The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek costs $550 more across the board than the outgoing 2022 model—but the only significant difference is the all-new Special Edition trim.
Since its introduction in 2012, the Subaru Crosstrek has carved out a neat little niche for itself as a capable small SUV with off-road ambitions. Available with a gas-powered engine or a plug-in hybrid powertrain (the far pricier option), the Crosstrek performs best on paved surfaces, but it’ll get you where you’re going in most light off-roading situations—and it’ll look great and be safe doing it.
But how has it changed over the last two model years—and which version should you get if you’re in the market for a new Subie?
Here to compare the 2023 and 2022 Subaru Crosstrek models is Jerry
, the trusted auto insurance
broker app that can help you lower your Subaru Crosstrek insurance costs
. We’ll go over pricing, fuel efficiency, safety features, and available upgrades for this compact SUV and help you pick between models. 
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers 2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2022 Subaru Crosstrek: what’s the difference?
The Crosstrek is the smallest of Subaru’s compact crossovers. Smaller than the Outback
and Forester
SUVs and larger than the Impreza
hatchback, this subcompact competes with other pint-size utes like the Hyundai Kona
and the Mazda CX-30
. But what’s changed for the 2023 model year? To be honest, not much. The 2023 Crosstrek costs slightly more and offers a Special Edition trim—but other than that, you’re getting essentially the exact same vehicle.
Want to see a more detailed comparison? Let’s dive in.
Pricing
Pricing for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek has gone up by $550 for each trim level. The new Special Edition slots in between the Premium
and Sport
trims. Compare pricing for each trim level in the table below. | | |
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2023 Subaru Crosstrek Special Edition | | |
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General specs
For that difference in price, it would be nice to see some upgrades in performance or efficiency. But the reality is that you’re looking at the exact same powertrain in both models: same Boxer® engine, same towing capacity, same everything.
Which one performs better off-road?
It’s a draw. Both model years have the same 8.7 inches of ground clearance, along with a rugged X-mode drive setting and hill descent control (standard on all CVT models). There’s really no difference between the off-road capabilities of these two vehicles, so if that’s a priority for you, you’ll be no better off opting for one model over the other. | | |
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Base engine (Base and Premium) | 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (152 horsepower) | 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (152 horsepower) |
Upgrade engine (Sport and Limited) | 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (182 horsepower) | 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (182 horsepower) |
| 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine w/two electric motors (148 horsepower) | 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine w/two electric motors (148 horsepower) |
| CVT (standard) or Manual (available on Base and Premium) | CVT (standard) or Manual (available on Base and Premium) |
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Fuel economy
Because the 2023 and 2022 Crosstrek models have the same powertrain without any changes to the vehicle’s overall build and weight, their fuel economy ratings are identical. Your exact fuel efficiency will depend in part on where and how you drive, but the EPA-estimated mileage ratings are as follows:
Base engine (2.0-liter) w/CVT: 28 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 30 mpg combined
Upgrade engine (2.5-liter) w/CVT: 27 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 29 mpg combined
Base engine (2.0-liter) w/manual: 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined
Hybrid: 35 mpg combined / 90 MPGe / 17 miles all-electric range
It’s no surprise that the plug-in hybrid Crosstrek gets the best mileage, but if you’re looking to keep costs low, sticking to the standard CVT will improve your fuel efficiency and help you save at the pump.
Safety ratings
Both the 2023 and 2022 Subaru Crosstrek get five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and they’re both 2022 Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
It’s no wonder, with the standard safety features on every CVT model. Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision mitigation. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is available as an option for both the Premium and Sport trims, and becomes standard equipment on the Limited, which also adds rear automatic braking.
The only weak spot in the Crosstrek’s safety is shared by both the 2023 and 2022 models: headlights. The Limited and Hybrid, along with the 2023 Special Edition, have LED projector headlights (both low beams and high beams) which get a stellar Good rating from IIHS. But on all other Crosstreks, the halogen reflector headlights get a dismal Poor rating—which is what keeps that ultimate Top Safety Pick Plus designation out of reach.
Styling and interior changes
Despite the higher price tag, the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is virtually unchanged inside and out. Style, comfort, and technology highlights include:
Standard 6.5-inch multimedia touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
Available Starlink-connected services
Automatic climate control
60/40 split-folding rear seat
Heated front seats (Premium trim and above)
Leather-wrapped steering wheel (Premium trim and above)
Heated side mirrors (Premium trim and above)
Keyless entry with push-button start (Sport and Limited models only)
If you want the true luxury experience, the Limited
trim represents the swankiest version of the Crosstrek for both model years. In addition to all the features of other models, it’s got an options bundle including an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, navigation integrated into your infotainment system, and a moonroof. Special edition
The only real difference between the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek lineup and the 2022 model is the all-new Special Edition, which sits between the Premium and Sport trims to mark the ten-year anniversary of the Crosstrek’s release.
What makes the 2023 Crosstrek Special Edition special? It’s mostly aesthetics: an exclusive Desert Khaki exterior paint color; dark gray accents on the wheels, door handles, grille, and 17-inch alloy wheels; and bold red and black upholstery with contrast stitching. The Special Edition doesn’t look quite like any other Crosstrek—but it drives just like the rest, making it worth the extra cash only for serious Subie fans.
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars 4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers 2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2022 Subaru Crosstrek: which should you buy?
If you’re deciding between the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and 2022 Subaru Crosstrek, buy the cheaper model—unless you’ve fallen in love with the 2023 Special Edition.
In most cases, you’ll get a better price for the 2022 Crosstrek whether you’re buying new or used. It’s got all the same features and capabilities of the 2023 model, so you won’t be missing out on anything.
How to save on Subaru insurance
Whether you’ve got the latest Crosstrek or an ancient Forester, one of the greatest things about owning a Subaru is the low insurance costs.
But if you want to pay even less, Jerry can help you do just that—in under a minute! Download the Jerry
app, answer a few questions, and you’ll be looking at customized real-time quotes from actual insurance companies
in as little as 45 seconds. If you find a better rate in the app, our agents will handle all the paperwork to get you switched over. And because Jerry makes money through commissions from insurance companies, you’ll pay exactly the same rate as if you went directly through the insurance provider—with zero phone calls, zero minutes in a hold queue, and a minimum of forms!
“After signing up with Jerry
, I went from $199/month to $97/month for my car insurance. My 2019 Subaru Forester now has full coverage for a great price!” —Rhonda H.
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