This is the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek; it’s an affordable, economical little SUV with the muscle to go just about anywhere you and your dog want to go. There’s a lot to love, but nothing’s perfect so we’re hitting the highlights; the best and the rest, starting with the rest….
Worst of the Subaru Crosstrek:
1 – no hybrid
It’s still pretty efficient without a turbo or hybrid or plug
But in 2023 it’s surprising to see a new car with no hybrid in the range
I also feel like it would be nice to have a turbo for more torque
And to normalise power in altitude
2 – Interior build & Material quality
Front and back
Typical Subie steering wheel
Seats are really nice, even the cloth ones
Limited gets leather
Heated seat has buttons
3 – no HUD
Not a huge deal by any means
But it’s surprising that you can’t get a HUD but you can get wireless car play
Would be nice to have a HUD and torque readout for offroading
4 – Sunroof
Another small thing, but the optional sunroof is going to cost you $2600
Which feels like a lot for a non-pano roof
And also when you consider going up from the base to premium trim is only 1400
So this single option is over a grand more than that
Best of the Subaru Crosstrek:
1 – it’s cheap
Starts at 25k
You’re getting a lot of car for that money
Fuel economy, offroad capability, reliability, etc
2 – AWD standard
In typical Subie fashion you get symmetrical AWD as standard on all crosstreks
You also get X mode for a more capable offroad setting
X mode will also automatically engage hill descent so beginner offroaders feel safe
3 – Efficiency
Two engine outputs
2.0 n/a boxer makes 152hp and 145 lbft
w/CVT and AWD you still get like 30 mpg combined (great)
Still waiting on numbers for the upgraded 2.5*
4 – muscle
Towing is 1500 lbs (more than CRV and almost as much as RAV4, higher class cars)
Roof rails can hold 700 lbs static, 176 lbs dynamic – roof tents, etc.
5 – offroad chops
Symmetrical AWD std
Chain driven transmission is more durable than belt
X mode more robust
Chassis is 10% more rigid
8.7 inch ground clearance – more than Bronco sport
Wilderness to come…probably
6 – looks
New salvador dali mustache chrome accent
Led fog lights
Premium and up
Typical subie grille
Familiar led headlights
Std
Dynamic steering response
Lower cladding of course
16 in wheel
Wheel arch cladding
Aero gill
Profile looks very crosstrek
Crab grab taillights
Incandescent turn signals front and back
Cladded rear bumper
7 – Trunk
No power liftgate which is a little bit of bummer
But your trunk space is pretty good
Matches the HRV which is kinda the segment leader I think
8 – Rear seats space
This is specifically about the space
The materials are pretty crummy
There’s no A/C vents back here
But the legroom is pretty good for this class
This is a bit bigger than Corolla cross or HRV but smaller than CRV
9 – Screens & tech
The tech stack has been significantly upgraded
New big 11.6 vertical screen
Starlink
Wireless car play and aa (connection issues)
Looks great in this car
Semi-digital cluster
No HUD
Eyesite is pretty decent
Reverse camera but no 360..i dont really expect 360, but wold be nice on trail
Available wireless charger
Climate is kinda in screen, but you still get physical buttons (dual zone)
Conclusion
So that’s the best and the rest with the new Subaru Crosstrek and while there are several things that arent perfect there’s a lot to love. I like the new screen, it makes the interior feel more expensive. It gets great fuel economy, especially for no hybrid system. And it’s got muscle for towing, offroading, or putting stuff on the roof. Is it going to set your heart on fire? Probably not, but I see why Subaru sells so many of these…