2026 Subaru Crosstrek Onyx Edition: What the Blacked-Out Trim Delivers
February 24 2026,
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Onyx Edition brings a distinct visual edge to Subaru's popular compact SUV lineup. With its signature blacked-out aesthetic and yellow accent package, this trim level targets drivers who want capability without sacrificing style. The Onyx Edition sits between the Touring and Limited trims, offering a unique combination of design elements and functional upgrades that set it apart from the rest of the Crosstrek family.
Beyond the visual enhancements, the Onyx Edition includes meaningful interior and capability improvements. From the upgraded driver's seat to the enhanced X-MODE system, this trim delivers practical benefits alongside its distinctive appearance. For drivers in Ontario seeking a compact SUV that stands out while maintaining Subaru's reputation for all-weather capability, the Crosstrek Onyx Edition presents a strong option.
Blacked-Out Exterior Styling
The Crosstrek Onyx Edition's exterior design centres on a cohesive blacked-out theme. Black-finish 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels provide the foundation for the look, while gloss black door mirrors eliminate the standard body-colour finish. The roofline spoiler adds a sportier profile, and carbon-look accent trims throughout the exterior create visual continuity.
Yellow accents punctuate the black elements, creating contrast that draws attention without overwhelming the design. These yellow touches appear on both exterior and interior surfaces, establishing a consistent theme throughout the vehicle. The power-tilting and sliding sunroof adds functionality while maintaining the trim's style-focused approach.
Interior Upgrades and Comfort Features
Inside, the Onyx Edition continues the blacked-out theme with a black headliner and gunmetal interior trim pieces. The carbon-look accent trims extend from the exterior into the cabin, appearing on the dashboard and instrument panel. Yellow stitching provides interior contrast that matches the exterior accent package.
The driver's seat receives a substantial upgrade with 10-way power adjustability, including 2-way lumbar support. This offers a substantial improvement over the manual 6-way adjustment found in lower trims. The front seats include heating with two settings, and cloth seating surfaces maintain comfort while keeping costs reasonable.
A wireless phone charger appears in the centre console, eliminating the need for cables during daily driving. The 11.6-inch tablet-style touch-screen infotainment system serves as the command centre, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 360L comes standard with a free 3-month trial subscription, and Subaru Live Traffic provides real-time navigation updates with a free 1-year trial. The system also includes What3words navigation functionality for precise location sharing.
Enhanced Capability with Dual-Function X-MODE
The Onyx Edition includes Dual-function X-MODE, Subaru's terrain management system that optimizes performance in challenging conditions. This system adjusts engine output, transmission, and all-wheel drive to maintain traction on slippery or uneven surfaces. The dual-function capability allows drivers to select between Snow/Dirt mode and Deep Snow/Mud mode, matching the system's response to specific terrain conditions.
Subaru Symmetrical Full-Time All-wheel Drive works continuously with X-MODE to distribute power where it's needed. The system operates without driver input, automatically adjusting torque distribution to maintain stability. Ground clearance measures 220 mm, providing adequate clearance for light trail use and deep snow. Approach and departure angles of 18 degrees and 30.1 degrees respectively allow the Crosstrek to navigate obstacles without scraping.
Safety and Driver Assistance Technology
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology comes standard on the Onyx Edition, providing a comprehensive suite of active safety features. The wide-angle mono camera monitors the road ahead, enabling adaptive cruise control that maintains set distances from vehicles ahead. Pre-collision braking and pre-collision throttle management work to prevent or mitigate frontal impacts.
Lane centring assist actively steers the vehicle to maintain position within lane markings, while emergency lane keep assist intervenes if the system detects unintentional lane departure. Lead vehicle start alert notifies drivers when traffic ahead begins moving. Emergency Stop Assist can bring the vehicle to a controlled stop if the driver becomes incapacitated.
Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection adds Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. These systems monitor areas around the vehicle that fall outside the driver's direct line of sight. Reverse Automatic Braking provides additional protection when backing up, automatically applying brakes if the system detects an obstacle in the vehicle's path.
Powertrain and Performance
The Crosstrek Onyx Edition uses Subaru's 2.5-litre SUBARU BOXER engine, producing 180 horsepower. This naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine delivers smooth power delivery across the rev range. The horizontally opposed cylinder layout contributes to a lower centre of gravity, improving handling characteristics and reducing body roll during cornering.
A Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) transfers power to all four wheels. This transmission maintains optimal engine speed for acceleration or efficiency, eliminating the shift points found in traditional automatic transmissions. Active Torque Vectoring enhances cornering by applying brake pressure to individual wheels, helping the vehicle follow the intended line through turns.
Crosstrek Trim Comparison
|
Feature |
Touring |
Onyx Edition |
Limited |
|
Starting MSRP |
$33,595 |
$35,095 |
$38,095 |
|
Wheels |
17-inch alloy |
18-inch black alloy |
18-inch alloy |
|
Driver's Seat |
Manual 6-way |
Power 10-way |
Power 10-way |
|
X-MODE |
Single-function |
Dual-function |
Dual-function |
|
Wireless Charging |
Not Available |
Standard |
Standard |
|
Exterior Theme |
Standard |
Blacked-out with yellow accents |
Premium |
Pricing shown reflects the price at the time of writing. Final pricing may vary.
The Onyx Edition occupies the middle position in the Crosstrek lineup, offering unique styling elements not available on other trims. While the Limited trim provides additional luxury features and available navigation, the Onyx Edition focuses on visual distinction and core capability upgrades. The Touring trim serves as the foundation, but lacks the Onyx's distinctive appearance package and dual-function X-MODE system.
Who Should Consider the Onyx Edition
The Crosstrek Onyx Edition appeals to drivers who prioritize visual distinction alongside practical capability. The blacked-out aesthetic with yellow accents creates a more aggressive appearance than standard Crosstrek trims, while the dual-function X-MODE system adds genuine off-pavement capability. Drivers who frequently encounter challenging weather or light trail conditions will appreciate the enhanced terrain management.
The power-adjustable driver's seat and wireless charging offer quality-of-life improvements that enhance daily usability. For drivers who value these conveniences but don't require the full luxury feature set of the Limited trim, the Onyx Edition offers an appealing middle ground. The 18-inch wheels provide a more substantial stance without substantially compromising ride quality.
Experience the Crosstrek Onyx Edition at Subaru of Maple
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Onyx Edition delivers a distinctive take on Subaru's compact SUV formula. Its blacked-out styling elements and yellow accent package create visual separation from other trims, while dual-function X-MODE and enhanced interior features provide tangible functional benefits. The combination of style-focused design and practical capability upgrades makes the Onyx Edition a strong choice for drivers seeking something beyond the standard Crosstrek offering.
