2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Its Competition

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited, left, and Sport, right
Robert Duffer Robert Duffer Senior Editor

The Crosstrek competes with a wide range of small crossover utility vehicles.

The Honda HR-V is practical and spacious, but best suited for around town.

The Kia Seltos cuts a stylish shape with a good value but has a balky transmission, which could also be said about the Hyundai Kona.

Fun to drive and right-sized for 2021, the Mazda CX-30 doesn’t pretend to have off-road-ready hardware.

The Jeep Renegade veers in the opposite direction; it’s hugely capable, but also expensive.

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited, left, and Sport, right2021 Subaru Crosstrek
2021 Honda HR-V2021 Honda HR-V
2021 Hyundai Kona2021 Hyundai Kona
2021 Jeep Renegade2021 Jeep Renegade
2021 Kia Seltos2021 Kia Seltos
2021 Mazda CX-302021 Mazda CX-30
Quick Specs
6.0
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek flexes a more potent available powertrain but still prioritizes safety and capability.
5.0
The 2021 Honda HR-V leans into hatchback practicality, but its fuel economy and standard safety gear lag.
6.3
The 2021 Hyundai Kona wears like statement jewelry, and drives like a bargain.
5.8
The 2021 Jeep Renegade is the small off-road SUV that doesn’t know how to quit.
5.8
The 2021 Kia Seltos combines the practicality of the hatchback Soul in a larger package with the automaker’s low price and superlative warranty.
6.0
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is great-looking, spacious, and more polished and fun-to-drive than other compact competitors, but it’s a step behind in value and features.
MSRP From     
$22,245$21,220$20,500$22,850$21,990$22,050
Gas Mileage     
22 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy26 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy25 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy21 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy25 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Regular Unleaded H-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4
EPA Class     
Small SUV 4WDSmall Station WagonsSmall SUV 2WDSmall SUV 2WDSmall SUV 4WDSmall SUV 2WD
Style Name     
ManualLX 2WD CVTSE Automatic FWDJeepster FWD *Ltd Avail*LX IVT AWD2.5 S FWD
Drivetrain     
All Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveAll Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
555555
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
Sport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport Utility
Transmission     
Manual w/ODCVT w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODCVT w/ODAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2021 Honda HR-V2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2021 Hyundai Kona2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2021 Jeep Renegade2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2021 Kia Seltos2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2021 Mazda CX-30