Do You Want Fast And Fuel Efficient? New Subaru Crosstrek Is Now The Best Small SUV

Do you want a small SUV that’s fast and fuel-efficient? The Subaru Crosstrek was one of the best, but the revamped 2021 Crosstrek offers an even better combination of sporty, fast, and fuel-efficient for small SUV shoppers. Consumer Reports recently rated the vehicles with the best combination of fuel economy and acceleration, and the Subaru Crosstrek scores the best non-hybrid model of any small SUV.

Hybrid models gain an advantage in fuel efficiency and acceleration because of the torque of the electric motor. Those wondering what torque is gives the car the ability to launch from a standing start. The more torque an engine has, the quicker the acceleration from a complete stop.

In CR’s tests, they found the Toyota RAV4 hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, and Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid have the best combination of fuel economy and acceleration of all small SUVs. The standard 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is the best non-hybrid with an overall 29 combined mpg and a 0-60 acceleration time of 10.2 seconds.

Consumer Reports tested the Crosstrek Premium trim powered by the 2.0-liter engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. But the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport and Limited trims will be even better. The 2021 Crosstrek gets upgraded with the new 2.5-liter direct-injection Boxer engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb.-ft. of torque. Check out our first drive of the new Sport trim here.

The EPA estimates for the 2021 Crosstrek with the 2.5-liter engine come in at 27/34 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg. The 2021 Crosstrek with the 2.0-liter gets an EPA-estimated 28/33 city/highway and 30 combined mpg. The more powerful Crosstrek Sport and Limited gain one mpg in city estimates.

If you want even better acceleration and fuel mileage, the Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid is even better with 33 overall mpg and a 0-60 acceleration time of 9.0 seconds. The Crosstrek Hybrid is not easy to get, and Subaru of America only offers limited availability.

Most small SUV buyers will opt for the 2021 Crosstrek with the 2.0-liter engine or the new 2.5-liter Boxer models. It’s coupled with a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission with adaptive control, incline start assist and 8-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters.

With a more powerful 2.5-liter engine in the 2021 Crosstrek Sport and Limited, the small SUV will pull even farther away from the competition in both acceleration and fuel mileage.

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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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