The All-New Subaru Crosstrek Sport Models Are Arriving Now - First Look

The first 2021 Subaru Crosstrek models are arriving at retailers now. Check out a first look and drive of the more powerful Crosstrek Sport trim.

You asked for a Subaru Crosstrek with more power. The automaker responded with a new 2021 Crosstrek Sport and Limited with a 2.5-liter direct-injection four-cylinder Boxer engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb.-ft of torque. Thanks to AutoNation Subaru West and Don Wright, Torque News was able to get the earliest look and drive the first 2021 Crosstrek Sport model delivered to them this week.

I received a call from Don, who told me the transport truck had just dropped off a new 2021 Crosstrek Sport trim, and the PDI (pre-delivery inspection) finished. I jumped in the car and drove down from Evergreen to Golden, Colorado, and I couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel.

Don had just filled up the tank with gas, and he gave me the keys and said, “Let me show you the first shipment of cars we got in last night.” Inventory has been tight for all Subaru retailers, and we drove the lot in the new Crosstrek looking at the new 2020 Outback wagons and a few new Forester SUVs that had just arrived. After a quick tour, I dropped him off and took off back up the interstate into the mountains. It’s the perfect testing ground for the upgraded Crosstrek.

It was a warm day, in the high 80s, so I turned the A/C on full blast. I have driven up I-70 towards Lookout Mountain many times in a Crosstrek with the 2.0-liter engine with 152 horsepower. I could immediately feel the difference with the 2.5-liter powerplant. I pushed the Sport trim gas pedal down, and the subcompact SUV responded with a burst of power.

I looked down at the digital speedometer, and the small SUV was up to 82 mph before I knew it. At 7000 feet elevation, the Sport trim climbed effortlessly and had even more power to spare if I hadn’t backed off the gas pedal. I was impressed with the added horsepower and torque.

The Crystal Black Silica Sport trim I tested ($26,495) came with the optional Sport Package with mirror compass with Homelink, rear bumper cover, splash guards, all-weather liners, and rear seatback protectors ($929). The Aero crossbar set added ($201). Total MSRP including destination ($1,050): $28,675.

Our take

Subaru built the Sport trim for customers with active lifestyles who will use the small SUV for camping trips, carrying a couple of mountain bikes on the back and a cargo carrier on top. The new Sport and Limited trims will handle that and more with its newfound engine upgrade.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is a great value and will be a faster-selling trim than the standard model. Next, we’ll take the Crosstrek Sport deeper into the mountains, get it off-road, and try out the new dual-function X-Mode, its other new upgrade. Stay tuned.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press and the founder of Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Torque News, AutoNation Subaru West