2022 Subaru Crosstrek Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

The Crosstrek is the compact SUV or crossover of your dreams! With the power and traction of symmetrical all-wheel drive, just like its Subaru siblings, the Crosstrek is always up for adventure. Brimming with an abundance of capability and safety features, it's no wonder why this little dynamo is catching the eyes of potential buyers.

There are five trims to choose from, including a plug-in hybrid. The first four trims are fairly close together in price, with the hybrid version being considerably more expensive. This guide will help consumers decide which trim might be best for them, taking into account a variety of factors.

 

Compare the Crosstrek Base Trim vs Premium. What is the difference?

The two trims may be rivals, but they both share similar traits under the hood. Both feature a potent 2.0-liter engine with enough power to get you from point A to B - 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque are what make it so reliable! And should shifting gears not sound appealing for some reason, each trim also comes standard with an optional Lineartronic CVT transmission taking care of all your driving needs.

With CVT, the Crosstrek is more efficient in comparison with models that have manual transmissions. Fuel economy on a Crosstrek with CVT is estimated to be 33 miles per gallon on the highway and 28 miles per gallon in the city. Those numbers drop, respectively, to 29 and 22 miles per gallon if the Subaru is a manual version.

The base trim and Premium have 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, which are black with a machine finish. They have black raised roof rails and black roof spoilers, too. The base trim has black side mirrors to match, while the Premium has body-colored side mirrors. Further, its side mirrors are heated. Another thing that can come in handy during the winter is the Premium's windshield wiper de-icer.

On the Premium, there are fog lights to help with visibility. Both trims have multi-reflector halogen headlights as opposed to ones with LEDs. A power moonroof is an option on the Premium, but not on the base trim.

Inside the Crosstrek, three's a good amount of space. The rear area has a volume of 20.8 cubic feet, and the back seats can be lowered to expand storage space to 55.3 cubic feet. Having a 60/40-split rear seatback provides some versatility.

Both trims have cloth upholstery, though the seats on the Premium have orange stitching for some visual interest. The Premium has a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an optional leather-wrapped shifter handle and power-adjustable driver's seat. Drivers in the Premium trim, as well as their front-row passengers, will really appreciate having heated front seats when the temperatures drop.

The base trim, for being such an affordable model, has a good amount of standard features. It comes with cruise control, automatic climate control, and multiple storage compartments.

With the Premium, though, things are taken up a notch in terms of convenience. It has automatic on/off headlights so that people don't have to worry about accidentally leaving their lights on or forgetting to turn them on in the evening. Its sun visors have illuminated vanity mirrors, its glove box is illuminated, and it has cargo tray in the back to help with organization. That cargo area can be covered by a retractable and removable cover in case anyone wants to shield whatever's in the back from sight.

Say hello to infotainment bliss with these two Crosstrek trims! Boasting 6.5-inch touchscreens, staying connected and entertained has never been easier. With Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth at your fingertips, there's no limit to what you can do. If you upgrade to the Premium trim, you get to enjoy the SiriusXM, six speakers (instead of four), Wi-Fi capability, and two USB ports.

A close inspection will show a few small difference between the safety packages of the base trim and the Premium. They both get daytime running lights, rear-vision cameras, and systems that enhance stability and control. However, one thing that's standard on the Premium but not on the entry-level trim is STARLINK Safety and Security. This gives the Subaru automatic collision notification abilities, and lets users receive maintenance notifications, diagnostic alerts, and monthly vehicle health reports. In addition, it allows for remote lock and unlock.

Both trims are available with driver-assist technologies, such as frontal collision warning and lane departure warning. Albeit, only the Premium gets available rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.

Compare the Premium vs Sport Trims. What is the difference?

The most striking difference with the Sport is that it runs on a larger engine than the Premium does. Instead of a 2.0-liter engine, the Sport hides a 2.5-liter one under its hood. While the smaller engine provides 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, the larger one yields the Subaru a horsepower of 182 and 176 pound-feet of torque. For those who demand prefer capability, the Sport is the ultimate choice.

Subaru has given the Sport a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. A manual transmission is no longer an option when moving past the Premium trim. The Sport also has something called Subaru Intelligent Drive, a program that gives drivers the option of selecting between intelligent and sport modes, depending on their mood and the conditions they're dealing with. Driving enthusiasts can take advantage of this trim's paddle shifters when they want to exercise more control over how the vehicle performs.

X-MODE and hill descent control are available on the lower trims; however, they are standard on the Sport and the higher trims. Hill descent control keeps the Crosstrek from gaining too much speed as it travels down slopes, while X-MODE optimizes performance when roads and trails are particularly slippery.

The Subaru has bestowed the Sport with a touch of attitude with some exterior upgrades. The wheel arch cladding is now more flashy, and the side mirrors and front grille boast a head-turning gunmetal finish. A notable feature is the integrated turn signals on the side mirrors.

Flaunting bold yellow contrast stitching, the water-repellent StarTex seats are ready to withstand any adventure. Feel free to get a little dirty, because if the seats ever need a cleaning, they can easily be wiped down. While the Premium has an available driver's seat, the Sport does not.

Both the steering wheel and gear shifter in the Sport are leather wrapped. Behind that steering wheel, you can locate an instrument cluster. On the base trim and Premium, the LCD display measures 2.4 inches. However, on the Sport, it measures 4.2 inches.

Technology is incorporated into other areas of the Sport as well. It has two rear USB charging ports in addition to two in the front. On the Premium, only the front USB ports are offered. The Sport has keyless access with push-button start, two features which are only optional on the Premium.

The only safety enhancement is a pretty significant one. The Sport comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This package, which is available with the first two trims, provides the vehicle with a variety of monitors and mitigation systems. It gives the Crosstrek the ability to detect frontal collisions and help prevent them, warn drivers when they're veering out of their lanes, and adjust its speed if the leading vehicle has slowed down. This last capability is thanks to adaptive cruise control.

Compare the Sport vs Limited Trim levels. What is the difference?

The Limited has a more refined appearance than the Sport does. Its leather seats are a big reason why it feels more sophisticated than the previous trims. Those seats still have a sporty vibe since they have orange stitching. In the back, the center seatback can fold down to provide an armrest, and it has dual cup holders for convenience.

This high-end Limited trim pampers drivers with premium interior features. The driver gets a power-adjustable seat that can be customized to fit every need with its six-way adjustment capability. And, the beautifully colored 6.3 inch information display is there keeping you informed and entertained on the go.

Talking about technology, the Limited is upgraded in a key way. It gets an 8-inch touchscreen instead of a 6.5-inch one. It's available with a Harman Kardon premium audio system and navigation.

There are a few extra safety components as part of the Limited's package. It has automatic high beams, standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. Reverse automatic braking can be useful since it's hard to see everything behind the vehicle when backing up.

On the exterior of the Limited, there are LED steering responsive headlights. These look much more modern and elegant than the halogen headlights on the other trims, and they can adjust their angle when the vehicle is turning. LED fog lights are also standard. The side mirrors have integrated turn signals, and they're body-colored instead of finished in a gunmetal color as seen on the Sport. Lastly, the Limited has 18-inch wheels.

Compare the Limited vs Hybrid. What is the difference?

The Crosstrek Hybrid is a powerhouse when it comes to efficiency, offering an incredible 90 MPGe! This unique blend of power combines a 2.0-liter engine and electric motor for 148 net horsepower - enough gusto to tow 1000 pounds with ease. For those going on short jaunts about town, the battery can be recharged overnight via any standard electrical outlet in as little as two hours at 240 volts or 5hours from 120 volts; even better yet, 17 miles of travel can be supported by just electricity alone.

The Crosstrek Hybrid gets all the same features as the Limited and some new touches. The plush leather seats are now decorated in stylish blue contrast stitching, and the steering wheel is heated as well - a feature not found in any other trim.

 

Final Thoughts

The Subaru Crosstrek is a reliable and sporty looking car, but with many models to choose from it can be hard trying to decide which one best fits your needs. With fuel saving in mind, the hybrid version may cost more initially - over $35K – yet its electric/gas combo makes for impressive gas mileage. Meanwhile those who prefer an affordable option without skimping on features should opt for the Limited at just over $28K; still featuring modern technology like driver-assist tech as well as other advanced safety elements within its stylish interior.

Deciding between the four remaining trims of the Subaru Crosstrek requires you to weigh affordability against features. The base two trims offer budget-friendly options with touchscreen displays and the availability of driver-assist technologies, but keep in mind that these safety features don't come standard.

The disadvantage of the first two trims lies in their weaker engines, making the Sport trim the winning option. It embraces unique styling elements, comes standard with advanced driver-assist features, and has a more powerful engine. The Sport embodies the spirit of the Subaru company and would be ideal for a cost-conscious individual who prioritizes both safety and functionality.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Trime Levels