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2020 Subaru Crosstrek review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Subaru Crosstrek highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Plug-in hybrid model available
  • Improved cargo capacity
  • Lots of standard driver-assistance tech

Cons

  • Lacks the agility some competitors have
  • Weak engine and poor acceleration
  • Unappealing interior

Mileage (EPA estimate)

22 city, 29 highway, 25 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

Rugged exterior meets a cozy cabin.

The Subaru Crosstrek is powerful, rugged, roomy, and practical, which makes it a suitable solution for a wide range of lifestyles and driving needs. The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is distinguished by a rugged exterior designed to withstand the elements and conquer all sorts of terrains. It also sports a spacious and comfortable cabin and an abundance of storage room, which means it's a great vehicle for families that need a daily driver that they can also use for an occasional off-road trip.

All Subaru Crosstrek years

What is new for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?

  • Crosstrek trims have been upgraded with Automated Cruise Control as standard equipment this year.
  • Rear Sunshade and Running Boards features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Premium trim now comes with Smart Key, Parking Sensors, Lane Departure Warning, and Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
  • The Base trim now comes with Parking Sensors as standard equipment.

2020 Subaru Crosstrek trims

Curious how Subaru Crosstrek trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • Comes standard with Subaru's STARLINK Multimedia system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks, brake assist, keyless entry, 17-inch wheels, USB port, Bluetooth® connectivity, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, and more.

  • View all Subaru Crosstrek Bases in stock

Premium:

Limited:

  • Upgrades include 18-inch wheels, an eight-inch touchscreen, leather-trimmed upholstery, keyless access with push-button start and PIN-access, six speakers, blind-spot detection, high-beam assist, and more.

  • View all Subaru Crosstrek Limiteds in stock

Subaru Crosstrek photos

5 reasons to buy the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek

1. Off-Road capabilities

Subaru Crosstrek Review: Engine | CarMax

The Subaru Crosstrek's off-road capabilities are undoubtedly among the top reasons you should consider this crossover. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek can easily conquer rough and uneven terrain while maintaining a high level of ride comfort. What's more, AWD is standard on all trims, distributing power in a way that improves traction. It makes for increased stability and enhanced handling, as it helps to quickly adjust to different road conditions.

2. Abundant storage room

Subaru Crosstrek Review: Truck Cargo | CarMax

Apart from their off-road abilities, SUVs such as the Subaru Crosstrek are appealing because of the high cargo capacity, too. The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek has plenty of storage options with ample room for all kinds of items, including several suitcases for vacations, sporting equipment, lots of groceries, or anything else you might need to haul. With a total of 121.6 cu-ft of interior volume and 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is designed to fit your lifestyle.

3. Connectivity and entertainment

Subaru Crosstrek Review: Dashboard Technology | CarMax

For an optimal riding experience, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek offers plenty of connectivity and entertainment features. Standard on all trims, Subaru's STARLINK Multimedia system makes sure passengers stay connected to the outside world and entertained at all times. It includes Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto integration, with wireless connectivity and voice command allowing the driver to use the apps in a safe manner. Through this system, you can easily access navigation and entertainment apps.

4. Roomy and comfortable cabin

Subaru Crosstrek Review: Front Seats | CarMax

Having plenty of room for passengers to ride comfortably even on long-distance trips is also one of the perks of owning a Subaru Crosstrek. With 43.1 inches of legroom in the front, 36.5 inches in the back and a total passenger volume of 100.9 cu-ft, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek allows for a relaxed ride for both kids and adult passengers. The cloth upholstery and the soft-touch materials throughout the cabin increase the level of comfort that much more.

5. Lots of available features

Subaru Crosstrek Review: Backseats | CarMax

Although the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek comes with a nice set of standard features, you could easily enhance the ride quality for all passengers if you are willing to invest in some of the available packages or opt for one of the higher-level trims. For instance, the top Limited trim includes a larger touchscreen and automatic climate control, as well as leather upholstery. Driver-assist options on the Limited trim include the EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, the Blind-Spot Detection/Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and the Reverse Automatic Braking system.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a go-anywhere compact crossover with room for your whole crew. The 2017-2018 Forester has a standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine producing 170 hp or an available 250-hp 2.0L turbo-four. Starting in 2019, the Forester bumped base horsepower to 182 for the standard 2.5L but dropped the more powerful engine option. For 2017-2018, the Subaru Forester has 31.5 cubic feet of room behind the back seat, which increases to 33 cubic feet for 2019 and newer models.

Standard features on 2017-2021 Subaru Forester models include:

  • 6.2-inch touchscreen (6.5-inch for 2019+)

  • Height-adjustable driver's seat

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (2019+)

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.8 out of 5

5 customer reviews
4
1
2
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Subaru Crosstrek an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Subaru Crosstrek 5th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru Crosstrek features and specs

Base 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

152

Torque (ft-lbs)

145

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

16.6

Wheelbase

104.9"

Overall length

175.8"

Width

71"

Height

63.6"

Leg room

F 43.1"/R 36.5"

Head room

F 39.8"/R 38"

Front tires

P225/60HR17

Rear tires

P225/60HR17

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

150/1500 lbs.

Transmission

Manual 6

2020 Subaru Crosstrek FAQ

More about the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek

Color options

Exterior colors

  • Cool Gray Khaki

  • Crystal Black Silica

  • Crystal White Pearl

  • Ice Silver Metallic

  • Magnetite Gray Metallic

  • Pure Red

  • Quartz Blue Pearl

  • Sunshine Orange

Interior details

  • Infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

  • 60/40-split flat-folding rear seats

  • 55.3 cu-ft total cargo space

  • USB input port, dual cup holders in the center console, cargo-area with two grocery bag hooks and four tie-down hooks

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