Check Out A Couple Of Our Favorite Crosstrek Builds From Real People:
These Crosstreks were built using some of the exact same parts mentioned in this article. See how they turned out.
Best Subaru Crosstrek lift kits to modify your car for offroad
(Lift kits we recommend to our personal friends)
By Ben Boxer
Last updated on April 1st, 2024
Crosstreks are great cars, and you’re either already enjoying yours or you are planning to purchase one in the future. However, many Crosstrek owners want a little more off-road capability. Installing a lift kit on a Subaru can provide extra ground clearance and the ability to fit a larger tire on the vehicle.
Whether you’re searching for a lift kit to install on a 1st gen Crosstrek XV (2014-2017) a 2nd gen (2018-2023) or even the new 3rd gen 2024 Crosstrek, there are some great options available for you ranging from $250-$700 and even premium suspensions for over $2000.
There are lift kits from one to two, and even three inches available and each of the ones in this article include many of the parts to retain factory suspension geometry.
7 Best Crosstrek Lift Kits:
- Primitive Racing
- Anderson Design and Fabrication
- LP Aventure
- RalliTek
- Ready Lift SST
- Rough Country
- Subtle Solutions
Table of Contents
Looking Specifically For First Gen Crosstrek Lifts?
Check out our first gen lift kit guide here: Best 2013-2017 Subaru Crosstrek Lift Kits
7 Best Subaru Crosstrek Lift Kits
Let’s jump in and take a look at seven of the best lift kits you can buy for your Crosstrek. Please note that these are not listed in order from “best to worst.” Each one is great in its own way and there is no bad choice here. We have only listed kits that we would put on our own vehicles.
Primitive Racing kits has designed a fantastic lift kit for both 1st gen and 2nd gen Subaru Crosstreks. Rather than just a simple strut spacer, the crew over at Primitive has built one of the most functional collections of hardware for taking a Crosstrek off-road.
It’s not uncommon for us to hear “I installed a lift kit but now the rear of my car sags when I load it with my camping gear” or even “I lifted my car, but now it handles horribly.” The lift kits from Primitive Racing are designed to eliminate these issues and to set your Subaru up for the best possible performance without having to continuously add and replace parts. The owner of Primitive Racing, Blake Lind, explains “I don’t like to sell people problems. I don’t like to have people come back and say ‘I was at the alignment shop and they can’t get it (within spec.) I want to have people come back and say ‘I really liked that setup on my old car. What do you have for my new car?'” This is one of the many reasons I always feel confident when I make a purchase with Primitive. Their entire business revolves around building performance parts for Subarus that will last and perform well.
They have multiple lift kit options available, but most will arrive with brake line extensions, subframe spacers, and even sway bar link spacers. Their kits are designed to help reduce the accelerated wear that comes with lifting Subarus improperly. If you want your car to be more capable, but still have the same on-road manners as it did in stock form, this is a great option! The Primitive Racing kits can give additional ground clearance while maintaining a fantastic ride quality.
Primitive Racing offers lift kits for the 2013-2017 Crosstrek XV, 2018-2023 Crosstreks, and have recently released a 2024 Crosstrek lift kit! Check out their site and begin building your kit today.
(We currently run Primitive skidplates from front to back. This should be one of your very first mods if you plan to off-road your Subaru.)
2. Anderson Design and Fabrication
(Top Quality & Great Customer Service)
Anderson Design makes four different lift kit options for Crosstreks. These kits are available for each generation with the exception of the 2 inch option. That kit is only offered for the first generation (2013-2017) Crosstrek.
- They offer a very simple 1 inch lift kit for those who need just a bit of extra lift.
- Then there is a 1.5 economy lift that includes a 1.5 inch front spacer and a 1 inch spacer for the rear. This kit does not require multi link spacers since the rear is only lifted 1 inch.
- The next step up is the full 1.5 inch lift kit with multi link spacers that allows for a full 1.5 inches of lift in the front and rear.
- Finally, there is a full 2 inch lift that also gives the option to go with a 2 1/2″ or 2 3/8″ lift in the rear. This kit comes with all the necessary spacers to accommodate a full 2 inches of lift. *note that this lift option is currently only available for first gen Crosstreks.
ADF is a leader in the off-road Subaru industry. They have a reputation for designing and building some of the best lift kits in the market. When a new model is introduced, or a new need develops among off-road drivers, Anderson Design is usually the first to produce a solution. Their kits are known for being built with the best materials and have excellent workmanship.
I have personally called ADF when I’ve had a question. Patrick, the owner, will likely answer and is always helpful. They truly love what they do, and love the Subaru community.
Located in the beautiful State of Oregon, Anderson Design is at the center of a growing community of Subaru drivers who want more out of their car. ADF is always pushing the limits and listening to the needs of the community. If you want to take your Crosstrek off-road and need a reliable kit, the Anderson Design and Fabrication kits are a go-to option for many Subaru enthusiasts!
Check out this first gen Crosstrek with the two inch ADF lift kit. The owner, @pnwcurrycrosstrek on Instagram, has done some impressive trails with the car.
2018-2024 Economy Kits Are Available On Amazon HERE.
These are a great deal (they sell out quick, so if it’s in stock grab one!)
You can also check out their kits directly on the ADF site:
LP Aventure offers a great 1.5″ Strut spacer lift kit with multi link spacers. Available for both generations. Check out the LP Aventure Site to see each size option and additional info.
LP Aventure is a company out of Canada that has years of authority in the off-road and over-landing industry. They pride themselves on NHTSA and FMVSS126 motor vehicle safety standards, meaning that their kits allow your Crosstrek to retain full factory safety features while providing extra all terrain capabilities.
Their extensive R&D means your Crosstrek will handle as closely to stock as possible!
The LP Aventure lift kits also fit the new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek! Check out this build they’ve created. We’re excited to see this platform grow as people begin to modify them.
Photo credit: LP Aventure
The LP Aventure kits are a little more expensive than some options, but have a great reputation, are well designed, and contain a comprehensive parts list.
4. RalliTek (3 Inch Lift Kit Option)
If you own a second gen Crosstrek, there is now a reputable 3 inch lift kit option for you! The folks over at RalliTek offer a full 3 inch kit that includes everything needed for those of you who are serious offroaders.
I spoke with RalliTEK about their 3 inch lift kit and while it is a great choice for those who really want that extra clearance, there are some drawbacks related to slightly accelerated CV axle wear.
They shared with me that most of their company vehicles are equipped with 3-inch lifts and typically see around 40,000 miles out of a set of axles, depending on the vehicle model.
Our conversation also touched upon the practicality of a 3-inch lift for off-road use. They suggested that it is more suitable for hard off-road use rather than daily driving. They recommended 2-inch lift kits as a better option with fewer downsides in terms of wear.
According to RalliTEK:
“The three inch lift kit is for hard offroad use on cars that you want to use mainly as an offroad vehicle and less of a daily driver. The 2 inch lift kits are really what’s better for daily driven Crosstreks as they have little to no downsides as far as wear goes.”
Considering off-road tires for your Crosstrek? Check out our top offroad tire picks.
ReadyLift offers the 2″ SST 2018-2021 Crosstrek lift kit with offset spacers to help with camber/caster results. Check out Chad’s Crosstrek lift build to see how it looks after installation.
According to the Ready Lift site, the 2 inch Crosstrek kit allows for 215/75/15 All-Terrain tires with zero rub, or 235/75/15 with slight plastic trimming. It also delivers 12 inches of ground clearance at the rocker panels.
Ready Lift has been making lift kits for trucks of all sorts for well over a decade, and now they are working to provide excellent options for SUV and crossover owners. Their kits are bolt-on and are extremely affordable for anyone looking to get that additional off-road capability without breaking the bank.
Check out this 2018 Crosstrek Premium using the ReadyLift SST lift sitting on 235/75R15 Falken tires.
ReadyLift stands behind their products with a power train warranty; stating that any engine or transmission damage caused by lifting the vehicle is covered. This means you can rest easy with the peace of mind that your lift kit won’t add unnecessary stress to the motor or drive line.
For the price, you can’t go wrong with this easy lift kit. Just keep in mind that there are other pieces that you may want to purchase to help return your Crosstrek’s suspension geometry to factory specs. You may want to consider purchasing multi-link spacers to readjust your rear suspension back to OEM standards.
Tim’s Crosstrek is lifted on a ReadyLift kit:
If you are on a tight budget and simply want to spend the least amount of money, the Rough Country kit might be the right way to go.
2 inches of lift for around $250 bucks? That’s almost unheard of. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to get a little extra clearance without spending a lot of money. But please keep in mind that your Crosstrek should be equipped with additional parts to help the suspension handle the way it was designed to. We suggest purchasing multi-link spacers (also called subframe spacers by some manufacturers.) These parts are included in most of the other lifts available on the market.
Rough Country produces off-road accessories geared mainly towards trucks and Jeeps. However, lucky for us Crosstrek owners, they have developed kits for both the 1st generation, 2nd gen, and now 3rd generation suspensions. People have raised concerns with their quality control on some items. But we’ve also seen positive feedback about their lifts. We highly recommend checking them out if you are looking to get an affordable lift kit.
Highlights:
- Easy installation
- Maintains close to factory ride quality
- Available for both Crosstrek body styles
- Lifetime warranty
Again, Rough Country produces a kit for both 1st and 2nd gen. So whether you have a 2014-2017, or a 2018-2023, you should check out the Rough Country kits for a very budget-friendly option.
Get Them Here:
7. Subtle Solutions Lift Kits
With a background in rally, Subtle Solutions has become a popular brand among Subaru enthusiasts who want to install great parts that are designed well.
Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast seeking to conquer rugged terrain or simply looking to add a touch of aggression to your Crosstrek’s appearance, Subtle Solutions has you covered.
Highlights:
Subtle Solutions offers basic 1 inch lifts that provide a touch of ground clearance to more a aggressive 2 inch lifts for those who need extra off-road capability.
Their full two inch Crosstrek lift kit includes these extras:
- Sway bar spacers
- Subframe spacers
- Driveshaft spacer
- E brake spacer
- Brake line spacers
- Longer exhaust bushings
- Grade 10 hardware
The Subtle Solutions lift kits are usually available in aluminum or HDPE. The HDPE (high density polyethylene) spacers are available in the smaller lift sizes and are a pretty solid option without spending a lot of money. I have used these kits with no issues even though some people might not like the idea of using a “plastic” product.
If you want a 2 inch lift, they are only offered in the aluminum option which is stronger and safer when installing a taller lift. They are slightly more expensive but their aluminum spacers are really nice and don’t run the risk of rusting.
Possible Negatives:
- Stock top hat bolts need to be removed and new hardware pressed into the top hats
- There is no built in camber correction. They state that this isn’t an issue, but I am not sure how they overcome this. Although, I have not heard major complaints from people regarding camber issues from consumers yet.
- This is a little on the spendy side for a 1.5/2 inch spacer lift kit. It is possibly the most expensive option but it is indeed very comprehensive.
What Does It Take To Lift A Subaru Crosstrek?
There are a few ways to lift a Crosstrek. Some are simple, and some are a little more involved. But from our experience and according to RalliTEK, here’s the 3 most common ways to do it:
- Bigger tires (check out our tire guide for Crosstreks)
- Strut spacer lift kits
- Lift springs or extended suspension assemblies
Getting bigger all-terrain tires is the most basic and simple way to add an aggressive look and some additional clearance. This isn’t technically a “lift” but when trying to achieve more off-road capability, bigger tires will certainly get your vehicle higher off the ground. However, there’s a limit to how big of a tire you can install without doing more work to your Crosstrek. Going any bigger than about half an inch bigger than the stock tire without a lift usually isn’t recommended.
You might also consider lift springs to lift your car. Typically, a set of lift springs will give the vehicle an extra inch in ground clearance. Lift springs give the driver an option to select custom spring rates for different applications. For example, if a person is planning to carry heavy equipment in their Subaru, a set of King overload lift springs will keep the suspension from sagging. This is also beneficial for anyone planning to use their Crosstrek for any towing. In order to go bigger than just an inch, a person would want to add spacers to their suspension along with the lift springs.
In my opinion, a lift kit that incorporates an aftermarket spring usually provides the best ride quality experience. Discussing your needs and driving habits with the manufacturer of your desired lift kit prior to purchase is the best way to ensure that you get the right spring rate for a great driving experience. By letting them know they amount of cargo you plan to carry and the type of terrain you plan to adventure on, they can make a tailored recommendation before purchase.
If you want something a bit more simple, strut top spacers are a fantastic option. They are simply mounted on top of the strut or shock in order to give the desired amount of lift. Spacers are most often sold in sizes between 1-2 inches. Some companies may offer lift spacers taller than 2 inches but they require far more work and are usually a custom order. Professional installation of a lift kit bigger than two inches is usually recommended as it involves extending the steering shaft, radiator hoses, brake lines, and subframe. Lifting a Crosstrek more than 2 inches without a subframe drop will push the axles past their articulation abilities and damage them immediately.
Spacer lift kits are typically the most affordable and simple way to lift a Crosstrek. They create more ground clearance, don’t have any moving parts, and are very durable when purchased from a reputable manufacturer.
One additional way that people are beginning to lift Subarus is by using long travel coilovers. These are entirely new and aftermarket style suspension assemblies that replace the stock struts and springs. This is usually the most expensive way to lift your car but allows for a wide range of customization. If you’d like to learn more about suspension lifts for Subarus, check out this article: Are Suspension Lifts Overkill?
This article focuses on strut spacers and spring lifts. For more info on the different ways to lift your car, check out this guide to choosing the best option for your needs.
What To Look For In A Good Lift Kit
When looking at spacer lifts above 1 inch, I always select an option with built in camber correction. This will ensure that the car can be properly aligned after installation. Camber correction on strut spacers usually looks like a slight angle or an offset of the top plate of the spacer. If you look at this 1.5 inch ADF spacer, you can see that the plate isn’t just flat on top but is actually offset from the bottom plate. Typically, when using a spacer that is 1 inch or less, the correct camber can be achieved using the stock camber bolts.
You’ll also want to make sure that the lift kit is powder coated and uses good quality hardware. Most reputable brands use grade 8.8-10.9 for their kits. If the spacers or the hardware rusts it can cause serious damage to your vehicle. This has happened to me personally on a vehicle that I used to own.
Before buying a spring lift, selecting an option that is the correct spring rate is a must. This is a foreign concept to many of us, but a simple phone call or email to the company of your choice should be all you need to select the best spring rate for your needs. I also like to look for something that is coated well and won’t rust easily.
Fortunately, there are not a large number of low quality spring lifts which makes it much easier to find a great product. I personally purchased a set of King Springs from Primitive Racing. The fit and finish is fantastic and they make the car handle so much better despite having a heavy front bumper and no sway bars.
Cost To Lift A Subaru Crosstrek:
We called to multiple shops in various US cities and asked what they charge to install lift kits. We’ve also surveyed our friends who opted for professional installation. The average price we found for lift kit install was $566 for labor. The cheapest price reported was $300 and the most expensive was right around $800.
There are a few things that will drastically affect the cost:
- Lift kit type – simple strut top spacers with no additional parts to install will be much cheaper. A full kit with subframe spacers, brake line relocators, sway bar spacers, and springs will be a much more time-consuming installation.
- Local economy – local cost of living will impact hourly shop rates heavily. A shop in rural Texas will likely cost much less than a mechanic in San Francisco.
- Condition of your vehicle – if your Crosstrek has seen more than a couple harsh winters on salted roads, it may have excessive rust that will rack up more hours in the shop.
***Don’t forget to factor in an alignment. After lifting, you’ll need an alignment shop to get you back within spec. Alignments typically run about $100.
Safety And Performance Are #1
As with any modifications, we highly recommend lengthy research and consulting with a trusted professional prior to installing a lift kit. Never cut corners or install something that you aren’t comfortable with. Lifted Imports cannot be held liable for any negative outcomes that arise from modifying vehicles. The information on the site is strictly for educational purposes and not intended to take the place of advice from a professional.
There are a lot of great options when choosing to lift your Crosstrek but it’s important to make sure that you purchase something from a reputable brand with quality engineering. You might notice that this article doesn’t include everything currently on the market.
We’ve only included kits that we have experience using and kits that are well respected in the Subaru community. We have avoided There are various cheap kits that are available on Ebay and other sites that lack build quality and some of the vital features needed to keep your Crosstrek’s alignment within spec. If you’re curious about a lift that’s not on this list, shoot us an email and we’ll be happy to look at it for you.
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