Should customers wait for the all-new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek or buy the 2023 model? Check out four things subcompact SUV shoppers should know.
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Significant changes are coming to the next-generation Crosstrek that customers should know. They could affect your buying decision. Subaru Corporation announced pricing and trim levels for the new Crosstrek, giving us an idea of what the U.S.-specification model will be like when it arrives.
If you don't need a new vehicle now, the 2024 Crosstrek will be worth the wait. The Crosstrek gets a complete redesign from the ground up. It will come with improved ride quality, the next-generation EyeSight safety technology, new interior upgrades with more comfortable seats, and new exterior styling changes.
You should know four things if you wait for the next-generation Subaru Crosstrek.
The third-generation 2024 Crosstrek will come with less ground clearance than the previous generation. The redesigned Crosstrek will now have only 7.9 inches of ground clearance. The previous generation Crosstrek had an 8.7-inch of clearance. Subaru Corporation did this to improve the ride quality and improve fuel mileage.
Subaru took away nearly one inch of ground clearance on the new model. The new Crosstrek will be more aerodynamic and have improved fuel mileage even though it's heavier than the outgoing model.
In the new era of electric and hybrid vehicles, Subaru had to improve the fuel mileage in the new Crosstrek, which is one way to improve efficiency. But Subaru sacrificed extra ground clearance in the redesigned Crosstrek to reach the goal.
Another significant change is Subaru will drop the manual transmission in the new Crosstrek. All 2024 Crosstrek trim levels will come with a Lineartronic Continually Variable automatic Transmission (CVT). Subaru will drop the fully synchronized 6-speed manual gearbox in the next-generation model so that all trim levels can be equipped with EyeSight safety technology.
Why did Subaru drop the 6-speed manual?
Subaru aims to have zero fatal accidents by 2030, and they want every model and trim level in the lineup to be equipped with EyeSight safety technology. EyeSight is not offered on any Subaru model with a manual gearbox because it's incompatible with the safety system.
The new 2024 Crosstrek will now come with the latest generation EyeSight driver assist technology and Driver Monitoring System called Driver Focus to offer another level of safety and help reduce the chance of accidents. So far, Subaru has yet to be willing to invest the resources needed to make its EyeSight driver assist safety technology compatible with a manual transmission.
Subaru could drop the 2.0-liter engine
A report from Planet Subaru says they expect Subaru of America to drop the smaller 2.0-liter engine (with 152 horsepower), and it will "ride off into the sunset." They say all next-generation Crosstrek trim levels will get the 2.5-liter engine now offered in the Sport and Limited trims.
The report says most Crosstrek buyers find the power from the smaller engine sufficient. Still, the larger engine satisfies those who want the extra power, including customers who tow or live in mountainous terrain.
Giving all trim levels a 2.5-liter Boxer would make sense because the current generation Crosstrek Sport and Limited trim levels come with a 2.5-liter engine. The models are a big hit with North American customers who want more power.
The Crosstrek Wilderness trim will arrive later
The good news is Subaru of America will get a new 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness trim level. Subaru still needs to release information on the Wilderness specifications, but the more rugged Wilderness will likely have increased ground clearance over the standard model. The bad news is the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness will arrive later, and the wait will be longer, possibly into early 2024.
With the cost of shipping and parts going up, the all-new Crosstrek could see a significant price increase.
What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?
All 2023 Subaru Crosstrek trim levels get a $600 price increase, including destination and delivery fees. Dealer fees increased by $50 for 2023 Crosstrek trims.
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek now comes in six trim levels for U.S. customers. The base trim is priced from $24,870, Premium ($26,020), all-new Special Edition ($27,970), Sport ($29,220), Limited ($30,720), and Crosstrek Hybrid ($38.070). Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,225).
Our Take
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is a good value for small SUV shoppers. Crosstrek is a capable all-weather all-terrain subcompact SUV that fits active lifestyles. The Crosstrek Sport and Limited trim levels offer the more powerful 2.5-liter Boxer engine. If you can't wait until next fall or winter for the 2024 models, the 2023 Crosstrek is still the best subcompact SUV you can buy now.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Are there any plans for an
Are there any plans for an auto lift gate on the 2024 Crosstrek?
I love this feature on my Honda 2019 CRV and was very disappointed when looking at the 2023 Crosstrek that it is not an option.