2021 Subaru Crosstrek — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 36 mpg (UK) / 30 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 30–42 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A plug-in hybrid version is also listed by EPA (2L 4-cyl), returning around 42 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Subaru Crosstrek workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 36 mpg (UK) combined. EPA lists new engine options for 2021: 2.5L 4-cyl. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl · 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (AV-S8) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 36 combined / 34 urban / 40 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 30 combined / 28 city / 33 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 185 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,250 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 25 to 35 mpg (US), or 30 to 42 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 36 | 30 (28/33) | 185 | $2,250 |
| 2L 4-cyl (Plug-in Hybrid) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 42 | 35 (36/35) | 94 | $1,900 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/29) | 221 | $2,700 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (27/34) | 188 | $2,300 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Running Costs: 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek at 36 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,010 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,250 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (1), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Power train — campaign 23V755000, reported 9 November 2023. Risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Electrical system — campaign 23V080000, reported 14 February 2023. Risk: A 12-Volt battery that is unable to recharge can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The most-reported areas are Visibility/wiper (29), Unspecified (25), Electrical system (17). Complaints include 8 reported crashes, 2 reported fires, 6 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 83 complaints across the 12 Subaru Crosstrek model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Visibility (29 owner complaints) — Check wipers, washers and demisters work properly.
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 17 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Engine (17 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1 recall campaign) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Subaru Crosstrek compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 36 mpg figure is 9 mpg better than that average. Its 185 g/km CO₂ figure is 68 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Subaru models in our database average about 33 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek's 36 mpg is 3 mpg above that make average. Its 185 g/km CO₂ figure is 21 g/km lower than the 206 g/km Subaru average.
Of the 14 Subaru Crosstrek model years we cover, the 2021 is the most economical on its best configuration (36 mpg UK combined). See every Subaru Crosstrek year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek: 2L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl with a automatic (av-s8).
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
The most efficient configuration returns around 36 mpg (UK) combined, or 30 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 30 to 42 mpg. The plug-in hybrid version returns around 42 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,250 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (1), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
Among the 116 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Visibility/wiper (29 complaints), Unspecified (25 complaints), Electrical system (17 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Subaru Crosstrek's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 36 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.