The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover with a rugged personality. From its raised ground clearance to its prominent side moldings, the Crosstrek looks ready for adventure. And consumers like that, making it one of the brand’s top sellers.

But in a recent survey, there’s one aspect of the Subaru Crosstrek owners wish were better. Let’s look at the data.

The Subaru Crosstrek: what owners say

The Subaru Crosstrek is an appealing pick for drivers with an active lifestyle. Its all-wheel drive powertrain can go almost anywhere, and its athletic stance looks cool on the road. Whether driving through the mountains or traversing city streets, the Crosstrek looks at home. But it’s not perfect.

The 2022 J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) study asked verified new-vehicle buyers to rank 10 aspects of their Subaru Crosstreks.

Here are the results, going from most favorite to least favorite:

• Exterior styling

• Driving feel

• Feeling of safety

• Getting in and out

• Setting up and starting

• Interior design

• Powertrain

• Driving comfort

• Infotainment

• Fuel economy

Looking at the stats, the Subaru Crosstrek has many redeeming qualities. As a previous Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+, the Crosstrek is among the safest vehicles on the road. With its quick and agile handling, every trip is a fun ride. And its sturdy, well-designed interior is good for commuting and road trips alike.

But the lowest-ranked attribute doesn’t seem to fit. After all, a small SUV available with four-cylinder engines should be pretty fuel efficient. Why do owners feel that way?

They could expect more MPGs from a compact vehicle with a high-tech powertrain. Or, with hybrids and EVs gaining popularity, consumers may seek ever greater efficiency to keep pace. And since Subaru has an eco-friendly image, customers might expect class-leading gas mileage.

But is the Subaru Crosstrek’s fuel economy that bad? Let’s examine the official stats and how they compare to the competition.

How the Subaru Crosstrek’s fuel efficiency compares

When it comes to fuel efficiency, how does the Crosstrek stack up?

The EPA-rated MPG for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is:

• 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 152 hp: 27/34/29 MPG city/highway/combined

• 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 hp: figures not available

That’s solid fuel economy.

Yet, with Crosstrek owners wanting more, we looked at its competitor, the 2024 Honda HR-V. Like the Crosstrek, the HR-V is a compact SUV with a sporty style, a four-cylinder engine, and all-wheel drive (optional).

According to the EPA, an all-wheel drive Honda HR-V has fuel economy ratings of 25/30/27 city/highway/combined.

Those figures put the Crosstrek in a good light.

Still, there’s hope for those who seek a more efficient version. According to Car and Driver, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Crosstrek is a good possibility. And since PHEVs can drive on electric power alone, fuel economy worries should be a thing of the past.

Either way, the redesigned 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is a small SUV with a unique outdoor flair. Not many in its class look so ready for anything—whether dirt trails, snowy roads, or a trip to the grocery. Maybe that’s why it’s such a popular pick.