Subaru Crosstrek Hacks: 10 Hidden Features You Didn’t Know You Had

Subaru Crosstrek Hacks: 10 Hidden Features You Didn’t Know You Had

Posted on August 15, 2025

 
The Subaru Crosstrek is known for its rugged capability, all-wheel drive confidence, and road-trip-ready efficiency—but there’s more to this compact SUV than meets the eye.
 
If you're already driving one or considering a purchase, you might be surprised at the hidden features, smart storage tricks, and infotainment shortcuts tucked away inside.
 
Whether you’re new to Subaru or a longtime fan, these 10 Crosstrek hacks can help you unlock convenience, comfort, and control you didn’t know you had—all tailored to life in Edmonton and Alberta’s unique driving conditions.
 
1. 🧭 X-MODE: Off-Road Traction at Your Fingertips
If your Crosstrek is equipped with X-MODE, you’re sitting on a powerhouse feature designed for slippery or steep terrain. With one tap, X-MODE adjusts throttle response, transmission, and AWD power delivery to maximize control.
 
Pro Tip: Activate X-MODE during icy commutes or on unplowed rural roads—it’s a game-changer for Alberta winters.
 
2. 📦 Secret Storage Under the Cargo Floor
Pop open the cargo floor and you’ll find a hidden storage compartment—perfect for emergency kits, booster cables, or tools. It's also a great place to stash winter gear without cluttering up the trunk.
 
Hack: Use this space for storing reusable grocery bags, a tire pressure gauge, or even a compact snow brush.
 
3. 🔊 Customizable Shortcut Buttons in STARLINK®
In models with the 11.6" touchscreen, you can set custom shortcuts for navigation, contacts, or favorite apps. Save time by programming quick-access buttons for things like weather, heated seats, or SiriusXM channels.
 
How-To: Tap and hold the icon you want to move, then drag it to your desired location on the home screen.
 
4. 🔐 Auto Lock/Unlock Customization
Want your Crosstrek to automatically unlock when you shift into Park? Or keep doors locked until you manually press the button? You can easily adjust these in the Vehicle Settings menu.
 
Hack: Customize door behavior for safety during city driving or solo travel.
 
5. 🧼 Windshield Wiper De-Icer for Edmonton Winters
Did you know many Crosstrek trims include heated wiper de-icer zones on the windshield? This feature warms the base of your wipers, helping them stay effective in freezing rain or snow buildup.
 
Hack: Turn on the rear defrost—it often activates the front de-icer at the same time!
 
6. 🎙️ Voice Commands That Actually Work
The Crosstrek’s voice recognition has improved dramatically in newer models. Try commands like:

• “Call Subaru City”
• “Find gas near me”
• “Play 102.3 FM”
• “Set temperature to 21 degrees”

Hack: Press and hold the voice button for more intuitive commands, especially for navigation.
 
7. 🔁 Remote Start with Climate Control (via MySubaru App)
With the MySubaru app, you can remotely start your Crosstrek and even pre-set the temperature before you step outside.
 
Winter Win: Start your Crosstrek from inside your office or home to warm it up before heading out—no scraping required.
 
8. 👁️ Rear Seat Reminder for Kids, Pets, or Gear
After every ignition cycle, your Crosstrek checks if the rear door was opened. If so, it reminds you to check the back seat before exiting. While subtle, it’s a potentially life-saving feature for families or pet owners.
 
Hack: Keep this on—it works even when you’re transporting fragile cargo or electronics.
 
9. 💡 Hidden Hooks & Tie-Down Points in the Cargo Area
Inside the cargo bay, you’ll find integrated hooks, tie-down anchors, and even a grocery bag hook that help you secure everything from groceries to outdoor gear.
 
Hack: Use bungee cords or modular storage crates to customize your trunk space.
 
10. 🧩 Split-Folding Seats Lie Almost Flat—With a Trick
The Crosstrek’s 60/40 split-folding rear seats go down for extended cargo space—but if you remove the rear headrests, they lie nearly flat.
 
Hack: Store headrests in the underfloor compartment so you’re always road-trip ready.
 
Bonus: 🐾 Dog-Friendly Accessories from Subaru City
Subaru City offers genuine Subaru pet barriers, seat covers, and cargo liners designed for Crosstrek owners who travel with furry passengers. It’s one of the few SUVs where your dog gets their own comfort upgrade!
 

Final Thoughts

 
The Subaru Crosstrek is more than just a compact SUV—it’s a cleverly engineered adventure tool. From winter-ready features to infotainment shortcuts and practical cargo solutions, these hidden gems help you get the most out of every drive, especially in unpredictable Alberta weather.
 
🔗 Want to explore more hidden features in person?
 
Book a walk-through at Subaru City or stop by our Edmonton showroom to test drive the Crosstrek and discover features you didn’t even know you needed.