Does the Subaru Crosstrek have good ground clearance?

Yes. The Crosstrek offers roughly 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is solid for a compact crossover and provides adequate capability in light off-road and snowy conditions.

Ground clearance is a practical measure that influences how easily the vehicle clears rocks, snow, and uneven pavement, as well as how steep a ramp it can tackle. This article explains what that means for Crosstrek drivers, how it compares with rivals, and how Subaru’s design features support on-road comfort and off-road versatility across trim levels.

Ground Clearance: The Numbers that Matter

Here are the key metrics that shape the Crosstrek's capability in real-world conditions. Where exact numbers vary by model year and trim, the figures below reflect the current generation’s typical specs.

• Ground clearance: 8.7 inches (approximately 22 cm).


• Approach angle: typically in the high-teens of degrees (around 18–19°).


• Departure angle: typically around 30° or a bit more (low-to-mid 30s degrees).


• Underbody protection and AWD hardware: standard or available, helps protect critical components when traversing rough surfaces and improves on-road confidence.

These numbers translate to better capability than many non-SUV hatchbacks and some competing compact crossovers, while not matching the best off-roaders with large body-on-frame frames or aggressive tires.

How the Crosstrek Keeps Its Ground (Features and Trim Variations)

The Crosstrek’s ground clearance is complemented by Subaru’s symmetric AWD system and practical features that help on rough roads, snow, and light trails. Several elements influence real-world performance across trims:

• X-Mode with Hill Descent Control: available on some trims to help maintain traction on slippery descents.


• Standard all-wheel drive: improves grip vs. front-drive rivals in adverse conditions.


• Suspension tuning and tire selection: lower trims may come with different tire options, affecting ride height perception and grip.


• Skid plates and underbody protection: more prominent on higher trims and with certain packages, aiding protection during off-road driving.

In practical terms, the Crosstrek is well-suited to light off-roading, driving in snow, dirt roads, and gravel, while keeping a comfortable daily ride on paved roads. It’s not designed as a hardcore mountain climber, but its ground clearance is a meaningful advantage in its class.

Comparative Perspective: How It Stacks Up to Rivals

Within the compact crossover segment, an 8.7-inch clearance places the Crosstrek near the higher end for practicality. Competing models like the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, and Mazda CX-30 typically fall in the 6.5–8.2 inch range, depending on year and trim. The Subaru’s AWD + ground clearance combination often makes it a preferred choice for buyers prioritizing winter weather capability and light trail use.

However, some rivals offer stiffer off-road packages or more rugged body protection, which can narrow the difference for buyers with more demanding needs.

Summary

In short, yes — the Subaru Crosstrek provides good ground clearance for its class, clocking in around 8.7 inches and supported by Subaru’s capable AWD system and available off-road features. It makes light off-roading and winter driving practical without sacrificing everyday comfort. For buyers seeking more extreme off-road angles or ground clearance, a larger SUV or dedicated off-roader may be a better match. If 8.7 inches is in your comfort zone, the Crosstrek offers a balanced blend of capability and civility.

Note: Figures can vary slightly by model year and trim. Always verify the exact spec for the specific vehicle you’re considering.

Summary: The Crosstrek’s ground clearance is competitive for its segment, offering a practical balance of capability and everyday usability, especially when paired with its standard AWD and available off-road features.

Is Crosstrek ground clearance good for off-roading?

9.3 inches of ground clearance – ideal for Utah's rutted trails and rocky climbs.

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. 

Which Subaru Crosstrek has the highest ground clearance?

Wilderness ground clearance. The Crosstrek Sport sits 8.7 inches off the road, but the Wilderness adds height for increased off-road capability, sitting at 9.3 inches off the ground.

Which Subaru has the best ground clearance?

The Subaru with the highest ground clearance is the Outback Wilderness, with 9.5 inches. This is significantly higher than other models like the standard Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and Ascent, which have 8.7 inches of clearance. The Outback Wilderness is designed for off-road performance with features like all-terrain tires and enhanced suspension.
 

• Outback Wilderness: 9.5 inches
• Crosstrek Wilderness: 9.3 inches
• Forester Wilderness: 9.2 inches
• Standard models (Outback, Crosstrek, Forester, Ascent): 8.7 inches