2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV Convenience, 4dr SUV Limited, 4dr SUV Sport, 4dr SUV Touring
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 27 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 176 in
- Curb weight
- 3,190–3,307 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 25% better than the average 2018 small SUV (23.2 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 176 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,190 lb (4dr SUV Convenience).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (27 city / 33 highway), 25% better than the 2018 small SUV average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 195 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility/wiper.
What changed for 2018
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Crosstrek →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV Convenience | 176 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 105.1 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 3,190 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr SUV Limited | 176 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 105.1 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 3,307 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr SUV Sport | 176 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 105.1 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 3,265 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr SUV Touring | 176 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 105.1 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 3,234 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 33 / 29 | +25% | $2,300 | 301 |
| Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +8% | $2,700 | 353 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.6% |
Similar 2018 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Crosstrek (this car) | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Toyota RAV4 | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda CR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Hyundai Tucson | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Subaru Forester | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 14 |
Recalls (5)
Suspension › Rear · Apr 15, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V263000 · 408,271 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
Electrical System › Software · Apr 15, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V264000 · 466,205 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
Electrical System › Software · Oct 18, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V743000 · 466,205 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.
- Risk
- If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) · Oct 17, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V744000 · 205,000 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
- Risk
- An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.
Service Brakes · Nov 7, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V701000 · 2,367 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Crosstrek vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect floor mat retention bracket, allowing the floor mat to move out of position and interfere with the accelerator or brake pedal operation.
- Risk
- If the floor mat moves out of position and interferes with the accelerator or brake pedal operation, it can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the floor mat retention bracket and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTR-77.
Not every 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Subaru Crosstrek buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Visibility/Wiper — 64 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Engine — 32 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 31 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 18,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Crosstrek years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Crosstrek | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Crosstrek | 36 | 176.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 10 |
| 2025 Crosstrek | 29 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 46 |
| 2024 Crosstrek | 29 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 120 |
| 2023 Crosstrek | 35 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 35 |
| 2022 Crosstrek | 30 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 31 |
| 2021 Crosstrek | 35 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 116 |
| 2020 Crosstrek | 35 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 69 |
| 2019 Crosstrek | 35 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 285 |
| 2017 Crosstrek | 29 | – | Not rated | 1 | 94 |
| 2016 Crosstrek | 31 | – | Not rated | 1 | 132 |
| 2015 Crosstrek | 31 | – | Not rated | 1 | 17 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →