How high does a Subaru Crosstrek sit off the ground?
Around 8.7 inches (22 cm) of ground clearance.
In practical terms, ground clearance describes the distance from the road surface to the lowest point of the vehicle’s underbody. For the Subaru Crosstrek, the official figure is roughly 8.7 inches, a height that has remained consistent across recent generations. That height is designed to handle light off-road conditions and rough pavement while preserving on-road comfort. Individual experiences can vary slightly with wheel-and-tire choices or added accessories, but the standardized measurement stays around 8.7 inches.
Current figure and what it means
The Crosstrek’s official ground clearance is 8.7 inches (22 cm). This figure has been stable across model years and trims, giving the compact crossover a notable advantage in its class for navigating uneven surfaces without excessive scraping.
Clearance by era and trim
To provide a quick reference, here is the broad consensus for the Crosstrek's ground clearance in recent generations.
- 2013–present Subaru Crosstrek: 8.7 inches (22 cm) ground clearance across most trims.
Conclusion: The Crosstrek has maintained its 8.7-inch clearance for years, underscoring Subaru’s emphasis on usable off-road capability within a compact package.
Practical implications
Having a higher ground clearance affects driving in several everyday and rough-road scenarios. Here are the main takeaways for potential buyers and current owners.
- Light off-road capability: The 8.7-inch clearance helps with gravel roads, ruts, and minor obstacles without scraping the undercarriage.
- Urban practicality: Higher clearance reduces the risk of scraping on speed bumps and steep driveways compared with lower crossovers.
- Competitor comparison: Among popular compact crossovers, the Crosstrek sits higher than many rivals, contributing to its reputation for rough-road tolerance.
In practice, the 8.7-inch ground clearance is a key selling point for drivers who want versatility without stepping up to a larger, less efficient vehicle.
Summary
The Subaru Crosstrek sits about 8.7 inches (22 cm) off the ground, a constant figure across recent generations. This height provides a balanced blend of on-road comfort and light off-road capability, helping the Crosstrek stand out in the compact crossover segment.
What is the ride height of the Crosstrek?
The Subaru Crosstrek's ride height varies by model, with standard models having a ground clearance of 8.7 inches and a total height of about 62.8 to 63.0 inches. The Crosstrek Wilderness trim has a higher ground clearance of 9.3 inches and a total height of approximately 63.6 inches.
| Feature | Standard Models | Wilderness Model |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches | 9.3 inches |
| Total Height | 62.8 – 63.0 inches | 63.6 inches |
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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
What is the clearance on the Crosstrek?
On the Subaru Crosstrek, the ground clearance is 8.7 inches. On the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, the ground clearance is 9.3 inches.
How high does the Crosstrek sit off the ground?
The Subaru Crosstrek has 8.7 inches of ground clearance on most trims, while the off-road-focused Wilderness trim offers 9.3 inches. The higher ground clearance on the Wilderness model allows for greater capability on rough or uneven terrain.
This video compares the ground clearance of the Subaru Crosstrek to other Subaru models: 55sAlex PrestigiacomoYouTube · Jun 9, 2025
- Standard Trims: 8.7 inches of ground clearance on models like the Base, Sport, and Limited.
- Wilderness Trim: 9.3 inches of ground clearance, achieved through a raised suspension, making it better suited for off-road adventures.
