2019 Subaru Crosstrek: True Cost of Ownership (5-Year Breakdown)
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover built on a car platform that delivers genuine all-weather capability with standard AWD, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and commuters in snowy climates alike. At a used price of around $17,500, it sits in a sweet spot for buyers who want SUV versatility without full SUV running costs. This guide breaks down every real dollar you'll spend owning one over five years so you can shop with confidence.
Monthly cost breakdown
The 2019 Crosstrek retains value exceptionally well for its segment — Subaru crossovers historically hold roughly 50-55% of their original MSRP after five years, and buying used at $17,500 means the steepest depreciation curve has already passed. Expect to sell or trade for approximately $10,000-$11,500 after five more years of average use.
Pros
- Standard symmetrical AWD is included at no extra cost, eliminating the typical $1,500-$2,500 all-wheel-drive option premium found on competitors
- Fuel economy of 27 city / 33 highway (2.0L) is competitive for a true AWD crossover, keeping monthly fuel costs around $112 at 12,000 miles/year at current average prices
- Reliability ratings are above average — Consumer Reports gives the 2019 Crosstrek a 4/5 reliability score, translating to lower-than-average unexpected repair bills
- High resale value means less depreciation drag compared to similarly priced used crossovers from domestic brands
Cons
- The base 2.0L engine produces only 152 hp, which can feel underpowered on highway merges and mountain grades — some owners upgrade to the 2.5L trim, which costs more to insure and buy
- Insurance runs slightly higher than the segment average (~$1,416/year) partly because EyeSight camera systems are expensive to repair after even minor front-end impacts
- CVT fluid service is recommended every 25,000-30,000 miles at roughly $150-$200 per service — often skipped by previous owners, so budget for it at purchase
- Ground clearance is 8.7 inches but the unibody platform means off-road recovery or suspension damage repairs cost more than on body-on-frame SUVs
Common problems to watch for
- Oil consumption between changes — the 2.0L FB20 engine can burn up to 1 quart per 1,200 miles on some units; check dipstick regularly and ask for oil consumption test records
- CVT transmission hesitation or shudder, particularly noticeable at low speeds; Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 100,000 miles on affected models so verify coverage status
- Head gasket seepage is a known long-term Subaru 2.0L concern — not typically catastrophic at this mileage but worth inspecting coolant condition and checking for white exhaust at a pre-purchase inspection
- Windshield stress cracks are disproportionately common due to the steeply raked angle; replacement costs $400-$700 and EyeSight recalibration adds $150-$250 on top
- Infotainment system (Starlink) can be sluggish and may require periodic software updates; not a costly repair but a known annoyance
The verdict
At $17,500, the 2019 Crosstrek is a genuinely smart used buy — you're absorbing minimal future depreciation while inheriting a mechanically sound, AWD-equipped crossover with well-above-average reliability. The main financial watch-outs are oil consumption monitoring and budgeting for CVT fluid if the previous owner skipped it. All-in at roughly $512/month, it competes favorably with similarly capable used crossovers and earns a solid ownership score of 74 out of 100.
Best for: The 2019 Crosstrek is ideal for a budget-conscious buyer in the Sun Belt or Snow Belt who drives mostly pavement with occasional light trails, wants long-term reliability, and plans to keep the car 5-plus years to maximize its strong resale curve.
Other model years
How it compares
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek reliable enough to buy used?
Yes — Consumer Reports rates the 2019 Crosstrek above average for reliability, and most reported issues like oil consumption are manageable with attentive maintenance rather than expensive repairs.
How much does it cost to insure a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?
Expect to pay roughly $1,100-$1,700 per year depending on your state, driving record, and whether the trim has EyeSight driver assistance, which raises repair costs and therefore premiums slightly.
What is the fuel economy of the 2019 Crosstrek and what will I spend monthly?
The 2.0L base engine averages about 29 MPG combined; at 12,000 miles per year and roughly $3.25/gallon average fuel cost, budget approximately $112 per month for fuel.
Does the 2019 Crosstrek have a timing belt or chain?
The 2.0L FB20 engine uses a timing chain, not a belt, so there is no costly timing belt replacement service to budget for — a meaningful long-term savings over many competitors.
What should I inspect before buying a used 2019 Crosstrek?
Prioritize an independent pre-purchase inspection focused on oil consumption level, CVT fluid condition and service history, any front-end damage that may have affected EyeSight camera calibration, and coolant clarity as an early head gasket indicator.
How much will a 2019 Crosstrek be worth in 5 years?
Based on current depreciation curves, a 2019 Crosstrek purchased today at $17,500 should retain approximately $10,000-$11,500 in private-party value after five more years and 60,000 additional miles, giving it one of the better residual values in its used-crossover class.
Get the exact cost for your budget
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Estimates are AI-generated guidance based on typical costs for this year, make and model.