2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle (PHEV), much like the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid. For the 2021 model...

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle (PHEV), much like the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid. For the 2021 model year, it gets some minor updates.

At the front, the Crosstrek Hybrid sees a new grille, with a silver metallic wing and blue accent. The bumpers are also re-sculpted, as is the fog light trim. These things help to distinguish it from the regular Crosstrek. Meanwhile, the rear fascia and interior are the same as before.

The Crosstrek Hybrid’s drivetrain encompasses a 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder engine, dual electric motors, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and all-wheel drive (AWD). That gets you 148 horsepower, 17 miles of all-electric driving, 95 MPGe in hybrid mode, 35 mpg in gasoline mode, and 480 miles of total range.

When recharging with a 120-volt household outlet (Level 1), the Crosstrek Hybrid takes around five hours to replenish its battery. A 240-volt outlet (Level 2) cuts that down to about two hours. Unfortunately, the Crosstrek Hybrid does not support DC fast charging (Level 3). While the powertrain is unchanged from last year, the 2021 model’s suspension is retuned for a better ride, better handling, and better steering response, according to Subaru.

Subaru offers the Crosstrek Hybrid in a single trim level, which comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, keyless start and access, LED fog lights, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather upholstery. Crosstrek Hybrid buyers also get a 10-year subscription to Subaru’s Starlink Safety and Security Plus package, which includes remote climate control and a remote battery-charging timer. An option package tacks on a power sunroof, navigation, a Harman Kardon audio system with eight speakers and 432 watts, and a heated steering wheel.

On the safety front, the Crosstrek Hybrid benefits from the standard Subaru EyeSight safety package. It comes with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking and throttle management, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, sway warning, and lead vehicle start alert. Other standard safety features include adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, cross-traffic alert, and a pedestrian alert system. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluated the 2021 Crosstrek Hybrid and gave it perfect marks in every safety category.

The Subaru Crosstrek represents all the capability of a typical Subaru, with stellar fuel economy as a bonus. Better still, it qualifies for as much as a $4,502 federal tax credit, plus certain state incentives.