Subaru Crosstrek Car Camping Mattress

Subaru Crosstrek Build Guide by Generation: Sleep, Racks, Lift and Armor (2013-2026)

By Gearlanders on October 16, 2026

Body Armor 4x4 Hiline front winch bumper for the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek is the small car on our shelves that people actually take camping. It comes in three generations: 2013-2017, 2018-2023 and 2024 and newer. Sleep gear fits all three. Racks, bumpers and sliders are cut for the 2nd or 3rd Gen, so every pick below is tagged.

The short answer: set up to sleep inside first, add recovery and a first aid kit, then a roof rack, then a small lift and armor if you go off pavement. We compare roof racks from Prinsu and Front Runner and armor from Body Armor 4x4. We use only fit and specs the maker publishes. Where a maker does not publish a number, we say "not published".

Quick pick: Crosstrek gear by job

Our pick for each job and generation. Fit notes are in the sections below.
Job 1st Gen (2013-2017) 2nd Gen (2018-2023) 3rd Gen (2024+)
Mattress Subaru Crosstrek Car Camping Mattress Subaru Crosstrek Car Camping Mattress Subaru Crosstrek Car Camping Mattress
Roof rack Not published Front Runner Slimsport Roof Rack Kit for Subaru Crosstrek 2nd Gen 2018-2023 Front Runner Slimsport Roof Rack Kit for Subaru Crosstrek 3rd Gen 2024+
Front bumper Not published Crosstrek Hiline Front Winch Bumper (not Hybrid) Not published
Rock sliders Not published Crosstrek Revo Rock Sliders Crosstrek Revo Rock Sliders (2024 only)
Lift Not published Crosstrek AWD 2" Front/1.5" Rear Strut Spacer Kit (AWD) Crosstrek AWD 2" Front/1.5" Rear Strut Spacer Kit (AWD, 2024-2025)

"Not published" means we do not stock a part with maker-listed fit for that generation.

Crosstrek fit facts: generations, rails and roof load

From the maker pages and our product pages.
Fact Detail
Generations 1st Gen 2013-2017. 2nd Gen 2018-2023. 3rd Gen 2024 and newer (US).
Factory rails Both Front Runner Slimsport kits replace the factory rails.
Drilling Prinsu: drilling for plus nuts. Front Runner 3rd Gen: drilling required. Body Armor 4x4 Revo sliders: some drilling.
Roof load Prinsu: 600 lb dynamic, 1,000 lb static (Prinsu). Front Runner: not published on the pages we link. Your Crosstrek's roof rating is lower and still applies.
Hybrid The Body Armor 4x4 Hiline front bumper does not fit Hybrid models.

Sleeping in a Crosstrek

Fold the rear seatbacks and the Crosstrek gives you a flat bay that fits the Luno Size S1. Luno lists it for every Crosstrek from 2013 to 2026. Add the sheet, a hammock for overhead storage, and window screens for airflow. For the full sleep setup, read our Subaru Crosstrek car camping setup.

Crosstrek roof racks: Prinsu vs Front Runner

Roof load

A Crosstrek roof is rated far below any rack here. Use the roof rating in your owner's manual, and count the rack weight against it. Rack ratings are not vehicle ratings.

Crosstrek armor and lift

Fit check before you order

The Hiline bumper does not fit Hybrid models, and Sport and all 2021+ models need custom trimming. The Front Runner 2nd Gen rack is not for 2024+. We list the strut spacer kit for 2018-2025 AWD.

Want to light the trail? The 20 in Blackout light bar fits bumper, grille and rack mounts that accept a 20 in dual-row bar. For the long version on lift, armor and tires, read our Subaru Crosstrek off-road build guide.

Crosstrek recovery and safety

Food and camp kitchen

Crosstrek build order by budget

Relative cost per stage: $ Starter, $$ Mid, $$$ Full. See each product page for current pricing.
Stage 2nd Gen buy Relative cost
Stage 1: sleep Subaru Crosstrek Car Camping Mattress, Luno Fitted Mattress Sheet | Compact / Mid-Size SUV, Luno Vehicle Window Screens $ Starter
Stage 2: recover and stay safe ActionTrax Recovery Boards, MyFAK First Aid Kit $ Starter
Stage 3: carry Front Runner Slimsport Roof Rack Kit for Subaru Crosstrek 2nd Gen 2018-2023 $ Starter
Stage 4: lift and armor Crosstrek AWD 2" Front/1.5" Rear Strut Spacer Kit, Crosstrek Revo Rock Sliders $ Starter

What to skip on a Crosstrek

  • A rooftop tent before you check the roof rating in your manual.
  • A 2nd Gen rack on a 2024+ Crosstrek.
  • The Hiline bumper on a Hybrid.
  • A lift without the sway-bar disconnects Body Armor 4x4 calls for.

Subaru Crosstrek build FAQ

Which Crosstrek generation do I have?

1st Gen is 2013-2017, 2nd Gen is 2018-2023 and 3rd Gen is 2024 and newer in the US. Front Runner names its racks by generation, and its 2nd Gen kit is not for 2024 and newer.

Does a Crosstrek roof rack need drilling?

Some do. Prinsu says its Crosstrek rack needs drilling into the factory roof for plus nuts. The Front Runner 3rd Gen Slimsport also needs drilling. On both Front Runner kits the factory rails come off.

How much can a Crosstrek roof rack carry?

Prinsu rates its Crosstrek rack at 600 lb dynamic and 1,000 lb static. Front Runner does not publish a load number on the pages we link. The Crosstrek's own roof rating in your owner's manual is the real limit, and it is far lower than the rack rating.

Does the Body Armor 4x4 bumper fit a Crosstrek Hybrid?

No. Body Armor 4x4 lists the Hiline front winch bumper for 2018-2023 and not for Hybrid models. Sport models and all 2021 and newer models need custom trimming.

Can I lift a Crosstrek?

The Body Armor 4x4 strut spacer kit adds 2 in front and 1.5 in rear on AWD models. Body Armor 4x4 says sway-bar quick disconnects, sold separately, are needed for off-roading.

Which Luno mattress fits a Crosstrek?

Luno's Size S1 (AIR Pro) or P1 (AIR+FOAM Pro), 74 x 50.75 in, for 2013-2026 with the rear seatbacks folded.

Sources

Fit, load and install facts come from these maker product pages, checked October 16, 2026.

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Ready to build? Shop the Crosstrek collection. Not sure a part fits your year or trim? Ask us before you order.

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