DecodedCars2023 Subaru Crosstrek
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV Convenience, 4dr SUV Limited, 4dr SUV Sport, 4dr SUV Touring
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 152–182 hp
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 35 combined · 36 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 176 in
- Curb weight
- 3,190–3,307 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 40% better than the average 2023 small SUV (25 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 33 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 176 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,190 lb (4dr SUV Convenience).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (36 city / 35 highway), 40% better than the 2023 small SUV average of 25 MPG, for an estimated $1,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2023
- New plug-in hybrid version
- Best combined MPG up from 30 to 35
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Crosstrek →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Yajima Plant, Japan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 Crosstrek configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV Convenience | 176 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 105.1 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 3,190 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV Limited | 176 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 105.1 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 3,307 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV Sport | 176 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 105.1 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 3,265 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV Touring | 176 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 105.1 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 3,234 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosstrek Hybrid AWD Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 36 / 35 / 35 | +40% | $1,900 | 151 |
| Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 28 / 33 / 30 | +20% | $2,250 | 297 |
| Crosstrek AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 34 / 29 | +16% | $2,300 | 303 |
| Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | 0% | $2,700 | 355 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.6% |
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Subaru Crosstrek (this car) | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Honda CR-V | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2023 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Mazda CX-5 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Subaru Crosstrek buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Visibility/Wiper — 6 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 29,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Crosstrek years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Crosstrek | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Crosstrek | 36 | 176.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 10 |
| 2025 Crosstrek | 29 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 46 |
| 2024 Crosstrek | 29 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 120 |
| 2022 Crosstrek | 30 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 31 |
| 2021 Crosstrek | 35 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 116 |
| 2020 Crosstrek | 35 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 69 |
| 2019 Crosstrek | 35 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 285 |
| 2018 Crosstrek | 29 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 195 |
| 2017 Crosstrek | 29 | – | Not rated | 1 | 94 |
| 2016 Crosstrek | 31 | – | Not rated | 1 | 132 |
| 2015 Crosstrek | 31 | – | Not rated | 1 | 17 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →