What year did Subaru come out with the Crosstrek?

The Crosstrek first entered the market as the production 2013 model year, which went on sale in 2012. It began life earlier as the XV Concept shown in 2011.

Origins: Concept to Production

The Crosstrek lineage begins with the XV Concept, unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2011. This concept previewed Subaru’s compact crossover with standard all-wheel drive and a rugged, outdoors-oriented identidade that would become the Crosstrek in North America. In markets outside North America, the same vehicle is marketed as the Subaru XV.

The timeline below summarizes the key public milestones from concept to market release:

• 2011 – Subaru unveils the XV Concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show, signaling the upcoming crossover’s design and capabilities.


• 2012 – Subaru announces the production Crosstrek for the 2013 model year, with on-sale timing in the United States in 2012.


• 2013 – The Crosstrek goes on sale in the U.S. as the 2013 model year, marking Subaru’s entry of a dedicated small crossover with enhanced versatility and standard AWD on most trims.

The sequence above highlights the progression from concept to the showroom, illustrating how the Crosstrek emerged as a production model in 2012 for the 2013 model year.

Naming and Market Variations

In markets outside North America, the same vehicle is marketed as the Subaru XV. The Crosstrek name was adopted in the United States to emphasize its rugged, outdoors-ready character, while the XV designation remains common elsewhere.

Subsequent generations and updates

Subaru has continued to refresh the Crosstrek across generations, with a new generation introduced for the 2018 model year in the United States and ongoing updates through the 2020s. For the purposes of the original release question, the initial production introduction occurred in 2012 for the 2013 model year.

Summary: The Crosstrek first appeared as the XV Concept in 2011 and reached production for the 2013 model year, going on sale in the United States in 2012.

What is the best year for a Subaru Crosstrek?

The best Subaru Crosstrek years are generally considered to be 2021-2023 for the second generation, which offer a great combination of reliability and updated features like the more powerful 2.5L engine option. For the first generation, the 2017 model is a strong choice, as it's the most refined and reliable of that group, with issues from earlier years resolved. 
Recommended years

• 2021–2023: The most recommended for the second generation, these models addressed issues from earlier years and added the optional 2.5L engine for more power. 
• 2017: The best year of the first generation, having resolved many minor issues and offering strong reliability. 
• 2020: A solid option from the second generation, with improved reliability and standard EyeSight for all automatic models. 

Years to approach with caution

• 2018–2019: The first two years of the second generation saw more recalls and complaints, so it's best to avoid these years if possible.
• 2013–2015: The earliest models of the first generation had more issues that were ironed out in later years. 

Why these years are recommended

• Reliability: The 2021–2023 models are generally considered more reliable due to being further into the second-generation production run, while the 2017 model is the most reliable of the first generation. 
• Features: The 2021 model year introduced the more powerful 2.5L engine in the Sport and Limited trims, which is a significant upgrade. 
• Safety: Every Crosstrek model year from 2013 to 2024 has earned a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. 

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 year did Subaru start making the Crosstrek?

Subaru started making the Crosstrek in 2012 as a 2013 model year vehicle, initially calling it the XV Crosstrek. The "XV" designation was later dropped after the 2015 model year, and it became simply the "Crosstrek".
 

• Production Start: Production began in 2012. 
• First Model Year: The first model year for the vehicle was 2013 in North America. 
• Initial Name: It was initially sold as the Subaru XV Crosstrek. 
• Name Change: The "XV" was dropped for the 2016 model year, and it became the Subaru Crosstrek. 

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.