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 options to adventure-ready models, all featuring AWD for enhanced traction.

• Starting at $14,300
• 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.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

Base AWD — "Who It's For"

The Base AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a budget-friendly entry point without paying for extra features.

• Avg. market price: $14,300 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 11 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-equipped Crosstrek without stepping up to the higher trims. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup by a wide margin.

• Avg. market price: $14,995 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 275 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 enhanced performance and fuel efficiency without sacrificing features.

• Avg. market price: $23,122 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 88 listings
• View Sport AWD listings

Limited AWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a premium experience with luxury features and advanced technology.

• Avg. market price: $20,882 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 147 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Limited AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Premium AWD

With 275 active listings, the Premium AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse Premium AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Base AWD

At $14,300 avg market price — below the lineup median of $17,938 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Base AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Sport AWD

The Sport AWD offers the best fuel economy at 27 MPG city / 34 MPG highway.

Browse Sport AWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek cost?

Prices have softened 4.50% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,710 listings available, which suggests you should have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek earns 4.5/5 from owners and 7.8/10 from our experts. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its value, safety features, fuel economy, handling, and comfortable driving experience. The expert review also points to its standard all-wheel drive and good ride quality as major strengths, while noting that it is better suited to buyers who prioritize comfort and all-weather confidence than quick acceleration or a roomy cabin. The market also shows 32.7% of listings as good or great deals, which adds some shopping flexibility.

Is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

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

Owner feedback highlights the Crosstrek as reliable, dependable, and trouble-free enough to inspire confidence over the long term, with praise for its value and fuel economy reinforcing that impression. The expert review also notes Subaru’s fairly good reputation for reliability, and the Crosstrek’s powertrain warranty and basic warranty are in line with the segment. Subaru’s maintenance coverage is straightforward, and the model’s design emphasizes durability and everyday usability.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that a well-used example may show the usual wear tied to its modest power and compact packaging, so condition matters more than mileage alone.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free status does not replace a full records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on body condition, interior wear, and how the drivetrain feels under load. Since this model is often chosen for comfort and all-weather use, pay close attention to signs of hard use, especially if the car has seen rough roads or winter driving.

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. The interior is functional but somewhat plain-looking, and the Sport trim’s water-repellant StarTex upholstery is a useful upgrade if you want easier cleanup.
• 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 trims get a 2.5-liter boxer-four with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. The bigger engine is paired with the CVT only, and the review notes that acceleration is still adequate rather than quick.
• Safety package: Subaru’s EyeSight system uses stereo cameras behind the windshield. CVT-equipped models get adaptive cruise control with lane centering, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning as standard, while 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: The standard setup is a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Premium and Sport trims add WiFi, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a single-disc CD player, while an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation is standard on the Limited and optional on lower trims.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.0-liter engine is rated at 30 mpg combined with the CVT, or 25 mpg combined with the manual transmission. The 2.5-liter engine is rated at 29 mpg combined.

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 into the Crosstrek, and it gives you the standard all-wheel-drive setup and the model’s core practicality. It makes sense if you want the lowest entry price and are comfortable with the simpler equipment list.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds useful equipment without jumping all the way to the pricier upper trims. It also keeps the simpler powertrain, which may appeal if you want the Crosstrek’s comfort and safety focus without paying for the bigger engine.
• Sport: This trim is the one to choose if you want the stronger 2.5-liter engine and a more distinctive cabin treatment. It suits you best if you want more power and a little more personality, though the review still describes acceleration as only adequate.
• Limited: This is the most fully equipped trim, with the 2.5-liter engine and the most complete safety and infotainment content. It is the right pick if you want the most features and are willing to pay for them.

For safety equipment, CVT-equipped models get the core EyeSight features, while the Limited adds more advanced driver-assistance features as standard and makes them 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 without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 32.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,710 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.50% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $20,488, 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 $20,708 sits slightly below last year's $21,684.

That decline suggests the market has become a bit more favorable for buyers, which can make it harder for a future seller to command a premium unless the vehicle is especially clean and well equipped. Even so, the Crosstrek’s broad appeal, standard all-wheel drive, and strong owner satisfaction help support demand. If you buy well and keep the car in good condition, you should still have a solid audience when it is time to sell.

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 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Subaru’s EyeSight system uses stereo cameras mounted behind the windshield and offers standard features comparable to those from other mainstream brands. For 2021, CVT-equipped models get standard adaptive cruise control with lane centering, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. 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.

The safety review also notes that EyeSight’s cameras can be blocked by the windshield wipers or washed out in direct sunlight, which can temporarily disable driver aids. On the plus side, the camera placement may help avoid expensive repair bills after a minor front-end incident.

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 77.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.50% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 model adds a new Sport trim, a 2.5-liter engine option, and an upgraded EyeSight system.

The bottom line: The 2021 Crosstrek is the better choice if you want the updated trim lineup and the stronger engine option while still keeping the model’s standard all-wheel-drive appeal. If you are especially price-sensitive, a nearby model year may be worth a look, but the 2021’s updates make it the more complete version of this generation.

How does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek compare to the 2021 Honda HR-V?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Subaru Crosstrek:

• Pros: Great ride quality, Standard advanced safety features, Standard all-wheel drive.
• Cons: Sluggish performance, Not much cargo space, Outdated technology.

2021 Honda HR-V:

• Pros: Fun to drive, Comfortable, Standard advanced safety features.
• Cons: Poor visibility, Outdated technology.

Our experts score the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek 7.8/10 and the 2021 Honda HR-V 6.8/10. The Crosstrek’s standard all-wheel drive and better ride quality make it the stronger pick if you want confidence in bad weather and a more settled driving experience. The HR-V has the edge in fuel economy and is described as fun to drive, but the Crosstrek’s stronger expert score and standard safety features give it the advantage overall. If cargo space matters most, neither model is a standout, so your choice comes down to whether you value the Crosstrek’s AWD and ride comfort or the HR-V’s efficiency and lower average used price.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.