The Refreshed Subaru Crosstrek Scores KBB’s 5-Best New Subcompact SUVs

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

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek racks up another new award. See why KBB says it's now one of the top five best new subcompact SUVs for 2022.

What are the best subcompact SUVs for 2022? Before the 2022 models arrive, the refreshed 2021 Subaru Crosstrek picked up another new award this week. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) says the newly-refreshed Crosstrek is now one of the top five best new subcompact SUVs for 2022.

KBB's 5-Best Subcompact SUVs for 2022 are the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Ford Bronco Sport, Honda HR-V, and Subaru Crosstrek. The Hyundai Kona is sixth, followed by the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Nissan Rogue Sport, Toyota CH-R, and number 10 is the Jeep Compass.


photo credit: Capital Subaru SJ

The newly-refreshed Crosstrek gets high marks for its standard all-wheel-drive, safety technology, off-road prowess, fuel economy, and new 2.5-liter engine upgrade in Sport and Limited trim levels.

Kelley Blue Book also selected the second-generation 2021 Subaru Crosstrek as its Best Resale Value Compact/SUV award. You can read the complete Subaru Report here.


photo credit: Competition Subaru

The cons are the Crosstrek 2.0-liter engine is underpowered, fuel economy suffers with the 6-speed manual transmission, and the cargo area is not that roomy.

The 2021 Crosstrek Sport and Limited trims are powered by a more powerful (+30 horsepower) 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 hp and 176 lb.-ft. of torque. It is coupled with a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission with adaptive control, incline start assist and 8-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters.

The Crosstrek Sport trim offers a more rugged appearance with wider wheel arch moldings, 17-inch alloy wheels with a dark gray finish, and a gunmetal finish for the front grille, side mirrors, and badges. The Sport interior adds water-repellant StarTex upholstery with yellow stitching to the seating.

What is the fuel mileage of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek with the larger 2.5-liter Boxer engine gets an EPA estimated fuel mileage of 27/34 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg. The 2021 Crosstrek with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine gets an EPA estimated 28/33 mpg and 30 combined mpg.

What is the price of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2021 Crosstrek subcompact SUV comes in five trim levels for customers and gets a small price increase. The base trim is priced from $23,295, Premium ($24,345), all-new Sport ($27,545), and Limited ($29,045). Prices include destination and delivery ($1,050).

When can customers buy a 2022 Subaru Crosstrek?

This fall, Subaru should announce the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek, and it will likely arrive in early 2022 because of production slowdowns. There will be minor 2022 Crosstrek changes, and the 2023 Crosstrek will be the model to watch when the subcompact SUV is completely redesigned.

What is the best 2021 Subaru Crosstrek trim level? We would pick the Crosstrek Sport with a more powerful 2.5-liter engine and dual-function X-Mode for off-pavement performance. The refreshed 2021 Subaru Crosstrek gets the nod as one of KBB's 5-best Compact SUVs for 2022.

You Might Also Like: The All-New 2023 Subaru Crosstrek - Check Out The New Wilderness Launch And Upgrade Details Here

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: main image Suburban Subaru