Subaru Crosstrek 2023: A Comprehensive Edmunds Review

Alright, let's dive deep into the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, shall we? If you're on the hunt for a compact SUV that's as ready for adventure as you are, the Crosstrek is definitely a contender worth your attention. We're going to break down everything you need to know, drawing insights from places like Edmunds to give you the full picture. Think of this as your go-to guide, packed with all the juicy details to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're a seasoned Subaru fan or just starting your car search, get ready to explore what makes the 2023 Crosstrek tick. We'll cover its performance, interior comfort, tech features, safety, and of course, how it stacks up against the competition. So, buckle up, and let's get this review rolling!

Performance & Capability: Conquer Any Terrain

Let's talk performance and capability because, honestly, that's where the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek truly shines. This little SUV isn't just about looking good; it's built to get you out there and explore. Standard on all Crosstrek models is Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This isn't some optional extra; it's a core part of the Crosstrek's DNA, meaning you get fantastic traction and stability no matter the weather or road conditions. Whether you're navigating slick city streets during a downpour, cruising on a gravel fire road, or tackling snowy mountain passes, the AWD system provides confidence-inspiring grip. But it's not just about the AWD; the Crosstrek boasts impressive ground clearance for its class, typically around 8.7 inches. This extra height is a game-changer for off-road adventures, allowing you to clear obstacles that would leave other compact SUVs scraping their undercarriages. For the 2023 model year, you still have two engine options. The base engine is a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder that puts out 152 horsepower. It's perfectly adequate for daily driving, offering decent fuel economy and a smooth, predictable power delivery. However, if you crave a bit more pep, especially for highway merging or spirited driving, the upgraded 2.5-liter BOXER engine, found in the Sport and Limited trims, is the way to go. This beast churns out a more robust 182 horsepower, transforming the Crosstrek's acceleration and overall driving dynamics. Edmunds often highlights how this more powerful engine makes a significant difference, turning the Crosstrek from a sensible commuter into a genuinely fun-to-drive vehicle. The suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and road imperfections with ease, yet it remains composed during cornering. Subaru's engineering really comes through here, offering a blend of comfort and control that's hard to beat in this segment. When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Crosstrek is also a strong performer, especially with the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) option, which is standard on most trims. You can expect excellent MPG figures, making it an economical choice for both city driving and long road trips. The manual transmission, available on some lower trims, offers a more engaging driving experience for enthusiasts but comes with a slight MPG penalty. Overall, the 2023 Crosstrek delivers a versatile and capable performance package that caters to a wide range of drivers, from the daily commuter to the weekend adventurer. It's a vehicle that doesn't shy away from a challenge and consistently delivers on its promise of go-anywhere capability.

Interior & Comfort: Your Cozy Adventure Hub

Now, let's talk about the inside of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, because this is where you'll be spending most of your time, right? Subaru has done a commendable job making the Crosstrek's cabin a comfortable, practical, and surprisingly refined space, especially considering its outdoorsy aspirations. Edmunds often points out that the interior design is clean and functional, avoiding unnecessary clutter. The ergonomics are spot-on, with all the controls falling easily to hand. Drivers of all sizes will appreciate the generous outward visibility, thanks to the Crosstrek's large windows and well-placed pillars. This makes maneuvering in tight parking lots a breeze and contributes to a feeling of spaciousness. The seats are supportive and comfortable, offering good lumbar support for those longer journeys. While the base models come with durable cloth upholstery, stepping up to the Sport or Limited trims unlocks higher-quality materials, including leather-trimmed upholstery and even heated seats, which are a real treat on chilly mornings. The rear seats offer decent legroom and headroom for the class, making it comfortable enough for adult passengers on shorter trips, though it might feel a bit snug for taller folks on extended drives. What really impresses is the thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin. There are plenty of cubbies, cupholders, and door pockets to stash your gear, from your morning coffee to your trail map. The cargo area is also quite practical. With the rear seats up, you have a respectable amount of space for groceries or luggage. Fold those seats down, and you unlock a significantly larger area, perfect for hauling camping equipment, sports gear, or even a small piece of furniture. Subaru also includes a standard cargo cover to keep your belongings out of sight. For those who love to customize their space, the Crosstrek offers a good selection of Genuine Subaru Accessories, from all-weather floor mats to cargo nets, further enhancing its utility. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with intuitive menus and responsive touchscreens. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music, and communication. Higher trims get larger screen sizes, offering an even more immersive experience. The overall ambiance of the Crosstrek's interior is one of practical comfort. It’s a place where you can easily transition from a muddy hike to a night out on the town without feeling out of place. It’s durable, it’s comfortable, and it’s designed with real-world use in mind, making it a fantastic companion for all your adventures, big or small.

Technology & Infotainment: Stay Connected on the Go

In today's world, keeping connected is non-negotiable, and the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek doesn't disappoint when it comes to technology and infotainment. Subaru has equipped this versatile crossover with a suite of features designed to keep you informed, entertained, and connected on every drive. The star of the show is often the infotainment system, which is both intuitive and capable. Even the base models come standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, but we highly recommend opting for the larger 8.0-inch screen available on the Premium trim and standard on the Sport and Limited models. This larger display makes navigating menus, using navigation apps, and interacting with your smartphone much easier and more enjoyable. A major win for the Crosstrek is the standard inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims. This means you can seamlessly mirror your smartphone's interface onto the car's display, giving you access to your favorite navigation apps (like Google Maps or Waze), music streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music), and communication tools (text messaging, phone calls) with just a few taps or voice commands. It's a huge convenience that significantly enhances the driving experience. USB ports are strategically placed throughout the cabin, ensuring that you and your passengers can keep your devices charged. For audiophiles, higher trims offer an upgraded sound system, often a premium Harman Kardon system, which delivers crisp and powerful audio quality, making your commutes and road trips much more enjoyable. Beyond the infotainment, Subaru has also integrated smart features to enhance convenience and safety. Keyless entry and push-button start are available on select trims, adding a touch of modern convenience. The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite, a hallmark of Subaru vehicles, is available on models equipped with the automatic transmission. This comprehensive package includes features like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane-keeping assist, which work together to help prevent accidents and reduce driver fatigue. While not strictly infotainment, these advanced safety technologies are a crucial part of the overall tech package, providing peace of mind on the road. Edmunds consistently praises Subaru for offering these advanced safety features as widely as they do. Navigation systems are also available, either through the integrated system or via your smartphone through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, the menus are easy to understand, and the physical buttons for common functions like volume and tuning provide tactile feedback, which is always appreciated. Overall, the 2023 Crosstrek offers a well-rounded technology package that balances essential connectivity with advanced safety features, ensuring that every journey is both entertaining and secure. It’s a testament to Subaru’s commitment to providing modern, user-friendly technology that enhances the driving experience without being overly complicated.

Safety Features: Peace of Mind Comes Standard

When it comes to choosing a new vehicle, safety is paramount for most buyers, and the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek doesn't cut corners. Subaru has a stellar reputation for safety, and the Crosstrek upholds this legacy with a robust suite of active and passive safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. It’s no surprise that the Crosstrek typically earns top safety ratings from organizations like the NHTSA and IIHS, which is a massive confidence booster for anyone considering this vehicle. A cornerstone of Subaru's safety philosophy is the Subaru Global Platform, which provides a rigid and impact-absorbing structure. This underlying engineering helps to significantly reduce the forces transmitted to the occupants in the event of a collision. Standard on all Crosstrek models is a comprehensive airbag system, including front, side-curtain, and knee airbags, offering all-around protection. But where the Crosstrek truly excels is in its available active safety technologies, particularly the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This advanced suite of features is available on models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission and acts like an extra set of eyes on the road. Key functions of EyeSight include: Adaptive Cruise Control, which can maintain a set speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing driver fatigue on highways; Pre-Collision Braking, which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent frontal collision; and Lane Keep Assist, which helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane. These systems are designed not just to react to danger but to actively help prevent accidents from happening in the first place. Edmunds frequently highlights the effectiveness and availability of Subaru's EyeSight system as a major selling point. In addition to EyeSight, other available safety features enhance awareness and prevent minor mishaps. Blind Spot Detection warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot, a crucial feature for safe lane changes. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert helps you back out of parking spaces safely by alerting you to approaching vehicles. Subaru's Rear Seat Reminder is also a thoughtful addition, reminding you to check the rear seat for children or pets before exiting the vehicle. The Crosstrek also comes standard with a rearview camera, making it easier to see what's behind you when reversing. The combination of a strong structural foundation and advanced driver-assistance systems makes the 2023 Crosstrek one of the safest vehicles in its class. It’s a vehicle that provides genuine peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are protected by some of the most advanced safety technology available on the market today. For families and safety-conscious individuals, this is a huge deciding factor.

Trims & Pricing: Finding Your Perfect Fit

When you're looking at the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, understanding the different trim levels and their associated pricing is key to finding the perfect match for your needs and budget. Subaru offers the Crosstrek in a range of well-equipped trims, each offering a unique blend of features and capabilities. Let's break them down: The Base model is where it all starts, offering a fantastic entry point into the Crosstrek lineup. It comes standard with that essential Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 2.0-liter engine. It’s a no-frills option that still delivers on Subaru's core promise of capability and safety. Next up is the Premium trim. This is often seen as the sweet spot for many buyers, offering a significant upgrade in comfort and convenience features without a massive jump in price. The Premium trim typically adds features like alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and keyless entry with push-button start. You also get the larger 8.0-inch infotainment screen with this trim, which is a welcome upgrade for daily use. Then comes the Sport trim, which really leans into the adventurous spirit of the Crosstrek. It gets the more powerful 182-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, which makes a noticeable difference in performance. The Sport trim also adds unique styling elements, like dark exterior accents and specific wheel designs. Inside, you'll find premium upholstery with yellow stitching and enhanced interior trim. It's designed for those who want a bit more flair and power. Finally, the Limited trim sits at the top of the lineup, offering the most premium experience. It includes all the features of the Sport trim, plus the 2.5-liter engine, and adds features like leather-trimmed upholstery, a power moonroof, an upgraded sound system (often Harman Kardon), and advanced safety features like Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert as standard. Edmunds often notes that while the Limited is the priciest, the added luxury and tech features justify the cost for those seeking the ultimate Crosstrek experience. Pricing for the 2023 Crosstrek generally starts in the low $20,000s for the Base model and can climb into the high $20,000s or low $30,000s for the fully loaded Limited trim. It's crucial to check the latest pricing and any available incentives, as these can fluctuate. When considering which trim to choose, think about your priorities. Do you need the extra power of the 2.5-liter engine? Are leather seats and a sunroof must-haves? Or is a comfortable, capable AWD vehicle with essential tech all you really need? By carefully weighing the features and costs of each trim, you can find a 2023 Crosstrek that perfectly fits your lifestyle and budget. Remember to factor in potential options and packages, as they can add to the final price.

The Verdict: Is the 2023 Crosstrek Right for You?

So, after diving deep into the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, what's the final verdict? Is this the compact SUV that deserves a spot in your driveway? From our review, drawing heavily on insights from sources like Edmunds, it's clear that the Crosstrek continues to be a standout choice for a specific type of buyer. If you're looking for a vehicle that offers standard all-wheel drive, exceptional ground clearance, and a genuinely adventurous spirit without breaking the bank, the Crosstrek is incredibly compelling. It’s a car that encourages you to explore, whether that means navigating daily commutes with confidence or venturing off the beaten path on weekends. The blend of practicality, capability, and Subaru's renowned safety is a winning combination. For those who prioritize safety, the Crosstrek's strong crash test ratings and available EyeSight technology provide significant peace of mind. The interior, while not the most luxurious in the segment, is functional, comfortable, and surprisingly well-equipped, especially with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The availability of the more powerful 2.5-liter engine on Sport and Limited trims addresses the primary criticism of earlier models – a lack of punch – making it a much more engaging drive. However, it's not perfect for everyone. If your absolute top priority is blistering acceleration or a plush, luxury-car interior, you might find yourself looking at other options. Some rivals might offer slightly more cargo space or a more refined ride on pavement. But, for the money, it’s tough to beat the all-around package that the Crosstrek offers. It strikes a fantastic balance. It’s the perfect vehicle for young adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, city dwellers who need AWD for occasional snowy conditions, or anyone who appreciates a well-built, reliable, and capable small SUV. The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is a smart, sensible, and supremely capable choice that continues to earn its place as a favorite in the competitive compact SUV market. It's a vehicle that doesn't just get you from point A to point B; it inspires you to find the scenic route. So, guys, if an affordable, go-anywhere, do-anything kind of crossover sounds like your jam, you owe it to yourself to check out the 2023 Crosstrek.