2023 Subaru Crosstrek

　　

2023 Subaru Crosstrek Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Since the current-generation Crosstrek model debuted about five years ago, the timing would seem right for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek to kick off a new generation of the rugged subcompact SUV. Automakers typically like to mix things up every four to six years, although the degree of said mixing can range from mild styling updates to comprehensive interior, exterior and mechanical overhauls.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$152/mo  for Crosstrek Base

　　Crosstrek Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6M) - $23,645 MSRP4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $24,995 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6M) - $24,795 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $26,145 MSRPPremium Special Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $26,745 MSRPSport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $27,995 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $29,495 MSRPHybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) - $36,845 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　For the 2023 model year, Subaru has opted to keep changes to a minimum, offering up a Special Edition trim level as the only change. Painted tan (Desert Khaki, to quote Subaru) and trimmed with black and red upholstery, the Special Edition is based on the Premium trim level and will bring a bit of adventuresome styling to the Crosstrek. We had hoped that Subaru would follow up its high-riding Forester Wilderness and Outback Wilderness trims by introducing an Outback Wilderness, but unfortunately that's not the case.

　　But overall the Crosstrek is still one of the most capable extra-small SUVs out there. If a little adventure is in your future, you might want to consider the Jeep Cherokee, Toyota Corolla Cross or the Chevrolet Trailblazer. Check out our Expert Rating below to see if the Crosstrek is right for your active lifestyle.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Crosstrek drive? With the base powertrain, the Crosstrek can seem painfully slow when accelerating onto the freeway. But the 182-hp 2.5-liter engine shaves nearly 2 seconds off its 0-60 mph acceleration, bringing it down to a respectable 8.4 seconds. Combine that with communicative steering and above-average off-road capability and you've got a seriously competitive extra-small SUV.

　　Handling, however, is underwhelming. The Crosstrek's hard tires provide only modest grip on pavement, and the tall ride height brings about noticeable body roll when you crank around a turn. Most rival SUVs offer a more enthusiastic on-road driving experience.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Crosstrek? With a relatively quiet and smooth ride, the Crosstrek is easy to drive on long trips. And with the optional 2.5-liter engine, there's less noise in the cabin too. There's still a bit of a growl when you bury the throttle to make a passing maneuver, but the sound is a bit more pleasant than the standard 2.0-liter engine's wheezy soundtrack.

　　The front and rear seats are comfortable for extra-long road trips, even if they are a bit on the firm side. But if you find yourself on a twisty road, you'll quickly discover the front seats a little lacking in the bolstering department. The climate control system is easy to operate, with several large, easily readable dials, but some of the vents are located in inconvenient spots.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below