What years did Subaru make the Crosstrek?
Overview and current status
The Crosstrek has been a staple in Subaru's lineup since its introduction as a North American market compact crossover. Known as the Crosstrek in the United States and Canada, it is marketed as the XV in many other regions. Across its lifetime, the model has grown in features, safety technology, and efficiency while preserving Subaru's emphasis on all-wheel drive and rugged practicality.
Production years by generation
The Crosstrek's existence is organized into three generations, each spanning several model years in the United States and Canada.
- First generation: 2013–2017 model years.
- Second generation: 2018–2023 model years.
- Third generation: 2024–present model years.
In short, Subaru has produced the Crosstrek continuously from 2013 onward, with each generation covering those year ranges above.
Milestones in Crosstrek history
Before listing milestones, note that the Crosstrek's evolution included introductions, refreshes, and updates that shaped its reliability and appeal.
- 2013 model year: Crosstrek launched in the United States and Canada (market name Crosstrek; XV used in some other markets).
- 2018 model year: Second-generation redesign introduced, bringing updated styling, interior, and technology.
- 2024 model year: All-new third-generation Crosstrek introduced, featuring a new platform and refreshed design language.
These milestones map the Crosstrek's development from its initial launch to its ongoing evolution across generations.
Summary
The Subaru Crosstrek has been produced since 2013 and continues to be offered in current model years. The line has progressed through three generations—2013–2017, 2018–2023, and 2024–present—reflecting Subaru’s ongoing commitment to a compact, capable, all-wheel-drive crossover.
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.
What is the bad year for the 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.
What year did Subaru make the Crosstrek?
The Subaru Crosstrek's first year in North America was 2013, sold as the "XV Crosstrek". It was based on the Impreza hatchback, featured a standard 2.0-liter boxer engine, and came with either a five-speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The XV designation was dropped, and the name simply became Crosstrek starting with the 2016 model year.
This video reviews the first generation of the Subaru Crosstrek: 1mDriven CompanionYouTube · Sep 17, 2020
- Initial release: The first generation (GP) was released as the XV Crosstrek for the 2013 model year.
- Engine: It was powered by a 148-horsepower 2.0-liter boxer engine.
- Transmission: A 5-speed manual or a second-generation Lineartronic CVT were available.
- Name change: The "XV" was dropped starting with the 2016 model year.
- First generation range: The first generation ran from 2013 to 2017.
- Model year updates:
- 2014: A hybrid model was introduced.
- 2015: The base trim was introduced and Subaru's EyeSight safety system became available.
- 2016: A modest refresh included the Starlink infotainment system.
- 2017: The hybrid model was discontinued.
Why did Subaru discontinue 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
