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What engines come in a Subaru Crosstrek?

In brief, the Crosstrek’s gasoline models use a 2.0-liter flat-four engine, and there is a hybrid variant that pairs the same 2.0-liter engine with electric motors under Subaru’s e-Boxer system. Availability depends on model year and market.

Gasoline engine option

The standard gas-powered Crosstrek has relied on a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine (the Subaru boxer layout). This engine has powered most non-hybrid Crosstrek trims across multiple generations and is paired with different transmission choices over the years.

2.0-liter flat-4 engine (commonly associated with the FB20 family): approximately 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options historically included a 6-speed manual in earlier years and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in recent models. All-wheel drive is typically standard on most Crosstrek trims.

Concluding: The gas-only Crosstrek centers on the 2.0-liter boxer engine, delivering dependable performance with AWD and flexible transmission choices depending on year and trim.

Hybrid powertrain

The Crosstrek Hybrid combines the 2.0-liter engine with electric motors using Subaru’s e-Boxer hybrid system. This variant is designed to improve efficiency and provide smoother operation at lower speeds, without being a plug-in hybrid.

2.0-liter engine plus electric motors (e-Boxer): total system output around 148 horsepower. It uses a CVT and standard AWD, with the hybrid battery providing assist at low speeds and mild electric propulsion where allowed by the system. This variant is offered in select model years/markets rather than as a separate plug-in model.

Concluding: The Crosstrek Hybrid offers better efficiency and a quieter low-speed experience compared with the gas-only model, but adds weight and typically comes with a higher price. Availability varies by year and market.

Notes on market variations

Engine and drivetrain offerings can differ by country and model year. In the United States, the two-engine approach—gas only (2.0-liter boxer) and hybrid (2.0-liter plus electric motors)—has been the primary framework, with the hybrid not being a plug-in variant in most generations.

Summary

To recap, the Subaru Crosstrek’s engine lineup centers on a 2.0-liter flat-four gasoline engine for the standard models, and a 2.0-liter engine paired with electric motors for the Crosstrek Hybrid. Transmission choices have evolved from manual in early years to CVT across most recent trims, with all-wheel drive typically standard. Availability and exact performance figures can vary by year and market, so checking the specific model year you’re considering is advised.

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.

What engines are available in the Subaru Crosstrek?

There are two available 2025 Subaru Crosstrek engine options available. The standard 2.0L SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder engine offers impressive fuel economy, while the available 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder offers energetic performance capabilities.

Which Subaru Crosstreks have a 2.5 L engine?

The Subaru Crosstrek models with the 2.5L engine include the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims. For the 2025 model year, the Premium trim also gets the 2.5L engine. These trims provide a more powerful 182-horsepower engine compared to the 2.0L engine found in the Base trim.

You can watch this video to learn more about the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek 2.5L engine and its performance: 53sDriving Sports TVYouTube · Sep 2, 2020

Sport: Comes standard with the 2.5L engine and includes features like the Dual X-Mode traction management system.
Limited: The top-tier trim that also features the 2.5L engine.
Wilderness: This trim is equipped with the 2.5L engine and has a more aggressive final drive ratio for better uphill performance.
Premium (2025 model year and newer): Starting with the 2025 model, the Premium trim now includes the 2.5L engine as standard.

Which Crosstrek has the best engine?

The best engine for a Subaru Crosstrek is generally the 2.5-liter Boxer engine, which produces 182182182 horsepower and is available on the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims. While the base 2.0-liter engine (152152152 hp) is sufficient for city driving, the 2.5-liter provides a much more confident experience, especially for highway merging and passing, with comparable fuel economy.
This video compares the 2.0L and 2.5L engines in the Subaru Crosstrek: 50sDriven By GearsYouTube · Jun 26, 2024
2.5-liter Boxer Engine

Power: 182182182 hp and 176176176 lb-ft of torque.
Benefits: A noticeable and worthwhile improvement over the base engine, making highway driving, passing, and merging easier and more responsive. It also adds more capability, especially on the Wilderness trim which has a higher ground clearance and more off-road features.
Fuel Economy: Similar to the 2.0-liter engine, with up to 343434 highway MPG.
Best for: Drivers who frequently drive on highways, need more passing power, or want better performance for their vehicle.

You can watch this video to learn more about the performance of the 2.5L engine in the Subaru Crosstrek: 1mAuto Buyers Guide | Alex on AutosYouTube · May 8, 2023
2.0-liter Boxer Engine

Power: 152152152 hp and 145145145 lb-ft of torque.
Benefits: More affordable and offers slightly better fuel efficiency.
Fuel Economy: Up to 333333 highway MPG.
Best for: Drivers who primarily drive in the city and are looking to save on the initial purchase price.

Which one to choose

If your budget allows, the 2.5-liter engine is the recommended choice due to its significant performance upgrade and comparable fuel efficiency.
The 2.0-liter engine is adequate if your driving is mostly around town and you prioritize the lower cost.

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.