Does the Crosstrek have enough power?
For most buyers, yes—the Crosstrek delivers adequate everyday power for city commuting, highway merging, and light hauling. If you crave brisk acceleration or frequent high-speed overtaking, you’ll want to adjust expectations or consider alternative powertrains within Subaru’s lineup or other compact crossovers.
Powertrain options and official figures
The Crosstrek lineup centers on two main configurations: a base 2.0-liter engine and a Hybrid variant that adds electric motors for improved responsiveness and efficiency. Here are the core numbers you’ll want to know as of 2025.
- Base Crosstrek (2.0-liter flat-four): about 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. EPA fuel economy typically lands around 28 mpg city / 33 mpg highway, depending on trim and tires. In most tests, 0-60 mph times fall in the roughly 9.0–9.5 second range.
- Crosstrek Hybrid: combines the 2.0-liter engine with electric motors for a total system output in the mid-140s horsepower with added electric torque for smoother takeoffs and better overall efficiency. Real-world efficiency often improves city driving, and 0-60 times are generally in the high 8- to low 9-second range depending on conditions.
- Notes on power availability: There is no turbocharged Crosstrek in the current lineup; all trims rely on either the non-turbo gas engine or the hybrid powertrain, with standard AWD across the range.
In summary: The official figures reflect a compact crossover tuned for practicality and efficiency rather than pure performance, with the Hybrid offering a modest boost in responsiveness and economy.
Real-world performance and daily driving
Numbers matter, but how the Crosstrek feels on the road matters most to daily drivers. Here’s how it tends to perform in common scenarios.
- City commuting and merging: The 152-hp base engine is generally adequate for urban moves, but steep hills or carrying a full load can require planning and a light touch on the throttle. The Hybrid’s extra assist can feel more decisive off the line in some conditions.
- Highway cruising and passing: Expect modest acceleration when overtaking; the CVT helps keep the engine in a useful rpm band, but there’s no dramatic sprint when you need to pass quickly. The Hybrid can offer a smoother, quicker response in some circumstances due to electric assist.
- Off-road and incline climbing: Power is respectable for light off-road use and mild grades, aided by standard all-wheel drive. For serious hill climbs or heavy loads, you’ll still want to anticipate longer acceleration periods compared with larger or more powerful rivals.
Conclusion: For most daily drivers, the Crosstrek offers sufficient power, especially in the Hybrid variant which adds smoother response and better city efficiency. It isn’t a performance-focused vehicle, so buyers prioritizing speed should temper expectations or explore alternatives with higher horsepower.
Practical considerations beyond horsepower
Power is only part of the picture. Other factors influence how capable the Crosstrek feels in real-world use.
- Towing and payload: The Crosstrek tops out around 1,500 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped, making it suitable for small trailers or light camping gear but not for heavy hauls.
- Fuel economy: The gas-only 2.0-liter model is competitive within its class, and the Hybrid variant typically improves overall efficiency, particularly in city driving where electric assist is advantageous.
- Driving feel and transmission: A CVT is standard across the lineup, which can feel less urgent than a traditional automatic when you push the accelerator hard. Sport or mode selections can help, but the trade-off is efficiency and refinement rather than outright sportiness.
Bottom line: If you value a balance of capability, efficiency, and everyday usefulness, the Crosstrek’s power delivery generally satisfies the average driver. If you require more reserve power for frequent high-speed driving or towing, you may want to compare with models offering more horsepower or torque.
Summary
The Crosstrek provides enough power for typical daily driving, with the Hybrid variant offering a noticeable improvement in response and efficiency. It remains a practical, all-wheel-drive compact crossover rather than a performance-focused vehicle. For most buyers, it strikes a solid balance between affordability, fuel economy, and capability; for those seeking brisk acceleration or heavy towing, exploring alternatives in Subaru’s lineup or competitors with higher horsepower may be worthwhile.
