Does a Subaru Crosstrek have a CVT transmission?

The Crosstrek uses a CVT—Subaru’s Lineartronic transmission—across its current lineup; there is no manual gearbox option in U.S. models.

In practice, this means every Crosstrek you buy today is equipped with a continuously variable transmission designed to optimize efficiency and smooth acceleration. The CVT is typically paired with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and is paired with the two standard engine options offered in recent years. Below is a detailed look at how it works, what engines it supports, and what to expect from the drivetrain.

How the Crosstrek uses a CVT

Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT uses a belt-and-pulley design to provide a seamless range of gear ratios rather than fixed steps. This helps optimize fuel economy and keeps engine revs in their efficient band while accelerating smoothly. Some trims offer a Sport mode with simulated gear steps to mimic shifting feel, and the transmission is typically controlled from the driver with standard D and S modes and occasional +/- selectors for manual-like control.

Before looking at specifics, note that the Crosstrek’s CVT is the sole automatic transmission option in recent model years, with no traditional automatic or manual gearbox offered in the U.S. market. The following list highlights core features you’ll encounter with this setup.

Key characteristics of the Crosstrek’s CVT

• Continuous belt-and-pulley gearing provides an uninterrupted range of ratios for smooth acceleration and improved efficiency.


• Simulated gear steps and a Sport mode give a more engaging feel without traditional gears.


• Integrated with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction in varied conditions.

Concluding what this means for drivers: the Crosstrek’s CVT emphasizes efficiency and smooth power delivery, with optional sport-like controls for a more responsive feel, but it does not offer a conventional automatic or a manual gearbox.

Engine options that pair with the CVT

The CVT is offered with two main engine options in recent Crosstrek generations, with both configurations using the same transmission system.

• 2.0-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine (FA/FB family): paired with the Lineartronic CVT, producing about 152 horsepower and around 145 lb-ft of torque in earlier designs.


• 2.4-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine (FA24): introduced in newer model years, delivering roughly 182 horsepower and about 178 lb-ft of torque, still mated to the CVT.

In practice, buyers can expect the 2.0L base engine to deliver solid daily performance with excellent fuel economy, while the 2.4L upgrade offers noticeably more power for highway merging and uphill climbs, all while remaining paired to the same CVT system.

Model-year notes

Across recent model years, Subaru has maintained the CVT as the standard transmission for the Crosstrek, with the later introduction of the 2.4-liter engine option expanding the power band without changing the transmission itself. No Crosstrek model year has offered a traditional manual transmission in the U.S., and all trims with automatic transmission use Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT with Sport/shift-like modes for driver engagement.

Summary

In short: yes, the Subaru Crosstrek uses a CVT transmission—the Lineartronic CVT—across its current lineup, paired with either a 2.0L or a 2.4L engine. There is no manual transmission option, and the CVT is designed to balance efficiency with smooth, confident acceleration, enhanced by Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system. If you value fuel economy and seamless power delivery, the Crosstrek’s transmission is well suited to the vehicle’s character; if you specifically want a traditional stepped automatic or manual, you may want to consider other models.

Do all Subaru Crosstreks have a CVT transmission?

No, not all Crosstreks have a CVT, as some base models historically offered a 6-speed manual transmission, though the CVT is standard on most trims and becomes standard on all models for recent model years. For example, the 2021 Crosstrek offered a manual on its base and premium trims, but the CVT was standard on other models and has become standard on all trims in later years like the 2023 model. 

• Manual Transmission: For some model years, manual transmissions were available on the base and premium trims. 
• CVT Transmission: The Lineartronic CVT is standard on most models, and has been the standard option for all models in recent years. 
• Engine and Transmission: The availability of a manual transmission is tied to the engine, with the 2.5-liter engine only available with the CVT on higher trims. 

Is the Subaru Crosstrek CVT transmission reliable?

The Subaru Crosstrek's CVT is generally considered reliable, especially newer models, though earlier versions had some reported issues, primarily related to valve body solenoids. Reliability is strongly tied to proper maintenance, such as following service intervals, as improper fluid changes can cause problems. To maximize longevity, it's recommended to follow the service schedule and avoid excessive strain like towing beyond capacity. 
What to know about Subaru Crosstrek CVT reliability
This video explains the importance of servicing your Subaru CVT and the potential consequences of not doing so: 57sAB Hadley Inc.YouTube · Mar 24, 2024

• Past issues: Some older Subaru CVTs, particularly from a specific time span, experienced problems like torque converter lockup issues or shuddering. 
• Modern improvements: Subaru has updated its CVT technology and software over time, and newer models are noted as being very reliable. 
• Valve body concerns: A common failure point for some earlier models is the valve body, which can be expensive to replace. This is often linked to solenoid failures within the valve body. 
• Towing and strain: Overly aggressive driving or towing beyond the vehicle's capacity can accelerate wear and tear on the CVT. 
• Maintenance is key: Proper and regular maintenance is crucial for long-term reliability. 
• Fluid changes: While Subaru sometimes refers to the fluid as "lifetime," many experts recommend changing the CVT fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles to ensure longevity, especially for models used for towing. 
• Warranty coverage: Subaru has provided extended warranty coverage for some CVT issues, sometimes up to 150,000 miles, which can cover the cost of valve body replacements. 
• What to watch for: Signs of potential problems include delayed acceleration, shuddering, or a high-pitched whining sound. 

This video discusses the common failure points of Subaru CVTs and the associated costs: 57sKurt of TradesYouTube · Jul 12, 2022

Which Subaru doesn't have CVT transmission?

The main Subaru model without a CVT is the BRZ, which offers either a manual or a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru also produced some older models with traditional automatic transmissions, such as the 6-cylinder models of the Outback and Legacy up to the 2014 model year, and some WRX and Impreza trims are available with a manual transmission. 
Models available with manual or non-CVT automatic transmissions 

• Subaru BRZ: This is the primary model currently offered with a traditional automatic or manual transmission instead of a CVT. 
• WRX: This performance model is available with a manual transmission. 
• Impreza: Some models, particularly those with manual transmissions, may not use a CVT. 

Older models with non-CVT transmissions

• Outback/Legacy (3.6R models): From the 2010-2014 model years, these models had a traditional 5-speed automatic transmission before switching to a CVT for 2015. 
• Older models: Older Subaru models, like the Justy, were available with a CVT in the late 80s and 90s, but other transmissions were also available. 

Why Subaru primarily uses CVTs

• Fuel efficiency: CVTs help Subaru meet its fuel economy and emissions goals. 
• Cost-effectiveness: The CVT is a feasible option for Subaru to produce and develop cost-effectively. 
• Simplicity: CVTs have a simpler design with fewer large moving parts. 

This video explains the issues with Subaru CVT transmissions and which models might have problems: 48sTHE CARS GURUYouTube · Jul 24, 2025

What years did Subaru have CVT transmission problems?

Subaru had significant CVT transmission problems primarily in models from the 2010 to 2015 range, particularly the first-generation Lineartronic CVT. Specific issues included torque converter clutch failures and other problems like chain slip, affecting models like the Outback, Legacy, Forester, Impreza, and Crosstrek during these years. Subaru extended the warranty for many 2010-2015 vehicles to address these early reliability issues. 
Years and models with significant CVT problems

• Outback & Legacy: 2010–2015
• Impreza: 2012–2015
• Crosstrek: 2013–2015
• Forester: 2014–2015 (with 2.5L engine); some 2014–2018 models with FB25 engine
• WRX: 2015 (2.0L engine) 

This video explains common problems with Subaru CVTs, including torque converter and valve body issues: 47sTHE CARS GURUYouTube · Jul 24, 2025
Common problems

• Torque converter clutch failure: This was a major issue in early models (around 2010–2013), causing the car to stall when stopping. The torque converter was redesigned to fix this. 
• Chain slip: This occurred in some early models, often during highway cruising. 
• Valve body and solenoid issues: These problems have been reported in various model years. 
• Oil pump chain leaks: This became an issue in later models. 

What to know

• Extended warranty: Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles for many 2010–2015 vehicles due to these early problems. 
• Redesigned transmissions: Newer models (especially after 2015) generally feature improved CVTs, but some issues can still arise. 
• Maintenance is key: Proper and timely maintenance, including fluid changes, is crucial to help prevent issues.