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Subaru Forester and Outback Can't Keep Pace With The Hot New Crosstrek

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is the number one performing model in the lineup. Check out how the subcompact SUV outperforms both Forester and Outback.

Subaru of America hit a home run when they asked Subaru Corporation for a 2021 Crosstrek with more power. That decision is paying off big as the newly-refreshed 2021 Subaru Crosstrek with the 2.5-liter engine in Sport and Limited trims sell exceptionally well.

The Camden, N.J. automaker reports the recently updated 2021 Crosstrek is up 63.5 percent year-to-date, with 35,187 models delivered in 2021. The hot Crosstrek is third in total sales with 14,065 models delivered to customers in March, up an impressive 175.9 percent over March 2020. It was the best March ever for Crosstrek.

2021 Subaru Forester, 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 2021 Subaru Outback
photo credit: Subaru of San Bernardino

The Forester compact SUV is still leading in 2021 with 47,694 units sold, an increase of 22.0 percent over the first quarter in 2020. The 2021 Subaru Outback is second in the lineup in March, with 17,053 models delivered to customers, an increase of 99.0 percent. Outback has 41,503 vehicle sales in quarter one, up 27.3 percent year-to-date.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek outperforms both Forester and Outback in March percentage of increase and year-to-date change over last year. It’s an impressive feat as the Crosstrek is now 6,316 units behind the second-place Outback for the first quarter of 2021.

2021 Subaru Forester, 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 2021 Subaru Outback

Why is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek popular?

Consumer Reports ranks the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek #1 of 13: Subcompact sport-utility vehicles. CR says, “The Crosstrek delivers good fuel economy and impressive ride comfort, along with competent and enjoyable handling. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT return 29 mpg overall, which is quite good.”

Subaru now offers new 2021 Crosstrek Sport and Limited models with a bigger 2.5-liter engine. The larger 2.5-liter engine gets an impressive 27/34 city/highway and 29 combined mpg.

The Subaru Crosstrek also scored high in CR’s Annual Auto Survey in reliability. They found they have been relatively problem-free, as reported by car owners in their survey. Crosstrek is also rated one of five new compact SUVs under $30,000 that most satisfied their owners.

What is the price of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek comes in five trim levels. The base trim is priced from $22,245, Premium ($23,295), all-new Sport ($26,495), and Limited with the 2.5-liter engine ($27,995). Destination and delivery add $1,050.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek outperforms its two siblings, Forester and Outback, increasing sales performance percentage in 2021. Subaru of America hit a home run when they asked Subaru Corporation for a refreshed Crosstrek with a larger 2.5-liter engine option.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru, Subaru of San Bernardino