Excessive engine oil consumption (FB20 boxer)
high- Typically appears
- 30,000–100,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $0 – $2,500
2017 Subaru
CrosstrekSUV
SUV
The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is a subcompact crossover built on Subaru's Global Platform predecessor, riding higher than a typical hatchback and pairing standard Symmetrical AWD with a 2.0L boxer four. It's closely related to the Impreza but adds 8.7 inches of ground clearance and rugged body cladding, making it genuinely capable on dirt roads, snowy streets, and light trails without the fuel penalty of a larger SUV. This generation (2013–2017) earned a loyal following for its AWD reliability, practical cargo space, and above-average safety scores. It's not a fast car — 152 hp through a CVT means merging on the highway takes planning — but owners consistently report high satisfaction and low drama past 150,000 miles when basic maintenance is kept up. For Lake Geneva drivers, the Crosstrek's standard AWD, reasonable ground clearance, and solid winter traction reputation make it a smart year-round choice. The boxer engine does have a known oil consumption quirk in this generation that buyers and current owners should watch closely.
Reliability
4/5
Verified data
Specs shown for Crosstrek AWD — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
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Drivetrain
AWD
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
23 city / 30 hwy / 26 combined
Seats
—
Doors
—
Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is a subcompact crossover built on Subaru's Global Platform predecessor, riding higher than a typical hatchback and pairing standard Symmetrical AWD with a 2.0L boxer four. It's closely related to the Impreza but adds 8.7 inches of ground clearance and rugged body cladding, making it genuinely capable on dirt roads, snowy streets, and light trails without the fuel penalty of a larger SUV. This generation (2013–2017) earned a loyal following for its AWD reliability, practical cargo space, and above-average safety scores. It's not a fast car — 152 hp through a CVT means merging on the highway takes planning — but owners consistently report high satisfaction and low drama past 150,000 miles when basic maintenance is kept up. For Lake Geneva drivers, the Crosstrek's standard AWD, reasonable ground clearance, and solid winter traction reputation make it a smart year-round choice. The boxer engine does have a known oil consumption quirk in this generation that buyers and current owners should watch closely.
Known for
- Standard Symmetrical AWD on every trim
- 8.7-inch ground clearance — best-in-class for its segment at launch
- Frugal running costs and straightforward maintenance
- Excellent IIHS safety ratings
- Strong resale value
Best for
- Year-round Wisconsin driving including snowy winters
- Light off-road and unpaved road use
- Commuters wanting AWD without a large SUV's fuel cost
- Outdoor-lifestyle owners who need roof rack versatility
- First-time Subaru buyers looking for long-term reliability
Watch for
- Oil consumption on the FB20 engine — check level every 1,000 miles
- CVT longevity depends heavily on fluid change history
- Head gasket weepage is less common than older Subarus but still occurs
- Lineartronic CVT can feel sluggish at highway merge speeds
- Rust on brake hardware and undercarriage from road salt exposure
Common issues by mileage
6 knownCVT (Lineartronic) shudder or hesitation
medium- Typically appears
- 60,000–120,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $250 – $4,500
Camshaft/VVT timing solenoid faults
medium- Typically appears
- 60,000–130,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $900
Oxygen / A/F sensor heater circuit faults
medium- Typically appears
- 80,000–150,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $450
Head gasket seepage
low- Typically appears
- 100,000–180,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $1,200 – $2,800
Brake hardware corrosion / sticking calipers
high- Typically appears
- 40,000–100,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $800
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 1,000 miles or monthly Check engine oil level on the dipstick
The FB20 boxer has documented oil consumption. Catching a low-oil condition early prevents engine damage — don't wait for the oil light.
- 2 Every 5,000–6,000 miles Full synthetic oil and filter change
Subaru specifies 0W-20 full synthetic. Shorter intervals help flush contaminants and reduce sludge buildup that causes VVT solenoid problems.
- 3 Every 30,000 miles CVT fluid (Lineartronic) exchange
Subaru's owner manual lists CVT fluid as 'inspect at 30k, replace if needed,' but many shops and owners see better longevity with proactive changes every 30k. Dirty fluid is the leading cause of CVT shudder.
- 4 Every 30,000 miles Inspect and replace engine and cabin air filters
Dirt and debris in Wisconsin's rural and salt-air environment clog filters faster. A clogged air filter hurts the FB20's already modest power output.
- 5 Every 30,000 miles Inspect brake hardware, lubricate caliper slides and pins
Salt exposure corrodes brake hardware quickly. Annual or 30k lubrication prevents sticking calipers and uneven pad wear.
- 6 Every 60,000 miles Replace spark plugs (iridium)
OEM iridium plugs are rated for 60k miles. Worn plugs increase misfires and can degrade catalytic converter efficiency.
- 7 Every 60,000 miles Inspect front and rear differential / AWD transfer clutch fluid
Subaru's symmetrical AWD relies on clean fluid in the rear differential and transfer clutch. Neglect causes AWD binding and premature wear.
- 8 Every 2 years or at first sign of hard starts Test and replace battery as needed
Sub-zero Lake Geneva winters are hard on batteries. A battery over 3–4 years old should be load-tested before winter to avoid a no-start situation.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$600 – $1,200
Fuel
At 26 MPG combined and roughly 12,000 miles/year, expect around $1,600–$1,900/year at $3.50–$4.00/gal. Premium fuel is not required.
Insurance
Typically $1,100–$1,500/year for full coverage in the Lake Geneva area for a driver with a clean record, depending on age and coverage limits.
The Crosstrek is one of the more affordable AWD vehicles to own. Routine annual maintenance (oil changes, filters, brakes) runs $600–$1,200 at an independent shop. The main budget wildcard is the CVT — budget for fluid changes to avoid a $3,000–$4,500 CVT replacement down the road. Oil consumption monitoring costs nothing but attention and can save a very expensive engine repair.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Switch to a dedicated set of winter tires — AWD improves acceleration traction but does not improve stopping distance; winter tires address both.
- Check battery health before November. The FB20's cold-start oil consumption is highest in sub-zero temps; a weak battery compounds the problem.
- Use a winter-grade washer fluid rated to at least -20°F and check reservoir level frequently — Wisconsin salt spray empties it fast.
- Flush and replace coolant on schedule (every 5 years / 60k miles); degraded coolant raises freeze point and reduces water pump protection.
- Inspect and lubricate door seals and locks to prevent freezing; the Crosstrek's frameless door glass can develop leaks if seals harden.
- After each storm, rinse the undercarriage including wheel wells to remove road salt and slow the onset of brake and suspension corrosion.
Summer
- Check tire pressure monthly — for every 10°F rise in temperature, pressure increases ~1 PSI; overinflation causes uneven wear on the Crosstrek's modest tires.
- Test the A/C system in May before the heat arrives; the FB20 feels the power loss from A/C more than larger engines, so a properly charged system matters.
- Inspect the cabin air filter — spring pollen and road dust from unpaved driving clog it quickly and reduce A/C efficiency.
- Check coolant level and condition; summer heat soak after short trips can stress a marginal cooling system.
- Inspect wiper blades — winter salt and UV degradation often leave them streaking by summer; replace before summer thunderstorm season.
Comparable vehicles
2017 Honda
HR-V
Similar subcompact crossover footprint and price point; AWD available, excellent cargo versatility with Magic Seat, but lacks the Crosstrek's ground clearance and trail capability.
2017 Mazda
CX-3
AWD available, sporty handling and upscale interior compared to Crosstrek, but tighter rear-seat and cargo space and a smaller engine; better driver's car, less practical hauler.
2017 Toyota
C-HR
Stylish subcompact crossover in the same price range, but AWD was not offered — FWD only in 2017 — making it a weaker choice for Wisconsin winters.
No catalog match
2017 Jeep
Renegade
Comparable size and off-road-ready positioning; 4WD available, but reliability record is notably weaker than the Crosstrek and ownership costs tend to run higher.