(June 11, 2020) A new Sport trim joins the Subaru Crosstrek lineup for 2021 with a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine offering a substantial performance boost over the 2.0-liter engine in the Base and Premium trims. The Limited trim also adds the 2.5-liter engine. The 2021 Crosstrek will arrive at retailers late summer. With a continuously variable transmission the engine is rated at 27 mpg city, 34 highway and 29 combined.

As before, all Crosstrek models are equipped as standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring, an advantage over other compact SUVs that make all-wheel drive an extra-cost option.

The 2021 Crosstrek features a redesigned front bumper with new-design fog light insert covers (Base trim) or fog light covers (all other trims), plus new-design front grille, with details specific to each trim.

The 2021 Crosstrek Base and Premium trims continue to use the  2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine that delivers 152-hp and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. Base and Premium trim levels are offered with either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or optional Lineartronic CVT. The CVT models achieve EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 city / 33 highway / 30 combined MPG. The 6-speed manual models are rated at 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG.

The distinctive and more powerful new Crosstrek Sport is the only Crosstrek model to feature the dual-function X-MODE with Hill Descent Control with SNOW/DIRT and DEEP SNOW/MUD selectable settings to optimize AWD performance for difficult weather or road conditions.

The new Sport trim offers unique exterior trim elements that include specific wheel arch moldings, Sport-type 17-inch alloy wheels with dark gray finish, and gunmetal finish for the front grille, side mirrors and badges. The Sport interior equipment includes the Premium trim’s content, plus exclusive StarTex upholstery with yellow stitching. StarTex upholstery is a lightweight, urethane material manufactured without polyvinyl chloride (PVC), phthalate or chlorine. Also, yellow stitching has been added to the simulated leather door trim panel armrests, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift boot, multifunction display visor, and center console storage box lid.

Carpeted floormats feature the Sport logo and yellow stitching. The backing of the floormats is made from 25 percent recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The new Sport is available in seven exterior colors including new Plasma Yellow Pearl and Horizon Blue Pearl.

The Sport is further distinguished by its cabin with gunmetal and simulated carbon fiber interior trim accents, a high-grade combination meter with color LCD and yellow metallic finish trim rings, and a high-power LED rear gate light.

Standard on all CVT-equipped models, SI-DRIVE is a powertrain performance management system that allows the driver to tailor the vehicle’s throttle characteristics by choosing between “Intelligent” and “Sport” modes. Selecting “Intelligent” mode helps smooth out accelerator inputs for fuel saving, while “Sport” mode tunes the throttle to emphasize performance.

All CVT-equipped models except the Base feature an 8-speed manual mode function with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the transmission via eight pre-set ratios. The base model features a driver-selectable Low Shift Mode for more control when descending hills.