What is the best year for a Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2023 Crosstrek stands out with only 32 complaints, a 10/10 NHTSA safety score, and just 4 severe issues — the cleanest year in its recent history. Avoid the 2019 model, which had 276 complaints. The 2023–2025 window represents the most refined version currently available on the used market.

How much does Subaru Crosstrek insurance cost?

The Crosstrek averages about $1,968/year to insure — roughly $164/month — making it one of the more affordable subcompact SUVs to insure. Its strong safety ratings and low theft profile keep rates competitive across most driver profiles.

Is the Subaru Crosstrek or Honda HR-V cheaper to maintain?

The HR-V is cheaper by about $191/year — $301 versus $492 for the Crosstrek. The HR-V also leads on reliability (10 vs. 9) and major repair probability (5% vs. 7%). The Crosstrek's counterargument is standard AWD, which the HR-V doesn't offer — a meaningful difference depending on where and how you drive.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Subaru Crosstrek?

Probably not. A 7% major repair probability and 13% repair frequency both sit below the subcompact segment average, and a 9/10 reliability score puts it in low-risk territory. If buying a 2019 model used, some coverage is worth considering given elevated complaints that year — otherwise, self-insuring makes more financial sense.

Is the Honda HR-V expensive to maintain?

The HR-V is one of the cheapest SUVs to own in any segment — averaging $301/year in maintenance, $165 below the subcompact average of $466. Its repair frequency of 10% is half the subcompact segment average of 20%, and its 5% major repair probability is well below the class norm of 9%. For pure ownership cost, nothing in the subcompact class touches it.

What is the best year for a Honda HR-V?

The 2021 HR-V is the strongest used pick from the second generation — 61 complaints, a 10/10 NHTSA safety score, and only 6 severe issues. Avoid 2023: it was the third-generation debut and drew 678 complaints as Honda worked through early transmission and infotainment issues. By 2025 that generation had settled to 36 complaints, making it a solid option for buyers who want the newer platform.

How much does Honda HR-V insurance cost?

The HR-V averages around $2,005/year to insure, or roughly $167/month. Its strong safety scores and low theft profile contribute to competitive rates. Actual quotes will vary by trim, model year, location, and driver history.

Is the Honda HR-V or Ford Bronco Sport cheaper to maintain?

Maintenance cost data isn't available for the Ford Bronco Sport, so a direct dollar comparison isn't possible. What the data does show: the HR-V's $301/year and 5% major repair probability are benchmarks that would be difficult for most rivals to beat.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Honda HR-V?

No. A 5% major repair probability — less than half the subcompact segment average of 9% — makes this one of the lowest-risk ownership propositions in the class. The one exception is the 2023 model year, which had significantly elevated complaints during the third-generation launch. For any other year, self-insuring is the better financial move.

Subaru Crosstrek vs Honda HR-V

Two subcompact SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if its specific features or size suit your needs better.

Buy the Honda HR-V — lower 5-year cost and better reliability.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Subaru Crosstrek	Honda HR-V
Annual maintenance	$492	$301winner
5-year total cost	$2,460	$1,505winner
Reliability score	9 / 10	10 / 10winner
Major repair risk (5yr)	7%	5%winner
Cargo space	54.7 cu ft	55.1 cu ftwinner
Starting price (new)	$27,600winner	$28,600
Best years to buy	2021	—

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Subaru Crosstrek	Honda HR-V
RepairPal score	9 / 10	10 / 10winner
NHTSA complaints / 100k	—	147.9
Years to avoid	2018, 2019, 2023	2022, 2023
Value retained · 3 yr	90.5%winner	87.1%
Value retained · 5 yr	71.2%	71.3%winner
Value retained · 7 yr	59.5%	60.5%winner

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Subaru Crosstrek	Honda HR-V
Engine	10.7%	4.6%winner
Electrical	10.1%winner	10.6%
ADAS	10.4%	8.5%winner
Brakes	1.6%winner	3.0%
Suspension	1.0%	—winner
Steering	3.1%winner	9.2%
Fuel system	—winner	7.4%
Tires/Wheels	2.2%	0.6%winner
Glass/Windows	33.0%	29.2%winner
Airbags	1.4%winner	3.5%
Lighting	2.5%	—winner
Seatbelt	—winner	0.9%

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Subaru Crosstrek	Honda HR-V
Avg annual premium	$1,968winner	$2,005

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Subaru Crosstrek

$492/yr maint · 9 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Honda HR-V

$301/yr maint · 10 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

At $492/year the Crosstrek sits just $26 above the subcompact segment average of $466 — essentially at par on sticker cost. Where it distinguishes itself is frequency: a 13% repair rate versus the segment average of 20% means fewer unscheduled shop visits per year. Combined with a 7% major repair probability (below the 9% class average) and a 9/10 reliability score, it's a strong long-term ownership choice.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →