“The level of technology, attention to detail and finish and the feeling of safety are all very good. Road holding and the feeling of security on the road is good. The car tends to be a little jerky on grooved pavement and highway speeds, this can be a little disconcerting but overall stability is very good.”
2023 Subaru Crosstrek: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is the new Premium Special Edition. Otherwise, this is a carryover year with no major mechanical, safety, or structural updates.
About the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek
2nd generation (2018-2023), final model year before the all-new 2024 redesign.
Subaru positions the Crosstrek as a right-size adventure SUV: small enough for city driving and easy parking, but more ready for bad weather, dirt roads, and weekend gear than a typical small crossover. Its core appeal is standard AWD, useful ground clearance, roof-carrying flexibility, and Subaru’s safety-focused reputation in a compact, hatchback-like package. Compared with rivals, it leans less on flash and more on everyday versatility with light-outdoor capability built in.
The 2023 Crosstrek remains a compact, adventure-minded SUV with standard AWD, roof rails, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The Sport and Limited use the stronger 2.5-liter engine, while the plug-in Hybrid combines electric driving with AWD. Upper trims add features such as leather upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen, and headlights that turn with the steering.
What changed, by category
Styling
The new Premium Special Edition adds unique black exterior and interior trim, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching.
Tech
The Premium Special Edition adds an 8-inch touchscreen and upgraded gauges with a 4.2-inch color display.
2023 Subaru Crosstrek specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | 28 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 29 mpg | 33 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 152 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 152 hp | 152 hp | |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 134 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1000 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 55.3 cu-ft | 55.3 cu-ft | 43.1 cu-ft | 55.3 cu-ft | 55.3 cu-ft | 55.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.7 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| Heated Windshield | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between the 2023 and 2022 Subaru Crosstrek?
The main difference is the addition of the Premium Special Edition for 2023. The rest of the lineup carries over without major mechanical, safety, tech, or structural changes.
What does the 2023 Crosstrek Premium Special Edition add?
The Premium Special Edition adds black exterior and interior details, an 8-inch touchscreen, upgraded gauges with a 4.2-inch color display, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching. It is based on the Premium trim with the automatic transmission.
Does the 2023 Crosstrek Premium Special Edition have more power?
No. The Premium Special Edition keeps the Premium trim’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and standard AWD. Its upgrades focus on styling and cabin technology rather than performance.
Is the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek a redesign?
No. The 2023 Crosstrek is the final model year of the second generation, and its only notable lineup change is the new Premium Special Edition. The all-new redesign arrives for 2024.
Does the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek still have a plug-in hybrid model?
Yes. The 2023 Crosstrek Hybrid remains a plug-in hybrid with a 2.0-liter engine, electric motors, and standard AWD. It also has an 8-inch touchscreen and the EyeSight driver-assist suite.
2023 Subaru Crosstrek Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek.
4.4
2023 Subaru Crosstrek
(365 reviews)
“Excellent first vehicle. Great safety, maneuverability and mileage. Style is very nice also.”
“A manual transmission in my 2023 Crosstrek was non negotiable. If a CVT is the only option I would look elsewhere.”