2019 Subaru CrossTrek Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The 2019 Subaru CrossTrek is part of the second generation of this vehicle. This latest generation began last year with a major overhaul to the CrossTrek. That means the 2019 version is mostly the same as last year's model. The feature availability and trim levels have been revised a bit. There have also been some upgrades to the Starlink telematics system.

For the uninitiated, the Subaru CrossTrek is a compact crossover SUV. Its official class designation is actually as a wagon. This vehicle is a smaller, 4-door hatchback with a nice amount of room for cargo. To be specific, you get 51.9 cubic-feet of space. You can comfortably fit five average-sized adults into the CrossTrek too. Considering its overall size, this little SUV is downright spacious on the inside.

Like most Subaru vehicles, the CrossTrek features all-wheel drive. This makes it an excellent performer on slick roads and over rough terrain. The CrossTrek sits up high off of the ground. It has 8.7 inches of ground clearance and a special traction system. These features greatly boost the CrossTrek's off-road capabilities.

With any version of the CrossTrek, you get good performance, great steering dynamics and a comfortable ride. The vehicle is both practical and adventurous. It offers good fuel economy for its class. It gives you everything you would need from a family vehicle. There's plenty of room for the kids and your groceries. It's a reliable SUV that drives and rides more like a luxury car.

The CrossTrek's ruggedness and off-road capabilities also make it a great choice for those who like to go off the beaten path. If your outdoor excursions take you far from the road, the CrossTrek can get you there safely. If you need room for your camping, fishing or other equipment, this SUV has plenty of it to offer. You can even tow up to 1,500 lbs. with the CrossTrek. Once again, there's enough passenger space to take your friends along for the ride too.

This versatile and unique vehicle comes in three different trim levels. There is also a special hybrid model. The three regular CrossTrek's come equipped with Subaru's Boxer engine. This 2.0-liter, DOHC engine isn't like your standard 4-cylinder. Instead of an inline or V shape, they use a horizontally-opposed engine configuration. This negates motor vibrations and makes for better efficiency and a smoother ride.

The CrossTrek engine cranks out 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The three trims that share this engine get around 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg during highway driving. If you're curious to find out which trim package is right for you, please read on. We will take a look at what each package has to offer and how it compares to the next and previous trim levels.

Compare the 2019 Subaru CrossTrek 2.0i vs 2.0i Premium Trims. What is the difference?

These two trim levels share the same engine, performance and fuel-economy ratings. Both come stock with a 6-speed manual transmission system. There's an option for an automatic, continuously-variable transmission as well. The 2.0i Premium has an extra option for CVT paddle shifters. The main differences between these two trim levels lie in the features and extras.

Both trims come with 17-inch alloy wheels and a set of all-season tires. Both have halogen headlights and a roof spoiler. The 2.0i Premium adds on fog lights. Raised roof rails on both models give you some extra storage options. The two trims offer folding side mirrors. These come in black on the 2.0i and color-matched to the body paint for the 2.0i Premium.

Moving to the interior, you get 6-way manually adjustable seats for these two trims. The seats have cloth upholstery on both models. The 2.0i Premium gets some decorative orange stitching on the seats. The Premium also gives you an all-weather package that adds on a heating feature for both front seats.

Both trims have 60/40 split rear seats that can be folded down for more storage space. The 2.0i Premium gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel with orange stitching to match the seats. You can also add on a matching leather cover for the gearshift knob. The instrument cluster is identical on both models.

Some common features such as power-operated side mirrors and electronic cruise control are available on both trim levels. There are two cup holders in the center console and a lot of small-item storage compartments throughout the interior. There's a bottle holder on each door panel. The 2.0i Premium offers a few more of these conveniences.

The 2.0i Premium gives you some extras like a rear cargo tray and cargo-area cover. This cover is retractable and can also be completely removed. You also get illuminated vanity mirrors on the visors for the 2.0i Premium. Both trims give you grocery-bag and tie-down hooks. Both models come with similar infotainment systems.

On the base model, you get Subaru's Starlink Multimedia System. This comes with a 6.5-inch, high-resolution touchscreen. Smartphone app integration gets you connectivity to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Pandora. Bluetooth and USB connections are available as well. An AM/FM radio and four speakers round out the audio system here.

For the 2.0i Premium trim, you get the Starlink Multimedia Plus package. This loses nothing from the previous system and just adds more features. You get even more app integration than before with additions such as Aha, Yelp and iHeart Radio. A navigation system is added on to make sure you always find your destination. 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability is now included. You get a CD player to go with the AM/FM radio. Two additional speakers are thrown in, bringing the total to six.

These two trim levels share a lot of the same safety and security features. A brake assist and a braking override system are included. Daytime running lights help you to be seen more easily. A rear-view camera helps you to see what's behind you. A tire-pressure monitoring system lets you know if the air pressure is at an unsafe level.

Five airbags are installed up front in the CrossTrek. There are two for each occupant. An extra airbag for the driver is located around the knee-level area. Curtain-style airbags give a level of protection to everyone inside of the vehicle. There are rear-seat head restraints that cover three passengers in the back. You also get child safety door locks for the rear seats. The 2.0i Premium also gives you the option to include a rear cross-traffic alert and a blind-spot detector.

Every version of the 2019 Subaru CrossTrek comes with an excellent security system. This anti-theft system features an engine immobilizer if someone takes off with your beloved CrossTrek without permission. All trim packages also include a keyless-entry system that answers you back with an electronic chirp.

Compare the 2019 CrossTrek 2.0i Premium vs 2.0i Limited. What is the difference?

For the 2.0i Limited, you get the same engine but a different transmission system this time around. Instead of a manual transmission, you get an automatic CVT. CVT stands for continuously variable transmission. This system also includes paddle shifters so you can still manually move up and down through the gears.

Subaru's X-Mode also comes standard for the 2.0i Limited. This system optimizes the engine power and transmission system and how they work together. Through enhanced use of the VDC system, it helps to reduce individual wheel spin, giving the AWD platform even better traction. It also helps you maintain a constant speed while driving downhill.

The wheels get upgraded on the 2.0i Limited to 18-inch models. The previous headlights are replaced with LED, steering-responsive versions. Integrated turn signals are added on to the exterior side mirrors. You can also add on a moon roof as an option for this trim level.

On the inside of the 2.0i Limited, you get an upgraded driver's seat with 6-way power adjustments. The auto-transmission handle is wrapped in leather with orange stitching. The steering wheel matches this motif. The seats offer leather with the same stitch pattern as well. An automatic climate-control system makes it easy to stay cool or warm throughout the interior.

The instrument cluster is upgraded for this trim package and comes with a 4.2-inch LCD monitor for the speed display and tachometer. A separate 6.3 inch display gives you information such as the weather, your fuel economy and vehicle-systems operation. A folding armrest and extra cup holders are added to the rear-seat area.

The 2.0i Limited comes with the highest tier infotainment system available for the CrossTrek. There are more USB ports and even more connectivity options than before. The touchscreen gets upgraded to am 8-inch model.

When it comes to safety features, the 2.0i Limited has all of the ones that come standard on the 2.0i Premium. It adds in Subaru's EyeSight Driver-Assist Technology. This includes adaptive cruise control, a lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist. A braking assist kicks into gear when an imminent collision is detected. The 2.0i Limited also has the same security system found on the Premium trim.

Compare the CrossTrek 2.0i Limited vs Hybrid Trims. What is the difference?

The Hybrid model of the Subaru CrossTrek offers something unique. The hybrid engine can get you 90 mpg on a full charge. Subaru uses a 2.0-liter DOHC engine working in tandem with a magnet AC synchronous motor. This is a great option for anyone who wants to be environmentally friendly while saving some money at the gas pumps.

The Hybrid loses out on some of the towing abilities of the previous three models. It can tow around 1000 lbs. while the previous models can tow 1,500 lbs. It has a CVT transmission and includes Subaru's X-Mode just like the 2.0i Limited. Most of the exterior features are identical between the 2.0i Limited and Hybrid models.

On the inside of the Hybrid, you still get a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The orange stitching is replaced with blue stitches throughout the Hybrid. Most of the same convenience features are found on both of these models. The Hybrid also gets the top level infotainment and audio systems found on the Limited. All of the active and passive safety features are the same on these models. You get the same security features for the Hybrid as well.

Final Thoughts

You won't be disappointed with any of these trim packages if you should so happen to purchase one. The Hybrid offers something truly unique, but it's aimed at a specific demographic. For the majority of buyers, the 2019 Subaru CrossTrek 2.0i Limited will be your best choice. The good thing about these trim levels is that it's never a huge cost increase to move up to the next level.

Performance isn't a major consideration since the three standard trims share the same engine. The slight increase in price between the 2.0i Premium and Limited trims is well worth the added features you get with the Limited. The only possible downside is if you're the type of driver who needs a manual transmission system. The base model and Premium come with a manual stick while the Limited has Subaru's CVT system. Still, this is somewhat negated by the fact that the Limited gives you paddle shifters.

Unless you're the type that doesn't need or want the best in convenience, luxury and safety features, there's very little reason to settle for anything less than the 2.0i Limited. The top-tier audio system, premium infotainment center and additional driver-assist features make it a fantastic compact SUV.