Car Buyer Labs

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A blue 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is shown from the front in the snow.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek Buyer’s Guide

When you want a car that’s rugged, reliable, and respected, a Subaru is perhaps your best pick out of any brand in the industry. Able to transition seamlessly through various driving conditions, with a durable and safe construction, a Subaru will propel you forward with the utmost confidence. There are many drivers out there who are searching for a car that’s easy to drive yet offers increased space inside, which eventually leads them down the SUV rabbit hole. Some SUVs are hulking, cumbersome machines, and when you want a model that’s easy to maneuver, the subcompact SUV segment beckons you. If you’re wondering which vehicle to check out at a Subaru dealer near you, take a look at our buyer’s guide for the impeccable, capable, and trusted 2023 Subaru Crosstrek––a subcompact SUV with attitude.

About the Crosstrek

It’s the smallest SUV offered by the esteemed Subaru brand, but don’t be fooled by its compact stature. The Crosstrek has quite a reputation in the industry as being perfectly capable of holding its own, no matter what greets it on the roadway. Making its way onto the streets in 2013, the Crosstrek was quick to appeal to drivers who desired an SUV but needed a model that drove more like a car rather than a sport utility vehicle. Enter the Crosstrek, a peppy, capable everyday commuter that took the ride seriously. As the years have gone on, the Crosstrek has become filled with the latest tech features, modern designs, and capabilities, further propelling it to the top of the list when drivers desire it all in their everyday traveler.

Today, the Crosstrek still exhibits the bold, rugged styling that’s seen in virtually all Subaru models. It doesn’t just look the part; it performs like a rugged SUV as well. Able to traverse the roadways with finesse and the trails with agility, this small-size SUV is ready for anything. A number of engines are available, including a hybrid variant, which allows drivers to harness exceptional efficiency as well as top-tier performance in this Subaru winner. Standard all-wheel drive, plus high ground clearance, gives the Crosstrek an edge over its competitors, and with plenty of trims to choose from, you’ll be able to create the ultimate ride inside this subcompact hero.

The interior of a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is shown from the passenger side.

Comfort & Convenience

Subaru is known to design skilled vehicles with modern appointments to maximize comfort on board, and the Crosstrek is no exception. From StarTex water-repellent upholstery to recycled materials throughout, there really aren’t too many vehicles out there that are quite like this Subaru favorite. Its interior cabin prioritizes functionality, offering durable materials and a carefully laid-out space to heighten the ambiance inside. Opting for its all-new Special Edition model will enhance its design, with top-quality black and red materials and an adventurous aura throughout, while top-level models will feature add-ons like a moonroof to display stunning views of the skies above.

There are several convenience features that can be found in the Crosstrek to make your journey better. From a STARLINK Multimedia system, which provides access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless Bluetooth capabilities, and more, to voice-activated navigation, the Crosstrek makes any drive more connected and convenient so that you’ll be able to travel to your destination in absolute comfort. Cozy seats, a quiet cabin, plus all of the features to make your drive better allow the Crosstrek to deliver the experience you’re looking for, no matter where your travels take you next.

Safety Features

If there’s one thing to know about Subaru, it’s that the brand takes safety more seriously than any other automaker in the industry. Not only are its vehicles built on ultra-rigid platforms, the safety tech that drivers are able to enjoy simply can’t be replicated. Through standard EyeSight Driver Assist technology, the Crosstrek delivers the assurance you need while you travel, with access to features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and other helpful options to keep you and all on board safe on the streets. Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control allows you to set the distance you wish to remain from the car in front of you, as well as maintain a safe position in your lane without you having to think about it. This is just one of the reasons why Subaru vehicles are so highly regarded in the industry.

The EyeSight technology has helped earn the Crosstrek a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS in safety testing. Combined with its durable construction, there’s no better vehicle to have on your journey than this one. Another thing drivers love about the Crosstrek is its excellent all-wheel drive capabilities, providing unmatched safety and control, even when the road ahead becomes difficult to navigate. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive enhances its performance in bad weather road conditions, as well as uneven terrain by sending power to all four wheels consistently so that every wheel has more traction. This system resides along the center of the vehicle for exceptional weight balancing, allowing the Crosstrek to deliver a smooth and controlled ride, regardless of the condition of the roadway.

Cargo Management

The 2023 Crosstrek is designed to be a functional and practical SUV, and the proof is in its spectacular cargo management solutions. Despite its small size, the Crosstrek is capable of handling up to 55.3 cu.ft. of cargo when you flip down its 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Plus, with a total of 100.9 cu.ft. of passenger space, traveling with extra passengers is easy inside this subcompact Subaru staple. Even those located in the backseat won’t complain about the room they’re provided with, and with plenty of storage areas, traveling with everything you need for the ride is effortless.

Its wide rear gate makes it easy to load up the Crosstrek for the journey ahead, and with an optional built-in LED light, loading it up in the dark is a breeze. Standard roof rails make it easy to transport gear, kayaks, bicycles, and anything else joining in on the adventure easily, delivering the space you need to haul more cargo. From its practical, configurable interior to exterior features built with versatility in mind, the Subaru Crosstrek showcases excellent cargo management to help you travel with confidence. Perfect for commuters traveling with workmates, adventurers traveling with gear, or families traveling with rambunctious kiddos in tow, the Crosstrek’s cargo space and features can handle all of it.

A blue 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is shown from the front after leaving a Subaru dealer.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek: Built for Any Journey

Driving a subcompact SUV means being able to enjoy more space inside, with enhanced room for gear, passengers, and other travel belongings, as well as being able to enjoy an easy driving experience. Handling much like a car, the Subaru Crosstrek is the perfect SUV for many different drivers, and with its rugged roots, celebrated safety features, and iconic all-wheel drive capabilities, you can’t go wrong with this trusted traveler. When you want to have it all in a vehicle, the Subaru Crosstrek will certainly deliver this, which is why you’ll want to check out this model at your local dealership to experience all of the outstanding features first-hand. You’ll be fascinated by its precise handling, unmatched control, and practicality inside, while its level of convenience and versatility is incomparable. The everyday drive deserves to be fun, safe, and dependable. When you have a Subaru in charge of your journey, you’ll be able to travel with absolute assurance that you’re enjoying the best ride possible, no matter where the road leads you.