What is the best year of the Subaru crosstrek?
For most buyers, the 2018–2023 Crosstrek represents the best balance of reliability, safety features, and modern conveniences in the model’s lineup. This article examines how the Crosstrek evolved, what to consider when choosing a year, and practical buying tips to help you pick a well-maintained example.
Why many buyers favor the 2018–2023 Crosstrek
The 2018 refresh marked a turning point for the Crosstrek, bringing a more modern design, improved interior quality, and an expanded safety feature set. The subsequent years continued to refine these strengths, making this generation the sweet spot for most shoppers.
- Updated safety technology, with EyeSight features increasingly available on more trims and contributing to strong safety ratings.
- More refined interior materials and a quieter, smoother ride compared with earlier years.
- Better overall reliability and ownership experience as the second generation matured.
- Competent all-wheel-drive performance paired with solid fuel economy for a compact crossover.
In summary, the 2018–2023 Crosstrek is widely regarded as the best overall balance of safety, comfort, and reliability within the model line.
Generation overview and key considerations
Two broad generations define the Crosstrek’s evolution. The first generation (roughly 2013–2017) established the model’s all-wheel-drive, compact-crossover appeal, while the second generation (beginning in 2018) delivered the major refresh that many buyers cite as the turning point.
Generation overview
Understanding these generations helps buyers set expectations for features, safety tech, and long-term reliability. The first generation is often attractive on price but trails the second generation in standard equipment and modern safety tech. The second generation offers improved refinement and a more robust baseline feature set, making it the preferred target for most shoppers.
- First generation (2013–2017): Lower starting price and rugged capability, but older infotainment and fewer contemporary safety features; some high-mileage examples show wear on the CVT and drivetrain components.
- Second generation (2018–present): Modern styling, upgraded safety tech, improved interior quality, and a smoother ride; later years bring incremental feature refinements and reliability gains.
Conclusion: If you want the best mix of safety and modern conveniences, target the 2018–2023 Crosstrek range; older years can be affordable but miss the latest tech and safety enhancements.
Practical buying tips
When shopping, consider how you’ll use the Crosstrek, your budget, and how much you value the newest safety features. A well-documented maintenance history and a pre-purchase inspection can help mitigate the risk of hidden issues, especially on used vehicles with higher mileage.
Bottom-line recommendations
These takeaways can help narrow your search based on price, reliability, and desired features.
- Best value: Look for well-maintained 2018–2019 Crosstreks with clean maintenance records; they often strike a balance between price and updated safety tech.
- Best overall reliability: The 2020–2021 models tend to show strong reliability with fewer reported issues compared with earlier years.
- Latest update on the used market: 2023–2024 models bring the newest refinements in safety and infotainment while remaining affordable on resale.
Conclusion: Your best year depends on budget and feature priorities, but the 2018–2023 window is generally the safest bet for a dependable, well-equipped Crosstrek.
Summary
The consensus on the best year for the Subaru Crosstrek centers on the 2018–2023 second-generation refresh, which introduced meaningful improvements in safety, interior quality, and overall reliability. If budget is your primary constraint, earlier years can be appealing but may lack the latest tech and safety features. For those seeking the newest tech on the used market, aim for the 2023–2024 models, while balancing price against feature upgrades. Regardless of year, prioritize a thorough inspection, service history, and a test drive to ensure you get a Crosstrek that matches your needs.
