet | 20.8 cubic feet |
Cargo volume w/seats down | 55.3 cubic feet | 55.3 cubic feet |
Ground clearance | 8.7 inches | 8.7 inches |
Base curb weight | 3117 lbs | 3117 lbs |
Engine and performance
Both the 2020 and 2021 Crosstreks run on a standard 152-hp 2.0-L four-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive and the option between a manual transmission and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). However, the 2021 Crosstrek offers an extra powertrain option thanks to its brand-new Sport trim.
The 2020 Crosstrek’s standard four-cylinder was criticized for its performance, so Subaru added the Outback’s slightly larger engine to the new 2021 Crosstrek Sport and the Limited trims. This 2.5-L four-cylinder produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
In addition to an upgraded engine, the 2021 Crosstrek Sport added terrain-tackling driving settings for snow/dirt and deep snow/mud. This at least gives the 2021 Crosstrek Sport a leg up against the 2020 Crosstrek when it comes to SUV performance. However, all models still maintain a standard 1,500-pound towing capacity, regardless of engine.
Both model years are also available with a plug-in hybrid option. The Crosstrek PHEV powertrain pairs the entry-level 2.0-L four-cylinder with an 8.8-kWh battery for 148 horsepower and 134 lb-ft of torque. Despite the power reduction, the hybrid Crosstrek managed to shave 0.9 seconds off the Crosstrek’s 9.2-second zero-to-60 time—true for both model years.
Fuel economy
With no major changes in size, the two Crosstreks receive nearly the same EPA ratings for fuel economy across their two shared powertrains.
Manual 2020 and 2021 Crosstreks with the standard 2.0-L 4-cyl are rated for 22 city/29 hwy/25 combined mpg. The 2020 CVT Crosstreks get 27 city/33 hwy/30 combined mpg and the 2021 CVT 2.0L Crosstreks do one up with 28 city/33 hwy/30 combined mpg. The 2.5L 2021 Sport and Limited Crosstreks get an altered 27 city/34 hwy/29 combined mpg.
Naturally, the Crosstrek PHEV from either model year is the real winner. This hybrid powertrain gets 35 combined mpg or 90 MPGe with the hybrid mode activated. Both the 2020 and 2021 Crosstrek PHEVs are rated for 17 miles of all-electric driving on a single charge.
Safety
You are exceptionally safe in a Crosstrek, regardless of the model year. Both the 2020 and 2021 Crosstreks were named Top Safety Picks+ by the International Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and received five-star crash safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), though the driver and passenger sides drop to 4/5 stars.
Neither the 2020 nor 2020 Subaru Crosstreks came with many standard driver assistance features, but their safety upgrades were incredibly economical. Advanced driver assistance features include automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control for both model years.
Tech
Technology is yet another area lacking any signs of change between the 2020 Crosstrek and the 2021 Crosstrek.
Both display Subaru’s StarLink infotainment system on a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen for lower trims. The Limited and Hybrid trims get an upgraded 8.0-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM and optional built-in navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all 2020 and 2021 models, as is Bluetooth connectivity.
Interior and comfort
The 2021 model shares a nearly identical cabin with the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek, both prioritizing practicality over presentation. The streamlined interior is simple yet spacious, although the lack of luxuries like power-adjustable seats and dual-zone climate control may start to wear on you after a while. Heated seats are available on higher trims
Winner: the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport
With the exception of the additional 2021 Sport trim, the 2020 and 2021 Subaru Crosstreks are nearly identical vehicles. However, given its lower costs of long-term ownership, you might as well pay a little extra upfront for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek.
At this time, you’re more likely to find a 2020 Crosstrek that’s more expensive than it was originally sold for, but we should be able to see the depreciation of this older model soon. Still, the additional power behind the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport may be enough to keep this newer model worth the additional value.
How to save on Subaru Crosstrek insurance costs
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