The new 2023 Subaru Crosstrek: Speck and Features

Overview

Although the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek might deceive you with its rugged styling and big tires, it's only a car pretending to be an SUV. It can't compete against Jeep Wranglers or Ford Broncos for off-road capabilities, but makes up for this by being more comfortable on paved roads.

The Crosstrek is derived from the Impreza hatchback. standard all-wheel drive equips every Subaru EXCEPT the BRZ sports car. Its lifted suspension affords enough ground clearance to vanquish rutted dirt roads and grassy knolls, so there’s that utility. Unfortunately, opt for the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and you'll be left wanting more power; it's especially lackluster when mated to the optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). A six-speed manual is standard--and we recommend it if performance matters to you at all..

The better choice is the optional 2.5-liter four-cylinder for perkier acceleration, or the available plug-in hybrid for the eco-friendly drivers.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Crosstrek's 152-hp four-cylinder engine is quite noisy, but unfortunately doesn't pack a lot of power. As is the case with many of its competitors, no matter whether you choose the standard manual transmission or optional automatic, getting up to highway speed takes a while.

Our testing showed that the 2.0-liter automatic model required only 9.2 seconds to reach 60 mph, whereas the plug-in hybrid model was even quicker, needing only 8.3 seconds to reach the same speed. 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; with this engine,the Crosstrek reaches 60 mph in 7.5 seconds - which is still far from speedy but significantly less stressful than before when attempting a pass on a two-lane road or merging onto an interstate highway .

The Crosstrek's handling is impressively similar to a car, which can be attributed to the well-weighted steering and calm ride. The suspension manages bumps smoothly yet still feels firm--a perfect balance. For buyers interested in the plug-in hybrid model: it takes five hours charge fully from a standard 120v outlet, but only two hours from a 240v outlet. However, keep in mind that electric mode will only last for 17 miles before needing gas again.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Crosstrek is one of the most fuel efficient subcompact crossovers, with excellent EPA ratings as well as some of the best results from real-world testing. The Crosstrek's 2.0-liter engine and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) might not be very fast, but they're great on gas, 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 32mpg; the manual also impressed with a 31mpg result. The hybrid model is rated at up to 90MPGe combined and 35 MPG on the highway, but we managed only 30 MPG in our testing: For more information about Crosstrek's fuel economy visit the EPA's website

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Like other Subarus, the Crosstrek has a basic and durable-feeling interior that focuses more on function than form. While this lack of flair is perfectly acceptable in cheaper versions, it can feel a bit too plain in the Limited model, which with options can go for over $30,000. Some feeble attempts to make things more interesting include bits of faux-carbon-fiber trim and orange stitching on the seats; however, overall atmosphere remains dark and dull—though choosing the lighter gray cloth or leather upholstery does help somewhat.

The Crosstrek's 60/40 split-folding rear seat, when flipped down, considerably expands the cargo hold. However, the folded seats don't create an entirely flat cargo floor. In testing, we found that the Nissan Rogue Sport held more stuff despite its smaller exterior dimensions. The Crosstrek managed to hold 19 of our carry-on suitcases with the rear seats folded while theRogue Sport held 20. Additionally, because the hybrid model's battery pack is located under the floor ,thehybridized version has a taller cargo floor than  the nonhybrid—so we were only able to fit 17 carry-onswith  the backseats lowered .

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.

Are Subaru's Crosstrek reliable?

The Subaru XV Crosstrek Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 17th out of 26 for compact SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $631 which means it has average ownership costs.

Why is Subaru discontinuing the Crosstrek?

Unfortunately, Crosstrek reviews aren't always positive or glowing. Therefore, if you've seen a bad review recently, you might be wondering if Subaru is discontinuing the Crosstrek in 2022. Fortunately, Subaru is not discontinuing the Crosstrek. Instead, the 2022 model hit dealerships earlier this year.