2019 Subaru Crosstrek — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2019 Subaru Crosstrek

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $25,240–$31,625
Fuel Economy 24 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,188/yr

Key Specifications — 2019 Subaru Crosstrek

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$25,240–$31,625

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

About the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek

With an overall Carivo score of 7.6/10, the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.5/10, while Performance at 5.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Subaru Crosstrek's reliability at 8.5/10 — among the strongest in our suv database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 5.9/10 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 $25,240–$31,625, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru Crosstrek sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 8.4/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this suv delivers more than most of the class. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: Think of the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in technology and performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.

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 2019 Subaru Crosstrek ranks #737 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 70% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $25,240 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 30%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →

Which Crosstrek Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.6 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

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 (this review) 7.6/10$25,240
2018 7.4/10$24,349 Read review →
2017 7.4/10$23,459 Read review →
2016 7.4/10$22,568 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2019 Subaru Crosstrek

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • 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 — 2019 Subaru Crosstrek (7 on record)

The following recall campaigns have 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.

Visibility / Glass, side/rear
30/05/2019 · 19V404000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The driver's side rear-door window glass may be improperly tempered. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…
Seat belts / Rear/other
31/03/2020 · 20V189000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek vehicles with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.
Steering / Electric power assist system
06/02/2019 · 19V065000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Suspension / Rear
15/04/2021 · 21V263000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Electrical system / Software
15/04/2021 · 21V264000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.

Showing 5 of 7 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

Common Questions — 2019 Subaru Crosstrek

Is the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

We rate the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek's reliability 8.5/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek have?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek worth buying?

It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #737 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 70% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek cost?

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $25,240 and ranges up to $31,625 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

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