How to make a Subaru Crosstrek look better?

A few well-chosen upgrades can noticeably sharpen the Crosstrek’s appearance without sacrificing practicality. The right balance of wheels, lighting, finishes, and subtle styling cues can elevate its presence on city streets and forest roads alike.

The Crosstrek already stands out with its rugged silhouette and standard all‑wheel drive. To enhance its look, focus on cohesive choices that reflect your preferred vibe—rugged, sporty, or refined—while staying within your budget and avoiding changes that harm ride quality or resale value. This guide outlines practical, up-to-date options from reputable aftermarket sources and factory-compatible accessories.

Exterior styling upgrades

Here's a quick guide to exterior upgrades that boost curb appeal while staying practical and reversible.

• Wheels and tires: Upgrading to 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels with a slightly broader, lower-profile tire can sharpen the Crosstrek’s stance. Ensure the chosen sizes clear the brakes and suspension, and keep a comfortable ride. Popular choices include reputable brands such as Enkei, OZ Racing, and BBS, with a focus on correct offset to prevent rubbing.


• Grille and lighting: A gloss black or body-color grille insert can modernize the front fascia. Upgrading to brighter, more efficient LED headlights and fog lights (where not already standard) improves visibility and gives the face a contemporary look. Always verify beam patterns comply with local laws and won’t blind oncoming drivers.


• Body accents and protection: Add subtle rocker panels, fender flares, or a rear diffuser for a more rugged profile. Consider vinyl wraps or color-matched accents to highlight lines without overwhelming the design. Paint protection film on high‑impact areas helps maintain a pristine finish.


• Roof rack and cargo solutions: A slim roof rack with color-matched crossbars adds utility and visual balance to the higher ride height. If you carry gear regularly, a roof-mounted cargo box or specialized racks (bikes, kayaks) can be both practical and stylish.


• Window tint and trim: Tinted windows sharpen the silhouette and add privacy; check local regulations for allowed darkness. Color-matched mirror caps and trim can create a cohesive, modern look when paired with other upgrades.


• Badging and branding choices: Removing or recoloring badges can yield a cleaner, more contemporary outline. Monochrome emblems or debadging are popular for a minimalist aesthetic that doesn’t scream aftermarket.


• Paint protection and finishes: A quality ceramic coating or paint protection film (PPF) on the hood, bumper, and fenders keeps colors deep and helps resist chips from road debris. Regular washing and timely top-ups of sealants preserve gloss and depth.

Upgrading these exterior elements creates a cohesive, contemporary appearance while preserving the Crosstrek’s practical character. Start with a single, cohesive look and expand gradually to avoid overdoing it.

Interior and cabin upgrades

Inside the cabin, you can refine comfort, materials, and tech without sacrificing practicality or resale value.

• Seat coverings and materials: Durable, comfortable seat covers or upgraded upholstery add a refreshed feel. Choose materials that stand up to weather and wear, and select colors that complement the exterior theme. If your trim has heated seats, ensure any aftermarket upholstery accommodates this feature where possible.


• Trim and surfaces: Refresh the center stack, door panels, and dash with a tasteful vinyl wrap or carefully chosen trim accents. Satin or piano black finishes are common, but matte alternatives can reduce glare and fingerprints while enhancing perceived quality.


• Floor mats and cargo organization: All‑weather floor mats and cargo organizers keep the cabin tidy and protect carpets from dirt and moisture. This subtle upgrade supports longer-term resale value.


• Infotainment and connectivity: If your model supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keep software up to date and consider a ready-to-go upgrade path for wireless CarPlay if you’d like a completely wireless experience. For older trims, aftermarket head units can restore or enhance modern connectivity while preserving steering-wheel controls.


• Ambient lighting and details: Low-profile ambient lighting, upgraded interior LEDs, and refined pedal accents can add a touch of sophistication without distracting from driving focus.

Interior upgrades focus on comfort and usability while keeping the Crosstrek’s rugged character intact. Make sure the choices fit your model year and trim to avoid fitment or safety issues.

Practical considerations and planning

Before you begin, weigh budget, warranty considerations, and legality. A thoughtful plan helps preserve reliability and value while letting you enjoy the enhanced look.

Consult your local dealer or trusted installers about compatibility with your specific Crosstrek year and trim, especially for technology and safety features. Consider reversible options first, so you can revert if needed. Keep receipts and document installations for future resale and warranty clarity.

Summary

To elevate a Subaru Crosstrek’s appearance, pursue a cohesive, purposeful package that aligns with your lifestyle. Start with a strong foundation—quality wheels and tires, updated lighting, and protective finishes—then layer in interior touches that improve comfort and functionality. Always prioritize compatibility, reversible options, and reputable brands, and stay mindful of local laws and warranty implications. With a measured approach, your Crosstrek can look sharper while retaining its practical charm.

What year to stay away from a Subaru Crosstrek?

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. 

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. 

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 best year of a Subaru Crosstrek to buy?

The best Subaru Crosstrek years are generally considered to be 2017 for the first generation, and 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 for the second generation, due to strong reliability and customer satisfaction ratings. These model years represent the final year of the first generation and later years of the second generation, which often have more kinks worked out after an initial redesign. The 2020 model is frequently cited as one of the best due to minimal customer-reported issues and zero recalls for the non-hybrid version.
 
This video discusses the best and worst model years for the Subaru Crosstrek: 1mVehicle FreakYouTube · Sep 25, 2023
First Generation (2013-2017) 

• 2017 Best year: is often highlighted as the best year for this generation, with high reliability and customer satisfaction scores.
• Considerations: The 2015 model year is also a strong contender, as it received several updates and added the EyeSight driver-assist system on certain trims. 

Second Generation (2018-2023)

• 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 Best years: are strong choices as they are a few years into the generation, which means any initial bugs were likely worked out.
• 2020: This year stands out with very few reported issues and no recalls for the gasoline model, according to CarBuzz. 
• 2021 and later: These models gained a more powerful 2.5L engine option on higher trims without a significant penalty to fuel economy. 

Years to approach with caution

• The first model year after a redesign often has the most owner complaints, so you may want to avoid the 2013 and 2018 models. 

You can watch this video to learn about Subaru Crosstrek model years that mechanics may refuse to work on: 56sTHE CARS GURUYouTube · Oct 22, 2025