Home FAQ

Is a Crosstrek a sedan or SUV?

The Crosstrek is an SUV — specifically a compact crossover SUV from Subaru. It is not a sedan.

Overview

In practice, the Crosstrek blends wagon-like practicality with SUV styling, featuring a raised ride height, versatile cargo space, and available all-wheel drive. These traits place it in the crossover SUV category rather than the sedan category.

Classification and design cues

The crossovers category versus sedan definitions hinge on body style, drivetrain and market positioning. Sedans are typically low, trunk-based passenger cars, while crossovers sit higher with hatch-like rear access and all-wheel drive options. The Crosstrek fits the crossover SUV category because of its body style and drivetrain choices.

Here are the key characteristics that distinguish the Crosstrek from traditional sedans and reinforce its SUV/crossover identity.

Body style and access: five-door hatch with a taller, wagon-like silhouette, rather than a conventional trunk.

Ride height and clearance: notably higher ground clearance, improving visibility and light off-road capability.

Drivetrain: disponibili all-wheel drive is standard or widely available, aligning with SUV/crossover expectations.

Practical space: more versatile cargo area with rear seats that fold flat for sizable load space, unlike a typical sedan trunk.

Market positioning: marketed as a compact crossover SUV within Subaru’s lineup, appealing to buyers seeking utility with efficiency.

In summary, the Crosstrek is categorized as a compact crossover SUV. Its shape, drivetrain and practical design point decisively away from a traditional sedan.

Additional context

Crossover vs sedan: quick distinctions

For readers weighing vehicle types, crossovers like the Crosstrek are built on a car-based platform with higher ride height and a rear hatch for easy cargo access, whereas sedans sit lower with a separate trunk. The Crosstrek’s all-wheel drive availability and hatchback design are key indicators of its crossover/SUV classification.

Summary

The Crosstrek is not a sedan. It’s a compact crossover SUV with a hatch-style rear door, increased ground clearance, and available all-wheel drive, offering SUV practicality in a smaller footprint.

Is a Crosstrek a SUV or sedan?

A Crosstrek is a subcompact SUV or crossover. It is not a sedan, though it shares some characteristics with a car like the Subaru Impreza, which is a compact car or wagon, but it is a lifted version of the Impreza with a higher ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive to give it SUV-like capabilities.

SUV classification: The Crosstrek is officially classified as a compact crossover SUV by manufacturers and automotive review sites.
Sedan vs. crossover: It differs from a traditional sedan because it has a higher ride height, all-wheel drive, and a more rugged design for light off-road use.
Wagon roots: Some people refer to it as a "sport wagon" or "hatchback wagon" because its design is based on the Subaru Impreza, a compact car, but it is a taller, more capable version.
Versatility: The Crosstrek is designed to offer a blend of car-like comfort and fuel efficiency with the all-terrain capability of an SUV.

Which is better, the Toyota RAV4 or the Subaru Crosstrek?

The better SUV depends on your priorities: choose the Toyota RAV4 for more power, greater interior and cargo space, and a strong reputation for reliability. The Subaru Crosstrek is the better choice for standard all-wheel drive, off-road capability, a lower starting price, and a more modern interior design.
This video compares the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Crosstrek to help you decide which one is right for you: 59sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Jan 12, 2025
Toyota RAV4

Performance: Offers a more powerful engine with quicker acceleration and slightly better fuel economy, especially in the hybrid model.
Space: Provides more interior space for passengers and a significantly larger cargo area.
Reliability: Has a stronger reputation for long-term reliability.

Subaru Crosstrek

Standard AWD: Comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, while the RAV4 requires a higher trim for AWD.
Off-road capability: Features higher ground clearance and standard off-road features like X-MODE and a higher ride height, making it better for trails and rough terrain.
Value: Has a lower starting price, which can be more budget-friendly.
Interior: Features a more modern design with a large vertical touchscreen, though the materials may feel less premium than the RAV4.

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 a Crosstrek classified as?

The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover SUV. It is designed as an agile and versatile vehicle with features like all-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and a raised suspension, making it capable of both city driving and off-road adventures.

Vehicle Class: It is officially classified as a compact or subcompact crossover SUV.
Key Features: Standard features include Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system and impressive ground clearance (8.7 inches on most models, 9.3 inches on the Wilderness trim).
Body Style: It is a 5-door SUV.
Intended Use: The Crosstrek is built for versatility, with a blend of maneuverability for city streets and the capability to handle rougher terrain for adventures.

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.