Used 2021 Subaru Crosstrek for Sale nearChicago, IL

Compare 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Trims in Chicago, IL

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offers a range of trims from budget-friendly to feature-rich options, all equipped with AWD for versatile driving.

• Starting at $17,993
• Best MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Most Popular: Premium AWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

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Trim Deep Dives

Base AWD — "Who It's For"

The Base AWD is the pick for shoppers who want essential features without paying for extras. It's a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers.

• Avg. market price: $20,970 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 8 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Base AWD listings

Premium AWD — "Who It's For"

The Premium AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded vehicle with advanced features without stepping up to the pricier trims. It's the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $17,993 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 205 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Premium AWD listings

Sport AWD — "Who It's For"

The Sport AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a balance of performance and features without going for the top trim. It offers the best fuel economy in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $22,392 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 98 listings
• View Sport AWD listings

Limited AWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited AWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury and advanced technology features without compromising on performance. It's perfect for those seeking a premium experience.

• Avg. market price: $19,138 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 148 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Limited AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Premium AWD

With 205 active listings, the Premium AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse Premium AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Premium AWD

At $17,993 avg market price — below the lineup median of $20,054 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Premium AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Sport AWD

The Sport AWD offers the best fuel efficiency with 27/34 MPG/MPGe.

Browse Sport AWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek cost?

Prices have softened 5.86% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,701 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $20,495.92, 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 a 7.83/10 expert rating. 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 modest power and acceleration, plus less interior room than some shoppers expect.

That lines up with the Crosstrek’s use case as a practical small vehicle with SUV-like styling, standard all-wheel drive, and extra capability for rough weather or light adventure use. With 32.7% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

Owners rate it 4.5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owner feedback points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with praise for value, safety, fuel economy, and comfort over the long term. The expert evaluation also notes Subaru’s fairly good reputation for reliability, and the Crosstrek’s cameras are positioned to avoid some expensive repair bills after minor impacts.

Subaru’s five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty are average for the segment, so your long-term ownership risk is mostly about buying a well-maintained example rather than expecting standout warranty coverage.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on every candidate, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper records check. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the drivetrain, suspension, and any signs of hard use, especially if the car was driven in rough weather or on unpaved roads. Pay close attention to condition, because the Crosstrek’s appeal depends heavily on whether it still feels tight, quiet, and well cared for.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim keeps the Crosstrek’s rugged look and standard all-wheel drive, but it is the most stripped-down version of the lineup. Higher trims add more equipment and a more upscale feel, so you should compare feature content carefully if you want the best value.
• Powertrain: The 2021 Crosstrek offers a 2.0-liter boxer-four with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, plus an available 2.5-liter boxer-four with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The bigger engine is standard on the Sport and Limited trims, while the smaller engine is paired with either a manual transmission or a CVT depending on trim.
• Safety package: Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance 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 trim and optional on the Premium and Sport.
• Infotainment: The Crosstrek comes with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Premium and Sport trims add WiFi, SiriusXM satellite radio, 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, 27 mpg city, and 34 mpg highway. The 2.0-liter engine is rated at 30 mpg combined, 28 mpg city, and 33 mpg highway with the CVT, or 25 mpg combined, 22 mpg city, and 29 mpg highway 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 least expensive way to get the Crosstrek’s standard all-wheel drive, raised ride height, and rugged styling. It makes sense if you want the core Crosstrek formula and are willing to live with the most basic equipment.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more everyday convenience and tech without jumping all the way to the top of the range. It is a smart pick if you want a more balanced mix of features and price.
• Sport: This trim adds the more powerful 2.5-liter engine, StarTex upholstery, and extra traction modes, so it is the one to choose if you want the strongest all-around capability in the lineup.
• Limited: This is the most fully equipped version, with the 8-inch touchscreen and the most complete safety package. It is the right choice if you want the most comfort and tech.

For safety, 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 carefully and still find worthwhile deals.

• Deal availability: 32.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,701 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.86% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $20,495.92, 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 $21,096 sits slightly below last year's $22,409.

That softer pricing suggests the model has already moved through some of its depreciation, which can help future resale stability if you buy at the right price. A lower entry cost today can also make it easier to recover more of your money later if you keep the car in good condition.

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 receives 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 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 trim and optional on the Premium and Sport.

One caveat is that the EyeSight cameras can be blocked by windshield wipers or washed out in direct sunlight, which can temporarily disable driver aids. IIHS did not test the 2021 model, but the closely related 2020 Crosstrek earned a Top Safety Pick award with good ratings in all crash tests and front-crash prevention tech.

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:

• 32.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.86% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 model adds a new Sport trim, a more powerful available 2.5-liter engine, and an upgraded EyeSight driver-assistance system.

The bottom line: The 2021 Crosstrek is the right pick if you want the updated lineup, the stronger available engine, and the year’s improved safety and convenience features. If your priority is simply getting into a Crosstrek for less money, a nearby year may be worth a look, but the 2021 gives you a strong mix of value, safety, and everyday usability.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.