2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2020 Subaru Crosstrek | Interior, Performance, Technology, Features
Ready for commutes, adventures, and everything in between, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is a great option for drivers looking to upgrade to a new compact SUV. But before you drive home in this versatile vehicle, you may be curious how it compares to last year’s model. In the following 2021 Crosstrek vs. 2020 Crosstrek comparison, the team at Grand Subaru has looked at the similarities and differences, from the exterior and interior to the engines and safety systems.
After reading, head to our Crosstrek inventory to see what’s available at our dealership in Bensenville, IL. You can also take advantage of our Crosstrek lease and finance offers to secure a great monthly rate. To speak with a Grand Subaru representative, call (888) 840-3934 or chat with us online.

What’s New in the Subaru Crosstrek?
Given the success of the 2020 Crosstrek, Subaru decided to make small adjustments to the 2021 model year instead of sweeping changes. The 2021 Crosstrek offers a larger BOXER® engine configuration, as well as a new Sport Edition trim level. There are also slight improvements to the suite of Eyesight® driver assist technologies. Continue reading to learn exactly how the 2021 Crosstrek differs from the 2020 Crosstrek.

2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Exterior Design
At first glance, it may be difficult to tell the difference between the 2021 and 2020 Crosstrek. While the Sport Edition adds sporty design cues such as sport-type wheel arch cladding and Gunmetal exterior accents, the other trim levels are largely unchanged. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our favorite exterior features shared by the 2020 and 2021 Crosstrek:
- Black finish raised roof rails
- LED steering responsive headlights
- Daytime running lights
- LED fog lights
- 17- or 18-in. wheels
- Roof spoiler
- Windshield wiper de-icer
- Heated sideview mirrors with integrated turn signals

2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Interior Design & Technology
From inside of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport, you can enjoy StarTex® water-repellent upholstery with yellow contrast stitching. Additionally, the 2021 Crosstrek can be upgraded with an optional heated steering wheel. Both of these options are not available on the 2020 Crosstrek. However, these two SUVs share many interior and tech features, some of which we’ve listed below:
- Heated front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and transmission handle
- Cloth or leather-trimmed upholstery with available orange or blue contrast stitching
- Lineartronic® CVT paddle shifters
- Power tilting/sliding moonroof
- 2.4-, 4.2-, or 6.3-in. LCD display
- 6.5- or 8-in. touchscreen display
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
- Four-, six-, or Harman Kardon® eight-speaker audio system
- GPS navigation system
2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Engine Specs & Fuel Economy
While both the 2020 and 2021 Subaru Crosstrek are standard with a 2.0L BOXER engine and available with a capable hybrid option, only the 2021 Crosstrek offers the larger 2.5L BOXER configuration. Consult the following table to find the Crosstrek powertrain with the right blend of performance and fuel economy:
Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy | Max. Towing Capacity | Model Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2.0L BOXER 4-cylinder | 152 HP | 145 lb.-ft. | 27 city / 33 hwy MPG | 1,500 lbs. | 2020, 2021 |
2.5L BOXER 4-cylinder | 182 HP | 176 lb.-ft. | 27 city / 34 hwy MPG | 1,500 lbs. | 2021 |
2.0L Hybrid | 148 net HP | 134 lb.-ft. | 90 combined MPGe | 1,000 lbs. | 2020, 2021 |
2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Size & Cargo Space
Both of these Subaru compact SUVs provide seating for up to five passengers and offer up to 55.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. Additionally, both the 2021 and 2020 Crosstrek are standardly equipped with a rear cargo tray and available with a cargo-area cover.

2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Safety Options & Features
Both the 2020 and 2021 Subaru Crosstrek are standard with a rear vision camera and offer available upgrades such as EyeSight driver assist technology, reverse automatic braking, and blind spot detection. However, there are some slight differences in the features included in the EyeSight suite. The 2021 Crosstrek upgrades the adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and improves upon the pre-collision braking system with throttle management. While the 2020 Crosstrek offers adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking, it is without these new upgrades.

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