Are Subaru Crosstreks good on gas?

Official mileage and engine options

This section summarizes the two engines offered in recent Crosstrek generations and the EPA fuel economy estimates you’re likely to see on window stickers.

• 2.0-liter BOXER engine with CVT (most current trims): EPA estimates around 28 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 30 mpg combined. A manual transmission was available in earlier years but is rare on current models.


• 2.5-liter BOXER engine (available on newer Crosstreks, starting around model year 2024): EPA estimates roughly 27 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 29–30 mpg combined, depending on drivetrain and year.

Regardless of engine choice, all Crosstreks come standard with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive, which adds weight and can reduce efficiency slightly versus front-wheel-drive rivals. The 2.0-liter CVT configuration typically offers the best overall fuel economy in daily driving, while the 2.5-liter offers stronger acceleration at the cost of some mpg.

Real-world mpg and driving conditions

Actual fuel economy varies widely based on how you drive and where you drive. Here are typical patterns reported by owners and reviewers.

• Highway driving with a light load and steady speeds often yields about 32–34 mpg for 2.0L CVT Crosstreks; in crowded urban driving, many see the mid-20s to low-30s depending on traffic and hilliness.


• 2.5-liter Crosstreks tend to deliver slightly lower city mpg but competitive highway mpg, with owners commonly reporting the mid-20s in city and low- to mid-30s on interstates when not taxed by winter conditions or heavy cargo.


• Rollover effects: roof racks, cargo, and aggressive acceleration can reduce mpg by several mpg. All-wheel drive and cold-weather operation can also reduce efficiency.

In practice, most Crosstrek owners find the vehicle reasonably efficient for an all-wheel-drive compact SUV, with the 2.0L CVT model offering the most consistent mpg across a mix of city and highway driving.

Tips to maximize fuel efficiency

Even small changes can improve your Crosstrek’s mpg. Here are practical steps owners can take.

• Maintain tires at the recommended pressure; underinflated tires hurt mpg and handling.


• Use cruise control on highways and drive with a light foot in city driving.


• Keep up with routine maintenance, especially air filters and spark plugs, which affect efficiency.


• Limit roof rack use and heavy cargo when not needed to reduce aerodynamic drag and weight.

Adopting these habits can help Crosstrek owners push toward the higher end of the EPA estimates in real-world conditions.

Summary

The Subaru Crosstrek is generally regarded as good on gas for its class, particularly with the 2.0-liter engine and CVT in current configurations. Expect around 30 mpg combined with the 2.0L, while the 2.5L engine returns more power at the cost of some efficiency. Real-world mpg depends on driving conditions, terrain, and load, but with mindful driving and regular maintenance, Crosstreks deliver respectable fuel economy for an all-wheel-drive compact SUV.

Which is better, the Toyota RAV4 or the Subaru Crosstrek?

The better SUV depends on your priorities: choose the Toyota RAV4 for more power, greater interior and cargo space, and a strong reputation for reliability. The Subaru Crosstrek is the better choice for standard all-wheel drive, off-road capability, a lower starting price, and a more modern interior design. 
This video compares the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Crosstrek to help you decide which one is right for you: 59sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Jan 12, 2025
Toyota RAV4

• Performance: Offers a more powerful engine with quicker acceleration and slightly better fuel economy, especially in the hybrid model. 
• Space: Provides more interior space for passengers and a significantly larger cargo area. 
• Reliability: Has a stronger reputation for long-term reliability. 

Subaru Crosstrek

• Standard AWD: Comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, while the RAV4 requires a higher trim for AWD. 
• Off-road capability: Features higher ground clearance and standard off-road features like X-MODE and a higher ride height, making it better for trails and rough terrain. 
• Value: Has a lower starting price, which can be more budget-friendly. 
• Interior: Features a more modern design with a large vertical touchscreen, though the materials may feel less premium than the RAV4. 

Which Subaru is best on gas?

The most fuel-efficient Subaru models are the Legacy and Impreza, with the Forester Hybrid leading overall if you include hybrid options. The Legacy sedan gets an EPA-estimated 27 MPG city/35 MPG highway, while the Impreza hatchback achieves 27 MPG city/34 MPG highway. For a hybrid option, the Crosstrek Hybrid offers a much higher fuel efficiency, rated up to 90 MPGe.
 

Model	City MPG	Highway MPG
2025 Legacy (2.5L engine)	27	35
2025 Impreza (2.0L engine)	27	34
2025 Forester Hybrid	35	34
Crosstrek Hybrid	90 MPGe (combined)	90 MPGe (combined)

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Gas-only models

• Subaru Legacy: With the base 2.5-liter engine, the Legacy sedan offers an EPA-estimated 27 MPG city and 35 MPG highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient gas-only options. 
• Subaru Impreza: The Impreza hatchback is a strong contender with an estimated 27 MPG city and 34 MPG highway. 
• Subaru Forester: This compact SUV gets an estimated 26 MPG city and 33 MPG highway with its base engine, which is very efficient for its class. 

Hybrid model

• Crosstrek Hybrid: This is Subaru's most fuel-efficient vehicle, combining gas and electric power for an estimated 90 MPGe. This is a significant advantage for city driving and offers substantial fuel savings. 

What affects your mileage

• Engine and transmission: Turbocharged engines and manual transmissions generally have lower MPG ratings compared to their base counterparts. 
• Driving habits: Your driving habits, like speed and acceleration, will impact the actual gas mileage you get. 
• Tires: Tires and all-terrain features can negatively affect fuel economy due to increased rolling resistance and compromised aerodynamics. 

Are crosstreks good on gas?

While most Crosstreks average between 27 to 34 miles per gallon, actual results vary depending on traffic, elevation changes, and seasonal weather.

What are the downsides of a Subaru Crosstrek?

Downsides of the Subaru Crosstrek include poor acceleration in the base engine, potential issues with the CVT and electrical systems, and a lack of cabin sound insulation. Other concerns involve easily chipped paint, fragile windshields, and limited cargo and interior space compared to larger vehicles.
 
Performance and mechanical issues

• Underpowered engine: The base 2.0-liter engine can feel sluggish, especially when merging or passing on highways. 
• CVT concerns: Some owners have reported premature wear, shuddering, or delayed acceleration from the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). 
• Excessive oil consumption: Older models have been noted for excessive oil consumption, requiring more frequent top-offs. 
• Steering and handling: Some earlier models have been criticized for handling issues, including fishtailing or pulling to one side. 

Electrical and technology problems 

• Infotainment glitches: Issues such as slow response times, screen freezing, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and unresponsiveness have been reported.
• Electrical malfunctions: Some models have experienced electrical problems with instrument panels affecting driver-assist features or infotainment systems. 

Body and interior complaints

• Poor sound insulation: The cabin is not well-insulated, leading to significant road, wind, and engine noise at various speeds. 
• Fragile paint and windshields: The paint can easily chip, and the windshields are prone to cracking from minor impacts. 
• Limited space: As a subcompact SUV, the cargo and interior space can feel cramped for families or those with a lot of gear. 

Other potential downsides

• High replacement costs: Issues like a cracked windshield with the EyeSight system require expensive recalibration upon replacement. 
• Overly sensitive driver-assist features: Some owners find the driver-assistance systems to be overly sensitive and disable them.