2017 Subaru Crosstrek Review

Name: 2017 Subaru Crosstrek Review
Brand: Subaru

Price Range: $10,999 - $24,998

2017 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byDan Frio^{Correspondent
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.}

Pros

All-wheel drive and tall profile combine for strong off-road ability
Offers adult-sized front and rear legroom and headroom
Achieves good fuel economy for a rugged all-wheel-drive car
Big hatchback utility means room for loads of lifestyle gear

Cons

Underperforming engine makes Crosstrek one of slowest in class
CVT exacerbates the engine's droning sounds
Infotainment interface isn't as user-friendly as many competitors'

What’s new

For 2017, the Subaru Crosstrek offers a new trim level, the 2.0i Premium Special Edition. Highlights include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and ambient cabin lighting. The Crosstrek Hybrid has been discontinued.

Vehicle overview

There's a lot to like about the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek. It offers standard all-wheel drive, a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, and a roomy interior and cargo area. If you're an outdoor person and you don't like trucks or tall SUVs, or you live in snowy, slippery winter weather, it's a compelling choice. At its core, the Crosstrek is a more rugged version of the Subaru Impreza, with a beefed-up suspension, higher ground clearance and trail-ready styling. You can even get it with a manual transmission if you prefer commanding your own gear changes.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.88 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$138/mo

$156/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

For 2017, the Crosstrek carries over largely unchanged from the current model, with the exception of a new trim level — 2.0i Premium Special Edition — that adds a few desirable features and cosmetic upgrades from the Premium trim.

Despite its all-weather and off-road capability, the Crosstrek isn't the first pint-sized crossover we'd recommend. An underpowered four-cylinder engine makes it one of the slowest among its competitors that we've tested, requiring almost 10 seconds from 0 to 60 mph — and that's with an empty cargo area and no traveling companions. The Crosstrek's noisy automatic transmission is also annoying, especially under hard acceleration when it fills the cabin with a loud drone.

If you spend most of your drive time on urban/suburban roads, better options include the Honda HR-V or Mazda CX-3. The Jeep Renegade is also a capable small crossover with bonafide off-road chops if you get the Trailhawk model. But if you're looking for an inexpensive and fuel-efficient (29 mpg combined) hatchback that you can regularly get dirty off the beaten path, the Subaru Crosstrek is a solid pick.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

3.5 / 5

Ready for a spontaneous trek up a dirt trail for some camping? Regularly cross town on wet or snowy roads? Live an outdoor lifestyle with friends, gear and dogs? The off-road-ready 2017 Subaru Crosstrek makes an able companion and all-weather alternative to the typical crossover.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Premium (2.0L 4-cyl.; CVT). Our findings remain applicable to this year's Crosstrek.

Scorecard

Overall	3.5 / 5
Driving	3.0
Comfort	3.0
Interior	3.5
Utility	3.0
Technology	3.0

Driving

3.0

The Crosstrek is a sure-footed machine with coordinated steering, handling and brakes. It's quite capable in snow and on dirt roads, too. But the engine isn't powerful, and the continuously variable transmission's tendency to keep it revving high only underscores that fact.

Acceleration

2.0

The small, underpowered engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) conspire to make the Crosstrek one of the slowest cars in the class. The engine sounds strained under heavy throttle, and our 0-60 mph test required 9.9 seconds.

Braking

3.0

In town and in heavy traffic, the brakes are smooth with a moderate amount of pedal firmness. They're never touchy or oversensitive, either. The Crosstrek needed 120 feet to complete our simulated panic stop from 60 mph, which is about average for the class.

Steering

3.0

Electric power-assist steering makes for light effort at low speeds yet offers a decent amount of feedback on streets and highways. You get a good sense of what the tires are doing even if the grip limits are somewhat low.

Handling

3.5

Although the Crosstrek has soft springs and dampers to accommodate light off-roading, it still has the sure-footed handling of a car rather than a truck. There's a bit of body roll around corners, but this machine inspires confidence both on road and off.

Drivability

3.0

The smooth-yet-slurred nature of the CVT is readily apparent as it keeps the engine revving high when you accelerate from rest or hit a freeway on-ramp. Once up to speed, though, the Crosstrek is livable and pleasant.

Off-road

4.5

The Crosstrek has a higher underbody ground clearance and more favorable front and rear bumper clearance than almost everything in its class. It's uniquely capable among its peers thanks to power distribution to all four wheels based on traction needs and a well-calibrated stability control system.

Comfort

3.0

The Crosstrek is comfortable enough in many respects. It delivers a smoother ride than its high stance suggests, and its seats are reasonably accommodating. But this is not a particularly quiet car, with abundant powertrain noise when accelerating and wind and road noise while cruising.

Seat comfort

3.0

Nicely shaped seats offer good adjustability, although power adjustment isn't available. The padding is relatively firm, but there isn't a lot of lateral support. The points where your elbows rest are thinly padded.

Ride comfort

3.0

The Crosstrek's high-riding stance features abundant wheel travel for absorbing uneven terrain, which also makes it generally smooth and adept at absorbing bumps around town. Never harsh, but it can sometimes feel a bit bouncy after larger impacts.

Noise & vibration

2.0

Engine drone is hard to ignore when accelerating or when climbing hills because of the way the continuously variable transmission operates. Wind and road noise isn't annoyingly excessive, but it's definitely noticeable when cruising above 50 mph.

Climate control

3.0

The standard climate controls are large, easy to understand and within close reach of the driver. Airflow is strong, but the air-conditioning doesn't blow as cold as we'd like. Automatic climate control isn't available until the top-of-the-line Limited trim.

Interior

3.5

The Crosstrek offers a decent amount of head- and legroom front and rear. The cockpit is adjustable enough for the driver to settle into a comfortable position that gives a good view of the outside, but some controls are easier to use than others.

Ease of use

3.0

Most controls are easy to get along with, particularly the three-knob climate control setup. The display screen for the audio system is fairly useful, but the navigation interface is unnecessarily awkward. The steering-mounted control buttons are small and annoying to use, too.

Getting in/getting out

3.0

Since the Crosstrek is essentially an Impreza on stilts, its seat sits taller. This actually eases entry and exit, but taller folks might feel the need to duck a little because the Crosstrek combines the floor height of a small crossover SUV with a more carlike roofline.

Driving position

3.5

The driving position is a bit high, but that actually helps the driver see out over the hood. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and height-adjustable driver seat make it possible for most pilots to settle in comfortably without significant issues.

Roominess

3.5

The Crosstrek's high roof and tall windows make it feel roomy, especially in the headroom department, and you'll find sufficient head- and legroom in the rear seat, too. That said, pure crossover competitors such as the Honda CR-V are wider across the width of the cabin at the hips and shoulders.

Visibility

4.0

It's easy to see out of the Crosstrek because the roof support pillars are slender, the rear three-quarter blind spot is small, the mirrors are fairly big, and a rearview camera comes standard.

Utility

3.0

The Crosstrek's utility is solid but stacks up differently depending how you compare it. It can tote more than similarly priced subcompact crossover rivals such as the Jeep Renegade and Mazda CX-3, but it lags behind pricier compact crossover SUVs including the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5.

Small-item storage

3.5

The glovebox is average-sized, but the Crosstrek has a large center console and several big cupholders. There's plenty of room to store most of your flotsam and jetsam.

Cargo space

3.0

There's 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 51.9 cubic feet with those seats folded. It handily beats the Jeep Renegade (18.5 cubic feet and 50.8 cubes, respectively) but trails crossovers such as the Honda CR-V (37.2 cubes; 70.9 cubes).

Technology

3.0

The Crosstrek's smartphone convenience features make it look reasonably competitive on paper. But in reality it's missing some of the latest tech and what it does have feels a generation old. The opposite is true of the optional EyeSight driver aid suite, which works quite well.

Audio & navigation

3.0

Large, aesthetically pleasing display with logical menu structure. Stereo sound quality is merely average, though. Navigation is optional and a bit cumbersome to use.

Smartphone integration

2.0

Bluetooth pairing is difficult, indexing songs on your device takes a long time every time you connect, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available. You'll find either one or two USB ports, depending on trim level, and one auxiliary input.

Driver aids

4.5

Optional driver aids include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking. All systems work well, especially with Subaru's most recent EyeSight systems.

Voice control

2.0

Voice controls can change radio stations, adjust temperature and make phone calls. The system is often slow to respond, however, and many times during our test it failed to understand clear and deliberate commands.

Compare 2017 Subaru Crosstrek trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2017 Subaru Crosstrek models

The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is available in four trim levels: 2.0i, 2.0i Premium, 2.0i Premium Special Edition and 2.0i Limited. All trims come with all-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (148 horsepower, 145 pound-feet of torque). The 2.0i covers all the basics, while the 2.0i Premium adds nice touches such as heated seats and an upgraded stereo. The 2.0i Platinum Special Edition offers a few feature and cosmetic upgrades, and the 2.0i Limited introduces leather upholstery and the top-end infotainment system.

Highlights for the 2.0i include a five-speed manual transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, roof rails, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, a 6.2-inch touchscreen display, smartphone app integration (including Pandora, iHeartRadio and other music services), and a four-speaker audio system. Hill hold assist is also included.

The 2.0i Premium adds heated side mirrors, heated front seats, an adjustable center armrest, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a cargo cover, a removable cargo tray and a six-speaker audio system.

There are a handful of options for the 2.0i Premium, including a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a sunroof, a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, the EyeSight Driver Assist system (bundles adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and front collision mitigation), Starlink connected services (roadside and emergency assistance, automatic collision notification), and an upgraded infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, dual USB ports, voice control, satellite radio and all the base system's features.

The upgraded infotainment system requires opting for EyeSight, and the sunroof is only available with the CVT.

Moving up to the new 2.0i Platinum Special Edition (note that it can also be considered an optional package from an ordering standpoint) gets you special exterior and interior styling details, the sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Finally, the 2.0i Limited builds on the 2.0i Premium with the CVT, automatic headlights, a sound-insulated windshield, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, upgraded gauges and instruments, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Depending on the trim level, other notable options include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a navigation system and upgraded sound-system speakers.

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#5 out of 29 among Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Subaru Crosstrek from 2008-2022.}

$456/yr

vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.38x/yr

vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

10.3%

vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Subaru Crosstrek Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.3

30 reviews

5(63%)

4(17%)

3(13%)

2(0%)

1(7%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2017 Hyper Blue with moon roof and eyesight

Jolly, 07/03/2017

2017 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

I wanted a small economy car with something extra. Over the last 20 years I have owned a jeep, F250 diesel, an expedition and a ford mustang.I prefer driving from more of a siting position in a jeep / truck than laying down like in a mustang and like a good view I get with my truck. I travel for business a lot and have driven ever 4 cylinder rentals for years and have hated them. The … thought of looking for small and economic wasn't something I was thrilled about. I did a lot of research and came across the crosstrek. I watched videos of the car in snow and dirt and it sold me and I went out and test drove it. I like the feel and suspension, it seamed healthy, stout and something more than it was. My test drive was short but I liked it. I did a lot of research after on the car after I test drove it and heard the complaints,,,cheaply made, slow, crapy stereo nd road noise. After a month drove it again looking for these things and finally bought one with all the trims for 3K under MSRP. Drove it for a weekend on a trip put 500 miles on it and love it. This is my wife's primary and now I drive her mustang giving my truck a break. After the trip this is what I have determined. Radio gets some complaints,,,,mine is great. Best sound system I have ever had stocked. Driving and steering is great, easy no effort and smooth. Bumps and pot holes are not bad, suspension handles it without breaking your jaw, road noise, yeah a little high but I drive a diesel so no issues and have no problem talking to my wife. I guess 2017 they worked on it some. The eyesight is amazing, while on cruise control a car cut me off,,it is what those people from VA do. The car slowed, got to distance and then picked up speed to where it was set. While at a street light, eyesight saw the car in front on me move and told me to get me moving :) I hate 4 cylinder cars,,,,this one I love it and wish I could afford two! There are tons of complaints on pick up and RPMS, In town I have no issues, the little beastie gets to 35 quick and then kind of lags a little. Getting on to highways is slow and so is passing but once your up to speed I had no issues up to 80 and the RPMS were at 2500. In VA I see a lot of crosstreks, not so many in NC but the ones in VA are mostly in the fast lane :) While this isn't the mustang it does what it should and it's fine for me. I have driven a lot of 4 cylinders that did a lot worse over the years. Overall the car is a simple build, interior is basic but I think it will last and the orange stitching is a nice touch. Just be advised on rainy days eyesight doesn't work and neither does that navigation LOL but works on my cell so I don't care. I love my truck,,,,,and love this car to. It isn't my truck but enjoy driving it just the same and to be honest,,,,,I enjoy driving this a hell of a lot more than our mustang. I have never cared enough to write a car review,,,,but the little beastie deserves some praise with all negatives I have read. Funny even the negative reviews all say it is a great car LOL. Will see in 100,000 miles what it does but my hyper blue gives me faith it will last along time rjolly8@nc.rr.com

Love my Crosstrek, wish it had good quality paint!

Audrey L, 10/10/2017

2017 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

The Crosstrek handles well, gets great gas mileage, is very comfortable to drive and ride in, and I love the blind side assist and the back up camera - but Subaru went CHEAP on the paint! Ugh! I keep my car clean and hand wax it for protection and there is chipped paint all over the place. I have just over 9,000 miles and have had it about 5 1/2 months, and drive mostly on paved roads. …

Great car

2BoyMomNE, 02/01/2017

2017 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

Great car for the price. Responsive steering. Better traction and acceleration than my 2014 Nissan Juke Nismo. I also enjoy having both more cargo and passenger space. So far I love it.

Happy

Happy Buyer, 02/06/2017

2017 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

The car is very new for me, and I've driven only about 250 miles so far, but so far I am happy because the car is both capable and has some personality. Mine is crystal white with black leather interior and I love the appearance. It makes me feel happy to walk up to it in the parking lot because it is really cute, and the interior is also attractive. The orange stitching on the seats …

See all 30 reviews of the Subaru Crosstrek

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2017 Subaru Crosstrek video

2017 Subaru Crosstrek First Look

Looking for a great SUV with all-wheel drive, a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, and a roomy interior and cargo area? The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek might be a good match. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.

2017 Crosstrek Highlights

Trim:

2.0i PZEV

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$21,695
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$138/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	22.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Crosstrek models:

EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: System automatically notifies first responders if an airbag deploys and can also connect to emergency or roadside assistance services.
Blind-Spot Detection/Lane Change Assist: Uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in blind spot and shows visual indicator in side mirror. Indicator also warns of unsafe lane change.
Starlink Safety and Security Plus: Uconnect Access (standard on the 300) includes automatic crash notification, roadside assistance and stolen vehicle assistance.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.1%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2017 Subaru Crosstrek Review

Price & Payment

For sale nearby

2017 Subaru Crosstrek2.0i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2017 Subaru Crosstrek2.0i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2017 Subaru Crosstrek2.0i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.88 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Off-road

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which Crosstrek does Edmunds recommend?

2017 Subaru Crosstrek models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Subaru Crosstrek Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2017 Hyper Blue with moon roof and eyesight

Love my Crosstrek, wish it had good quality paint!

Great car

Happy

2017 Subaru Crosstrek video

2017 Subaru Crosstrek First Look

2017 Crosstrek Highlights

Safety

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2017 Subaru Crosstrek
2.0i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV

2017 Subaru Crosstrek
2.0i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV

2017 Subaru Crosstrek
2.0i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.88 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}