Skip to main content

Subaru sold more Crosstrek SUVs than anything else so far in 2022. In fact, it’s sold about twice as many five-seat Crosstreks as it has the new seven-seat Ascent. For 2023, the Crosstrek comes in five gas-powered trim levels from the base to the Limited. A Hybrid version is available, too. But if you love the Crosstrek, snap one up now. We’re expecting an all-new version in 2024 that, hopefully, will keep these traits buyers love.

The Crosstrek is the lowest-priced Subaru

A red 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Premium compact SUV model with a roof rack driving down a highway
2023 Subaru Crosstrek Premium | Subaru of America, Inc.

The Subaru Crosstrek is the cheapest way to step into a Subaru. It starts at $23,645 and at that price the Crosstrek comes well appointed and with standard all-wheel drive and a frugal 2.0-liter four cylinder. The Crosstrek also comes with Subaru’s STARLINK app, EyeSight driver assist technology, as well as standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It comes in five trim levels, and the Hybrid trim.

Step up to the Limited, which starts at $29,495, and you get a host of luxury features like leather-trimmed upholstery, 18-inch wheels, more safety aid, and power heated seats. In the Limited trim you also get a larger engine. But, it could be one of the most luxurious SUVs you can find for less than $30,000. The Hybrid, however, commands a premium at $36,845.

The Crosstrek can go off-road

A yellow 2021 Subaru Crosstrek with a bike on top drives on a dirt road
2021 Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru

Let’s not go overboard and say that the CrossTrek is a Ford Raptor beater. But it’s lifted suspension with 8.7 inches of ground clearance certainly helps it romp over some trails. Also, Subarus come standard with all wheel drive, which can help get you out of some muck. There’s no Wilderness trim, like on the Outback, but for most soft-road situations, the Crosstrek is plenty.

It has good safety and driver assistance features

Dashboard and front seats in 2023 Subaru Crosstrek crossover SUV
2023 Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru

The Crosstrek comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight system. The system monitors traffic around you and can optimize, for example, you cruise control. The system also has lane keeping assist and pre-collision braking. The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is also safe also gets a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Agency.

It’s fun and colorful

The Premium version can be ordered in nine colors, from a bright red to bright yellow. Inside, you can get black or grey cloth with fun orange stitching. In the Limited, you get grey or tan leather with orange stitching. Also, though the engines aren’t the most powerful, the handling is fun and it feels quicker than the numbers say.

You can get a manual transmission

2021 Subaru Crosstrek in Blue which scored and 89/100 on Consumer Reports
2021 Subaru Crosstrek hybrid | Subaru

The Base and Premium versions can be ordered with a six-speed transmission. Of course with the manuals, Subaru deletes the EyeSight software because it needs to control the transmission to work properly. The other transmission available is a CVT, which in the Subaru is stepless and can be a bit droning on the highway as it hunts for the right ratio. Regardless, the manual transmission makes it one of the few SUVs that is still offered with a manual transmission today.

Related

5 Great Honda CR-V Alternatives for Less Than $30,000

Best in Trucks & SUVs
Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Dan Mayfield

Dan joined MotorBiscuit in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in journalism and a lifelong passion for anything related to the automotive industry. He grew up wrenching a 1949 Ford pickup truck and an MGB with his dad, learning how not to wire a fuel pump (he inadvertently set the MGB on fire).

After earning a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from the University of New Mexico, Dan has contributed his expertise to a range of local outlets, including the City of Albuquerque, US Eagle, and the Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity.

On weekends, Dan spends Saturdays enjoying “cars and coffee” chats and, on Sundays, he’s watching the Route 66 Cruise roll through town. He also races motorcycles, and it’s not unusual to find him elbows-deep in his latest cafe racer build.

Taking advantage of the local desert terrain, Dan also enjoys exploring and driving off-road in his trusty Ram Rebel pickup truck, which provides personal insights into his contributions to our Trucks, SUVs, & Crossovers coverage. Dan strives to give our readers unique information about the dynamic automotive market, reading anything that has to do with cars, trucks, bikes, 4X4s, and, in his words, “everything with a motor.”

Dan has earned a number of accolades from the Public Relations Society of America, and is a University of Southern California, Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism Fellow.