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How big is a Subaru Crosstrek gas tank?

The Subaru Crosstrek, a popular compact crossover SUV, is known for its versatility and off-road capabilities. One key aspect of the Crosstrek's performance is its fuel tank capacity, which determines the vehicle's driving range and refueling needs. In this article, we'll dive into the details of the Subaru Crosstrek's gas tank size and explore how it compares to other models in its class.


Subaru Crosstrek Fuel Tank Capacity


The Subaru Crosstrek has a fuel tank capacity of 16.6 gallons or 62.8 liters. This tank size is consistent across all trim levels of the Crosstrek, including the base model, Premium, Sport, and Limited variants.


The Crosstrek's fuel tank capacity is on the larger side for a compact crossover SUV, providing drivers with a good balance of range and convenience. Many competitors in the same class, such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, have smaller fuel tanks, typically ranging from 14 to 15.3 gallons.p>

Factors Affecting Fuel Efficiency


While the Crosstrek's fuel tank capacity is an important consideration, it's also crucial to understand how other factors can impact the vehicle's overall fuel efficiency and driving range. Some key factors include:



  • Driving Conditions: Driving on highways, city streets, or off-road terrain can significantly affect fuel consumption.

  • Driving Style: Aggressive acceleration, high speeds, and frequent braking can decrease fuel efficiency.

  • Vehicle Load: Carrying heavy cargo or towing a trailer can reduce the Crosstrek's fuel economy.

  • Maintenance: Proper tire inflation, regular oil changes, and other maintenance tasks can help optimize fuel efficiency.


By considering these factors, Crosstrek owners can better understand how to maximize their vehicle's range and minimize the frequency of refueling stops.


Real-World Fuel Economy


According to EPA estimates, the Subaru Crosstrek achieves a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg (8.7 L/100km), with ratings of 28 mpg (8.4 L/100km) in the city and 34 mpg (6.9 L/100km) on the highway. However, actual fuel economy may vary depending on driving conditions and individual driving habits.


With a 16.6-gallon fuel tank and an average combined fuel economy of 27 mpg, the Subaru Crosstrek can potentially travel up to 448 miles or 720 kilometers on a full tank of gas. This range can be particularly useful for longer road trips or when venturing off the beaten path.

What year Crosstrek to stay away from?


Years to potentially avoid for the Subaru Crosstrek include the 2016 and 2018 models due to issues like drivetrain vibrations, infotainment problems, and oil consumption. The early years of the first generation, specifically 2013-2015, should also be approached with caution due to common issues like oil consumption and head gasket problems with the 2.5-liter engine. 
Years with more reported issues

  • 2016: Has been associated with drivetrain vibrations and faulty infotainment systems. 
  • 2018: This model year is known for excessive oil consumption, glitchy technology, and a serious safety concern regarding the rear wheels kicking out, causing fishtailing. 
  • 2013-2015: These early models, particularly with the 2.5L engine, are prone to head gasket problems and excessive oil consumption. The 2012 Impreza shared this generation and also had issues with its CVT and oil consumption. 

Other years to consider
  • 2017: Generally considered a safer bet with fewer reported issues and recalls. 
  • 2019: While some sources suggest avoiding it due to numerous recalls and a significant number of complaints related to the ECM software causing unexpected engine stalls, other owners have reported it as reliable. 
  • 2021: This model year has received positive marks for reliability. 
  • 2023: This year is often recommended as one of the better choices in the second generation. 



Why is Subaru discontinuing the Crosstrek?


Subaru is not discontinuing the Crosstrek model line entirely, but the Crosstrek Hybrid (PHEV) was discontinued in the U.S. due to slow sales and Subaru's strategic shift toward new hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) platforms that will be shared with Toyota. Subaru is still producing the standard Crosstrek and is developing new hybrid and EV models based on its new Global Platform, which will offer a new hybrid system for the Crosstrek in the future. The discontinuation of the manual transmission option was also driven by declining demand. 
This video discusses the reasons behind the discontinuation of the Crosstrek Hybrid and Subaru's future plans for electrification: 46sAlex PrestigiacomoYouTube · Jun 9, 2025

  • Hybrid model discontinued: The Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid was dropped after a short run in the U.S. because it only accounted for a small percentage of total sales. 
  • Strategic shift to new platforms: Subaru is focusing on developing new hybrid and EV models using its new Global Platform, which is designed to accommodate these powertrains. The company is working with Toyota on future EV platforms to improve profitability and innovation. 
  • Manual transmission phased out: The manual transmission option was discontinued due to declining sales, as a small percentage of buyers opted for it compared to automatic transmissions. 
  • Standard Crosstrek remains available: The gasoline-powered Crosstrek continues to be a popular and available model. 
  • Future hybrid return: Subaru has stated that it will launch a new hybrid Crosstrek in the future, likely with a new hybrid system and on the new Global Platform. 

This video explains the changes coming to the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek, including updates to the powertrain options: 55sAlex PrestigiacomoYouTube · Nov 4, 2024



How large is the Subaru Crosstrek gas tank?


The Subaru Crosstrek's gas tank size is 16.6 gallons for the non-hybrid models from recent years like 2024 and 2025. The hybrid version has a smaller, 13.2-gallon tank. 

  • Standard gasoline models: 16.6 gallons for recent years (e.g., 2024, 2025).
  • Hybrid models: 13.2 gallons.



What is the common problem of a Subaru Crosstrek?


Common Subaru Crosstrek problems include infotainment and electrical glitches (like screen freezes or connectivity issues), problems with the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) such as shuddering or delayed acceleration, and exterior issues like easily cracked windshields or fading paint. Some older models have specific issues, such as excessive oil consumption or engine problems. 
This video discusses common problems with the Subaru Crosstrek, including issues with the transmission, engine, and electrical systems: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · May 5, 2025
Infotainment and electrical problems

  • Glitches: The infotainment screen can freeze, become unresponsive, or reboot unexpectedly. 
  • Connectivity: Issues with Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay are frequently reported. 
  • Other electronic issues: Malfunctions in driver-assist functions, the backup camera, and key fobs have been noted. 
  • A/C system: Some owners report the A/C system intermittently failing to respond to settings. 

Transmission and engine concerns
  • CVT issues: Many owners report shuddering, hesitation, or a droning noise from the CVT. 
  • Engine noise: The engine can be loud during hard acceleration due to the CVT keeping RPMs high. 
  • Oil consumption: Older models, particularly from 2012–2015, have reported excessive oil consumption. 
  • Engine failure: Some older models experienced engine failure due to fractured valve springs, leading to recalls. 

Exterior and interior issues
  • Windshield cracking: Some models are susceptible to windshields cracking easily under minor stress. 
  • Paint and trim: Fading, peeling, or cracking paint and issues with exterior trim have been reported. 
  • Rust: Some owners have reported issues with rust. 
  • Interior rattles: Rattles from the A-pillars or behind the dashboard can occur. 

Other potential problems
  • Brakes: Some owners have reported issues with premature brake pad/rotor wear, pulsation, or other brake system components. 
  • Exhaust system: Problems with mufflers, catalytic converters, or exhaust pipes have been reported by some owners. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.