Subaru Crosstrek Sport Vs. Limited: Which Trim Is Better?

The Subaru Crosstrek Sport costs $1,500 less than the Limited trim and includes many of the most desirable upgrades.
Written by Macy Fouse
Edited by Pat Roache
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Limited is relatively affordable as the model’s highest trim configuration, but the cheaper Sport trim offers many of the same top-tier features that make your Subaru Crosstrek worth upgrading.
  • The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Sport ($29,220 MSRP) costs about $1,500 less than the Limited trim level ($30,720 MSRP) in upfront and long-term ownership costs.
  • The Limited and Sport trims share identical exteriors, interior dimensions, powertrain configurations, and estimated gas mileages.
  • Both trims offer upgraded safety and convenience technology, although the Limited offers a few exclusive standard infotainment and driver-assistance features.

Price: the Crosstrek Sport is cheaper than the Limited

The Sport and Limited are the most expensive trims available on the gas-powered 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, with the Sport’s sticker price coming in at $1,500 cheaper than the Limited trim.
Keep in mind: The upfront cost is important, but it’s not the only price that matters! Let’s look at Edmunds’ projected ownership costs and annual
car insurance
payments for each trim:
MSRP
$29,220
$30,720
Five-year true cost to own (Edmunds)
$40,486 (based on $32,714 total upfront costs)
$41,910 (based on $34,517 total upfront costs)
Average insurance cost 
$2,686/year;
$123 to $185/month
$2,257/year; 
$109 to $163/month
The Limited trim’s true cost to own is estimated to be slightly more expensive than the Sport—still close to $1,500. However, Limited owners are more likely to enjoy less expensive insurance costs, likely due to more standard safety features.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek price comparison for all trim levels

Model
Starting MSRP
Edmunds’ five-year true cost to own
Crosstrek Base
$24,870 (Manual)
$26,220 (CVT)
$39,532 (Manual)
$38,252 (CVT)
Crosstrek Premium
$26,020 (Manual)
$27,370 (CVT)
$40,327 (Manual)
$39,277 (CVT)
Crosstrek Premium Special Edition
$27,970
$38,310
Crosstrek Sport
$29,220
$40,486
Crosstrek Limited
$30,720
$41,910
Crosstrek Hybrid
$38,070
$43,134

Body style and size: identical dimensions

There’s no difference in the bodies or sizes of the Crosstrek Sport and Limited trims since they’re based on the same subcompact crossover. Here are the 2023 Crosstrek’s dimensions across all trims:
Dimensions
2023 Subaru Crosstrek
Wheelbase
104.9 inches
Passenger volume
100.9 cubic feet
Headroom (front/rear)
39.8/38 inches
Legroom (front/rear)
43.1/36.5 inches
Cargo volume w/seats up
20.8 cubic feet
Cargo volume w/seats down
55.3 cubic feet
Ground clearance
8.7 inches
Base curb weight
3188 lbs
The Crosstrek is
Subaru’s smallest SUV
. This gives the Limited and Sport trims the following strengths and weaknesses:
  • Strengths: Maneuvering small spaces is effortless and there’s still plenty of space for passengers in the front and rear seats.
  • Weaknesses: The Crosstrek’s small size means less cargo space—though it’s still a relatively decent amount for its class.

Engine and performance: identical powertrains

As the top two trims of the Crosstrek, both the Sport and Limited trim share the same powertrain setup:
This engine is a considerable upgrade from the standard option on lower trims. However, you’ll have to stick with the base or Premium trim models if you want a
Subaru with a manual transmission
.

Fuel economy: identical gas mileage

The Sport and Limited trims’ identical powertrain and drivetrains achieve the same EPA-rated fuel efficiency
  • City: 27 mpg
  • Highway: 34 mpg
  • Combined: 29 mpg
Pro Tip If these numbers don’t impress you, consider upgrading to the Subaru Crosstrek plug-in hybrid for an estimated 90 MPGe when operating in hybrid mode. 

Safety: the Limited trim offers better driver assistance

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Limited comes with the Sport’s standard suite of Subaru Eye Sight driver-assistance technology, plus a few additional and exclusive safety features:
Safety feature
2023 Crosstrek Sport
2023 Crosstrek Limited
Advanced adaptive cruise control
Standard
Standard
Lane keeping assist
Standard 
Standard
Pre-collision braking and throttle management
Standard
Standard
Lane departure warning
Standard
Standard
Blind-spot monitoring
Available with the Sport Optional package ($1,600)
Standard
Rear cross-traffic alert
Available with the Sport Optional package ($1,600)
Standard
Reverse automatic braking
N/A
Standard
Safety ratings: Regardless of trim, the Crosstrek earns the following accolades for safety:

Infotainment and convenience tech: the Limited is more equipped

Every Crosstrek trim comes with the following standard infotainment technology:
  • Subaru’s Starlink system
  • A 6.5-inch touchscreen display
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • Bluetooth
  • USB port 
Sport and Limited trim upgrades: The Crosstrek Sport takes it up a notch with dual rear USB ports. However the top Limited trim really shines with the following upgrades and options:
  • 8.0-inch touchscreen display
  • Voice activation compatibility
  • HD radio
  • NFC technology for one-touch device pairing
  • Available navigation system
  • Available eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
Convenience tech: Both trims come with proximity keyless entry and push-button start, but the Limited adds adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams.

Interior comfort: the Sport is finished for outdoor performance

The biggest difference between the interior of these two trims lies in their upholstery:
  • 2023 Crosstrek Sport upholstery: Water-repellent synthetic leather
  • 2023 Crosstrek Limited upholstery: Standard leather
The Limited also comes with a power-adjustable driver’s seat and an optional moonroof. 

Winner: Subaru Crosstrek Sport

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is more affordable than the Limited and includes the most important upgrades from the lower trims:
  • A more powerful engine
  • More driver-assistance features
  • Upgraded upholstery
Keep in mind: The Limited trim does offer more advanced safety and interior technology, but it’s up to you whether these features are enough to justify the additional $1,500. 
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