CR Says A Lightly Used Subaru Crosstrek Gives You The Best Bang For Your Buck

Work for Torque News, follow on Twitter, Youtube and Facebook.

With the new car prices up from last year and the shortage of new Subaru vehicles, you may be looking for a used model. What is the best used Subaru model? Check out the best used small SUVs from $25,000 to $30,000 recommended by Consumer Reports.

I cover the best used Subaru models because new models are more challenging to find, and the cost keeps rising. What is the best lightly used Subaru vehicle you can buy this year? A new update from Consumer Reports (CR) reveals one used all-wheel-drive Subaru vehicle recommended as the best small SUV for used car shoppers. CR says a 2022 -2023 Crosstrek gives you the biggest bang for your buck.

CR created this guide of small SUVs most likely to fulfill your needs without breaking down and soaking you with ­repair bills. They picked vehicles that are reliable, affordable, and equipped with modern safety features. A lightly used Crosstrek won't cost you more money down the road.

The small SUVs listed below performed well in CR's road tests when they were new and had consistent above-average reliability for multiple years, according to surveys of CR members. 

CR's recommended used small SUVs from $25,000-$30,000

  • Acura RDX 2020
  • Honda CR-V 2021-2022
  • Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2017-2018

CR's Other Top Recommended Picks

  • Subaru Crosstrek 2022-2023
  • Buick Envision 2020
  • Honda CR-V 2022
  • Honda HR-V 2023
  • Lexus NX 2019-2020
  • Lexus NX Hybrid 2019
  • Lexus UX 2020-2021
  • Mazda CX-5 2023
  • Toyota RAV4 2021-2022
  • Volvo XC40 2021

How reliable is the Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2022 and 2023 Subaru Crosstrek get a 5/5 reliability score from Consumer Reports. If you can get a 20204 model, it has the highest reliability score of any Subaru model.

CR says reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. This rating combines all model versions and may not be specific to the individual vehicle featured, but it can serve as an informed prediction.

Crosstrek gets good owner satisfaction scores.

The 2023 Crosstrek has an owner satisfaction score of 4/5. The 2022 Crosstrek has an owner satisfaction score of 3/5.

CR says owner satisfaction is based on the percentage of owners who would definitely purchase that same vehicle again. This rating combines all model versions and may not be specific to the individual vehicle featured, but it can serve as an informed prediction.

Consumer Reports says, "The Crosstrek delivers good fuel economy and impressive ride comfort. Its handling is competent and enjoyable. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission; this combination works fine and gets 29 mpg overall, which is quite good. A more powerful 2.5-liter is a newly available option."

What about the Crosstrek Hybrid?

"A plug-in hybrid with a 17-mile mostly electric range and 33 mpg operating as a regular hybrid is also available. But such slim mileage improvement and price premium don't make it a good value." 

CR says of the Crosstrek, "The seats are short on lumbar support, but the rear seat is roomy. The infotainment system is easy to use. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and other systems are standard with the automatic transmission but not offered with the manual. Blind spot and rear cross-traffic warnings are part of an option package." 

The 2020 model year updates include an available rear-seat reminder system, automatic door locks, and automatic climate control.

What is the price of the 2023 Crosstrek? 

Average Retail Price is $21,875 - $31,425 

What is the price of the 2022 Crosstrek?

Average Retail Price is $20,975 - $29,900 

What is Crosstrek's fuel mileage?

The 2022-2023 Crosstrek gets 28/33 city/highway mpg and 30 combined mpg with the automatic transmission. The 2022-2023 Crosstrek Sport and Limited trims with the 2.5-liter engine bring 27/34 city/highway and 29 combined mpg.

Is the Crosstrek a safe small SUV?

The 2022-2023 Subaru Crosstrek earned the Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Crosstrek also received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

My take.

Small SUV shoppers looking for a "go-anywhere" vehicle should look at the Crosstrek. It offers Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, 8.7 inches of ground clearance (more than the competition), X-Mode for all-weather capability, dual-function X-Mode for all-terrain ability (Crosstrek Sport and Limited), and excellent fuel mileage. It gets the top safety scores from the IIHS and NHTSA.  

Make sure to have any used Subaru Crosstrek you're considering thoroughly inspected by a certified Subaru mechanic before you sign on the dotted line.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Crosstrek story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

Check out this YouTube video from Shooting Cars: 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Limited Review - The Engine Makes All The Difference!

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

Please leave your comments below, share the article with friends, and post X to your followers! 

photo credit: Subaru USA