2016 Subaru Crosstrek — should you buy one?

Why people love the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek

Owners praise the 2016 Crosstrek's 2.0-liter flat-four engine paired with the CVT transmission for delivering 34 mpg on highway drives without feeling sluggish around town. The standard all-wheel drive grips snow and gravel with confidence, and the high ground clearance lets you park on rough driveways without scraping the undercarriage. People keep these cars past 150k miles because the engine simply runs.

Common complaints and known issues

The CVT transmission can shudder or hesitate between 60k and 100k miles, especially during acceleration; Subaru issued TSBs but many owners report the fix is temporary. Door seals deteriorate around 80k miles, letting wind noise in and occasionally water into the cabin during heavy rain. Paint bubbling and clear-coat failure appear first on the hood and roof around 70k–90k miles in humid climates.

Typical asking price

Under 80k miles: $16,500–$19,200. 80k–140k miles: $13,800–$16,800. Over 140k miles: $10,500–$13,500. CVT condition, accident history, and regional rust history create the biggest spreads; a single-owner Crosstrek from Arizona commands more than a flood-branded example from the upper Midwest.

Ranges are typical 2026 asking prices, not appraisals. The actual fair offer depends on this specific car's title history, accident record, and open recalls — which is what EstimateProof tells you.