2023 Subaru Crosstrek Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

There are many drivers out there who want capability alongside practicality. That is part of the reason SUVs have become so popular in recent years. Subaru brand SUVs, in particular, make good choices for those who like to get out into nature while also having a well-mannered vehicle for everyday driving.

As the smallest member of the Subaru SUV family, the 2023 Crosstrek is an intriguing choice. It has the benefits that one associates with a Subaru, including all-wheel drive, but it is all in a more manageable size. Subaru gives drivers the option of adding the Special Edition Package to the Premium trim level this year. Doing so will mean getting unique exterior and interior styling touches, plus an upgrade to an 8-inch touchscreen.

There are five main Crosstrek trim levels to consider in 2023. Drivers will find several significant differences between the models, making it important to learn all about exactly what each Crosstrek has to offer. This guide points out the changes made by each model, big and small.

 

Compare the Base vs Premium Trims. What is the difference?

The first option on the list is simply known as the base Crosstrek. Both the base model and the Premium trim level are powered by a 2.0L flat-four engine. The result is 152 horsepower along with 145 lb-ft of torque. These two lowest trims also come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but buyers will have the option of going with a CVT instead. Either way, all-wheel drive is a standard feature.

There are 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels underneath the entry-level Crosstrek. This vehicle comes equipped with halogen headlights, black side mirrors, and a roof spoiler. Other exterior highlights for this Crosstrek include a rear window wiper and black roof rails.

The base Crosstrek has manually adjustable front seats and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Subaru does not give this version of the Crosstrek many frills in the cabin. It has cloth upholstery and a 2.4-inch LCD display on the instrument cluster. Automatic climate control is one nice feature that is standard across the board for the 2023 Crosstrek.

A 6.5-inch touchscreen runs the infotainment system. It includes Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay for smartphone integration. The entry-level model is the only one to come with just four speakers for the stereo system.

Due to the manual transmission, the base Crosstrek does not have advanced safety features on its standard feature list. It can be equipped with the EyeSight suite of features if buyers opt for the CVT, however. It includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering, lane departure warning, and a pre-collision braking system.

The performance features and wheels for the Premium trim level are identical to those found on the base model. Choosing the Crosstrek Premium will mean adding fog lights and getting body-colored and heated side mirrors, however. A windshield wiper de-icer is thrown in as well. The Premium trim level is the first to offer a moonroof. Opting for the moonroof will significantly reduce the headroom of the vehicle.

Heated front seats are standard inside the Crosstrek Premium, and a power-adjustable driver's seat becomes optional. This trim level gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel and adds orange contrast stitching to the upholstery. A retractable and removable cargo cover is added as well.

While the base model had only one USB port up front, the Premium model has two. It also gains two extra speakers, bringing the total to six. A Wi-Fi hotspot is also added, bringing even more convenient tech into the Crosstrek.

Automatic headlights are standard for the Crosstrek Premium. The advanced safety features remain an option if drivers choose a model with the CVT rather than the manual transmission. The Premium trim level costs just over $1,000 more than the base model.

Compare the Premium vs Sport Trim Levels. What is the difference?

The first major change that buyers will find when they take a look at the Crosstrek Sport is the engine. This trim level gets itself moving with a 2.5L four-cylinder that can generate 182 horsepower as well as 176 lb-ft of torque. With this engine underneath the hood, the Crosstrek is only available with the continuously variable transmission.

That is not the end of the performance upgrades made by this trim level. The Crosstrek Sport comes standard with hill descent control along with X-Mode. With X-Mode, the Crosstrek is able to optimize the engine output and transmission ratio for different driving situations that arise. It also adjusts the all-wheel drive to reduce individual wheel spin, giving drivers more traction when they need it most.

While 17-inch alloy wheels remain standard, the Crosstrek Sport shows off a dark gray finish. This trim gets an exclusive grille design with a bold gunmetal look. The side mirrors also have that gunmetal finish, and they also add integrated turn signals for a little extra sophistication.

In addition to the leather-wrapped steering wheel, the Sport trim has a leather-wrapped shifter knob. The interior is home to water-repellent upholstery that includes yellow stitching that pops. As for the instrument cluster screen, it grows from 2.4 inches to an easier-to-read 4.2 inches. The Crosstrek Sport is also the first model on this list that comes standard with a push-button start and two charging USB ports for the convenience of those riding in the backseat.

The 2023 Crosstrek Sport comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight bundle of features. It costs over $3,000 more than the Premium trim, but it adds a more powerful engine, automatic transmission, and several desirable cabin upgrades to justify that increase.

Compare the Sport vs Limited Trims. What is the difference?

The Limited trim level of the new Crosstrek has the same gear waiting underneath the hood as the Sport. It gets upgraded to 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels to ride around on. The Crosstrek Limited is also equipped with LED steering-responsive headlights along with LED foglights. As for the side mirrors, they are body-colored for this trim, but they do retain the turn signal integration feature.

Inside, the Limited trim level finally gives the Crosstrek a power-adjustable driver's seat. The upholstery is leather-trimmed and the orange contrast stitching found in the Premium trim level makes another appearance. One of the most noticeable changes in this trim is to the LCD instrument display, which is now 6.3 inches and in color.

The backseat of the Limited trim gains a folding armrest that includes two cupholders. Drivers get an 8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, and an integrated navigation system becomes optional. Buyers can also choose to upgrade to an eight-speaker sound system by Harman Kardon.

In addition to the EyeSight bundle, the Crosstrek Limited gets equipped with automatic high beams. It is also home to blind-spot monitoring, reverse automatic braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. Choosing the Limited trim level over the Sport will cost drivers around $1,500 more.

Compare the Limited vs Hybrid. What is the difference?

The biggest difference between the Limited and Hybrid trim levels of the Crosstrek should come as no surprise to most drivers. Based on the standard 2.0L engine, this priciest of trim levels adds a plug-in hybrid component to the powertrain. The output is only 148 horsepower along with 149 lb-ft of torque, but drivers do get an all-electric range of about 17 miles.

Naturally, the Crosstrek Hybrid is going to be the most efficient option. With the standard engine and the manual transmission, drivers will be getting around 28mpg in the city and 33mpg while on the highway. The more powerful 2.5L engine can get 27mpg city and 34mpg highway, thanks to its efficient standard CVT. As for the Crosstrek Hybrid, it gets an estimated 90MPGe, making it the most wallet-friendly option by far when it comes to fueling up.

This Crosstrek has 18-inch wheels, just like the Limited, but they are made from lightweight steel. There are also low-rolling-resistance tires to push the efficiency of this vehicle as far as it will go. Along those same lines, the Crosstrek Hybrid has low-profile roof rails. Despite being the priciest Crosstrek, the Hybrid keeps the moonroof as an available rather than standard feature.

The features of the Crosstrek Hybrid are quite similar to what buyers find in the Crosstrek Limited. To give this trim a look unlike the rest of the lineup, Subaru goes with blue for the obligatory contrast stitching. The instrument cluster goes back down to 4.2 inches, but it adds a power meter for tracking how much further the Crosstrek can go.

One of the biggest considerations for drivers looking at the Crosstrek Hybrid is whether or not they can live with the lack of cargo space. Non-hybrid models of this Subaru SUV are relatively impressive, giving drivers nearly 21 cubic feet behind the back row and a total capacity of just over 55 cubic feet. The Crosstrek Hybrid has just under 16 cubic feet behind the back seats, and its cargo area tops out at around 43 cubic feet.

Due to the sophisticated powertrain, the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is the priciest model by far. It costs over $7,000 more than the fully-loaded Crosstrek Limited.

 

Final Thoughts

The entry-level Crosstrek has a relatively short list of standard equipment. If buyers can afford to go higher on the trim list, they should. The Premium trim level adds quite a few desirable features without driving up the cost too much.

If possible, buyers should consider going up one more trim level. The Crosstrek Sport is a lot more enjoyable to drive, thanks to its more powerful engine. It also has advanced safety features on its standard equipment list, along with some tech upgrades that drivers should appreciate. The Limited model is quite nice as well, but buyers who can live without those luxurious upgrades should keep that extra $1,500.

The 2023 Crosstrek Hybrid is also a respectable choice, provided it fits into the budget. It has an impressively efficient powertrain and plenty of tech and convenience features to play with. That said, if having a hybrid is the top priority, there are more affordable options than the Crosstrek out there.

Drivers should strongly consider bringing home the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Sport for its blend of power and practicality.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Trim Levels