When you're shopping for a used compact crossover that bridges the gap between daily commuting and weekend trailheads, the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek often enters the conversation. Built on the Impreza hatchback platform, it adds rugged body cladding, raised suspension, and standard all-wheel drive. Drivers choose it for its high ground clearance and manageable footprint, though it's worth understanding its powertrain limits and long-term ownership traits before buying.
Under the hood, every 2017 Crosstrek features a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine producing 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. You can pair this engine with either a five-speed manual transmission or a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the boxer design lowers the center of gravity for better cornering stability, the car isn't built for rapid acceleration. Zero to 60 mph takes roughly 9.9 seconds with the CVT, meaning you'll need patience when merging onto fast-moving highways.
Performance and Real-World Drivetrain Behavior
Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system defines the Crosstrek's character. Unlike reactive systems that spin front wheels before sending power rearward, Subaru's mechanical setup constantly drives all four wheels, offering predictable traction in heavy rain, mud, and snow.
Ground clearance stands at an impressive 8.7 inches. That's higher than many larger crossovers, allowing you to clear deep snow ruts and rocky fire roads without scraping the underbody. However, the suspension tuning leans toward the firm side. While it keeps body roll in check around tight corners, sharp potholes and rough city pavement send noticeable impacts into the cabin.
Fuel economy remains one of the model's strongest selling points. Models equipped with the CVT achieve an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, for a combined rating of 29 mpg. Choosing the five-speed manual drops efficiency down to 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
Interior Comfort and Practicality
Inside, the 2017 Crosstrek prioritizes utilitarian durability over luxury. Hard plastics dominate the dashboard and door panels, but they hold up well against mud, sports gear, and pet claws. Cloth seats are standard, while higher trims feature leather seating surfaces and orange contrast stitching.
- Passenger Space: Front-seat occupants enjoy ample head and legroom, while the rear bench accommodates adults comfortably on shorter trips.
- Cargo Capacity: You get 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Folding the 60/40 split seats flat expands that volume to 51.9 cubic feet.
- Infotainment: Base models feature a 6.2-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, while upper trims upgrade to a 7-inch display with voice recognition and dual USB ports.
Visibility is exceptionally good thanks to thin roof pillars and large side windows, making parking and lane changes simple in tight urban environments.
Safety Ratings and Driver Assistance
Safety is a core pillar of Subaru's brand identity, and the 2017 model reflects that focus. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Crosstrek its highest designation of Top Safety Pick+, provided the vehicle is equipped with front crash prevention.
Models featuring the optional EyeSight driver assist suite benefit from:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Pre-collision braking
- Lane departure warning
- Lane sway warning
Keep in mind that EyeSight was limited to upper trim levels (Limited and select Premium variants) and added cost to the original sticker price, so verify whether a used model includes it.
Common Maintenance Items and Reliability
While generally dependable, the 2017 Crosstrek has a few known trouble spots that you should inspect before purchasing a used model.
First, monitor oil consumption. Early iterations of the FB20 engine family occasionally consumed oil between changes. Check the dipstick regularly, especially if you're looking at higher-mileage examples. Second, the CVT has faced scrutiny across multiple Subaru models from this era. Listen for whining noises during test drives and check service records to confirm whether the transmission fluid has been changed.
Routine maintenance is straightforward. Spark plug replacement can be tight due to the boxer engine's horizontal layout, but standard items like air filters, brake pads, and oil changes are easy to service at home or by any local mechanic. For official maintenance schedules and safety recalls, consult the Subaru Owner Resources portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you flat-tow a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek behind an RV?
Yes, but only if it has the manual transmission. Models equipped with the CVT cannot be flat-towed with all four wheels on the ground because the automatic transmission lubrication pump operates only while the engine runs.
How does the Crosstrek handle in deep snow?
Extremely well. Combined with the 8.7 inches of ground clearance and dedicated winter tires, the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system allows the Crosstrek to power through unplowed neighborhood streets and mountain passes where standard front-wheel-drive sedans get stuck.
Is the 2017 model good for road trips?
It excels at handling mixed-weather road trips thanks to comfortable seating and high cargo versatility, though cabin noise at highway speeds can be noticeable due to wind buffeting around the roof rails and engine drone under hard acceleration.
