2023 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is offered in a total of four main trims and one Special Edition trim based on the Premium trim. The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid specs, price, and features deserve a separate review. The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek MSRP is $23,645 and goes up to $29,495 for the top-tier Limited trim.

All the trims will be equipped with a four-cylinder boxer engine, but the higher trims get a slightly bigger engine, which produces comparatively more power than the lower-level trims. Apart from this, there are a few other minor changes across each trim level with regards to exterior styling, interior tech, mechanical features, and safety features.

The Base and Premium trims get the option to upgrade the transmission to automatic linear CVT at an additional cost of $1,350. The Crosstrek also has a long list of accessories to choose from. Subaru has a section for accessories only for pet owners, which has accessories like pet harnesses, collapsible kennels, etc. Apart from this, the following packages are available based on the choice of trim:

Optional Package

• Power tilt/sliding moonroof
• Blind Spot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Keyless Access with Push-Button Start
• Power Driver Seat

Special Edition Package

• Exclusive Desert Khaki exterior paint
• Black cloth interior with red stitching
• STARLINK 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus Audio
• Crystal Black Silica finish accents

Optional Package (Available for only Limited trim)

• Power tilt/sliding moonroof
• STARLINK 8.0-inch Multimedia Navigation
• Harman Kardon premium audio system

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek mpg ratings make it one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact crossover vehicles. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and 2.0-liter engine of the Crosstrek may be sluggish, but the combo is fuel-efficient. With an EPA rating of 28 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, it's pretty fuel-efficient. With the manual transmission, the fuel economy reduces to 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, respectively.

Even the bigger engine offers 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, thanks to a well-tuned CVT. The combined MPGe for the hybrid variant is up to 90. The Crosstrek also has a considerably bigger fuel tank with a capacity of 16.6 gallons. It offers a longer range of 465 miles in the city, 548 miles on the highway, and 498 miles combined. However, the same is significantly reduced with the manual transmission.

In our fuel efficiency comparison, all cars have a similar EPA rating. The Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona return the best fuel economy of 29 mpg in the city. When it comes to highways, again the Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos take the lead in fuel efficiency with 35 mpg. In the combined fuel efficiency department, the Crosstrek leads with a figure of 30 mpg. The Crosstrek's gas mileage is pretty decent despite having AWD as standard across every trim.

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek interior boasts a straightforward and sturdy-feeling design, putting function over design in classic Subaru fashion. In the less expensive models, its lack of flair is totally acceptable, but in the Limited model, which can cost more than $30,000 with options, it starts to feel a little mediocre. Although there are feeble attempts to add some color, such as orange stitching on the seats and faux-carbon fiber trim, the overall ambiance is still gloomy and dull.

However, choosing lighter gray cloth or leather upholstery does make a small improvement. Both the front and back seats have plenty of space, and the Crosstrek has one of the roomiest cabins in its class. The back seat will be the only area that is slightly constrained, but only for taller passengers. The Crosstrek has a cargo space of 20.8 cubic feet, which can be further extended by folding the 60/40 foldable rear seats.

Being the older model among the competition the Interior feels really outdated and dull. In terms of the interior quality and tech features the competition is better and ahead of the Subaru Crosstrek. The front row space is comparatively better than the competition offering more legroom and good shoulder room. Coming to the third row the Honda HR-V has the better interior dimensions. The Kia Seltos gets the most cargo space at 26.6 cubic feet.

Subaru's StarLink infotainment system is well organized and provides a wide range of connectivity options as standard, but it occasionally feels slow. The knobs and switches on the center console also give it a dated appearance. Standard features include a 6.5-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth and a USB port. With a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen that includes SiriusXM satellite radio and several additional support apps, the Limited and hybrid variants are the only ones that can have inbuilt navigation.

Some of the key interior features available with the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek are:

• Leather upholstery with orange stitching
• Powered driver's seat
• Automatic climate control
• 60/40 foldable rear seats
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Integrated voice commands
• 4/6-speaker sound system 
• Optional 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system

The Subaru Crosstrek is immediately recognizable as a Subaru. With a high ground clearance, roof rails, hard plastic cladding, and unique body lines, it represents the brand's design language. Depending on the trim, the appearance differs a little. For instance, the brand-new 2023 Special Edition model sports chic dark grey metallic alloys and a special Desert Khaki paint job. The hybrid variant also sports distinctive features like rare Lagoon Blue Pearl paint, low-profile roof rails, and customized wheels. Regarding the exterior dimensions, the Crosstrek is considerably bigger in terms of length, width, and height. It also gets a better ground clearance of 8.7 inches giving it a taller stance.

In terms of exterior styling and design we would rank the new-gen Honda HR-V at the top followed by the Hyundai Kona, the Kia Seltos, and lastly the Subaru Crosstrek. This is primarily because the design is in its second generation and feels dated compared to the competition but we wouldn’t criticize the practicality factor of the car. The Crosstrek with its higher ground clearance is definitely the better off-road capable crossover. Due to its bigger exterior dimensions, it also has a spacious interior. The longer wheelbase offers good stability in highway cruising but could be a letdown in city driving conditions.

Some of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek colors are: 

• Crystal White Pearl 
• Crystal Black Silica
• Horizon Blue Pearl
• Ice Silver Metallic 
• Lagoon Blue Pearl 
• Magnetite Gray Metallic
• Pure Red
• Plasma Yellow Pearl 

Just last year, the Crosstrek won the 2022 Top Safety Pick award. The NHTSA has also given the 2023 Crosstrek a five-star safety rating. The individual crash test performance pertaining to the frontal impact test is 4 stars, and the side impact crash test is rated at 5 stars. Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology improves the safety quotient with features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking, to name a few. Along with a sturdy build and other safety features like the advanced airbag system in the front, curtain airbags with rollover sensors, seat-mounted front seat airbags, and driver knee airbags coming as standard, Subaru hasn’t compromised on safety.

Some of the standout safety features of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek are: 

• Lane keep assist
• Pre-collision throttle management
• Blind-spot detection
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Subaru Starlink Safety and Security

2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2022 Kia Seltos

Both vehicles have well-built interiors, but the Subaru Crosstrek has a larger cabin. The Crosstrek, which has a higher ground clearance and a manual transmission available, outperforms the Kia Seltos in off-road conditions. With features like hill descent control and traction settings, Crosstrek's driving experience is better. It also gets an improved all-wheel-drive system and has better power and torque ratings.

Additionally, even on lower trim levels, the Crosstrek gets a lot more safety features. The Kia Seltos, in contrast, triumphs thanks to its larger cargo area, more contemporary exterior style, and more attractive interior cabin. Additionally, the Kia Seltos has somewhat superior fuel efficiency on both the city and highway. Both models are similarly priced; hence, it will boil down to your personal preferences.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2022 Hyundai Kona

Due to its superior off-road capabilities and standard all-wheel drive, the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek will continue to be the superior crossover option. On the other hand, the Kona's latest turbocharged engines make it more exciting to drive. There is also an all-electric drivetrain option for the Kona, while the Crosstrek offers a hybrid option.

Both crossovers have a roomy, pleasant interior, but the Kona wins out for higher-quality materials and better interior design. Additionally, compared to the Crosstrek, it boasts a better exterior design and appearance. The Hyundai Kona's base trim also ends up being the most affordable choice.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Honda HR-V

In our Crosstrek and the HR-V comparison, The Crosstrek came out to be the better handler, offers superior off-road capability, and has many amenities. However, the 2023 HR-V is redesigned completely and is known to be a pleasant and practical choice, but it falls short when compared to the Crosstrek with regard to interior capacity.

Due to its aerodynamic design, the Honda HR-V does have better 0–60 and quarter-mile times, as well as better assistance functions. The HR-V earns points for both interior and exterior aesthetics. The Honda HR-V should be a viable option, in our opinion, given its new generation design and more refined powertrain than the Crosstrek.

The Crosstrek is an interesting option to consider if practicality is what you are looking for, but this practicality comes with a price in terms of interior design and exterior styling. The Crosstrek has one of the best reliability ratings, decent interior space, and is the better offroader in our comparison.

It also has fuel efficiency and range almost at par or slightly better than the competition. The safety rating is also very good. However, if you are still planning to buy one this year, then you should look out for the new-generation 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. It offers much more modern design and features, making it a more viable choice.