Is the Subaru Crosstrek expensive to maintain?

At $492/year the Crosstrek sits just $26 above the subcompact segment average of $466 — essentially at par on sticker cost. Where it distinguishes itself is frequency: a 13% repair rate versus the segment average of 20% means fewer unscheduled shop visits per year. Combined with a 7% major repair probability (below the 9% class average) and a 9/10 reliability score, it's a strong long-term ownership choice.

What is the best year for a Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2023 Crosstrek stands out with only 32 complaints, a 10/10 NHTSA safety score, and just 4 severe issues — the cleanest year in its recent history. Avoid the 2019 model, which had 276 complaints. The 2023–2025 window represents the most refined version currently available on the used market.

How much does Subaru Crosstrek insurance cost?

The Crosstrek averages about $1,968/year to insure — roughly $164/month — making it one of the more affordable subcompact SUVs to insure. Its strong safety ratings and low theft profile keep rates competitive across most driver profiles.

Is the Subaru Crosstrek or Honda HR-V cheaper to maintain?

The HR-V is cheaper by about $191/year — $301 versus $492 for the Crosstrek. The HR-V also leads on reliability (10 vs. 9) and major repair probability (5% vs. 7%). The Crosstrek's counterargument is standard AWD, which the HR-V doesn't offer — a meaningful difference depending on where and how you drive.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Subaru Crosstrek?

Probably not. A 7% major repair probability and 13% repair frequency both sit below the subcompact segment average, and a 9/10 reliability score puts it in low-risk territory. If buying a 2019 model used, some coverage is worth considering given elevated complaints that year — otherwise, self-insuring makes more financial sense.

Nissan Kicks vs Subaru Crosstrek

Two subcompact SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Nissan Kicks based on your priorities for this class.

Buy the Subaru Crosstrek based on your priorities for this class.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Nissan Kicks	Subaru Crosstrek
Annual maintenance	—	$492
5-year total cost	—	$2,460
Reliability score	—	9 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	—	7%
Cargo space	—	54.7 cu ft
Starting price (new)	$22,430winner	$27,600
Best years to buy	—	2021

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Nissan Kicks	Subaru Crosstrek
RepairPal score	—	9 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	—	74.9
Years to avoid	None identified	2018, 2019, 2023
Value retained · 3 yr	—	90.5%
Value retained · 5 yr	—	71.2%
Value retained · 7 yr	—	59.5%

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Nissan Kicks	Subaru Crosstrek
Engine	—winner	10.7%
Electrical	—winner	10.1%
ADAS	—winner	10.4%
Brakes	—winner	1.6%
Suspension	—winner	1.0%
Steering	—winner	3.1%
Tires/Wheels	—winner	2.2%
Glass/Windows	—winner	33.0%
Airbags	—winner	1.4%
Lighting	—winner	2.5%

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Nissan Kicks	Subaru Crosstrek
Avg annual premium	—	$1,968

// FULL MODEL PAGES

$492/yr maint · 9 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →