If you’re shopping for a compact crossover SUV, then you’ve certainly noticed the impressive 2023 Subaru Crosstrek by now and have probably noted some of what it has to offer. While no Crosstrek model is a bad choice, there are five different trims available for you to pick from, allowing you to choose your perfect vehicle. Picking the right one can be kind of tricky, so I’m going to take you through the different Crosstrek options available and take a look at what each one has to offer.
Crosstrek Base
First up, we have the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Base, which is the starting trim and sets a great foundation for all the other options. If you’re looking to save as much money as possible while still getting a fantastic compact crossover, this is a solid choice. The Base trim is powered by a 2.0L Subaru Boxer four-cylinder engine that delivers 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, and every Crosstrek comes with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD). This trim comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission, but a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available if you prefer.
With the available automatic transmission, the Crosstrek Base gets an estimated 28 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, which is great for an SUV. The Base features black 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-season tires, along with black side mirrors. Inside the Crosstrek, you get plenty of room, including seating for up to five passengers and more than 100 cu.ft. of passenger volume. You get more than 20 cu.ft. of cargo space in the rear of the Crosstrek Base, or more than 55 cu.ft. of total cargo volume with the back seats folded.
The Base trim features manually-adjustable front seats with cloth upholstery and a comfortable overall interior layout. In terms of technology, you get an instrument cluster with a speedometer and tachometer joined by a 2.4-inch LCD screen, a 6.5-inch Multimedia display, and a four-speaker sound system. Power windows and side mirrors are standard, along with cruise control, a steering wheel with integrated controls, and automatic climate control.
Crosstrek Premium
If you like the performance of the Base trim but want more advanced features and options to build on what it delivers, then the Crosstrek Premium is a great choice. It’s powered by the same 2.0L Subaru Boxer engine with the same power, and it features a six-speed manual transmission, but it has a nicer CVT available that includes an eight-speed manual mode with paddle shifters. In terms of fuel economy, with the standard engine and transmission, it’s just as efficient as the Base trim.
On the outside, the Premium sets itself apart with body-colored, heated side mirrors and an available power moonroof. A power-adjustable driver’s seat is offered on the Premium. However, you do get standard heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cloth upholstery with orange stitching for an extra bit of detail. You also get a number of tech improvements with the Premium, including auto on/off headlights, available keyless access with push-button start, and a six-speaker sound system.
Crosstrek Sport
For improved performance in your Subaru Crosstrek, the Sport is a fantastic option that offers more power and an exhilarating drive. You get an impressive 2.5L Subaru Boxer four-cylinder engine that delivers 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, which comes paired with an impressive CVT with Adaptive Control and an eight-speed manual mode with paddle shifters, standard. Subaru’s Intelligent Drive system with X-Mode, which improves upon its standard Symmetrical AWD, comes standard on the Sport while it is only an option for the previous trims.
With its more powerful engine, the Crosstrek Sport gets an estimated 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, giving you comparable fuel economy and boosted performance. For the exterior, the Sport features a black sport grille with a gunmetal finish, matching gunmetal side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and a gorgeous overall design. Inside, you’ll find certain details similar to the Crosstrek Base but with numerous upgrades throughout.
For example, the Sport features manually-adjustable seats, with heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped shifter handle, plus StarTex water-repellent upholstery with yellow contrast stitching. You get an improved instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch color LCD screen, numerous USB ports, and standard keyless access with push-button start. The Sport also features the advanced infotainment system and six-speaker sound system found in the Premium.
Crosstrek Limited
If you like the performance of the Sport, but want even nicer features throughout, then the Crosstrek Limited is the way to go. It features the same engine and power as the Sport, with 18-inch wheels and all-season tires. With the Limited, you get LED steering responsive headlights, LED fog lights, and body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals. Looking inside, you get a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and leather-trimmed upholstery with orange contrast stitching that looks beautiful.
The tech features match or surpass what you get in the Sport trim, including the advanced instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch display. You get numerous USB ports both front and rear in the Limited, along with additional illumination inside and a stunning eight-inch infotainment display. Although a six-speaker sound system is still standard, you can choose an optional Harman Kardon premium audio system for the Limited. Plus, it comes with folding rear-seat armrests with dual cup holders to ensure all of your passengers are as comfortable as possible.
Crosstrek Hybrid
Finally, if you like the luxury and refinement of the Premium but you’re looking for a hybrid model, then you should check out the Crosstrek Hybrid. It starts with a 2.0L Subaru Boxer four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid powertrain that delivers excellent power and performance. It comes with an advanced CVT with Adaptive Control and Incline Start Assist, which makes driving the Hybrid model enjoyable in all kinds of road conditions. In terms of efficiency, it can get an estimated 90 MPGe with a range of 480 miles from a full tank of gas and full charge, and it only takes about two hours to charge when using a 240V outlet.
Like the Premium, the Hybrid features 18-inch wheels, though these are wrapped in low-rolling-resistance all-season tires for extra efficiency. Inside, you’ll find heated front seats with a power driver’s seat, plus an available heated steering wheel that is leather-wrapped. The leather-trimmed upholstery is outfitted with unique blue contrast stitching. The instrument cluster features a 4.2-inch LCD screen, plus you get an 8-inch Infotainment display, access to the available Harman Kardon premium audio system, and other amenities also found in the Limited.
Which One Will You Pick?
As you can see, you have five terrific options when shopping for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek that is perfect for you. It’s easy to start by deciding on the right engine to meet your needs, as this will narrow down your options to just one or two choices. From there, you can easily pick the interior features and amenities that best meet your needs, ultimately making your choice quite simple. Then all you have to do is contact your favorite Subaru dealer, and everything else will take care of itself.
