The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Buyer’s Guide

If there’s one thing we can’t get enough of, it’s the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek; it’s sleek, stylish, and ready for adventure. Adventure comes in many forms; to many, an adventure is hitting the trail and enjoying nature, while others consider an adventure to be more like a road trip where fun memories that will last you a lifetime are formed. No matter how you interpret the word “adventure,” there’s a reason you should consider a Subaru Crosstrek for sale if you want the best basing for your buck. Why does the Crosstrek have such impressive value? It comes down to several factors: performance, such as power and efficiency, reliability, versatility, and price.

Today, the team at Richard Lucas Subaru is excited to share with you our detailed 2023 Subaru Crosstrek buyer’s guide. We’ll give you a rundown on everything you should know before taking the trip to our dealership; we’re at the perfect location for anyone living in the greater area of Woodbridge Township, NJ. With that said, let’s get one thing out of the way for the 2023 Crosstrek. This year’s Crosstrek model starts at an MSRP of $23,645 for the base trim.[a] Every sequential trim is also found at value-oriented prices, including the Premium, Sport, and Limited. Each trim has several improvements over the next, making the price increases a better sacrifice. The last Crosstrek model is the hybrid variant, which sits as the priciest Crosstrek in the lineup, with an MSRP of $36,845.[a]

Engine Options

When you purchase your Crosstrek, it’ll come with one of three engine options. All three configurations consist of BOXER engines, and the third one is perhaps the most distinctive as it belongs to the aforementioned Crosstrek Hybrid. The base engine may be the better buy for some drivers, especially those with a knack for manual transmissions, because it’s the only one of the three to not only feature a 6-speed manual transmission but comes standard with one too.

Understandably, not everyone in the modern-day can drive a manual transmission, but not to worry because the standard 2.0L BOXER-4 engine in the Crosstrek can also be paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Since the Crosstrek is an AWD vehicle throughout, the only difference in fuel efficiency for this powertrain comes down to which of the two transmissions you buy. The base engine is responsible for 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, along with a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs and EPA-estimated ratings of 28 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway with the CVT, and 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway with the 6-speed manual transmission.

The 2.0L BOXER-4 engine is also responsible for part of the hybrid model’s powertrain. Like any hybrid, the 2023 Crosstrek hybrid consists of a battery, motors, and an engine, the latter of which is the BOXER. However, unlike every hybrid, the Crosstrek is a plug-in, meaning the battery can periodically keep the car moving even if no gasoline is in the car, with up to 17 miles of additional range. The equivalent ratings for the 2023 Crosstrek hybrid are 90 MPGe and have a total mileage range of 480 miles when combined with the gasoline engine. However, when utilized in the hybrid configuration, the Crosstrek will get 148 hp and 149 lb-ft of torque, and the towing capacity is reduced to 1,000 lbs.

An experience that isn’t groundbreaking but is quite transformative is swapping out either powertrain consisting of the 2.0L BOXER-4 engine for the available 2.5L BOXER-4 engine. Unlike the 2.0L BOXER-4, the 2.5L variant only comes with a CVT, but that calls for similar fuel ratings to the less-powerful base engine as it gets EPA-estimated ratings of 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. The towing capacity doesn’t stray from its 1,500 lb limit, but everything else is greatly increased, like the 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.

Off-Roading Features

The 2023 Crosstrek is an excellent light off-roading companion for many reasons. First, every model comes with a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which is anything but unnecessary if you’re off-roading. FWD systems generally aren’t great for any abnormal means of travel, even in in-climate weather like rain and snowfall. However, the AWD system is greatly expanded upon with more off-roading goodness in the form of exceptional traction with specific settings in mind that call for situations like mud traversal or snow with the inclusion of X-MODE.

X-MODE is standard on the Sport, Limited, and Hybrid, but that doesn’t mean base-level shoppers can’t enjoy it either, but it does not come standard. Along with this, the top-three trims also share a standard inclusion of Hill Descent Control. At the same time, it remains optional on both the Base and Premium trims because it’s a direct continuation of X-MODE’s feature set and aims to increase the Crosstrek’s traction. Still, as the name implies, you’ll use Hill Descent Control while going down a hill. Think of it like a cruise control setting for going downhill, as you’ll maintain a safer speed and not be as affected by pure inertia.

If your Crosstrek detects that you’re losing traction thanks to the Traction Control System and Vehicle Dynamics Control, both of which come standard on every Crosstrek trim, the vehicle intelligently intervenes with subtle steering and braking if situations you find yourself may result in swerving or spinning out. Similarly, Active Torque Vectoring comes standard on every Crosstrek model to ensure you’re making sharp turns correctly in harsher road conditions by sharing the same method of brake and steering application.

Interior Features

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is impressively customizable, especially in the interior. Manually-adjustable seats come standard, but power-adjustable seats instead come standard on the Limited and Hybrid, while they’re optional on the Premium. The Crosstrek also includes heated seats on every trim level except the Base, but the heated steering wheel is only optional on the hybrid.

Coming with the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is an infotainment center, which is perhaps not shocking in today’s automotive market. What is notable is the ease of use and how in-depth the system can become thanks to accompanying tools like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both come standard on the Crosstrek and its standard 6.5-inch screen with other amenities like Bluetooth, an auxiliary port, and other essentials. Stepping up to either the Premium or Sport trims nets you the same infotainment center but with added features like integrated navigation software that runs separately from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto dubbed ‘Travel Link,’ and everyone’s favorite premium radio subscription service: Sirius XM.

Moving up to the top two trims: The Limited and Hybrid, the infotainment center is upgraded to an 8-inch screen with even more amenities like better built-in mobile phone support for making or taking phone calls or sending text messages, newer benefits like Starlink, an NFC reader, and more. If you wish to use Subaru’s in-house navigation software that works flawlessly with the Starlink 8-inch multimedia display, you can opt for it in either of the two trims that call for this larger infotainment center. The Limited trim can also be upgraded to the Harman Kardon 8-speaker sound system. Lastly, on the technology side of things, the base trim is the only one that doesn’t come with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, whereas each of the four following trims comes with its standard.

The 2023 Crosstrek Offers Exceptional Performance and Innovation at an Affordable Price

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is a fantastic value in plenty of ways, but it’s when you look at the package as one combined entity that it becomes obvious that Subaru is a manufacturer that handles its engineering work with exceptional craftsmanship while still retaining an affordable price tag. The Crosstrek is the best SUV for the price, and even if you plan on never taking yours off the pavement, the Crosstrek is one of those multi-faceted SUVs that works phenomenally no matter where you go. Now it’s time to experience the Crosstrek for yourself. Come into Richard Lucas Subaru today, and our friendly and knowledgeable sales team will be sure to show you all the ways in which this exceptional compact crossover SUV can take your journeys to the next level.

[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.