2021 Subaru Crosstrek Debuts With Sport Model, More Powerful Engine

Want a Subaru Crosstrek with more power? No need to go to an aftermarket shop, because the 2021 model has got you covered. Subaru debuted the latest version of the compact crossover today with an optional 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine good for 182 horsepower (135 kilowatts) and 176 pound-feet (239 newton-meters) – plus a bevy of additional styling and technology upgrades.

The bigger 2.5-liter engine is only available on the Limited model and the new Sport trim, so you will have to pay for that extra power. The base model and Premium trim, meanwhile, still get the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder from last year good for 152 hp (113 kW) and 145 lb-ft (267 nm). The base and Crosstrek Premium keep the standard six-speed manual but still offer the continuously variable transmission as an option, while the more-powerful Crosstrek Limited and Sport models get the CVT only. And of course, all models come with standard all-wheel drive. The new 2.5-liter engine achieves a decent 29 miles per gallon combined, while the standard 2.0-liter gets 25 mpg combined with the manual or up to 30 mpg combined with the CVT.

And opting for the CVT adds a lot of additional features that the manual model doesn't get. Like the larger Outback, all CVT-equipped Crosstreks get the off-road X-Mode feature and hill-descent control standard, as well as SI-Drive mode selector from other models. That allows the driver to swap between "Intelligent" and "Sport" modes. Subaru EyeSight – again, standard on the CVT model – comes with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning.

The Limited model adds more advanced safety features like high-beam assist, rear automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection with lane-change assist change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. And while the same standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity carries over from 2020, so does the larger optional 8.0-inch touchscreen.

If it's a more aggressive Crosstrek you're after, the Sport model gets unique cladding around the wheels, new 17-inch wheels in a dark grey finish, gunmetal accenting on the front grille, side mirrors, and badging, and comes in two cool new paint jobs: Plasma Yellow Pearl and Horizon Blue Pearl. Additional upgrades inside – building on the Premium model's more-upscale interior – includes yellow stitching on the StarText vinyl interior, carpeted floor mats with the yellow Sport logo, and yellow accenting on the steering wheel.

The Limited model, meanwhile, gets black or gray leather with orange stitching throughout. The same standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity carries over from 2020, as does the optional 8.0-inch touchscreen.The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek and Crosstrek Sport goes on sale later this year. No word on pricing yet.