2023 Subaru Crosstrek: Budget Friendly, But Needs More Oomph
We take a look at the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek’s powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Here's what we think.
2023 Subaru Crosstrek Special Edition – subaru.com | Shop 2023 Subaru Crosstrek on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?
Subaru makes two changes for the 2023 Crosstrek. The first is a slight nip and tuck to the front and rear of this four-door lifted wagon. The second is the addition of a Special Edition with a unique exterior paint color.
The Breakdown
Great AWD system
Extra ground clearance
Available with a manual
No EyeSight on manual cars
Lethargic acceleration
Cheapish interior
More power would be nice
Subaru Crosstrek Specs
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- 152 horsepower from base engine
- 145 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 6 available trims
- 20.8 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 55.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Optional navigation works great
- IIHS Top Safety Pick
- Basic 3-Year Limited Warranty
2023 Subaru Crosstrek Powertrain
Subaru offers the Crosstrek with three distinct powertrains. The base model, the Premium, and the Special Edition all get a 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. To put it lightly, it’s not going to set anyone’s hair on fire. Around tight city streets or on dirt roads it feels at home though as it’s more than peppy enough to get the job done.
The next step up, in terms of power at least, is the 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder found in the Sport and Limited trims. It develops 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. While that’s far from what we’d like to see in the Crosstrek it’s considerably better than the base engine which was the only option in 2018. Overtaking on the highway doesn’t feel like a strain on the engine and that extra power makes for less CVT drone as well.
Speaking of the CVT in the Crosstrek, it’s slightly above average in terms of responsiveness and smoothness. We’d much prefer a real automatic with actual cogs, like the one in the BRZ, but it could be worse. Sadly, only the Base, Premium, and Special Edition trims are available with a six-speed manual transmission.
At the top of the lineup is the Crosstrek Hybrid. It goes back to using the 2.0-liter engine but makes just 148 horsepower. On the positive side, it can travel up to 17 miles on electric power alone. At 110 volts it’ll charge in no more than five hours. On 240 it can top up from flat in about two hours.
Across the lineup, the Crosstrek’s best driving characteristic is its nimble handling. It’s not sharp per se but it’s far better to drive than most crossovers in the space with regard to cornering ability. The steering wheel communicates road feedback nicely and it’s easy to place as a result. Braking and acceleration pedal feedback is also good with linear action from the top of the stroke to the bottom.
2023 Subaru Crosstrek Fuel Economy & MPG
According to the EPA, the Crosstrek gets at best 28 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway. To achieve those figures you’ll need the 2.0-liter engine and the CVT. Impressively, the 2.5-liter actually does nearly as good with 27 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway. The EPA has not released mileage estimates for the hybrid Crosstrek.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
If there’s one thing that the Crosstrek does really well it’s cabin layout. Not only is it far more spacious than one might think, but it’s highly functional too. Four average-sized adults will have no issue getting comfortable in the Crosstrek during long trips and a fifth could squeeze in for shorter ones.
Seating is supportive and well-cushioned though not confining. The dash and center infotainment stack is simple but featureful as well. A combination of physical buttons, knobs, and switches is complimented but deeper settings in the touchscreen.
We also love all of the available storage in the non-hybrid Crosstreks. With the seats in place there is 20.8 cubic feet of space in the back. Drop those rear seats, which sadly don’t fold flat all of the way, and you’ll have more than 55 cubic feet to work with. That’s far more than most folks shopping in this segment will need regularly.
For those who do need more space we’d suggest checking out our review of the Honda CR-V. If there’s anything to complain about in the Crosstrek it’s a lack of flash or finish. There’s nothing in the cabin that feels special which can make it even harder to justify paying a dealer markup.
Entertainment & Technology
Subaru’s infotainment user interface, called StarLink, is about as straightforward as they get. While not as fast or featureful as something from the likes of Stellantis or GM, it’s highly functional and easy to use. We especially appreciate the inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on both the standard 6.5-inch screen and its larger 8.0-inch sibling.
SiriusXM satellite radio is standard on the larger of the two. An optional integrated navigation system is especially impressive thanks to an excellent interface and super-clear directions. Those who go for the Limited trim also have access to an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system that we think is worth the extra cash.
Safety Features
Subaru has scored an IIHS Top Safety Award with the 2023 Crosstrek. On top of that, the last Crosstrek with public scores from the NHTSA received five stars. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite is only available on cars equipped with an automatic transmission. That’s very disappointing considering other brands like Mazda don’t limit important safety features for their customers who choose to row their own gears.
2023 Subaru Crosstrek Trims & Pricing
Base – $23,645
The Crosstrek starts out with 17-inch alloy wheels, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic climate control, roof rails, four speakers, a 6.5-inch infotainment system, and one USB charge port. Buyers who select the CVT also get hill descent control, X-Mode (for off-roading), and the EyeSight suite of driver safety aids.
Premium – $24,795
The Premium trim adds a rear cargo cover, two more speakers for a total of six, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated side mirrors, heated front seats, fog lights, an extra USB port, and satellite radio. Those who get the CVT will also get a sunroof, keyless entry, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Special Edition – $27,970
This new trim gets a special Desert Khaki paint color along with wheels and the 8-inch infotainment system. The interior sports red and black cloth upholstery along with red contrast stitching.
Sport – $27,995
The Sport includes the 2.5-liter engine along with sporty fenders, paddle shifters, and yellow interior stitching on faux leather upholstery. The 8-inch infotainment system is available as an option on the Sport trim.
Limited – $29,495
The Limited gets 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery, LED fog lights, adaptive LED headlights, and rear automatic braking. Buyers can option an upgraded sound system, integrated navigation, and a sunroof.
Hybrid – $36,846
The Hybrid is outfitted almost identically to the Limited. The only changes are that it gets blue interior stitching and those who select the option package will also get a heated steering wheel.
Warranties
Every Crosstrek comes with the same three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty backed up by a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Hybrid components are covered for a total of eight years or 100,000 miles. Compared to the rest of the market, these figures are near the very bottom.
What we think
2023 Subaru Crosstrek – subaru.com | Shop 2023 Subaru Crosstrek on Carsforsale.com
The Crosstrek continues to be a likable but forgettable automotive experience. It doesn’t stand out in any one particular area as great or terrible. That makes it a fantastic budget-friendly all-arounder for those in search of such a vehicle. At the same time, we’d love to see Subaru offer more power, more off-road capability, or advanced safety equipment to customers who choose a manual transmission.
