2023 Subaru Crosstrek Overview What’s new: The Special Edition stands out because it has a different color scheme, black and red seats, and dark trim on the outside. In 2018, the second generation of Crosstreks came out. The current generation of the rugged subcompact SUV, the Subaru Crosstrek, came out about five years ago. The time seems right for a new generation to start with the 2023 model. Every four to six years, automakers like to make changes, ranging from small changes to how the car looks to significant changes to how it works inside and out. For the 2023 model year, Subaru will only offer the Special Edition trim level. It is to keep changes to a minimum. Special Edition Crosstreks are built on Premium trim and colored brown (or “Desert Khaki,” as Subaru calls it). Subaru didn’t make an Outback Wilderness, which is a shame since both the Forester Wilderness and the Outback Wilderness have high-riding trims. On the other hand, the Crosstrek is one of the most versatile extra-small SUVs in general. Consider the Jeep Cherokee, the Toyota Corolla Cross, or the Chevrolet Trailblazer if you want a little adventure. Pros vs Cons Pros: High-ground clearance seats that are roomy for a hatchback this size make it easier to go off-road. A comfortable ride’s quality Cons: The base engine has a slow start on the highway. There is less space for storage than in other compact SUVs of the same size. It needs to be better done. Performance The way the Crosstrek drove. With the standard powertrain, the Crosstrek may seem painfully slow when getting on the freeway. On the other hand, the 182-hp 2.5-liter engine cuts the time it takes to go from 0 to 60 mph by more than 2 seconds, bringing it down to a respectable 8.4 seconds. When you put together a competitive extra-small SUV with communicative handling and above-average off-road ability, you get a very competitive extra-small SUV. But management could be better. The Crosstrek’s hard tires don’t grip the road very well, and the high ride height makes the body roll a lot when you turn. Most SUVs competing with it are more fun to drive on the road. Comfort How well does the Crosstrek fit? The Crosstrek is great for long trips because it is quiet and easy to drive. Also, the 2.5-liter engine, which is an option, makes the cabin less noisy. When you bury the throttle to pass, there is still a slight grumble, but it sounds better than the wheezy sound the standard 2.0-liter engine makes. Even though the front and back seats are a bit firm, they are comfortable for long trips. But if you’re driving on a road with many turns, you’ll notice that the front seats could use a little more support. The climate control system is easy to use and has large dials that are easy to see. However, some of the vents are in strange places. Interior How does the inside look? Crosstrek’s cabin is well-built and easy to use. The high-resolution screens have big letters and easy-to-understand menus. The Crosstrek is higher than its sibling, the Impreza, which makes it easier to get in and out of and gives you a better view. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and comfortable driving position make getting in and out of the automobile effortless. The Crosstrek has one of the roomiest interiors in its class. Both the front and back seats have a lot of room. Only the back seat, and only for taller people, will be a little tight. Technology How good is the tech? The Crosstrek is easy for tech-savvy people to get into because it comes with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The main screen is clear, and voice commands make it easy to change settings like the radio station. The eight-speaker Harman Kardon stereo is better than the stock system because it can play louder and sounds better (Limited trim only). The screen for navigation is clear and easy to read. The Crosstrek’s lane-keeping assist system steps in often, but not in an annoying or overly helpful way. Storage What about putting things away? Inside storage is average. Folding the back seats creates 55 cubic feet of space. Since there isn’t much room for small things, you’ll have to devise creative ways to store your items. Child seats are easy to put in because the doors are big and the top is high. Fuel Economy How well does it use gasoline? The EPA says that the Crosstrek’s 2.5-liter engine gets a combined 29 mpg (27 city/34 highway) (and is only available with the continuously variable transmission). For a small crossover SUV that can go off-road, that’s pretty good. On the other hand, the actual fuel efficiency could be better. On our 115-mile test route, mostly highway, our Crosstrek Limited got 27.5 mpg. It can go a long way because its 16-gallon gas tank is 20%–30% bigger than most competitors. Value What do you think about getting a Crosstrek? Subaru is a good deal for what it costs. The car we used for our test was well made. The Crosstrek has a lot of soft-touch materials inside, especially in the top trim level, the Limited. Even though the best Mazda CX-30 is better, the price of the Crosstrek is easily worth it in the long run. Subaru’s three-year/36,000-mile warranty is standard for the class, but it covers wiper blades and brake pads, which is a pleasant surprise. Wildcard In this way, the Crosstrek is very good. Only one or two cars in this class can go as far off the beaten path as the Crosstrek, especially considering the features and low price. It’s a gateway to the outdoors, with a little flash, style, and eventually enough power. What is Invoice Pricing's Recommendation? The Sport trim should be the starting point for most drivers. It has a much better 2.5-liter engine, making driving more enjoyable. It also has heated front seats, simulated leather upholstery, and a unique look. Subaru Crosstrek models: The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is a subcompact hatchback/SUV that comes in five trim levels: Base, Premium, Special Edition, Sport, Limited, and Hybrid. Every Crosstrek has AWD. Base and Premium grades have a six-speed manual. All others have standard CVT (or CVT). Here are the two main engines of the Crosstrek: Base and high-end versions of the Sport and Limited have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. 2.5-liter four-cylinder (182 hp, 176 lb-ft) The Crosstrek Hybrid is another choice. It may be charged in a garage or public charging station and has a 2.0-liter hybrid engine. When both of these engines work together, they can make 148 horsepower. The EPA thinks a fully charged Crosstrek Hybrid can go about 17 miles on electric power alone. When using a Level 2 charging station, a complete recharge takes roughly two hours. Plugging into a standard 110-volt outlet takes more than five hours. 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Video Review
