2026 Subaru Crosstrek Review
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek provides strong AWD confidence, tech-savvy safety, and subtle updates. It’s ready for city commutes or weekend trails.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Overview
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek builds on its rugged reputation with advanced driver aids, sharp styling, and a full lineup at affordable prices. This versatile subcompact SUV is suitable for daily drives, weekend plans, and everything in between. Against rivals like the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross, the Crosstrek stands out for standard AWD and a generous list of driver-assist features.
Carsforsale.com Score
8.75/10
Powertrain
Score
8.75/10
Interior
Score
8.75/10
Technology
Score
9/10
Value
Score
9/10
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Powertrain 8.75/10
The entire 2026 Subaru Crosstrek lineup is now using a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, replacing the 2.0-liter four-cylinder that was previously used in the Base model. The 2.5-liter makes 182 horsepower (hp) and 178 lb-ft of torque with the help of a Linetronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). Combustion engines have a CVT and eight-speed manual mode.
There’s also a new hybrid system for 2026 Crosstrek. It includes a pair of motor-generator units mounted to the CVT. With a 1.1-kWh battery pack, the hybrid Crosstrek is good for a combined 194 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque.
The suspension handles rough terrain without drama, but the Wilderness takes things up to another level, literally. It has extra ground clearance that measures 9.3 inches, and it’s outfitted with all-terrain tires. The most fuel-efficient trims are the Sport or Limited Hybrid, which get 36 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.
Most of the other trims get 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, but owners of the Wilderness get just 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. Those numbers are all solid for the segment. An AWD Honda HR-V, for example, gets 25 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Interior 8.75/10
This cabin feels practical but also inviting with soft-touch materials and supportive seats. A relaxed driving position adds to the comfort. Visibility is flat-out excellent. One nice 2026 update that’s exclusive to the Limited and Wilderness trims is the heated steering wheel. Rear legroom measures 36.5 to 36.7 inches in the standard and hybrid models, making it one of the best subcompact SUVs for leg room.
Standard cargo space in most trims measures 19.9 cu-ft. The hybrid models do lose a little bit of space, measuring 18.6 cu-ft instead. The most space you’ll find is in the Wilderness trim with 20.0 cu-ft for all your adventuring gear. Maximum cargo space expands to 50.6 cu-ft in the hybrid models and nearly 55 cu-ft in all other trims.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Technology 9/10
There’s a wide spread between the Base level and the upper trims. Just look at the infotainment screen. Drivers of the Base trim will get a perfectly acceptable seven-inch LCD touchscreen. However, every other trim gets a 11.6-inch screen. It’s the same story with the rest of the technology suite, too. Everything above the Base trim gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth, 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability, and at least 6 speakers.
Subaru’s EyeSight suite doesn’t play favorites, delivering a bunch of safety features and driver assists to every trim level. Pre-collision braking, a lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering are all included. Drivers who don’t like staring into a set of LED lights will appreciate that the Crosstrek also provides high beam assist. This feature automatically switches the headlight settings when an oncoming vehicle is detected.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Value 9/10
For $26,995, you could start at the Base trim level. It does come with power side mirrors, keyless access, a push-button start, and a handful of other features. However, I think we’ve already pretty much established that it’s better to go up to the Premium – at $27,995 – at the very least. If you prefer a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle, you’ll have to get into the 2026 Crosstrek Sport or higher.
The Sport is kind of a sweet spot here. Even though it doesn’t have power-adjustable or a heated steering wheel, it’s got heated front seats and yellow or contrast stitching. Other features that are unlocked at the Sport trim level include 18-inch alloy wheels, a dark gray finish on the wheels, and a de-icing windshield wiper with heated side mirrors.
Going a little higher gets leather-trimmed upholstery in the Limited or urethane StarTex upholstery in both the Limited Hybrid and Wilderness trims. Hybrid models get a little bonus in the form of a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster, too.
There’s no less than five warranties available, too. A New Car Limited Warranty is good for three years or 36,000 miles, the Powertrain Limited Warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles, and a Rust Perforation Limited Warranty has a five-year / unlimited mileage lifespan. Hybrid models also get an eight year or 100,000 mile HEV Battery and Performance Warranty.
Trims & Pricing
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Final Score 8.75/10
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek has a good balance of capability, comfort, and tech. Subaru continues to refine the cabin and improve usability without losing the rugged personality that sets it apart. It’s a go-to choice for buyers who want confidence on any road.
