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Time to read 5 min
The Subaru Crosstrek has gained serious attention for its mix of reliability, comfort, and adventurous style. It’s become the go-to vehicle for people who want a daily driver that doesn’t shy away from rough roads or trailheads. With its factory capability and growing fan base, it’s no surprise that owners want to take its potential even further through custom upgrades.
What’s tougher to figure out is which mods actually hold up on your Crosstrek. There’s no shortage of add-ons out there, but some don’t stand the test of time. Whether you're hitting trails every weekend, dealing with rough winters, or just want better performance and style, it's worth picking upgrades that will still be there running strong months or years down the line. Here are a few Subaru Crosstrek modifications that prove their worth.
When Crosstrek owners want to clear more obstacles or rock a stronger stance, a lift kit is usually one of the first things they grab. These kits boost the ground clearance by lifting the suspension and allow for bigger tires, which opens up a lot more terrain and gives the car an edge on uneven paths or snow-covered roads.
Not all lift kits for the Crosstrek are built the same. Some use dense polyurethane spacers, while others offer full suspension systems with upgraded struts and shocks. What matters most for longevity is using materials that can take impacts and weather changes without wearing down fast. Heavy-duty steel, corrosion-resistant coatings, and reinforced brackets all help make a lift kit last through seasons of abuse.
Look out for these when choosing a reliable lift kit:
1. Powder-coated components to fight off rust when exposed to salt or mud
2. Grade 10.9 or higher hardware for tight, secure connections
3. Spacer kits from trusted brands that are built to match factory specs
4. Full suspension lifts if you’re doing heavy off-roading or towing often
One Crosstrek owner who drives through mountain backroads in Oregon mentioned going through two cheaper lift kits before finally switching to one that included high-quality dampers and treated steel mounting hardware. Years later, it’s still running quiet and stays tight over bumps.
Upgrading the exhaust can change the tone of a Crosstrek from quiet and restrained to something that sounds way more confident. But beyond the sound, a good performance exhaust system helps reduce backpressure, which can improve throttle response and add subtle gains in power. That matters more when you’re loading your Crosstrek with gear or driving up long grades.
Where some exhaust kits fall short is in their materials. Thin, untreated metals can rust out fast, especially in places with harsh winters or salty roads. For something that’ll hold up, stainless steel is the usual go-to. Look for TIG-welded options with smooth mandrel bends for both airflow and strength.
Key features to look for in a long-lasting exhaust system:
1. 304 stainless steel construction for solid corrosion resistance.
2. Thick flanges and welds to avoid leaks and warping.
3. Direct-fit designs that avoid cutting and simplify installation.
4. Mufflers designed to absorb vibration and road debris.
Choosing the right exhaust not only changes how your Crosstrek feels on the road but makes everyday driving that much more fun. Even better when you know it won’t fall apart after one harsh season driving your Crosstrek.
Out on the trail, it’s easy to scrape or dent the underside of a Crosstrek, even on what looks like a small rock or stump. That’s where skid plates come in, giving you a solid barrier between your car’s underbody and whatever the trail throws at it. They're designed to protect key components like the oil pan, transmission, and rear differential from direct hits.
Aluminum and steel are the most common choices, and each one comes with its own perks. Aluminum is lighter and doesn’t rust, but can dent more easily. Steel brings more impact protection but will add weight to your Crosstrek. For heavy-duty trails, steel plates are often worth the added pounds. Some Crosstrek drivers even mix and match—using steel for the most exposed areas and aluminum for the rest.
What makes a good skid plate stay useful over time:
1. Fully bolt-on setup so it doesn’t interfere with other mods
2. Rust-resistant coating that holds up through wet and salty conditions
3. Drain holes or access ports that make oil changes quicker
4. Strong mounting points that resist loosening after tough terrain
One Crosstrek driver in upstate New York shared that after a full season of salty slush and rocky drives, his steel engine skid plate held up with just surface scratches. It gave him peace of mind both commuting and heading into the Adirondacks on weekends.
Tires are one of the first upgrades for a reason—they connect your Crosstrek with everything the road or trail throws at it. All-terrain tires offer a nice balance of everyday comfort and off-pavement confidence. Good ones give your Crosstrek traction in mud, light snow, and gravel, while still riding well on paved roads without wearing down too quickly.
The sidewall is where durability really starts. Reinforced or three-ply sidewalls help guard against damage when you air down or hit uneven ground. The tread pattern should bite into dirt but let go of mud fast. If road noise matters, look for models known for a quieter ride. Some are even marked with the mountain snowflake symbol, which matters if winter driving in your Crosstrek is part of your plan.
Look for these traits in tires built to last:
1. Aggressive tread blocks that clean themselves as they spin
2. Rubber compounds that resist cuts and chips
3. Flexible edges that grip during cornering or over mixed terrain
4. Solid warranties—those show a brand’s confidence in their build
These tires might be a bit firmer or louder than stock all-seasons, but they’ll last longer when used the right way. Just stay on top of rotation schedules and alignment checks, especially after adding heavier mods to your Crosstrek.
When you’re customizing a Crosstrek, the smartest move is picking upgrades that go the distance. Whether it’s a lift kit that clears snow and rocks, an exhaust that keeps its tone through tough miles, a skid plate that shrugs off trail abuse, or tires that bite into all surfaces and last, durable parts make a difference.
Adding strong, reliable gear to your Crosstrek means fewer breakdowns and less time in the shop swapping out worn parts. It makes every adventure more fun and a lot less stressful. If you want to enjoy everything your Crosstrek has to offer, upgrades that last are the way to go.
Elevate your Crosstrek's capability and resilience by exploring our selection of Subaru Crosstrek aftermarket parts from companies including RalliTEK, LP Aventure, and many more.
At Subimods, we offer a range of top-quality components to help your Crosstrek tackle every adventure with confidence. Discover durable solutions it the gallery below that transform your ride into the perfect companion for both daily drives and weekend escapades.
Please reach out to our team with your interest or to ask specific questions about the information covered in this article. We would be very interested in your thoughts and would be glad to help you effectively modify your Crosstrek as affordably and efficiently as possible.
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