2023 Subaru Crosstrek Prices, Spec & Pictures

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek may look like it’s ready for the trail with its rough style and beefy tyres, but it’s just a car dressed up as an SUV. The Jeep Wrangler isn’t going to be able to compete with the Ford Bronco or the Jeep Wrangler in the off-road park, but it is more car-like and comfy on the road.

The Crosstrek is based on the Impreza hatchback and features standard all-wheel drive, just like every other Subaru model excluding the BRZ sports vehicle. That being said, it does have sufficient ground clearance thanks to its raised suspension to travel through rutted country roads and grassy knolls.

The basic six-speed manual transmission and the available continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) make up for the lackluster performance of the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The Crosstrek benefits more from the optional 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which gives it more pep in its step. There is also a plug-in hybrid option for those who prefer a greener ride.

What is coming in 2023?

In 2023, Crosstrek will add a Special Edition version to its lineup. It’s based on the Premium trim level and is distinguished by its Dark Gray exterior trim, dark grey wheels, and Desert Khaki (tan) paint. A black and red color scheme decorates the interior.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek Pricing

The manual gearbox base variant of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $23,645. The price for the Premium package begins at $24,795. These packages have the CVT automatic transmission as a $1,350 add-on.

The base price of the new Special Edition is $26,745. The base price for the Sport variant is $27,995, while the base price for the Limited model is $29,495. Prices for the Crosstrek Hybrid start at $36,845 before applicable rebates and discounts.

The price of the Crosstrek at the location is $1,225.

For a subcompact SUV, the Subaru Crosstrek’s base pricing is about par. Prices for the Crosstrek are in line with those of the Mazda CX-30 (which also comes with standard AWD), the Kia Seltos, and the Toyota Corolla Cross. If you need to save money but can do without an all-wheel drive, consider the Kia Soul, Hyundai Venue, or Nissan Kicks.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Crosstrek’s base four-cylinder engine produces 152 horsepower, which is loud but not particularly powerful. With either the base manual or the available automatic transmission, it is just as excruciatingly slow to accelerate to highway speeds as many of its rivals. The 2.0-liter automatic variant we tested took 9.2 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is hardly brisk.

The 0-60 mph time of the plug-in hybrid was 0.9 seconds faster than that of the 2.0-liter engine. The Legacy sedan and Outback station waggon both offer an optional 182-horsepower 2.5-liter engine that helps make up for this lack of power. It gets the Crosstrek up to 60 miles per hour in 7.5 seconds, which is slow but makes passing on a two-lane road or merging onto an interstate much less stressful.

However, thanks to well-weighted steering and a composed ride, the Crosstrek’s handling is pleasingly car-like. The suspension is supportive without being harsh, and it rides over bigger bumps with no problems. Be aware that the plug-in hybrid model can take up to five hours to fully charge when plugged into a regular 120-volt household outlet, but can take as little as two hours when plugged into a 240-volt outlet. Customers should anticipate spending much time in gas mode, as the electric-only range is only 17 miles.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Crosstrek has high EPA fuel-economy ratings and also did well in our real-world testing, making it one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact crossovers. While the 2.0-liter engine and CVT in the Crosstrek aren’t exactly going to set the world on fire, they’re good for a respectable 28/33 mpg in the city and on the highway, respectively, according to the EPA.

Both numbers drop significantly to 22 and 29 mpg with the manual transmission. The EPA estimates 27/34 mpg city/highway with a 2.5-liter engine and CVT. Our rigorous testing regimen included a 75 mph fuel-economy route, and the 2.0-liter automatic delivered an amazing 32 mpg, while the 2.0-liter manual delivered an equally impressive 31 mpg. The combined and highway ratings for the hybrid model are 90 MPGe and 35 mpg respectively, but in our tests, we only achieved 30 mpg. Check out the EPA’s site for specifics on Crosstrek’s fuel economy.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Subaru’s trademark focus on utility over flashiness is evident in Crosstrek’s otherwise unremarkable cabin. Its lack of flair is tolerable in its more affordable trims but becomes noticeable in the more expensive Limited trim (which may cost over $30,000 when equipped with all the bells and whistles).

There are some feeble attempts to liven things up, such as bits of faux-carbon-fiber trim and orange stitching on the seats, but the general ambience is still gloomy and drab. When folded down, the Crosstrek’s 60/40 split back seat provides a significantly larger cargo hold, although the seats don’t lay completely flat.

Despite its more compact appearance, the Nissan Rogue Sport proved to be more spacious in our tests. We were able to fit 19 of our carry-on bags inside the Crosstrek with the rear seats folded down, while the Rogue Sport accommodated 20. Because the battery pack in the hybrid model raises the cargo floor, we could only fit 17 suitcases with the seats folded down.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The StarLink infotainment system that comes standard on Subaru vehicles is well-structured, has numerous connectivity options and is simple to operate. The customary Bluetooth connectivity and USB port are present, and the 6.5-inch touchscreen also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. A larger 8.0-inch touchscreen is included on the Limited and hybrid, providing access to SiriusXM satellite radio and a few supplementary apps; navigation is available as an add-on, but only on the larger screen.

Specifications