What type of car is a Subaru Crosstrek considered?
The Crosstrek is a subcompact crossover SUV.
In practical terms, it sits at the small end of Subaru’s SUV lineup, blending hatchback practicality with SUV-style versatility and standard all-wheel drive. It targets buyers who want efficient daily driving with light off-road capability and a roomy cargo area for its size.
Classification and market position
Overview of where the Crosstrek fits in the market and how its size compares to other Subarus and rivals.
Defining traits of its segment
The following list captures the core traits that categorize the Crosstrek as a subcompact crossover SUV.
- Size and body style: a small five-seat crossover with a hatchback layout and practical cargo space.
- Platform and drivetrain: built on Subaru's global platform with available all-wheel drive across most trims.
- Design philosophy: unibody construction paired with elevated ride height for light off-road capability.
- Competitive position: smaller than Subaru Forester, commonly positioned against subcompact crossovers like the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR.
Together, these characteristics place the Crosstrek in the subcompact crossover SUV segment, emphasizing efficiency, practicality, and confidence all year round.
Performance, features, and variants
The Crosstrek has gasoline-powered versions and a hybrid variant; the hybrid model adds electric assistance for improved efficiency without sacrificing most of the crossover's practicality.
Notes on available powertrains
Subaru has offered a gasoline Crosstrek with a 2.0-liter engine in most trims and a Crosstrek Hybrid variant that blends the gasoline engine with electric motors. AWD remains a hallmark across model lines.
Why it remains popular
Because it blends compact size with SUV capability, standard AWD, good interior space for its class, and a reputation for reliability, the Crosstrek remains a strong choice in its segment.
Summary
In short, the Subaru Crosstrek is best described as a subcompact crossover SUV, a small, all-wheel-drive-friendly utility vehicle designed for urban use with light off-road capability. It sits below the Forester in Subaru's lineup and competes with other subcompact crossovers around the market.
What is the Subaru Crosstrek classified as?
Compact crossover SUV
| Subaru Crosstrek | |
|---|---|
| Class | Compact crossover SUV (C) |
| Body style | 5-door SUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, all-wheel drive Front-engine, front-wheel drive (Japan, 2022–present) |
| Related | Subaru Impreza |
Is the Subaru Crosstrek an SUV or hatchback?
2026 Subaru Crosstrek AWD Compact SUV.
Is Crosstrek a utility or wagon?
The Subaru Crosstrek is marketed as a crossover SUV, though it has a wagon-like body style and is built on a hatchback platform. It is smaller and has a higher ground clearance than a typical wagon, and while it can be comfortable for passengers, its cargo space is not as large as a full-size wagon like the Subaru Outback. The distinction can be blurry, with some calling it a "sport utility wagon" or simply a "wagon" based on its size and capability, but Subaru officially classifies it as a crossover SUV.
This video compares the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback to help you decide which one to choose: 1mVagabond BuildsYouTube · May 29, 2025
| Feature | Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Class | Crossover SUV | Wagon |
| Body Style | Lifted hatchback | Classic station wagon |
| Cargo Space | 19.9 cubic feet behind rear seats; 54.7 cubic feet with rear seats folded | 32.6 cubic feet behind rear seats; 75.6 cubic feet with rear seats folded |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches | 8.7 inches |
| Engine | 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter (152-182 horsepower) | 2.4-liter or 2.5-liter (182-260 horsepower) |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 1,500 pounds | Up to 3,500 pounds |
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You can watch this video to see how the Crosstrek performs off-road: 1mThe Fast Lane CarYouTube · Apr 6, 2024
Is a Crosstrek considered a sedan?
No, a Subaru Crosstrek is not a sedan; it is a compact or subcompact crossover SUV. The primary difference is its higher ground clearance and SUV body style, which provides more cargo space and off-road capability compared to a sedan, such as the Subaru Impreza which is a sedan or hatchback alternative.
- Crosstrek: A subcompact crossover SUV that is essentially a lifted version of the Subaru Impreza hatchback. It is designed with more ground clearance and a more rugged appearance, making it more capable on rough terrain.
- Sedan: A sedan, like the Subaru Impreza, has a lower body and is built for on-road performance, lacking the extra ground clearance and all-wheel-drive standard features found on the Crosstrek.
