2023 Subaru Crosstrek SUV: Orders open from $34,990

Subaru’s new Crosstrek, set to replace the well-liked XV when it launches during April, will kick off at $34,990 before on-road costs and come with a hybrid option further up the range.

Order books are now open, and will fill fast considering the outgoing Subaru XV attracted more than 100,000 Australian buyers over a decade on sale, and two generations.

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek range again comprises five variants: three petrol-powered grades (now called 2.0L, 2.0R and 2.0S) and two hybrids (again called Hybrid L and Hybrid S).

While the grade names have changed in places, the prices between each respective spec level versus the XV are up by between $1800 and $3000.

As with all Subaru SUVs, the Crosstrek is unique in its size-segment by coming with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, giving it greater soft-road capability than most competitors.

These include the top-selling Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi ASX, MG ZS and Toyota Corolla Cross, as well as the just-launched new-generation Nissan Qashqai.

The new Crosstrek is almost identical dimensionally to the XV (4495mm long, 1800mm wide, 1600mm tall) and offers an above-average 220mm of ground clearance. Under the evolutionary body is the latest modular Subaru Global Platform, with 10 per cent more stiffness.

“This is not a jacked up small car; this is a small SUV with real capability,” claims Subaru Australia boss Blair Read.

The Crosstrek’s interior comes with new features such as better seats, an 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, better EyeSight driver-assist cameras with functions such as speed-sign recognition and lane-centring, and a front-centre airbag.

Two Boxer flat-four engines are available, both using standard symmetrical AWD and a CVT with paddles, though neither are brimming with power.

The 2.0-litre petrol makes 115kW of power and 196Nm of torque and uses a claimed 7.2 litres of 91 RON fuel per 100km, whereas the e-Boxer 2.0-litre Hybrid with its very small battery and electric motor makes 110kW and 196Nm, and cuts fuel use to 6.5L/100km.

As with other e-Boxer models, the hybrid doesn’t get close to matching the fuel efficiency of Toyota’s ubiquitous hybrid system, but should still smooth out the stop/start system.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek prices

• Crosstrek AWD 2.0L: $34,990 (up $1800)
• Crosstrek AWD 2.0R: $38,490 (up $2700)
• Crosstrek AWD 2.0S: $41,490 (up $3000)
• Crosstrek AWD Hybrid L: $38,590 (up $1800)
• Crosstrek AWD Hybrid S: $45,090 (up $3000)

All prices exclude on-road costs

2023 Subaru Crosstrek spec summary

Crosstrek AWD 2.0L features:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Dusk-sensing headlights
• Roof rails
• Dual-zone climate control
• Cloth trim
• 11.6-inch touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• USB-A and USB-C connections
• Wireless phone charger
• Six-speaker sound system
• Nine airbags
• AEB – forward and reverse
• Adaptive cruise control
• Emergency Lane Keep Assist
• Lane-centring function
• Lead Vehicle Start Alert
• Intelligent Speed Limiter
• Speed Limiter
• Speed Sign Recognition
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear parking sensors
• Driver monitoring systems

Crosstrek AWD 2.0R adds:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Self-levelling LED headlights
• Heated side mirrors
• Premium cloth seat trim
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Aluminium pedals
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Heated front seats
• 10-way power seat with lumbar support – driver
• Rear seat USB-A and USB-C ports
• Automatic high-beam
• Surround-view camera

Crosstrek AWD 2.0S adds:

• Electric sunroof
• Leather accented seat trim
• Satellite navigation
• 10 speaker audio system with Harmon Kardon amp

Crosstrek AWD Hybrid L features:

• About matches the base Crosstrek 2.0L

Crosstrek AWD Hybrid S features:

• About matches the flagship Crosstrek 2.0S

Read the full 2023 Subaru Crosstrek price and specs breakdown here.

MORE: Hold off buying your new small SUV – these ones are coming soonMORE: Everything Subaru XV / Crosstrek