Subaru Keeps The Crosstrek Cheap, But There’s A Small Catch

Subaru Keeps the Formula Mostly Intact

The Subaru Crosstrek is still holding down the fort for the star-spangled brand in America, right up there with the Forester. Sure, it's lost a bit of steam in early 2026, but it's still a mainstay in Subaru showrooms and a common sight on the road.

That said, Subaru hasn't gone wild with updates for 2027. Prices are basically the same as last year – at least on paper. The sneaky bit, however, is the destination charge, which has crept up from $1,420 to $1,475, so you might want to check the math before celebrating.

Small Updates, Familiar Package

For 2027, the gas-only Crosstrek Sport trim is out. From now on, if you want a Sport badge, you'll have to go hybrid. At least it makes spotting the electrified version a bit less of a guessing game.

Otherwise, it's business as usual. Gas models stick with the trusty 180-horsepower 2.5-liter BOXER, CVT, and Subaru's signature all-wheel drive. The hybrid keeps its next-gen setup with 194 hp and a claimed 598-mile range – plenty for your next road trip or grocery run.

Subaru also played with the paint palette. Ignition Red joins the Limited Hybrid, Tidepool Teal Pearl is new, and Sapphire Blue Pearl is now a hybrid-only affair. The Limited Hybrid gets a power moonroof thrown in (which basically explains the price hike), but otherwise the features list is a rerun.

Safety remains one of the Crosstrek's strengths, with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology standard across all trims.

Stability Could Be Subaru's Best Move

Subaru's playing it safe with the Crosstrek, and that's probably not by accident. The Forester is stealing the spotlight with big sales gains, while the Crosstrek has quietly slipped a bit – even though it's still the brand's runner-up.

As of June this year, Subaru sold 87,623 Crosstreks – good for second place behind the Forester's 107,854. But here's the kicker: Crosstrek sales are down 3% so far this year, while the Forester is up a healthy 12.4%.

Subaru seems happy to let the Crosstrek keep doing its thing. The $26,995 starting price stays put, which should keep buyers interested – even if the sneaky destination fee takes a small bite out of that win.

The 2027 tweaks might fly under the radar, but it's clear Subaru wants to keep things affordable. If Americans still want budget-friendly all-wheel-drive, holding the price steady could be just what the Crosstrek needs to get its groove back.

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