Subaru Crosstrek

Which Subaru Crosstrek to buy: version-by-version comparison

If you are choosing a Subaru Crosstrek, the data split is simple: a 1 generation five-door SUV (from 2017-06-01, restyled from 2020-08-01 through 2023-01-31) versus a 2 generation five-door SUV (from 2022-09-01, still current). Every listed Crosstrek is a SUV 5-doors. Ground clearance barely moves (221 mm, then 220 mm).

If you are choosing a Subaru Crosstrek, the data split is simple: a 1 generation five-door SUV (from 2017-06-01, restyled from 2020-08-01 through 2023-01-31) versus a 2 generation five-door SUV (from 2022-09-01, still current). Every listed Crosstrek is a SUV 5-doors. Ground clearance barely moves (221 mm, then 220 mm). What does move is horsepower, mixed fuel use, kerb weight, tank size, and whether the badge is AWD or FWD. 0–100 km/h and top speed are not measured on almost every first-generation row; only two second-generation petrols publish a sprint, and only 2.0 CVT publishes a top speed.

There are no prices in this catalogue. “What the extra specification buys” below means extra horsepower, extra litres, extra kilograms, extra millimetres of tank, or a different drive label — not money.

Generations: what actually changed

1 generation (2017-06-01 to 2020-07-31) has three versions, all AWD, all 1995 cm³, all No boost, 4 cylinders, Opposite layout, Front, longitudinal, Direct injection (direct), 95 fuel, compression 10.5, tank 60 L, clearance 221 mm:

• 2.0 AWD MT — Gasoline, 148 hp / 108 kW at 6200 rpm, 197 Nm at 4200 rpm, Manual 5 gears
• 2.0 AWD CVT — same engine figures, Variable gearbox
• 2.0 AWD CVT Plug-in Hybrid — Plug-in, 137 hp / 100 kW at 5600 rpm, 182 Nm at 4400 rpm, Variable

1 generation, restyling 1 (2020-08-01 to 2023-01-31) stays SUV 5-doors, still 221 mm, still AWD, still No boost. The 2.0 petrols go from 148 to 152 hp (+4 hp, +3 kW), peak rpm falls from 6200 to 6000, torque stays 197 Nm but arrives at 4000 rpm instead of 4200, compression rises from 10.5 to 12.5, and the tank grows from 60 L to 63 L (+3 L). 2.0 AWD MT gains a sixth gear (5 → 6). The Plug-in row disappears. A larger petrol appears: 2.5 AWD CVT at 182 hp / 133 kW and 239 Nm from 2498 cm³.

2 generation (from 2022-09-01) has four named versions. Clearance is 220 mm (−1 mm versus 1 generation). Two rows share the name 2.0 e-Boxer CVT at 145 hp / 106 kW and 188 Nm: one is FWD, one is AWD. Petrols are 2.5 CVT (180 hp / 132 kW, 246 Nm, AWD) and 2.0 CVT (152 hp / 111 kW, 197 Nm, AWD). Hybrid tanks shrink to 48 L; 2.0 CVT keeps 63 L. This is the only generation with published 0–100 km/h on two petrols and a top speed on one.

The 1 generation and 2 generation overlap in calendar time (2 generation starts 2022-09-01; restyling 1 runs to 2023-01-31). A late restyle 2.0 AWD CVT and an early 2.0 CVT are not the same row: names differ, kerb weight differs (1446 kg vs 1495 kg), and only the later 2.0 CVT lists 0–100, top speed, Euro 6, and wheel sizes.

Engine specs: every version, exact names

Cylinders, layout, boost, injection, and engine position do not split the range: 4, Opposite, No, Direct injection (direct), Front, longitudinal on every row. Fuel is 95. Eco class is not measured except 2.0 CVT (Euro 6). CO₂ is not measured except the two 2.0 e-Boxer CVT rows.

Power per litre (hp ÷ displacement in litres):

• 1 generation 2.0 AWD MT / 2.0 AWD CVT: 148 / 1.995 ≈ 74.2 hp/L
• 1 generation 2.0 AWD CVT Plug-in Hybrid: 137 / 1.995 ≈ 68.7 hp/L (lowest among listed 2.0s)
• restyling 2.0 AWD MT / 2.0 AWD CVT, and 2 generation 2.0 CVT: 152 / 1.995 ≈ 76.2 hp/L (highest 2.0 specific output)
• 2 generation 2.0 e-Boxer CVT (both): 145 / 1.995 ≈ 72.7 hp/L
• restyling 2.5 AWD CVT: 182 / 2.498 ≈ 72.9 hp/L
• 2 generation 2.5 CVT: 180 / 2.498 ≈ 72.1 hp/L

The 2.5s are not more “specific” than the restyled 2.0. They buy displacement and torque: +503 cm³ versus 1995, +42 Nm versus restyle 2.0 (239 vs 197), and on 2 generation +49 Nm versus 2.0 CVT (246 vs 197), with peak torque at 3700 rpm instead of 4000.

Horsepower and torque: who is actually stronger

Peak catalogue horsepower is restyling 2.5 AWD CVT at 182 hp. Next is 2 generation 2.5 CVT at 180 hp (−2 hp, −1 kW, but +7 Nm: 246 vs 239, and earlier: 3700 vs 4400 rpm).

Among 2.0 petrols, restyling 2.0 AWD MT, restyling 2.0 AWD CVT, and 2 generation 2.0 CVT share 152 hp / 111 kW and 197 Nm. Pre-restyle 2.0 AWD MT and 2.0 AWD CVT are 148 hp (−4 hp). Hybrids sit below: 145 hp on both 2.0 e-Boxer CVT rows, 137 hp on 2.0 AWD CVT Plug-in Hybrid (−15 hp vs the 152 hp 2.0s; −11 hp vs the 148 hp 2.0s). Plug-in torque is 182 Nm versus 197 Nm on those petrol 2.0s (−15 Nm).

Kerb kilograms per horsepower (lower is less mass per hp):

• restyling 2.5 AWD CVT: 1481 / 182 ≈ 8.14 kg/hp (lightest per hp)
• 2 generation 2.5 CVT: 1495 / 180 ≈ 8.31 kg/hp
• restyling 2.0 AWD MT: 1414 / 152 ≈ 9.30 kg/hp
• 1 generation 2.0 AWD MT: 1410 / 148 ≈ 9.53 kg/hp
• restyling 2.0 AWD CVT: 1446 / 152 ≈ 9.51 kg/hp
• 1 generation 2.0 AWD CVT: 1445 / 148 ≈ 9.76 kg/hp
• 2 generation 2.0 CVT: 1495 / 152 ≈ 9.84 kg/hp
• 1 generation 2.0 AWD CVT Plug-in Hybrid: 1445 / 137 ≈ 10.55 kg/hp
• both 2.0 e-Boxer CVT: 1560 / 145 ≈ 10.76 kg/hp (heaviest per hp)

The 2.5s win this ratio. The hybrids lose it: they add mass without adding catalogue hp. First-generation 2.0 AWD MT at 1410 kg is the lightest Crosstrek in the table; 2 generation hybrids at 1560 kg are +150 kg versus that MT.

Performance and mpg (fuel consumption)

0–100 km/h is not measured for every 1 generation and restyling 1 version, and for both 2.0 e-Boxer CVT rows. Top speed is not measured except 2 generation 2.0 CVT (198 km/h).

Published sprints, 2 generation only:

• 2.5 CVT: 9.3 s to 100 km/h; top speed not measured
• 2.0 CVT: 10.5 s to 100 km/h (+1.2 s vs 2.5 CVT); top speed 198 km/h

Mixed consumption (L/100 km), lowest to highest among rows that list it:

• 2.0 e-Boxer CVT FWD: 6.1 (city 7.4, highway 5.6)
• 2.0 e-Boxer CVT AWD: 6.3 (+0.2 vs FWD; city 7.8, highway 5.8)
• 2.0 AWD CVT Plug-in Hybrid: 6.7 (city not measured, highway not measured)
• restyling 2.0 AWD CVT: 7.8 (city 8.4, highway 7.1)
• 1 generation 2.0 AWD CVT: 8.1 (city 9, highway 7.1)
• restyling 2.5 AWD CVT: 8.1 (city 8.7, highway 6.9)
• 2 generation 2.5 CVT: 8.1 mixed; city and highway not measured
• 2 generation 2.0 CVT: 8.1 (city 8.7, highway 6.9)
• 1 generation 2.0 AWD MT: 9.0 (city 10.2, highway 7.8)
• restyling 2.0 AWD MT: 9.4 (city 10.7, highway 8.1) — highest mixed figure listed

CVT versus MT on the same 1 generation 2.0 petrol: mixed 8.1 vs 9.0 (−0.9 L/100 km for 2.0 AWD CVT), city 9 vs 10.2, highway 7.1 vs 7.8. After restyling, CVT mixed 7.8 vs MT 9.4 (−1.6). Restyling 2.0 AWD CVT is −0.3 mixed versus pre-restyle 2.0 AWD CVT despite +4 hp. Restyling 2.0 AWD MT is +0.4 mixed versus pre-restyle MT.

AWD on the 2 generation hybrid costs +0.2 mixed, +0.4 city, +0.2 highway versus the FWD 2.0 e-Boxer CVT, plus +5 g/km CO₂ (147 vs 142). Power, torque, kerb weight (1560 kg), gross (1835 kg), tank (48 L), and clearance (220 mm) are identical on those two hybrid rows. The measurable AWD premium is fuel and CO₂, not mass.

Plug-in mixed 6.7 is −1.4 versus 1 generation 2.0 AWD CVT mixed 8.1, at the same 1445 kg kerb and 60 L tank. You give up 11 hp and 15 Nm versus that CVT petrol.

Dimensions, weight, tank, wheels

Clearance: 221 mm on all 1 generation and restyling 1 rows; 220 mm on all 2 generation rows.

Tank:

• 60 L — all three 1 generation versions
• 63 L — all three restyling 1 versions, and 2 generation 2.0 CVT
• 48 L — both 2.0 e-Boxer CVT and 2.5 CVT (−15 L vs restyle tanks)

Gross weight is not measured on every 1 generation and restyling 1 row. 2 generation:

• both 2.0 e-Boxer CVT: kerb 1560 kg, gross 1835 kg (payload from those two figures: 1835 − 1560 = 275 kg)
• 2.5 CVT: kerb 1495 kg, gross 2185 kg (2185 − 1495 = 690 kg)
• 2.0 CVT: kerb 1495 kg, gross 1885 kg (1885 − 1495 = 390 kg)

2.5 CVT and 2.0 CVT share kerb 1495 kg; the 2.5 lists +300 kg more gross (2185 vs 1885). Wheel sizes are not measured except 2 generation 2.0 CVT: 225/55 R18 and 225/60 R17. Suspension is Independent, spring front and rear on every version. Brakes: Ventilated disc front, Disc rear (label as in the data).

Which version to choose

Want the strongest petrol and the lowest kg/hp. Restyling 1 2.5 AWD CVT: 182 hp, 239 Nm, 1481 kg, mixed 8.1, tank 63 L, AWD, 0–100 not measured, top speed not measured. Versus restyling 2.0 AWD CVT at 152 hp / 197 Nm / 1446 kg / mixed 7.8, you buy +30 hp, +42 Nm, +35 kg, and +0.3 mixed. Versus 2 generation 2.5 CVT (180 hp, 246 Nm, 1495 kg, mixed 8.1, tank 48 L), the restyle 2.5 has +2 hp, −7 Nm, −14 kg, the same mixed figure, and +15 L of tank. The later 2.5 CVT is the only 2.5 with a measured sprint (9.3 s) and a published gross (2185 kg).

Want a current 2.0 petrol with measured performance. 2 generation 2.0 CVT: 152 hp, 197 Nm, 10.5 s to 100, 198 km/h, mixed 8.1, tank 63 L, kerb 1495 kg, gross 1885 kg, Euro 6, wheels 225/55 R18 and 225/60 R17, AWD. Same hp/Nm as restyling 2.0 AWD CVT, +49 kg, mixed +0.3, same 63 L tank. It is the only Crosstrek here with both a sprint and a top speed in the data.

Want lowest mixed fuel among measured city/highway splits. 2 generation 2.0 e-Boxer CVT FWD: mixed 6.1, city 7.4, highway 5.6, CO₂ 142, 145 hp, 188 Nm, 1560 kg, tank 48 L, clearance 220 mm. This is the only FWD Crosstrek in the catalogue. If you need AWD on the same hybrid nameplate, 2.0 e-Boxer CVT AWD is the same 145 hp and 1560 kg with mixed 6.3 and CO₂ 147. Neither hybrid lists 0–100 or top speed (both not measured). Versus restyling 2.0 AWD CVT mixed 7.8, FWD hybrid saves 1.7 L/100 km mixed and costs +114 kg and −7 hp.

Want plug-in on AWD without waiting for 2 generation. Only 2.0 AWD CVT Plug-in Hybrid (1 generation): 137 hp, 182 Nm, mixed 6.7, tank 60 L, 1445 kg, 221 mm. City, highway, 0–100, top speed, CO₂, eco class: not measured. It is 11 hp down on its sibling 2.0 AWD CVT and 15 hp down on restyle 2.0s, at identical kerb to 1 generation 2.0 AWD CVT.

Want a manual. Only 2.0 AWD MT, twice. Pre-restyle: 148 hp, Manual 5, mixed 9.0, 1410 kg (lightest), tank 60 L. Restyle: 152 hp, Manual 6, mixed 9.4 (thirstiest mixed figure), 1414 kg, tank 63 L. No 2 generation manual is listed. Restyle MT vs restyle 2.0 AWD CVT: same 152 hp and 197 Nm; CVT is +32 kg and −1.6 mixed.

Want restyle 2.0 without a clutch. 2.0 AWD CVT (1 generation, restyling 1): 152 hp, mixed 7.8 — the lowest mixed petrol figure in the table — tank 63 L, 1446 kg, AWD. That 7.8 beats 2 generation 2.0 CVT mixed 8.1 by 0.3 at −49 kg. Sprint and top speed remain not measured.

Engine size choice, restyle versus 2 generation. 1995 cm³ petrols after 2020-08-01 cluster at 152 hp / 197 Nm. 2498 cm³ petrols cluster at 182 or 180 hp. Compression is 12.5 on restyle 2.0 and on 2 generation 2.0 petrol/hybrid, 12 on both 2.5s, 10.5 on all pre-restyle 2.0s. Bore × stroke is 84.07 x89.92 / 84.07 x 89.92 on 1 generation 2.0s, 93.98 x 89.92 on both 2.5s, 84 x 90 on 2 generation 2.0 hybrid and 2.0 CVT.

Reliability / engine problems. This dataset does not list failure rates, oil specs, air-filter intervals, or replacement cost. What it does list: no turbo (No boost) on every version; Direct injection (direct) on every version; 95 fuel on every version. Those facts do not by themselves rank durability.

Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness / Sport / 2026 trims. Not named as versions in this data. The named engines stop at 2.0 AWD MT, 2.0 AWD CVT, 2.0 AWD CVT Plug-in Hybrid, 2.5 AWD CVT, 2.0 e-Boxer CVT (FWD and AWD), 2.5 CVT, and 2.0 CVT.

Short map: strongest listed hp — restyling 2.5 AWD CVT (182). Lowest listed mixed petrol — restyling 2.0 AWD CVT (7.8). Lowest listed mixed overall — 2.0 e-Boxer CVT FWD (6.1). Only measured 0–100 pair — 2.5 CVT (9.3 s) vs 2.0 CVT (10.5 s). Only measured top speed — 2.0 CVT (198 km/h). Only manual — 2.0 AWD MT. Only plug-in — 2.0 AWD CVT Plug-in Hybrid. Only FWD — 2.0 e-Boxer CVT at 145 hp.