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
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.
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:
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
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:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): Top Safety Pick
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.