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.

Subaru Crosstrek vs Toyota Highlander

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

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Toyota Highlander to minimise 5-year ownership cost.

Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if long-term reliability matters most.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Subaru Crosstrek	Toyota Highlander
Annual maintenance	$492	$489winner
5-year total cost	$2,460	$2,445winner
Reliability score	9 / 10winner	8 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	7%winner	13%
Cargo space	54.7 cu ft	—
Starting price (new)	$27,600winner	$45,870
Best years to buy	2021	—

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Subaru Crosstrek	Toyota Highlander
RepairPal score	9 / 10winner	8 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	74.9	0winner
Years to avoid	2018, 2019, 2023	None identified
Value retained · 3 yr	90.5%winner	83.6%
Value retained · 5 yr	71.2%winner	63.7%
Value retained · 7 yr	59.5%winner	51.5%

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

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

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?

	Subaru Crosstrek	Toyota Highlander
Avg annual premium	$1,968winner	$2,401

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Subaru Crosstrek

$492/yr maint · 9 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Toyota Highlander

$489/yr maint · 8 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

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.

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 →