Hey car enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium, a popular subcompact SUV that's been making waves in the automotive world. We'll explore its features, performance, and what you need to know about potential issues. This Crosstrek is known for its versatility, fuel efficiency, and standard all-wheel drive, making it a favorite among adventure-seekers and everyday drivers alike. But, like any vehicle, it's not without its quirks. So, let's break down everything you need to know, from its strengths to potential weaknesses. Get ready to explore the ins and outs of this awesome ride! This article will serve as your ultimate guide, covering everything from its initial appeal to common problems.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium sits comfortably in the middle of the Crosstrek lineup, offering a balance of features and affordability. Subaru has a knack for building cars that feel rugged and reliable, and the Crosstrek is a perfect example of this. The Premium trim level adds some extra goodies over the base model, such as upgraded upholstery, a larger touchscreen infotainment system, and a few other creature comforts that make the driving experience even more enjoyable. It’s the kind of car you can take on a weekend camping trip or use for your daily commute without missing a beat. The Crosstrek’s design is unmistakably Subaru, with its distinctive front grille, raised ground clearance, and tough-looking cladding. This is a car that looks ready for action, whether it's navigating city streets or tackling a bumpy trail. Its compact size also makes it easy to maneuver and park, which is a big plus in crowded urban environments. So, if you're looking for a versatile, capable, and fuel-efficient SUV, the 2021 Crosstrek Premium is definitely worth considering. Now, let’s dig into the details and see what makes this car tick. We will talk about its engine options, handling, interior, and technology features. We will also talk about some potential issues that might arise so you can be well informed before making any decisions.

The Subaru Crosstrek has gained a loyal following due to its excellent combination of practicality, fuel efficiency, and off-road capability. This car has been a top choice for a lot of people due to all these features, which have made it a favorite in the subcompact SUV market. The Premium trim level enhances the driving experience by adding desirable features while maintaining an affordable price point. Subaru’s commitment to safety is evident in the Crosstrek, which comes with standard features like EyeSight driver-assist technology. The Crosstrek is equipped with several features and designs that make the car safer and more efficient. The raised ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive give the Crosstrek an advantage in various driving conditions, whether it's snowy roads or light off-roading. The interior provides a comfortable and user-friendly experience, with intuitive controls and enough space for passengers and cargo. The Crosstrek is designed to be a practical vehicle, suitable for both daily commutes and adventurous weekend getaways. In essence, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium is a well-rounded vehicle, offering a compelling package of features, capability, and value. The goal of this article is to give you a full understanding of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium, covering all aspects that you need to know. We’ll look at the good and the bad so you can make an informed decision.

Performance and Driving Experience

When it comes to the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium, the driving experience is a mix of practicality and capability. This subcompact SUV is not designed for blistering speed, but rather for a balanced and reliable performance. The Crosstrek comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces a modest 152 horsepower. This engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, such as commuting and errands, but it might feel a bit underpowered when you are merging onto the highway or trying to pass another car. However, the available 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the Sport and Limited trims offers more power, delivering a more engaging driving experience. Regardless of the engine, the Crosstrek's standard all-wheel-drive system is a standout feature. It provides excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions, making it a great choice for those living in areas with snow or rain. The all-wheel-drive system gives the Crosstrek a noticeable advantage over its competitors that have front-wheel drive.

Beyond the engine, the Crosstrek's suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride. The Crosstrek absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road, making it a good choice for daily driving. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The Crosstrek handles well, offering a confident driving experience on both city streets and winding roads. One of the notable aspects of the Crosstrek is its fuel efficiency. The 2021 model achieves respectable fuel economy, which makes it an economical choice for those looking to save money on gas. This is a good car for people who prioritize fuel efficiency in their daily driving. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium offers a practical and reliable driving experience. It's not a performance vehicle, but its standard all-wheel drive, comfortable ride, and fuel efficiency make it a solid choice for those seeking a versatile and capable SUV. Whether you're navigating city streets or tackling a light trail, the Crosstrek is designed to handle it with ease. Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system is especially good in different conditions, which gives the Crosstrek a major advantage.

Engine and Transmission

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. While this engine provides adequate power for daily driving, it may feel a bit sluggish during highway merges or when carrying a full load. However, the engine is generally fuel-efficient, offering good gas mileage for its class. The Crosstrek comes with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The manual transmission gives drivers more control over the vehicle, while the CVT provides smoother acceleration and improved fuel economy. The CVT is the more common choice, as it is standard on most trim levels. The engine and transmission are designed to work together, providing a balance of performance and efficiency. The Crosstrek's engine is known for its reliability and durability, and it requires minimal maintenance. Subaru's engines are designed to last, which means fewer worries about major mechanical issues down the road. Both engine options offer a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The Crosstrek is a great choice for those who want a reliable and efficient vehicle.

Handling and Ride Quality

The Subaru Crosstrek Premium has been praised for its comfortable ride and responsive handling. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, resulting in a smooth driving experience. The Crosstrek's raised ground clearance and all-wheel-drive system contribute to its capability, making it well-suited for various road conditions. The steering is light and responsive, making the car easy to maneuver in tight spaces. This makes the Crosstrek easy to drive in the city. The Crosstrek's compact size and nimble handling also make it fun to drive on winding roads. The vehicle handles turns with confidence, providing a stable and controlled driving experience. The Crosstrek's ride quality is comfortable for both the driver and passengers, making it a pleasant vehicle for daily commutes and longer road trips. The Crosstrek's all-wheel-drive system provides a sense of security and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. The Crosstrek is a well-balanced vehicle that offers both comfort and capability. Whether you're driving on the highway or navigating city streets, the Crosstrek provides a pleasant and confident driving experience. Subaru has put a lot of work into the suspension of this car to absorb the bumps of the road, giving the occupants a smooth driving experience.

Interior and Features

Inside the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium, you'll find a well-designed and functional interior that emphasizes comfort and practicality. The cabin is spacious for its class, offering ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives more enjoyable. The Premium trim level adds some upgrades over the base model, including upgraded cloth upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. These additions enhance the overall feel of the interior. The dashboard features a clean and modern design, with easy-to-use controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. The 2021 Crosstrek Premium comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, allowing for easy access to navigation, music, and other features. The Premium trim also includes a six-speaker audio system, which provides decent sound quality.

The Crosstrek offers a good amount of storage space, with plenty of compartments for storing personal items. The cargo area is spacious, and the rear seats can be folded down to create even more cargo capacity. The interior materials are of good quality, and the overall fit and finish are excellent. Subaru has a reputation for building durable and reliable vehicles, and the Crosstrek is no exception. The interior is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. The Crosstrek's interior is a comfortable and practical space that is perfect for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. The interior is well-designed and functional, with plenty of features to enhance the driving experience. The layout of the car is very user friendly and intuitive. The infotainment system is responsive and easy to use. The Crosstrek offers a great combination of comfort, practicality, and features. In conclusion, the interior of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium is a well-designed and functional space. It offers ample comfort, user-friendly controls, and a variety of features that enhance the overall driving experience. The interior has plenty of space for both passengers and cargo. Subaru has provided the Crosstrek with many cool features.

Infotainment System and Technology

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows for seamless integration with your smartphone, giving you access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, making it easy to control various functions of the vehicle. The system is easy to learn and offers a variety of features, including Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system. This system provides a decent sound quality for the price. The Crosstrek also comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology. EyeSight includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. These safety features enhance the overall driving experience and provide an added layer of security. The Premium trim includes other features such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. These features give the interior a more upscale feel. The Crosstrek also offers a variety of other tech features, such as a rearview camera and automatic climate control. These features enhance the overall convenience and comfort of the driving experience. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium has some great features that add to the driving experience.

Comfort and Practicality

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium offers a comfortable and practical interior that is designed to meet the needs of both daily commutes and weekend adventures. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing ample comfort for both the driver and passengers. The interior is spacious, with plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. This makes the Crosstrek a comfortable vehicle for both short and long trips. The Crosstrek also offers a good amount of cargo space. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more cargo capacity, making it easy to transport larger items. The Crosstrek is a versatile vehicle that can handle a variety of needs. The Crosstrek is also equipped with a range of convenient features. These include automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and a variety of storage compartments. The Crosstrek also offers a quiet ride, with minimal road noise and wind noise. This adds to the overall comfort of the driving experience. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium is a well-designed vehicle that offers a comfortable and practical interior. Whether you are driving for your daily commute or on a weekend adventure, the Crosstrek provides an enjoyable driving experience. The cabin provides a comfortable and user-friendly experience, with intuitive controls and enough space for passengers and cargo.

Common Problems and Issues

While the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium is generally a reliable vehicle, it's helpful to be aware of some common issues that owners have reported. These can range from minor annoyances to more significant concerns. One of the most frequently mentioned issues is related to the infotainment system. Some owners have reported glitches, freezing, or slow response times with the touchscreen. This can be frustrating, especially when trying to access navigation or other important features. Although Subaru has issued software updates to address some of these problems, it's something to keep in mind. Another common issue is related to the engine. Some owners have reported that the engine may feel underpowered, especially when accelerating or merging onto the highway. This is more noticeable with the base 2.0-liter engine. While this isn't necessarily a mechanical problem, it can affect the overall driving experience, particularly for those who prioritize performance. It's always a good idea to test drive the car to see if the engine meets your expectations.

Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle's automatic start-stop system. This system is designed to improve fuel economy by shutting off the engine when the car is stopped. However, some owners have experienced rough starts or vibrations when the engine restarts. This can be annoying and may be a sign of a potential issue with the starter or battery. Another issue that has been reported is related to the car's exterior, such as paint chipping. This can be common in some cars and can be caused by various factors, such as road debris. Finally, it’s worth noting that any vehicle can experience issues. The Crosstrek is a well-regarded car, but it's not perfect. Being aware of these potential problems can help you make an informed decision and take the necessary steps to address them if they arise. So, let’s dig deeper into the potential issues. Understanding these issues will help you to know what to expect.

Infotainment System Glitches

Many owners of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium have reported experiencing glitches with the infotainment system. These issues include the touchscreen freezing, slow response times, and occasional software errors. These problems can be frustrating, especially when trying to access essential features like navigation, audio controls, or smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. In some cases, owners have reported that the system becomes unresponsive, requiring a reboot to function properly. Subaru has released software updates to address some of these issues, but some owners continue to experience problems. These updates can sometimes resolve the issues, but not always. The frequency and severity of these glitches can vary from car to car. The infotainment system is an important part of the modern driving experience. Make sure that you give it a try and see if it functions correctly. If you are having issues with the infotainment system, make sure to take your car to the dealership to get it checked out.

Engine Performance Concerns

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that, while fuel-efficient, has been reported by some owners to feel underpowered. This is particularly noticeable during highway merges or when carrying a full load of passengers or cargo. While the engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, it may not deliver the brisk acceleration that some drivers desire. This is especially true for those accustomed to more powerful vehicles. The engine’s performance is also affected by the vehicle's weight and the continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT, while designed for fuel efficiency, can sometimes cause the engine to feel sluggish. Owners who frequently drive on highways or in hilly areas may find the engine's performance lacking. This engine does not offer the same punch as a more powerful engine. Always do a test drive to see how the engine feels. If you need more power, you may have to upgrade to a car that has a more powerful engine. Consider whether the engine's performance meets your needs.

Automatic Start-Stop System Issues

The automatic start-stop system in the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium, designed to improve fuel economy by shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stopped, has been a source of occasional issues for some owners. The most common complaints include rough engine restarts or noticeable vibrations when the engine is reactivated. These issues can be more pronounced in certain driving conditions, such as stop-and-go traffic. While the start-stop system is intended to save fuel, it can sometimes be perceived as a nuisance if the restarts are not smooth. In some cases, owners have reported concerns about the system's impact on the starter motor or the battery's lifespan. The frequency and severity of these issues can vary. Not all Crosstrek owners experience these problems. These are not major issues. If you are not satisfied with the start-stop system, you can turn it off.

Conclusion: Is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium Right for You?

So, after exploring the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium in detail, is it the right car for you? This subcompact SUV offers a compelling package, especially for those seeking versatility, fuel efficiency, and all-wheel-drive capability. Its strengths lie in its practicality, comfortable interior, and user-friendly features. The Crosstrek's standard all-wheel drive makes it a great choice for those who live in areas with inclement weather or who enjoy occasional off-road adventures. The Premium trim level strikes a good balance, offering desirable features at a reasonable price. However, it's also important to be aware of the potential downsides. The engine may feel underpowered for some drivers, and the infotainment system can sometimes experience glitches. Furthermore, the automatic start-stop system may cause occasional issues.

Before making a decision, consider your priorities. If you value fuel efficiency, all-wheel-drive capability, and a comfortable interior, the Crosstrek Premium is a strong contender. However, if you need more power or are particularly sensitive to infotainment system issues, you might want to explore other options or consider a higher trim level with a more powerful engine. Ultimately, the best way to determine if the Crosstrek Premium is right for you is to take it for a test drive. This will allow you to experience the vehicle's performance, comfort, and features firsthand. It will also give you the opportunity to assess whether the potential issues are deal-breakers for you. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium is a great choice for many drivers, so make sure you consider it as your next vehicle. Hopefully, this guide has given you a clear picture of what the Crosstrek Premium offers and what you should consider before purchasing. Take your time, do your research, and choose the car that best meets your needs.

Remember to weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision. Enjoy your car shopping!