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2021 Subaru Crosstrek
A few years ago, Subaru took the wraps off an all-new 2018 Crosstrek that adopted the Japan-based automaker’s new global platform and introduced a new look for the small crossover. For the 2021 model year, Crosstrek gets a refresh including updated styling, new features, improved safety and a more powerful engine — but that’s not all.
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What Is It?
The Crosstrek is the smallest crossover in the Subaru lineup. Capitalizing on the success of a raised, rugged-looking crossover wagon called the Outback, Subaru created the Crosstrek (originally the SV Crosstrek) crossover in 2012, basing it on the all-wheel drive Impreza platform. Like the rest of the Subaru crossover lineup, the Crosstrek has standard full-time all-wheel drive. With a long list of standard features, a range of trim levels and 8.7-inches of ground clearance, the Crosstrek has always been a strong contender in the crowded crossover market.
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Updated Styling
After a complete makeover in 2019, the exterior changes for the 2021 Crosstrek are minimal. Subaru freshens the crossover for the new model year with a redesigned front bumper, updated fog light covers and a new grille.
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Crosstrek Sport
The big Crosstrek news for 2021 is the introduction of the Sport trim level. Designed with more aggressive styling, the Sport has unique wheel arch moldings, 17-inch alloy wheels with a dark gray finish and a gunmetal gray treatment for the grille, side mirrors and badges.
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Unique Seats
Inside, the Sport continues to differentiate itself from the rest of the lineup with seats covered in StarTex, a lightweight urethane material made without PVC, phthalate or chlorine. Seats get trimmed with yellow stitching.
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Sport Trim
The yellow accent continues with the leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift boot, door armrests and center console storage lid. The cabin receives additional accenting from gunmetal gray and simulated carbon fiber trim.
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Dual-Function X-MODE
The new Sport is also the only trim in the Crosstrek line to have dual-function X-MODE with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings that optimize the all-wheel-drive system for these conditions.
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More Power
Subaru increases the available power in the 2021 Crosstrek — both the Limited and new Sport are powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque — the same engine introduced last year in the new Forester. Power gets delivered to all four wheels via the standard Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission. Fuel economy for the new powertrain is rated at 27 mpg city / 34 mpg hwy / 29 mpg combined. The rest of the lineup continues with the 2.0-liter engine producing 152 horsepower, available with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT.
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Improved Safety
Subaru’s award-winning EyeSight system is now standard on all Crosstrek variants when equipped with the Lineartronic CVT. For 2021, advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering gets added to this suite of advanced safety features. EyeSight also includes automatic pre-collision braking, lane-keeping assist, lane departure and sway warning, lead-vehicle start alert and a rear-seat reminder. The Crosstrek has been an IIHS Top Safety Pick + since 2015 and will likely be on the list for 2021.
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