2018 Subaru Crosstrek

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

Subaru Crosstrek
Pictured: Subaru Crosstrek 2.0ie Active (III) – f 31052025. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV Convenience176 in70.9 in63.8 in105.1 in61 / 61.4 in3,190 lb60/40
4dr SUV Limited176 in70.9 in63.8 in105.1 in61 / 61.4 in3,307 lb60/40
4dr SUV Sport176 in70.9 in63.8 in105.1 in61 / 61.4 in3,265 lb60/40
4dr SUV Touring176 in70.9 in63.8 in105.1 in61 / 61.4 in3,234 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Crosstrek AWD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S7)All-Wheel Drive27 / 33 / 29+25%$2,300301
Crosstrek AWD2.0L 4-cylManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 25+8%$2,700353
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.2 MPG2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.6%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD
Frontal crash test — 2018 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD
Side crash test — 2018 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Subaru Crosstrek (this car)29 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Toyota RAV432 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Honda CR-V30 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Hyundai Tucson27 MPG★★★★★1
2018 Subaru Forester28 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Mazda CX-529 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan24 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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

195Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
18,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Visibility/Wiper64
Unknown Or Other41
Engine32
Electrical System31
Power Train14
Vehicle Speed Control13
Structure › Body9
Visibility › Windshield7
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/05: 123/06: 123/07: 123/08: 223/09: 123/10: 323/11: 224/01: 324/02: 124/03: 224/05: 224/07: 224/08: 124/09: 125/02: 125/03: 225/06: 125/08: 125/11: 226/02: 226/03: 426/04: 126/07: 126/10: 123/0523/0823/1124/0324/0825/0325/1126/04max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Subaru Crosstrek buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Visibility/Wiper — 64 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  3. Engine — 32 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 31 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 18,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Crosstrek29–Not rated00
2026 Crosstrek36176.4 inNot rated310
2025 Crosstrek29176.4 in★★★★★046
2024 Crosstrek29176.4 in★★★★★2120
2023 Crosstrek35176 in★★★★★035
2022 Crosstrek30176 in★★★★★131
2021 Crosstrek35176 in★★★★★2116
2020 Crosstrek35176 in★★★★★169
2019 Crosstrek35176 in★★★★★8285
2017 Crosstrek29–Not rated194
2016 Crosstrek31–Not rated1132
2015 Crosstrek31–Not rated117

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →