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What year did Subaru introduce the XV Crosstrek?

Subaru introduced the XV Crosstrek, a compact crossover SUV, in 2012. The XV Crosstrek was designed to combine the off-road capabilities of a Subaru with the practicality and fuel efficiency of a compact vehicle.

The Debut of the Subaru XV Crosstrek

The Subaru XV Crosstrek was first unveiled at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. It was based on the Impreza platform and featured a raised suspension, increased ground clearance, and rugged body cladding to give it a more adventurous, off-road-ready appearance. The XV Crosstrek was Subaru's answer to the growing demand for compact crossover SUVs that could handle light off-road duties while still providing good fuel economy and a comfortable on-road ride.

Key Features of the XV Crosstrek

The Subaru XV Crosstrek came equipped with several key features that set it apart from other compact crossovers:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: The XV Crosstrek came standard with Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing excellent traction and stability on a variety of road surfaces.

Raised Suspension: The XV Crosstrek had a raised suspension compared to the standard Impreza, giving it 8.7 inches of ground clearance for improved off-road capability.

Rugged Styling: The XV Crosstrek featured unique body cladding, roof rails, and other design elements to give it a more rugged, adventurous appearance.

Efficient Boxer Engine: The XV Crosstrek was powered by Subaru's efficient 2.0-liter Boxer engine, delivering good fuel economy for a compact crossover.

The introduction of the Subaru XV Crosstrek in 2012 marked the automaker's entry into the growing compact crossover SUV segment, offering customers a unique blend of off-road capability, practicality, and fuel efficiency.

What year Crosstrek to stay away from?

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.

What is the most reliable year for the Subaru Crosstrek?

The most reliable Subaru Crosstrek years are generally considered to be 2017, 2020-2022, and 2023. These years are often recommended because they are the last model years of a generation, meaning any initial design flaws have been addressed, or they have better reliability ratings compared to earlier years in their generation.
This video explains the reliability of different Subaru Crosstrek years: 56sTHE CARS GURUYouTube · Oct 22, 2025
Recommended model years

2017: The last model year of the first generation, with high reliability scores and few recalls.
2020-2022: Late production models of the second generation, which resolved some issues that plagued early second-gen years (like the 2018-2019 models).
2023: Generally seen as a reliable year, with high ratings and fewer issues reported.

Years to approach with caution

2013-2015: Early first-generation models with reports of engine oil usage.
2018-2019: The first years of the second generation, which had recalls and some software glitches.

Other considerations

2024 and newer: The 2024 model year benefits from a redesign and has high safety ratings. However, because it's a new generation, some sources suggest waiting for the 2025 model year to see if any initial kinks are worked out, say Facebook users.
Maintenance: For any used Crosstrek, a complete service history is important, especially for models with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), note Facebook users.

What is the lawsuit against the Subaru Crosstrek?

The class-action lawsuit that claimed Subaru's Starlink infotainment systems are defective has reached a final settlement. The agreement affects the 2018 Subaru Forester, 2018 Subaru Outback, 2018 Crosstrek, 2018 Legacy, 2017-2018 Impreza, and 2018 BRZ.

When did the Subaru XV become a Crosstrek?

2016
In 2015, Subaru dropped the XV moniker in the United States and Canada, marketing it simply as the Crosstrek for the 2016 model year and onward. In 2022, Subaru introduced the third-generation model, using the Crosstrek nameplate globally for the first time.

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.