When you go looking for a Subaru Crosstrek for sale, you'll quickly discover that you have a number of great options available to you. Choosing the right one can be tricky, so we've put together this buyer's guide to help you find what you need. Just ask yourself these questions, and your answers will guide you toward the perfect subcompact SUV. 

Which Engine Is Right for You?

You might not think to start with the engine when looking for a small SUV, but in this case, it actually makes perfect sense. Subaru offers two different powertrains for the 2026 Crosstrek, and the one you prefer can impact which trims you should focus on. So it helps to start here and potentially eliminate some options later on. Your answer likely depends on two factors… 

The Kind of Power You Want

There's essentially one engine available for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek, but you have two different versions of it to choose from. Both options get you a 2.5L 4-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. This is a great setup that makes the Crosstrek incredibly fun to drive. You can pick between a standard version and a hybrid.

In terms of performance, consider this difference:

• Standard Engine: 180 hp
• Hybrid Engine: 194 hp

While the hp difference isn't dramatic, the hybrid also delivers stronger low-speed torque and improved fuel efficiency. The conventional engine is standard on all five standard trims of the Crosstrek; two trims are offered with the hybrid. You also get Subaru's impressive Symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) on every model, so performance is excellent. 

Your Preferred Fuel Efficiency

While the power differences between these two engines aren't huge, there is a noticeable difference in their fuel efficiency. As you would expect, the hybrid gives you superior gas mileage, making it a great choice for a commuter SUV to get you around town each day. Here's the difference worth keeping in mind:

• Standard Engine: 26 MPG in the city, 33 MPG on the highway
• Hybrid Engine: 36 MPG in the city, 36 MPG on the highway
• Wilderness Trim: 24 MPG in the city, 29 MPG on the highway

You can see that the difference in gas mileage when driving around the city is quite noteworthy, making a hybrid model a fantastic daily driver. That last one is the standard engine for the Wilderness trim. We'll get into that trim a bit more later on, but we wanted to note that its adventurous design does lose some fuel efficiency with the standard engine. 

Which Trim Level Has What You Need?

Subaru offers five trim levels for the Crosstrek, with hybrid powertrains available on select trims. Picking the right one is very important, so carefully consider what you want. 

2026 Crosstrek Base

As its name suggests, this is the base trim level from which everything else builds. You get the standard engine here, along with an 8.7-inch ground clearance, 17-inch wheels, and all-season tires. Every model has LED Steering Responsive Headlights, and the Base comes with black folding side mirrors.

Inside, you get manually-adjustable front seats, standard cloth upholstery, and keyless access with push-button start. An analog speedometer is standard, along with a 4.2-inch color display and a dual 7-inch Multimedia system with four speakers. Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is also standard, which includes:

• Pre-Collision Braking
• Lane Departure and Sway Warning
• Lane Keep Assist
• Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
• Automatic Emergency Steering

You also get LED daytime running lights, High Beam Assist, and a comprehensive air bag system. Overall, the Base trim is a great place to start at an incredibly accessible price, making it ideal for a wide range of drivers. 

2026 Crosstrek Premium

Moving up to the Premium trim gets you a number of upgrades, both inside and out. This model comes with LED fog lights, which can come in handy, along with dark gray side mirrors featuring integrated turn signals. You also get body-color door handles on the Premium and black roof rails.

A power driver's seat and heated front seats are available on the Premium, but not the Base, and you get more interior illumination. This model also comes with a Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus System that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, you get a six-speaker sound system for enhanced audio every day you drive. 

2026 Crosstrek Sport

There are several important differences to note with the Sport, starting with the fact that you can choose a Sport Hybrid trim that gets you some great features. This is your first option if you like the efficiency of the hybrid engine. You get 18-inch wheels on this model, along with gloss black side mirrors; a power moonroof is included with the Sport Hybrid.

The Sport has manual front seats, while the Sport Hybrid features a 10-way power driver's seat; both trims come with heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. You get cloth upholstery with yellow accents and contrast stitching; the hybrid version features a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster. They also come with the enhanced infotainment system. 

2026 Crosstrek Limited

With the Limited trim, you get a number of excellent upgrades and the option of a Limited Hybrid model—this is your other choice for the hybrid engine. These models come with 18-inch wheels, dark gray-finished side mirrors, and an available moonroof. You also get the power driver's seat inside both Limited models, not only the hybrid, and a heated steering wheel.

The Limited comes with leather-trimmed upholstery with orange contrast stitching, while the Limited Hybrid has StarTex durable upholstery. You also get the 12.3-inch instrument cluster in the Limited Hybrid, along with a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Blind Spot Detection and other safety upgrades are also included with both of these models. 

2026 Crosstrek Wilderness

Finally, the Wilderness trim is a great option if you like camping and want something rugged and reliable. When properly equipped, the Wilderness can tow up to 3,500 lbs, while other Crosstrek models are rated to tow up to 1,500 lbs, and you get a 9.3-inch ground clearance to help you more easily get over obstacles as you drive.

The Wilderness comes with 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, making them perfect for dirt and gravel roads. You get low-luster black side mirrors, plus black raised roof rails with an Anodized Copper finish. This model has the StarTex durable upholstery and many of the same features as the Sport trim; available options include a power driver's seat, a moonroof, and a Harman Kardon sound system.

Are You Looking For Any Other Features?

In addition to what we've looked at, many Crosstrek trim levels offer additional options, letting you further customize your ride. An auto-dimming rearview mirror is available in most models, for example, as are pet-friendly accessories. You can also get numerous exterior accessories, such as a roof-mounted awning or a bike carrier, to enjoy the great outdoors.

We're Here to Answer All of Your Questions

With just these three simple questions, you can narrow things down to find the Crosstrek that is right for you. Figuring out the answers to these questions can be a little more difficult than it might seem, however, which is why we are here to help. Call or come visit us at Ruge's Subaru today, and we'll make sure you get everything you're looking for in your next SUV.