2020 Subaru Crosstrek
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $26,131–$32,856 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.5/10, while Performance at 6.1/10 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 score reliability at 8.3/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.1/10 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 6.3/10 — 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 $26,131–$32,856, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru Crosstrek sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.5/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 6 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 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology and performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
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 2020 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 $26,131 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 28%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2020'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 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $26,131 | |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $25,240 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $24,349 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $23,459 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.4/10 | $22,568 | Read review → |
We rate the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek's reliability 8.3/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
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 2020 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $26,131 and ranges up to $32,856 across trims (MSRP when new). At 25 MPG, expect roughly $2,100/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
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Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.