2023 Crosstrek release date

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek arrival is just around the corner, and Subaru of America just activated the new website for you to start your build. After choosing a trim level and options, check out the features and see how much the subcompact SUV will cost.

According to Consumer Reports, the all-wheel-drive Crosstrek is still one of the best choices for small SUV shoppers. CR (by subscription) ranks the Crosstrek the highest-rated subcompact SUV with predicted reliability of 5/5 and an overall score of 86.

2023 Crosstrek release date

What's new for the 2023 Crosstrek model change?

The Subaru Crosstrek is in the sixth year of its production life cycle and will come with no changes, but all trims get a price increase. It's likely due to the production and supply chain issues. The Crosstrek is Subaru of America's hottest model, and if it isn't broke, it doesn't get any upgrades.

Does the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek get a price increase?

All 2023 Subaru Crosstrek trim levels get a $600 price increase, including destination and delivery fees. Dealer fees increased by $50 for 2023 Crosstrek trims.

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek now comes in six trim levels for U.S. customers. The base trim is priced from $24,870, Premium, ($26,020), Special Edition ($27,970), Sport ($29,220), Limited ($30,720) and Crosstrek Hybrid ($38.070). Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,225).

2023 Crosstrek release date

2023 Crosstrek gets a new Special Edition

Subaru of America offers a new 2023 Crosstrek Special Edition (SE) trim level. The new SE model features an "overland-inspired" Desert Khaki exterior color not offered on any other trim level. It also comes with interior and exterior upgrades over the standard model. But for some reason, SOA hasn't included the Special Edition trim on the configurator, so customers can't order the new trim yet.

What trim level is the best value?

For the best value, we agree with Consumer Reports and think the 2023 Crosstrek Premium trim level is a good choice for most buyers. For outdoor enthusiasts, you'll want the 2023 Crosstrek Sport with added off-pavement and all-terrain capabilities.

When will the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek arrive in U.S. showrooms?

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and 2023 Crosstrek Hybrid are carryovers with no changes except for the Special Edition model and a price increase. The 2023 Crosstrek subcompact SUV will begin arriving at Subaru showrooms this summer. Check out the 2023 Crosstrek model guide in the link below.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Overview

It looks trail-ready with its rugged styling and meaty tires, but don’t be fooled by the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek’s appearance: it’s a car playing the part of an SUV. It won’t be going toe-to-toe with Jeep Wranglers or Ford Broncos at the off-road park, but the upside is that it’s more comfortable and carlike on the road than those dedicated dirt diggers. The Crosstrek is based on the Impreza hatchback and, like all other Subarus save the BRZ sports car, it comes with standard all-wheel drive. Its lifted suspension does offer enough ground clearance to tackle rutted dirt roads and grassy knolls, so there’s that. Unfortunately, the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is breathless, especially when mated to the optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT); a six-speed manual is standard. The better choice is the optional 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which wakes up the Crosstrek with perkier acceleration. For the eco-friendly, there’s also an available plug-in hybrid.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

What's New for 2023?

A Special Edition model joins the Crosstrek family for 2023. It’s based on the Premium trim and comes exclusively with Desert Khaki (a.k.a tan) paint, 17-inch wheels, and dark gray exterior trim. The interior sports two-tone black-and-red upholstery.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Base

$24,870

Premium

$26,220

Special Edition

$27,970

$29,220

Limited

$30,720

Hybrid

$38,070

    The Sport model's enhanced features—unique 17-inch wheels, yellow-stitched upholstery, faux-carbon-fiber trim, and advanced driving modes—are nice, but the more powerful 182-hp 2.5-liter engine is what makes it worthy of the upcharge. Like other Subaru sedans and SUVs, all-wheel drive is standard on the Crosstrek—a rarity in the small SUV marketplace, where it's usually optional and sometimes not offered at all.

    Engine, Transmission, and Performance

    The Crosstrek's base 152-hp four-cylinder engine makes a lot of noise but doesn't offer a lot of motivation. As with many of its competitors, getting up to highway speed is a painfully slow process no matter whether you choose the standard manual transmission or the optional automatic. In our testing a 2.0-liter automatic model required a leisurely 9.2 seconds to reach 60 mph. The plug-in-hybrid model proved to be quicker, shaving 0.9 second off the 2.0-liter’s 60-mph time. This lack of energy is partially addressed by the optional 182-hp 2.5-liter engine that's also found on the Legacy sedan and Outback station wagon. It hauls the Crosstrek to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which is still far from speedy, but far less stressful when you’re attempting a pass on a two-lane road or merging on to an Interstate. The Crosstrek’s handling, however, is pleasantly car-like thanks to well-weighted steering and a composed ride. The suspension is firm but not harsh, and it soaks up larger bumps without drama. As for the plug-in hybrid model, know that charging it fully will take up to five hours if connected to a standard household 120-volt outlet; using a 240-volt outlet does the job in as little as two hours. With only 17 miles of electric-only range, buyers should expect to spend plenty of time in gas mode.

    Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

    The Crosstrek is among the most fuel efficient subcompact crossovers, with not only great EPA fuel-economy ratings but also some of the best results in our real-world testing. The Crosstrek's 2.0-liter engine and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) may be lethargic, but they’re easy on fuel, with an EPA rating 28 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The manual-transmission comes with sizable drops to 22 and 29 mpg, respectively. The 2.5-liter engine-and- CVT are rated at 27 mpg city and 34 highway. On our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, the automatic-equipped 2.0-liter delivered an impressive 32 mpg; the manual also impressed with a 31-mpg result. The hybrid model is rated at up to 90 MPGe combined and 35 mpg on the highway, but we managed only 30 mpg in our testing. For more information about the Crosstrek's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

    Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

    In typical Subaru fashion, the Crosstrek has a basic and durable-feeling interior that prioritizes function over form. Its lack of flair is perfectly acceptable in the cheaper versions but starts to feel a bit drab in the Limited model, which can surpass $30,000 with options. Feeble attempts to spice things up include bits of faux-carbon-fiber trim and orange stitching on the seats, but the overall atmosphere remains dark and dull—though opting for the lighter gray cloth or leather upholstery helps somewhat. Flipping the Crosstrek's 60/40 split-folding rear seat down expands the cargo hold considerably, but the folded seats don't make for an entirely flat cargo floor. The Nissan Rogue Sport held more stuff in our testing despite its smaller exterior dimensions. The Crosstrek managed to hold 19 of our carry-on suitcases with the rear seats folded while the Rogue Sport held 20. The hybrid model's cargo floor is higher than the nonhybrid to accommodate the battery pack, so we were only able to fit 17 carry-ons with the seats folded.

      Infotainment and Connectivity

      Subaru's StarLink infotainment system is clearly organized, offers plenty of connectivity features as standard, and is easy to navigate in everyday use. A 6.5-inch touchscreen is standard equipment and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, along with the expected Bluetooth support and a USB port. The Limited and hybrid models come with a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen that offers SiriusXM satellite radio plus some additional support apps; navigation is optional but only with the 8.0-inch display.

        Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

        The Crosstrek offers a host of driver-assistance features but they’re only standard on models with the CVT. Buyers of the six-speed manual transmission are locked out of this equipment. For more information about the Crosstrek's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

        • Available automated emergency braking
        • Available lane-keeping assist
        • Available adaptive cruise control

        Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

        Subaru's warranty coverage is exactly in line with that of most of its competitors. As with many rival hybrids, the plug-in Crosstrek comes with an extra policy to cover that car's expensive battery-electric components.

        • Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
        • Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
        • Hybrid-component warranty covers eight years or 100,000 miles
        • No complimentary scheduled maintenance

        Specifications

        Specifications

        2021 Subaru Crosstrek 2.5

        VEHICLE TYPE
        front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

        PRICE AS TESTED
        $31,440 (base price: $27,545)

        ENGINE TYPE
        DOHC 16-valve flat-4, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
        Displacement
        152 in3, 2498 cm3
        Power
        182 hp @ 5800 rpm
        Torque
        176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

        TRANSMISSION
        continuously variable automatic

        CHASSIS
        Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
        Brakes (F/R): 11.6-in vented disc/10.8-in disc
        Tires: Falken Ziex ZE001 A/S, 225/55R-18 98H M+S

        DIMENSIONS
        Wheelbase: 104.9 in
        Length: 176.5 in
        Width: 71.0 in
        Height: 63.6 in
        Passenger volume: 97 ft3
        Cargo volume: 21 ft3
        Curb weight: 3351 lb

        C/D
        TEST RESULTS
        60 mph: 7.5 sec
        100 mph: 22.2 sec
        Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 8.2 sec
        Top gear, 30–50 mph: 4.4 sec
        Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.4 sec
        1/4 mile: 16.0 sec @ 88 mph
        Braking, 70–0 mph: 169 ft
        Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.81 g
        *stability-control-inhibited
        Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.

        C/D
        FUEL ECONOMY
        Observed: 23 mpg

        EPA FUEL ECONOMY
        Combined/city/highway: 29/27/34 mpg

        -

        2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

        VEHICLE TYPE
        front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

        PRICE AS TESTED
        $38,470 (base price: $35,970)

        ENGINE TYPE
        DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter flat-4, 137 hp, 134 lb-ft + permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor, 118 hp, 149 lb-ft; combined output, 148 hp; 8.8-kWh nickel-metal hydride battery pack

        TRANSMISSION
        continuously variable automatic

        CHASSIS
        Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
        Brakes (F/R): 11.6-in vented disc/11.2-in vented disc
        Tires: Falken Ziex ZE001 A/S, 225/55R-18 98H M+S

        DIMENSIONS
        Wheelbase: 104.9 in
        Length: 175.8 in
        Width: 71.0 in
        Height: 62.8 in
        Passenger volume: 100.7 cu ft
        Cargo volume: 43.1 cu ft
        Curb weight (C/D est): 3750 lb

        C/D TEST RESULTS
        Zero to 60 mph: 8.3 sec
        Zero to 100 mph: 26.9 sec
        Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 8.4 sec
        Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec
        Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.9 sec
        Standing ¼-mile: 16.6 sec @ 83 mph
        Top speed (governor limited): 109 mph
        Braking, 70–0 mph: 173 ft
        Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.85 g
        *stability-control-inhibited

        C/D FUEL ECONOMY
        Observed: 30 MPGe
        75-mph highway driving: 30 mpg
        Highway range: 390 miles

        EPA FUEL ECONOMY
        Combined/city/highway: 35/36/35 mpg
        Combined gasoline+electricity: 90 MPGe
        EV range: 17 miles

        C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

        More Features and Specs

        Will there be a 2023 crosstrek?

        The 2023 Crosstrek is available in Base, Premium, new Special Edition, Sport, and Limited trims, while the Crosstrek Hybrid is offered in a single highly-equipped trim level. Both models will begin arriving at Subaru retailers this Summer.

        What can I expect from my 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?

        2023 Subaru Crosstrek.
        Highs Drives more like a car than an SUV, six-speed manual availability, plug-in hybrid model offers EV driving capability..
        Lows Lethargic acceleration with standard engine, dull interior, don't follow any Jeeps off-road..

        What is the difference between the 2022 and 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?

        The only change to the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is a Special Edition with an exclusive Desert Khaki, or sand, color and interior trim accents.

        What colors will the 2023 crosstrek come in?

        2023 Subaru Crosstrek Colors.
        Crystal Black Silica..
        Cool-Gray Khaki..
        Horizon Blue Pearl..
        Crystal White Pearl..
        Ice Silver Metallic..
        Magnetite Gray Metallic..
        Pure Red..
        Plasma Yellow Pearl..