How much does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek cost?

Prices have softened 5.08% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,678 listings available, which suggests solid inventory availability. If you find a listing below $20,502.36, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek earns a 4.5/5 user rating, and our experts rate it 7.83/10. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its value, safety features, and fuel economy, and they also like the comfortable driving experience and handling. The main trade-offs are that some drivers want more power and acceleration, and a few wish for more interior room. In practical terms, it fits you well if you want a small vehicle with SUV-like styling, standard all-wheel drive, and everyday usefulness rather than outright speed. With 28.8% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s still room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

Owners rate it 4.5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. Reviewers also describe it as a vehicle they trust for value, safety, fuel economy, and comfortable everyday use, with several calling out its dependable, trouble-free character over time. The expert evaluation also points to Subaru’s fairly good reputation for reliability, and the Crosstrek’s well-protected camera-based driver aids are designed to help avoid expensive repair bills after minor damage. Subaru’s five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty is average for the segment, so long-term ownership risk is more about routine wear and maintenance than any obvious red flags.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the report carefully, because accident-free status is only a starting point. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the drivetrain, suspension, and the condition of the cabin and infotainment system. Since this model’s appeal depends heavily on all-weather usability and safety equipment, make sure the features you want are actually present on the specific trim you’re considering.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base and Premium trims keep the simpler setup, while the Sport and Limited trims add the more powerful 2.5-liter engine and more upscale equipment. The interior is functional but plain, and the Sport trim’s StarTex upholstery is a useful upgrade if you want something easier to live with.
• Powertrain: The base and Premium trims use a 2.0-liter boxer-four with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, while the Sport and Limited get a 2.5-liter boxer-four with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft. The bigger engine is automatic-only, and the CVT can bring droning even when acceleration is adequate.
• Safety package: Subaru’s EyeSight system includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning on CVT-equipped models. Automatic high beams, reverse automatic braking, lane-change assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on the Limited and optional on the Premium and Sport.
• Infotainment: Standard equipment includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Premium and Sport add WiFi, SiriusXM, and a single-disc CD player, while the Limited gets an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5-liter engine is rated at 29 mpg combined, while the 2.0-liter engine returns 30 mpg combined with the CVT and 25 mpg combined with the manual transmission.

Which 2021 Subaru Crosstrek trim should I buy?

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is offered in 4 trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the simplest way into the Crosstrek, and it makes sense if you mainly want standard all-wheel drive, the basic safety setup, and the lowest entry price. It’s the least expensive route, but you give up the stronger engine and some of the nicer tech and convenience features.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more equipment without jumping all the way to the top of the range. It keeps the practical Crosstrek formula intact while giving you a more complete daily-driver setup.
• Sport: This is the trim to choose if you want the 2.5-liter engine and the more distinctive cabin treatment. It also gets the new-for-2021 Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, which make it the most appealing choice if you want extra bad-weather confidence.
• Limited: This is the most fully equipped version, with the 8-inch touchscreen and navigation standard, plus the most complete safety feature set. It suits you best if you want the Crosstrek with the fewest compromises.

For safety-package shoppers, note that the more advanced driver-assistance features are standard on the Limited and optional on the Premium and Sport.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 28.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,678 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.08% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 76.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $20,502.36, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek's resale value?

The current average of $21,286 sits slightly below last year's $22,424.

That softer pricing suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point. For a future seller, that also means resale value may depend more on condition, mileage, and equipment than on broad market momentum. Well-kept examples with the right trim and safety features should still draw interest because the Crosstrek’s mix of all-wheel drive, fuel economy, and practicality remains appealing.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek safe?

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with five-star ratings in side crash tests and four-star ratings in frontal and rollover crash tests. It earns a 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Subaru’s EyeSight system uses stereo cameras behind the windshield and brings adaptive cruise control with lane centering, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning on CVT-equipped models. Automatic high beams, reverse automatic braking, lane-change assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on the Limited and optional on the Premium and Sport. One caveat is that the camera-based system can be blocked by windshield wipers or washed out in direct sunlight, which can temporarily disable driver aids.

Should I buy a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 28.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.08% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 model adds the new Sport trim, the available 2.5-liter engine, and an upgraded EyeSight system.

The bottom line: If you want the Crosstrek with the most useful mix of updates, the 2021 model is the one to target. It gives you the newer Sport trim, more power if you choose the right version, and stronger safety tech while still benefiting from softer pricing. If you’re especially price-sensitive, a nearby model year may save you money, but the 2021 is the better all-around pick if you want the updated feature set without moving up to a much newer vehicle.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.