2023 Subaru Crosstrek: What we know so far about the soon-to-arrive, third-generation compact SUV coming for Honda HR-V, Nissan Qashqai and Toyota Corolla Cross

There’s a lot we already know about Subaru’s new Crosstrek compact crossover hatchback.

It’s arriving later this month, with a line-up ranging from $34,990 to $45,090, before on-road costs, across five grades. 

All are all-wheel drive, powered by a 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine in Subaru’s signature, horizontally-opposed layout, L and S grades adding mild-hybrid support to the powertrain package.  

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We’ll have a first drive review and video soon, but until then, here’s a breakdown of everything (else) we know so far about this Honda HR-V, Nissan Qashqai and Toyota Corolla Cross competitor.

Goodbye XV, hello Crosstrek

After two generations in this market Subaru has retired the XV badge and replaced it (globally) with Crosstrek, the nameplate applied to the car in North America since 2016.

Upgrade highlights

The new Crosstrek features a host of improvements relative to the previous XV, the headline changes being: 

• An 11.6-inch multimedia display (replacing an 8.0-inch screen)
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
• USB-A and USB-C power and media ports
• Improved ‘EyeSight’ active safety tech
• 360-degree 3D camera view
• Redesigned seats for better location and reduced vibration
• 10 per cent stiffer chassis
• A dual-pinion steering rack
• LED headlights and tail-lights on all models

New upgrades include an 11.6-inch multimedia display (replacing an 8.0-inch screen).

Model walk

Crosstrek ($34,990 BOC): 17-inch alloy wheels, auto LED headlights and LED tail-lights, power-folding exterior mirrors, Tricot cloth seat trim, dual-zone climate control, 11.6-inch multimedia screen, wireless charging, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, EyeSight driver assist package (including AEB and adaptive cruise) plus six-speaker audio.

Crosstrek Hybrid L ($38,590 BOC): Adds seven-speed CVT auto, mild-hybrid powertrain. 

Crosstrek R ($38,490 BOC): Adds dual-mode AWD, 18-inch alloys, LED fog lights, roof rails, premium cloth trim, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift, heated front seats, 10-way electrically-adjustable driver’s seat and ‘Subaru Vision Assist’ (front view monitor, ‘High Beam Assist’, panoramic 360-degree view, ‘Side View Monitor’).

Crosstrek S ($41,490 BOC): Adds electric sunroof, leather-accented seat trim, sat nav, 10-speaker audio (with Harmon Kardon amp), mild-hybrid powertrain.

Crosstrek Hybrid S ($45,090 BOC): Adds seven-speed CVT auto, mild-hybrid powertrain. 

The Crosstrek S (,490 BOC) adds a electric sunroof.

Tale of the tape

Riding on the same ‘Subaru Global Platform’ underpinning all of the brand’s current models (except the BRZ/GR 86 jointly developed with Toyota) Australian Crosstreks will be produced at Subaru’s main domestic production plant in Ota, Gunma, roughly 100km northwest of Tokyo.

At 4480mm nose-to-tail, 1595mm to the turret and 1800mm across, the new Crosstrek is longer (+15mm), lower overall (-15mm) and the same width as the outgoing XV. The 2670mm wheelbase is fractionally longer (+5.0mm). 

Under the bonnet

All Australian Crosstreks will be powered by Subaru’s ‘FB20D’ naturally aspirated 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, horizontally-opposed petrol engine.

Carried over from the previous XV, this all-alloy unit features direct-injection and ‘AVCS’ variable valve timing (intake and exhaust side) to produce 115kW at 6000rpm and 196Nm at 4000rpm.

Under the bonnet is a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, horizontally-opposed petrol engine.

In L and S grades peak combustion power is reduced slightly (to 110kW) with ‘e-Boxer’ mild-hybrid support added via a compact lithium-ion battery and (10kW/65Nm) AC synchronous electric motor built into the continuously variable auto transmission.

Drive goes to all four wheels (of course) and the CVT features an eight-speed ‘manual’ mode on non-hybrid variants and a seven-speed stepped set-up for e-Boxer models.

Framing up

Subaru says the new Crosstrek is 10 per cent more torsionally rigid than the car it replaces, thanks to a full inner frame construction (already used in the new WRX) with stronger welding techniques and additional structural adhesive applied. 

The new Crosstrek is longer, measuring up at 4480mm nose-to-tail.

Even better EyeSight

The third-gen Crosstrek features Subaru’s comprehensive ‘EyeSight’ active safety tech, with the addition of a ‘Wide Angle Monocular Camera’ supporting the existing stereo camera set-up to add speed-sign recognition, a lane-centering function and an overall wider field-of-view to the system’s capability.

A ‘Driver Monitoring System’ is also standard watching for, and warning of, signs of fatigue or distraction, and a total of nine airbags includes a front centre bag to minimise collisions between adjacent occupants.

New colours

Standard across the range is a choice of 10 colours, including four new shades - ‘Sun Blaze Pearl’, ‘Oasis Blue’, ‘Sapphire Blue Pearl’ and ‘Offshore Blue Metallic’.