The upcoming 2021 Subaru Crosstrek will arrive with the new engine, various sources reported. Moreover, the Crosstrek Sport version will ax its 6-speed manual transmission. Besides these significant updates, the rest of the Crosstrek will arrive with mid-cycle refreshments. That includes small visual modifications and additional interior equipment.

The Japanese manufacturer also plans to offer a hybrid variant, but the trim levels will remain unchanged for 2021. The price will slightly increase and we can expect a new model in the second half of 2021.

2021 Crosstrek Gets New Equipment

The all-new 2021 Subaru Crosstrek will get numerous upgrades. However, visual changes are far from significant. Moreover, the interior will only get improved tech. The same stands for the Sport version that will slot above the Premium trim level. Thanks to that, Crosstrek Sport will get similar equipment as the Premium variant. That includes new SI-DRIVE mode and Hill Descent Control. Moreover, this model will arrive with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and brand-new roof rails.

Under guards are color-accented and gloss-black features are visible at first glance. Subaru will offer various blacked-out features as well. Safety equipment is better than on the current model. Japanese manufacturer plans to offer EyeSight safety suite to all of its upcoming SUVs as a standard part of the equipment.

Crosstrek Sport Won’t Offer Manual Transmission

As we said, the Sport version will arrive without manual transmission for the first time. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport will go through various significant changes in the coming years. This is just a beginning. Whatsoever, Subaru did the same thing with its Legacy, Forester and Outback models. On the other hand, the Premium model still offers a manual gearbox.

The rest of the trim levels, including the Sport, will get the current 8-speed automatic transmission. The reason for such a radical move is that the buyers are not into a manual gearbox as before. Interestingly, only six percent of Crosstrek’s customers are opting for manual transmission. Subaru isn’t the first nor the last automaker to do so.

More Potent Engine

The approaching 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is about to get the more powerful engine. As for the Sport version, nothing will change under the hood. That means a 2.5-liter four-cylinder remains. Moreover, the same 2.5-liter remains in the regular Crosstrek. However, Subaru will re-tune this engine in order to provide more power. Thanks to that, a new 2021 Crosstrek model will provide more than the current 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.

According to the latest reports, Japanese automaker plans to deliver an additional 30 horses and 31 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, a new model will weigh 446 pounds less than the current model. Crosstrek Hybrid will largely remain and it will provide 17 miles of all-electric driving range.

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Arrival Date and Price

The Japanese automaker plans to release the new 2021 Subaru Crosstrek later this year. The most likely launch date is in the third quarter of 2020. The price will start at about $25,000. On the other hand, the Sport trim level starts at $30,000 and Crosstrek Hybrid closer to $35,000. Most likely rival is again, Jeep Renegade, Nissan Kicks, and Mazda CX-4.

Source: JDPower