The Subaru Crosstrek has long been a popular small SUV. In 2022, the Crosstrek is actually one of the fastest-selling cars in the United States. Which is pretty cool when you think about how crowded the segment it is in is. The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek has arrived with minimal changes. But there are still a few key features that make this subcompact SUV a cool one, like all-wheel drive. So what makes the new Crosstrek a vehicle worth considering?

3. The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek has standard all-wheel drive

Much like other Subaru SUVs, the 2023 Crosstrek comes standard with AWD. For some time, Subaru has been building vehicles around its symmetrical AWD system, meaning that you do not have to pay extra to get it. Save for the Subaru BRZ, every other Subaru offers this benefit. 

AWD is ideal for handling things like winter weather, but it will also help if you are doing some adventuring. Plenty of folks modify their Crosstreks to allow them to be more capable off-road. So, that is something to consider if you are interested in going off-road with your SUV. 

2. The Crosstrek can be a plug-in hybrid

If you are interested in a PHEV SUV, Subaru has the answer with the 2023 Crosstrek Hybrid. According to Car and Driver, if you want the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, you should expect to pay around $40,000. This SUV will have a range of about 480 miles, which is fairly impressive. And it has an estimated 90 MPGe. 

Another perk of the Crosstrek Hybrid is that it comes with a range of standard safety features. These include things like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It is worth noting that with the PHEV, there is just about 17 miles of electric-only range. So you will be relying on the gas engine most of the time. 

1. The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek still offers a manual transmission

OK, so we know that most folks are not interested in shifting their own gears. The majority of Americans don’t even know how to drive a car with a manual transmission. But Subaru is still selling an SUV with a standard gearbox with the 2023 Crosstrek. If you want, you can get it with a six-speed manual. 

In a world where manuals are becoming rarer and rarer, it is refreshing that Subaru still sells an SUV with a standard transmission. That way, you can row your own gears. The cherry on top is the fact that the 2023 Crosstrek is AWD. And that’s pretty cool to get with a manual transmission. 

Should you wait for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?

The next generation of the Crosstrek is on its way. Subaru has already made the announcement, and the 2024 model should arrive at some point in 2023. This model will have some redesigned styling, and the interior will be revised. But, don’t expect it to look too different from the 2023 Crosstrek.

Ultimately, if you do want a small SUV, it might be worth waiting for the 2024 model. But there is a lot to love about the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek.