Adventurous Yet Practical: 7 Reasons to Love the Crosstrek

What do you love most about Subaru’s smallest SUV? A Subaru Crosstrek dealer like us knows that is a difficult question to answer because of everything the Crosstrek offers. This all-wheel drive road warrior has a penchant for adventure. It’s practical, capable, and efficient, a trifecta introduced in 2013 when it debuted as a more rugged version of the beloved Subaru Impreza. That first Crosstrek set new benchmarks in the segment, offering best-in-class fuel economy and safety ratings that gave drivers plenty of reasons to turn to Subaru’s award-winning lineup.

Today, the 2023 Crosstrek continues that legacy as a sedan-inspired SUV that looks rugged but refuses to compromise on comfort or ride quality. Instead, it’s an all-wheel drive adventurer that can navigate your weekday commute just as readily as it can venture off the pavement and down the trail. Moreover, it’s packed with innovative technology and includes an optional hybrid powertrain that blends performance and agility with fuel-sipping characteristics that ensure more money stays in your wallet. Here’s a closer look at these features and many others that you’ll love about the latest iteration of Subaru’s beloved adventurer.

#1 – All-Wheel Drive and Affordability Are Standard

While almost every other automaker forces drivers to spend more for all-wheel drive models, Subaru refuses to make such a demand. Instead, the 2023 Crosstrek comes standard with Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and Active Torque Vectoring technology. Yet, even with these upgraded features, the Crosstrek’s starting price remains incredibly affordable.

The Crosstrek’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system optimizes the SUV’s stability and control in any condition, minimizing the risk of hydroplaning, traction loss, or skidding in muddy, sandy, or slippery conditions. However, the system is remarkable because it doesn’t wait for wheel slippage before kicking in. Instead, it constantly sends power to all four wheels for more consistent traction, acting as an all-time all-wheel drive system.

At the same time, Subaru’s Active Torque Vectoring technology works within the Crosstrek’s Vehicle Dynamics Control system to enhance stability when turning and improve overall responsiveness and performance. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring give the 2023 Crosstrek a distinct advantage. It’s agile and highly competent, but that doesn’t skyrocket its starting price. Instead, Subaru’s renowned all-wheel drive system is affordable and accessible to more drivers.

#2 – Legendary Boxer Engines

The 2023 Crosstrek offers two traditional gas-powered engines. You can also choose either a six-speed manual transmission or Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. The Base and Premium trims come standard with Subaru’s 2.0L four-cylinder Boxer engine that delivers 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Opting for the continuously variable transmission means saving money on fuel since the transmission balances power output with efficiency for an average of 28 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.

The Crosstrek’s manual transmission gives you a physical connection to the SUV, which is essential for many drivers. Even so, it’s not as efficient as Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. Instead, the manual transmission sips more fuel to the tune of 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.

Drivers wanting more power will find the Sport and Limited trims more impressive. These options come with Subaru’s 2.5L Boxer engine and continuously variable transmission, producing 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. Surprisingly, this increase in power doesn’t dramatically impact the Crosstrek’s fuel economy, with these performance-focused trims averaging 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway for an incredible experience behind the wheel that doesn’t leave a gaping hole in your wallet when it’s time to refill the tank.

#3 – Hybrid Performance

With the ongoing demand for more efficient electrified vehicles, it only makes sense that Subaru adds a hybrid powertrain to its fleet. The Crosstrek Hybrid builds on Subaru’s vision for a greener future without compromising the core components and characteristics that make it a Subaru. For example, the hybrid SUV comes standard with Subaru’s legendary all-wheel capability and pairs the proven 2.0L Boxer engine with dual electric motors and a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. The combination produces 148 hp and 149 lb-ft of near-instant torque for incredible acceleration and handling.

While an engaging driving experience is guaranteed, the Crosstrek Hybrid offers even more. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain ensures performance and efficiency aren’t mutually exclusive. Instead, the two coexist and promise a 17-mile all-electric driving range, a fuel economy of 90 MPGe, and a total driving range of 480 miles. Just like a battery electric vehicle, you can plug in the Crosstrek Hybrid at the end of the day and have a full battery every morning.

#4 – Award-Winning EyeSight Driver-Assist Technology

Subaru adds another layer of value to the 2023 Crosstrek by making its award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist technology standard with every model equipped with the Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. Since the continuously variable transmission optimizes the Crosstrek’s efficiency, it’s a win-win for drivers. The suite outfits the SUV with Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, a Pre-Collision Braking System, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, and Lane Departure and Sway Warning.

As you progress through the Crosstrek lineup, the EyeSight Driver Assist suite expands to include more advanced features. For example, the Limited and Hybrid trims add High Beam Assist and Steering Responsive Headlights for enhanced visibility even when cornering. The trims also add Reverse Automatic Braking, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Blind-Spot Detection for better awareness in heavy traffic and crowded parking lots.

#5 – STARLINK to Stay Connected

Subaru makes it easy to stay connected when you’re behind the wheel of the 2023 Crosstrek. This SUV comes standard with Subaru’s STARLINK Multimedia system, which provides seamless smartphone access via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth capability. This technology is centralized in a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, standard on the Base, Premium, and Sport trims. The top-tier Limited and Hybrid trims include an 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus display that offers additional features like TomTom navigation and SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link.

The Crosstrek’s STARLINK technology extends beyond the SUV’s center display to the MySubaru app on your smartphone. The STARLINK Safety and Security Packages add even more features like SOS emergency assistance, advanced automatic collision notification, diagnostic alerts, and enhanced roadside assistance. You also gain access to remote features that can lock and unlock the doors, start the engine, control the cabin’s temperature, flash the lights, and locate the vehicle. Other tools include security alarm notifications that alert you to potential issues while away from the SUV.

#6 – All-New Special Edition Package

Subaru celebrates the 2023 Crosstrek’s impressive tenure in the lineup by introducing the Special Edition package for the Premium trim. The celebratory model blends classic adventure with sophistication and exclusivity. You’ll experience this with the Special Edition’s unique Desert Khaki exterior complemented by its dark gray 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Crystal Black Silica elements appear throughout the SE’s design, from the front grille bar to the antenna. In addition, the dark door handles contrast with the Desert Khaki paint and accentuate the SE’s sporty and adventurous aesthetic, blending seamlessly with the dark exterior badging.

#7 – Exclusive Sport Mode Performance

While the Crosstrek isn’t destined for the racetrack, Subaru proves you don’t have to give up on your performance needs. The Crosstrek Sport perfectly combines practicality, adventure, and agility. It comes with Subaru’s larger 2.5L Boxer engine and is the only trim to offer Dual-Function X-MODE with Hill Descent Control. This selectable drive mode system gives you greater control over the Crosstrek’s performance and offers Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes to help you confidently navigate any terrain.