SUV · Hybrid
Subaru Crosstrek 2016–2017 (XV Crosstrek)
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- Price
- $21,700–$29,000
- MPG
- 29
- Strength: Excellent safety
- Strength: Strong value retention
- Watch-out: Below-average cargo & utility
- Watch-out: Below-average driving fun
How it scores for you10 scores
Standard AWD and top 5-star crash scores make it a safe, sure-footed all-weather compact, but a modest 148-hp CVT drivetrain leaves it slow, dated inside, and short on cargo.
Recalled about half as often as cars of the same model years; its only recall was not rated serious. About 7% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Limited history so far, so this score may move as more recalls are filed. Adjusted +4 points for its wider reputation.
5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 4, side 5, rollover 4).
About $2,300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 62% of cars we track.
20.8 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 36% of other SUVs we track.
Five-seat compact SUV with adequate room; 20.8 cu ft cargo (51.9 folded) is average for the class.
148 hp with a sluggish CVT makes acceleration weak, but standard AWD and higher ground clearance give confident, planted handling on rough roads. Not sporty.
2016-17 offered basic infotainment (Starlink), optional EyeSight, but interior tech was modest and dated versus rivals of the era.
Compliant ride with good ground clearance and comfortable seats; road and engine noise under load are notable, but overall segment-typical comfort.
SUVs and hybrids usually hold their value better than average.
Rated to tow 1,500 lb; all- or four-wheel drive available.
Safety & recalls2 recalls
2 recalls · 6 common complaint areas across 2016–2017
- Electrical — 32 complaints (2016)
- Recall — Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch (2017)
- Unknown or other — 28 complaints (2016)
2017
- RecallExterior lighting: brake lights: switch19V149000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other21 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car has 26,000 miles and the heat shield over the muffler has shifted and causing a grinding sound against the back wheel. Told the shield had rusted and needed replacement. There were no warning lights, just the grinding sound from the rear of the car.
- Complaint clusterVisibility/wiper21 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY/WIPER
Out of no where the window chipped and then cracked later that day
- Complaint clusterElectrical15 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My husband has trouble getting the key out when in park and turn off. Have to use the E-break every time we park because even in park the vehicle seems to get a mind of its own and start to roll. IT ROLLED ON ME WHILE I WAS GETTING MY CHILD OUT OF THE CAR!! NOW my driver side window seems to roll a
- Complaint clusterPowertrain12 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
Premature shift fork failure in 2017 Subaru Crosstrek manual transmission at 62,521 miles requiring complete transmission replacement ($10,000 repair, vehicle worth $11,000). EVIDENCE OF DESIGN DEFECT: - Subaru issued TSB 03-83-20R acknowledging shift fork design flaws in 2018-2020 Crosstreks
- Complaint clusterSteering5 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while pulling out of her driveway, the steering wheel became stiff, and the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed.
2016
- RecallExterior lighting: brake lights: switch19V149000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing
- Complaint clusterElectrical32 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A/C Control Head and connector burned on both ends. Dealer service center stated it was a significant safety/fire hazard if we had not immediately taken in to be checked. No warning, no fuses out. Only indication something was wrong is a/c turned on but only on 1,2 and 4. Then, same day, only on 4.
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other28 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Our 2016 Subaru Crosstrek (Automatic Transmission) has had intermittent issues with it losing power despite our foot being on the accelerator. It will typically reengage if we take our foot off the accelerator for a bit and then hit the gas again. However, it has become a more frequent problem and f
- Complaint clusterPowertrain16 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
My car has stopped working while driving 70 mph on the interstate in so separate occasions. Both times it has been driving fine, with fuel in the tank, and all of the sudden it shuts off and completely loses power. All of the warning lights on the dash light up and the only thing to do is to coast t
- Complaint clusterSteering13 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
The CVT valve body was diagnosed as defective by the Subaru Dealership service department. The car was taken to the dcealership when the A/T OIL EMP, HILL ASSIST, ABS and TRACTION CONTROL, STABILITY CONTROL lights came up. The valve body is still available for inspection. The car was taken to the de
- Complaint clusterEngine8 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
My friend and I drove from Minneapolis to Duluth for a two-day short trip (Oct 20 - 21, 2022). On our way back, my car suddenly slowed down (from 70 m/h to 40 m/h and was non-responsive), and shut down completely at the intersection between Highway I-35 W and Lino Lake, MN 55038, about 30 miles awa
Cost to own$18,500 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$21,700–$29,000
Estimated used price, by model year
$2,300/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
26
Highway MPG
33
Combined MPG
29
Horsepower
148 hp
Doors
4
Length
175.2 in
Width
70.1 in
Height
63.8 in
Wheelbase
103.5 in
Curb weight
3,516 lb
Cargo volume
20.8 cu ft
Cargo (seats folded)
51.9 cu ft
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
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