2023 Subaru Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid

　　

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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below

　　

Subaru Crosstrek PHEV Insights

Trim:Crosstrek Hybrid

　　Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $36,845 MSRP

　　

All Electric Range

　　17 miles

　　EPA Estimated Electric Range

　　The Crosstrek will automatically switch to gas when the electric battery is low.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.

　　Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Rutland, North Dakota. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © Recurrent contributors | Recurrent

　　from 58067

　　

Hybrid Parts Warranty

　　8 yrs or 100,000 milesHybrid batteries are federally mandated to carry at least 8 years or 100,000 miles of warranty coverage from the manufacturer. Batteries that lose capacity more rapidly than expected should be eligible for replacement under warranty. Coverage of additional hybrid components beyond the battery itself will vary by automaker.

　　

Charging at Home

　　2 hours

　　Total Charging Time (240V outlet)

　　

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

　　$400

　　Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

　　Utility EV Charger Offer

　　$400

　　Restrictions: Otter Tail Power offers EV owners a rebate of up to $400 towards the installation of a Level 2 charging station. To qualify for this rebate, the customer and/or charging station must meet the following requirements: Receive electricity from Otter Tail Power.

　　To learn more, visit Recurrent

　　See All PHEV incentives

　　

Cost to Drive

　　$96/mo

　　Crosstrek

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　SUV Avg.

　　Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　See All PHEV Insights

　　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.

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