Subaru is synonymous with safety, at least as far as consumers are concerned. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek safety features are plentiful in the standard transmission SUV . Which features does it come standard with, and how do you get more of the optional ones in the manual transmission version?

Which safety features should an SUV come with?

Consumer Reports recommends a slew of advanced safety features that car shoppers should consider. The reason behind this is simple; more safety features (as long as they’re effective), increase the safety of the vehicle. Some safety features have better data backing them, like forward collision warning. Other features, like blind spot warning, are getting better but still have a ways to go. 

No matter which vehicle you’re considering, you should always take a look at the safety features it comes standard with, and consider opting for those which you can purchase. As more car manufacturers are increasing the number of safety systems in their vehicles, this is becoming easier to do. At the same time, you do need to be careful and not assume that a solid car manufacturer name is definitely going to come with what you need. In the case of the Subaru Crosstrek, you’ll get mostly what you need, unless you buy the manual transmission. 

What do all of these safety features do?

Forward collision warning can detect a potential collision. Automatic emergency braking (AEB) can pre-charge the brakes once it detects a potential collision, and some AEB systems even apply the brakes for you if you don’t respond to the warning in time. Pedestrian detection can detect pedestrians that are in, or may enter, the path of the vehicle. Some can detect cyclists. 

Lane departure warning uses cameras to monitor the vehicle’s position between road lines and alert the driver. Lane-keeping assistance slightly adjusts the car to keep it from crossing into other lanes. 

Blind spot warning alerts a driver if a car is moving into their blind spot. Rear cross traffic warning will alert the driver of cars approaching the side and rear of the vehicle when the vehicle is in reverse. 

Antilock brakes keep the wheels from locking while hard braking. Traction control limits how much wheels spin during acceleration so that the driver can retain control. Daytime running lights are lights that come on whenever a vehicle is running for maximum visibility. 

Which safety features does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek come standard with?

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek standard transmission as well as they hybrid version come withSubaru EyeSight, which includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. 

You won’t get blind spot warning unless you pay for it; it isn’t even an option on base trim Crosstreks. If you buy a hybrid or top-of-the-line Crosstrek, you’ll get it though. Consumer Reports notes that this system has its limitations, so perhaps it isn’t a deal-breaker if you don’t get it. 

Unfortunately, Subaru EyeSight doesn’t come with manual transmission Crosstreks.

Although the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is the top-rated subcompact SUV, if you want a manual transmission, you may want to reconsider purchasing the Crosstrek. However, if you’re looking for a standard transmission – and especially if you want the top-of-the-line Crosstrek, it’s still a great choice.