2017 Subaru Crosstrek — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2017 Subaru Crosstrek

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $23,459–$30,915
Fuel Economy 22 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,386/yr

Key Specifications — 2017 Subaru Crosstrek

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$23,459–$30,915

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek

Our scoring places the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek at 7.4/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.2/10, while Performance at 5.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.2/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.1/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 5.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.1/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $23,459–$30,915, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru Crosstrek sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.2/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Our take: The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in technology and performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek ranks #1166 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 53% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $23,459 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 35%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Crosstrek Year Should You Buy?

Across the Crosstrek model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.9/10$30,585 Read review →
2025 7.9/10$30,585 Read review →
2024 7.8/10$29,695 Read review →
2023 7.7/10$28,804 Read review →
2022 7.6/10$27,913 Read review →
2021 7.7/10$27,022 Read review →
2020 7.6/10$26,131 Read review →
2019 7.6/10$25,240 Read review →
2018 7.4/10$24,349 Read review →
2017 (this review) 7.4/10$23,459
2016 7.4/10$22,568 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2017 Subaru Crosstrek

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
  • Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment

NHTSA Recalls — 2017 Subaru Crosstrek (1 on record)

The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Exterior lighting / Brake lights / Switch
28/02/2019 · 19V149000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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