Verdict logo
My Garage
Buyer's Guide · Subaru Crosstrek · Subcompact crossover

Used Subaru Crosstrek Buyer's Guide

3 min read

Also worth reading: Subaru Reliability Guide, Best Used Subaru Models and Subaru Forester Buying Guide.

The Crosstrek is an Impreza with more ground clearance and roof rails. Cheap to own, capable in bad weather, and honest about being slow.

Analyze a Crosstrek Listing →
Quick Verdict
Overall verdict
4.1/5 · Very good
Reliability
4.1/5 · Very good
Best years
2018–2023 (2nd gen)
Years to research
2013–2017 (1st gen)
Maintenance cost
4.1/5 · Very good
Parts availability
4.3/5 · Very good
Ownership cost
4.3/5 · Very good

Bottom line: Yes.

Overall
★★★★★4.1/5
The 2018+ Crosstrek is the sweet spot — refined chassis, updated engine, mature CVT. Real-world fuel economy is genuinely good for an AWD vehicle.
Reliability
★★★★★4.1/5
Maintenance
★★★★★4.1/5
Parts availability
★★★★★4.3/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★4.3/5
Top Picks

Best Years to Buy

Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.

2018–2023 (2nd gen)

Updated FB20/FB25; refined chassis; excellent long-term outlook.

Side by side

Subaru Crosstrek ratings at a glance

CategoryRatingWhat it means
Overall4.1/5Very good
Reliability4.1/5Very good
Maintenance4.1/5Very good
Parts availability4.3/5Very good
Ownership cost4.3/5Very good
Do your homework

Years to Research Carefully

Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.

2013–2017 (1st gen)

Serviceable but early platform quirks; verify CVT service history.

Known issues

Common Problems

Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.

  • ✓
    CVT longevity without fluid service
  • ✓
    AWD driveline binding if tires are mismatched
  • ✓
    Wheel bearings on high-mileage examples
  • ✓
    Battery drain on some 2018+ examples

Looking at one right now?

Paste the Crosstrek listing and let Verdict analyze it in seconds:

  • Market value
  • Reliability
  • Known issues
  • Negotiation points
  • Final Buy Score
Analyze This Listing →
Ownership

Maintenance Expectations

Very low ownership cost for an AWD vehicle; parts and service are inexpensive.

CVT fluid every 60k is not optional.

Before you buy

Inspection Checklist

What to verify on any candidate car.

CVT
No shudder or slip; fluid history.
AWD
Tires matched; no binding.
Engine
Smooth idle; no unusual noises.
Suspension
Struts, sway-bar links at 100k+.
Rust
Rear arches on Northeast cars.
Living with it

Ownership Experience

  • • Slow but honest; genuinely capable in bad weather.
  • • Real-world 28–32 mpg highway.
  • • One of the cheapest AWD vehicles to own.
The Verdict

Should You Buy a Used Subaru Crosstrek?

Yes. The 2018+ is the safest pick; verify CVT fluid history on any candidate.

People Also Ask

Is the Subaru Crosstrek a good used car?

The 2018+ Crosstrek is the sweet spot — refined chassis, updated engine, mature CVT. Real-world fuel economy is genuinely good for an AWD vehicle.

How many miles will a Crosstrek last?

Slow but honest; genuinely capable in bad weather.

Is the Crosstrek expensive to maintain?

Very low ownership cost for an AWD vehicle; parts and service are inexpensive.

Which Crosstrek year should I buy?

2018–2023 (2nd gen) is the range we'd shop first. Updated FB20/FB25; refined chassis; excellent long-term outlook.

What are the most common Subaru Crosstrek problems?

The issues that come up most often are CVT longevity without fluid service, AWD driveline binding if tires are mismatched and wheel bearings on high-mileage examples. Each one is checkable during a pre-purchase inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How reliable is the Subaru Crosstrek?
Our scoring puts the Subaru Crosstrek at 4.1/5 for reliability. The 2018+ Crosstrek is the sweet spot — refined chassis, updated engine, mature CVT. Real-world fuel economy is genuinely good for an AWD vehicle.
Which Crosstrek years should I avoid?
2013–2017 (1st gen) deserve the most scrutiny — see the Years to Research section for the specific issues to check.
What are the best years for the Subaru Crosstrek?
2018–2023 (2nd gen) are the strongest years to target — Updated FB20/FB25; refined chassis; excellent long-term outlook.
How long does a Subaru Crosstrek last?
A well-maintained Crosstrek from the recommended years should comfortably reach 200,000 miles, with the strongest powertrains clearing 300,000+.
Is the Crosstrek expensive to maintain?
Very low ownership cost for an AWD vehicle; parts and service are inexpensive.
What should I inspect before buying a used Crosstrek?
Focus on: CVT, AWD, Engine, Suspension. Details for each are in the Inspection Checklist section.
What are the most common Crosstrek problems?
CVT longevity without fluid service; AWD driveline binding if tires are mismatched; Wheel bearings on high-mileage examples; Battery drain on some 2018+ examples
Is 150,000 miles too much for a Crosstrek?
Not on its own. A 150k-mile Crosstrek with documented service history is often a better buy than an 80k-mile example with no records — the Crosstrek's core mechanicals routinely run well past 200k.
Should I buy a used Subaru Crosstrek?
Yes. The 2018+ is the safest pick; verify CVT fluid history on any candidate.

You may also want to research

Ready to Find the Right One?

Paste any Marketplace, Craigslist, Cars.com, Facebook Marketplace, or dealer listing and receive a free AI buying report in seconds.

  • Buy Score
  • Market value
  • Reliability analysis
  • Common problems
  • Ownership timeline
  • Negotiation points
  • Inspection checklist
  • Final Verdict
Get My Free Buying Report →

No account required. Always free.

Related Subaru Crosstrek Guides