The New 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Gets A 6-Speed Manual But Not For Long

The EPA leaked the latest fuel mileage data on the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek before Subaru of America has announced the new model change. The data reveals engine changes for the 2022 Crosstrek, and the data also indicates the 2022 Crosstrek will still come with a fully synchronized 6-speed manual transmission.

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Base trim will come standard with the 6-speed manual transmission. Premium trim levels will also come with a manual gearbox for customers in the U.S. who want one. Customers can get a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) as an option on Premium trims. All other trim levels, 2022 Crosstrek Sport, Limited, and Hybrid, will come standard with a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission.

The manual transmission comes on 2022 Crosstrek models, but they will be going away soon, so you should get one of the last models if you want one. Why is Subaru dropping the manual?

According to IHS Markit Automotive and ZF Group, a recent report from Automotive News (by subscription) says the manual’s market share sits at only 1.2 percent in North America. So Subaru sells very few of the Crosstrek manual transmission trim levels. According to Automotive News, in Canada, manual sales of the Impreza were 14.4 percent, and Crosstrek was lower at 10.1 percent in 2020.

photo credit: Budds Subaru

Subaru Report reached out to Subaru of America, and a company spokesman said they only sell six percent of its Crosstrek models with a 6-speed manual transmission in the U.S. market. The other 94 percent get the Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission or the upgraded Lineartronic with 8-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters on the new 2021 Crosstrek Sport.

Dropping the manual is partly due to fuel mileage

Dropping the manual is also about improved fuel mileage. The Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic gets improved fuel efficiency compared with the manual gearbox.

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek gets an EPA estimated 22/29 city/highway mpg and 25 combined mpg with the 2.0-liter engine and the 6-speed standard transmission. The 2.0-liter engine gets 28/33 mpg and 30 combined mpg with the CVT automatic.

The 2022 Crosstrek with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine gets 27/34 city/highway and 29 combined mpg.

Subaru wants EyeSight safety technology on all Crosstrek trim levels

Subaru dropping the manual in the Crosstrek is partly due to the automaker’s EyeSight safety technology. EyeSight only works in vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, and Subaru has chosen not to spend the money to adapt its EyeSight driver-assist system to work with a manual transmission.

Subaru offers EyeSight as standard equipment in all 2022 Forester, 2022 Outback, 2022 Ascent, and 2022 Legacy models, but none have a standard transmission. Those four models get the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek gets the next lower Top Safety Pick award because not all trim levels come standard with EyeSight.

This fall, Subaru of America will announce the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek model change, and the subcompact SUV will still come with a 6-speed manual transmission. Look for Subaru to discontinue the 6-speed manual in the Crosstrek subcompact SUV soon. If you want one, the 2022 models may be the last year.

You Might Also Like: Consumer Reports Says Avoid The Nissan Rogue Sport Buy The Subaru Crosstrek Instead

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. Check out 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.

Subaru Report - We’ve got you covered! Check back tomorrow for more unique, informative SUBARU news, reviews, and previews you can trust.

Leave your comments below, share the article with friends and tweet it out to your followers!

Photo credit: Subaru USA