2019 Subaru Crosstrek
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $25,240–$31,625 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
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 →
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 →
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.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 → |
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.
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).
7 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
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.
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.