Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the Crosstrek beats their 26.3 mpg average by 6.2 mpg, about $278 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2016, the 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid (2026), does 36 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 4-cyl (2026), 29: $257 a year apart.
Every Subaru Crosstrek engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | 36 / 36 | 2026–2026 | $1,067 | |
| 2L 4-cyl Plug-in hybrid | 36 / 35 | 2019–2023 | $1,097 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 27.1 / 33.2 | 2016–2025 | $1,306 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 26 / 33 | 2026–2026 | $1,324 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota RAV4 gets 37.5 mpg, the Jeep Wrangler 18.8 mpg and the Honda CR-V 35 mpg, next to 32.5 mpg for the 2026 Crosstrek.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.098 |
| Fuel per year | $1,182 |
| Fuel over five years | $5,910 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | −$278 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,031 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek gives up 3.5 mpg in town: 34.5 on the highway against 31 in the city, $126 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 31 mpg | $1,239 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 34.5 mpg | $1,113 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +3.5 mpg (11%) | Narrow — equally happy either way |
How the Crosstrek changed over the years
The Crosstrek peaked in 2026 at 32.5 mpg (31 city, 34.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2025 at 29 — 3.5 mpg apart, or $142 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 model gains 3.5 mpg against 29 for the 2025, with 2 versions instead of 1.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 31 / 34.5 | 2 | $1,182 | |
| 2025 | 27 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2024 | 27 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2023 | 32 / 34 | 2 | $1,182 | |
| 2022 | 28 / 33 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2021 | 32 / 34 | 2 | $1,182 | |
| 2020 | 31.5 / 34 | 2 | $1,182 | |
| 2019 | 31.5 / 34 | 2 | $1,200 | |
| 2018 | 27 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2017 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2016 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 16 EPA ratings of the Subaru Crosstrek — 4 engines across 2016–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,031. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek get?
32.5 mpg combined, 31 city and 34.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 29 to 36. Across every year since 2016 the Crosstrek has averaged 31.2 mpg.
Is the 2026 Crosstrek more efficient than the 2025?
Yes: 32.5 against 29 mpg combined, about $142 a year less to run.
Which Crosstrek year has the best gas mileage?
The 2026, at 32.5 mpg combined (31 city, 34.5 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Crosstrek get better gas mileage than the Toyota RAV4?
No: 32.5 mpg for the 2026 Crosstrek against 37.5 for the 2026 Toyota RAV4, about $158 a year more to run.
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