2023 Subaru Crosstrek looks trail-ready with its rugged body styling and chunky tires, but that fools you and don’t get fooled. Just Don’t! From its appearance at least. Do know, it’s a car playing the part of an SUV. Neither it can go toe-to-toe with Jeep Wranglers nor play with the Ford Broncos at the off-road park. But compensating for this is its comfort and carlike manner on the road than those dedicated dirt buggers.
The Crosstrek is based on the Impreza hatchback and, like all other Subarus ( except the BRZ sports car), it comes with standard all-wheel drive. The lifted suspension offers plenty of ground clearance to tackle stoned dirt roads and grassy knolls. But sadly, the base 2.0-Liter four-cylinder engine chokes, especially when paired with the optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The better choice would be the optional 2.5-Liter four-cylinder, giving the Crosstrek much perkier acceleration.
Contents
What’s New?
A Special Edition model is added to the Crosstrek family for 2023. It is based on the Premium trim and comes exclusively with Desert Khaki paint, 17-inch wheels, and dark gray exterior trim. The interior is two-tone black-and-red upholstery. In traditional Subaru fashion, the Crosstrek has a basic and durable interior, prioritizing function over form. There are feeble attempts to make it feel more premium, which include bits of faux-carbon-fiber trim and orange stitching on the seats. While the overall surrounding remains dark and dull. One can also, opt for the lighter gray cloth or leather upholstery which can help somewhat.
Engine & Performance
The base engine is powered by a 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder which generates 152 HP and 145 pound-feet of peak torque and is paired with a 6-speed manual and optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). But for some users, it feels underpowered and noisy so it’s better to upgrade to a powerful powertrain. The 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine produces 182 HP and 176 pound-feet of peak torque and is mated to CVT.
The Crosstrek has the firmed ride quality and good steering feedback gives more confidence while cornering. Crosstalk with its base engine does 0 to 60 MPH in whopping 9.2 seconds while the sportier version does the same in 7.2 seconds. The hybrid variant took 8.5 seconds to hit the 60 MPH mark. The Crosstrek’s handling is however pleasant like a car. Thanks to well-weighted steering and a composed ride.
Fuel Economy
| 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Mileage | City | Higway |
| 2.0-litre (6-speed manual) | 22 mpg | 29 mpg |
| 2.0-litre (CVT) | 28 mpg | 33 mpg |
| 2.5-litre (CVT) | 27 mpg | 34 mpg |
| Hybrid | 30 mpg | 35 mpg |
The Crosstrek is one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact crossovers. With not only great EPA fuel-economy ratings but also some of the best estimates in our real-world testing. The Crosstrek’s 2.0-liter engine and CVT may be lethargic, but they’re easy on fuel, with an EPA rating of 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 is rated at 27 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway.
Dimensions & Space
| 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Dimensions | |
| Length | 176.5 in |
| Width | 71.0 in |
| Height | 63.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.9 in |
| Cargo Volume | 21 ft3 |
| Airbags | 7 Airbags |
The brand’s StarLink infotainment system is well organized, offering plenty of connectivity features as standard. Which is somewhat 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.
Pricing
| 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Pricing | Price (USD) |
| Base | $24,870 |
| Premium | $26,220 |
| Special Edition | $27,970 |
| Sport | $29,220 |
| Limited | $30,720 |
| Hybrid | $38,070 |
The Sport model’s features are enhanced. These are 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 cash. Like other Subaru sedans and SUVs, all-wheel drive is standard on the Crosstrek; a rarity in the small SUV marketplace.
Specifications & Top-Speed
| 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Specifications | Specs |
| Engine | DOHC 16-valve flat-4 |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Horsepower | 182 hp |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.5 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 22.2 sec |
| 1/4 Mile | 16.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 109 mph |
