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What is the difference between Crosstrek and Crosstrek Premium?

The Crosstrek Premium is the mid-level trim that adds comfort, technology, and convenience upgrades over the base Crosstrek, while staying below the top-end Sport and Limited models in price and equipment.


Base Crosstrek: what you get


The base Crosstrek is designed to offer the essential Subaru experience—capable all-wheel drive, practicality, and a reliable drivetrain—with fewer comfort and tech niceties than higher trims. It serves as the entry point to the lineup and sets the price benchmark for the range.


Powertrain and standard equipment


Across most model years, the base model features Subaru’s standard drivetrain setup and the core cabin basics, prioritizing value and efficiency over upscale amenities.


Here is a snapshot of what buyers typically find on the base Crosstrek (noting that content can vary by year and market):



  • 2.0-liter flat-four engine with a CVT

  • All-Wheel Drive as a standard configuration

  • Cloth upholstery and manual seats

  • Smaller infotainment setup and fewer tech features

  • Basic climate control and fewer premium convenience options

  • Standard safety features common to Subaru’s lineup


In short, the base Crosstrek covers the essentials for everyday driving, but it lacks many upgrades that appear in the Premium and higher trims.


Crosstrek Premium: how it upgrades


The Premium trim builds on the base by adding comfort, connectivity, and styling updates designed to appeal to buyers who want more convenience without stepping up to the top-tier equipment of Sport or Limited.


Typical upgrades you’ll see with Premium


Before the list, a quick note: features can vary by model year and market, but the Premium commonly incorporates several upgrades over the base to boost daily usability and comfort.


Key Premium enhancements often include:



  • 17-inch alloy wheels (versus the base’s smaller wheels)

  • Fog lights for improved visibility in adverse conditions

  • Heated front seats for colder climates

  • Automatic climate control (and often dual-zone where available)

  • Upgraded infotainment with a larger touchscreen and better connectivity (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto)

  • Remote start and/or enhanced keyless entry features

  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter for a more refined feel

  • Upgraded upholstery or more comfortable seating materials

  • Additional driver-assistance or safety features available on the trim or as standard where applicable


These additions typically make the Premium feel more comfortable and connected without reaching the higher price tag of the top trims.


Choosing between Crosstrek and Crosstrek Premium


Deciding between the base Crosstrek and the Premium usually comes down to how much you value comfort, tech, and convenience versus price. If you prioritize a richer interior, larger display, enhanced climate control, and styling upgrades, the Premium is the logical step up. If you want to keep costs down and don’t mind fewer frills, the base model remains a practical option.


Summary


The main difference between the Crosstrek and Crosstrek Premium is the level of equipment: Premium adds comfort-focused upgrades, a larger infotainment setup, and convenience features over the base model, while still remaining more affordable than the higher Sport or Limited trims. As with any car, exact features can vary by year and market, so it's best to verify the specific equipment list for the model year you’re considering.

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. 



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 does premium mean for a Subaru Crosstrek?


A Subaru Crosstrek Premium is a mid-level trim of the Crosstrek compact SUV that adds several features over the base model, including a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, keyless entry with push-button start, and a more powerful 2.5-liter engine for 2025. It also includes exterior upgrades like LED fog lights, raised roof rails, and 17-inch alloy wheels, along with an upgraded six-speaker sound system and extra USB ports.
 
You can watch this video to see a detailed review of the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Premium, including its features and performance: 59sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Feb 23, 2025
Key features of the Crosstrek Premium

  • Engine: For 2025, it includes a 2.5-liter, 182-horsepower engine with paddle shifters for an eight-speed manual mode. 
  • Infotainment: Features a 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a six-speaker sound system. 
  • Convenience: Includes keyless access with a push-button start, multiple USB ports for front and rear passengers, and a rear cargo tray. 
  • Exterior: Adds LED fog lights, raised roof rails, and 17-inch alloy wheels with a dark gray machine finish. 
  • Safety: Comes with the STARLINK Safety and Security package and dual-function X-MODE for different driving conditions. 
  • Comfort: Includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated front seats (often part of an optional package). 

What the Premium trim adds over the Base trim
  • A larger 11.6-inch touchscreen instead of a 7.0-inch screen
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Push-button start and keyless entry
  • LED fog lights and raised roof rails
  • A more powerful engine (for 2025)
  • An upgraded six-speaker audio system
  • Additional USB ports
  • STARLINK Safety and Security package 

This video explains the value of the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Premium trim: 1m703SpeedYouTube · Feb 19, 2025



What is the difference between Crosstrek base and Crosstrek premium?


The Subaru Crosstrek Premium adds significant upgrades over the base model, including a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen, keyless access with push-button start, and raised roof rails. Other key features in the Premium trim include LED fog lights, upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels, and the STARLINK Safety and Security package, which are not standard on the base model. 
This video reviews the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek trim comparison and highlights the differences between the base and premium models: 58sSubaruYouTube · Mar 25, 2025

Feature Base Premium
Infotainment Standard Subaru Starlink with a smaller screen Subaru Starlink Multimedia Plus with an 11.6-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Convenience Standard key ignition Keyless access with push-button start
Exterior Standard roof rails (mounting points only) Raised roof rails, LED fog lights, and upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels
Safety Standard features Includes the STARLINK Safety and Security package
Optional Features Not available with the same level of options as the Premium Available with an optional package that includes features like a power moonroof, blind spot indicators, and heated front seats
Engine 2.0L Boxer engine with 152 horsepower 2.0L Boxer engine with 152 horsepower (2.5L engine is on higher trims)
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Kevin Bennett

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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.