U.S. News 13 Safest SUVs - The Problem Is, You Can't Buy Subaru's Top Pick

Subaru is known for its safe SUVs, and one 2023 model is included in the U.S. News Safest SUVs of 2023 report. The only problem is that the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid is discounted and is no longer available in North America. Subaru dropped the Crosstrek Hybrid in 2024 when they gave the Crosstrek a complete redesign.

Here are U.S. News' Safest SUVs of 2023, and then keep reading why Subaru dropped the Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid and what's coming next.

2023 Ford Bronco Sport - U.S. News Safety Score: 9.9/10

2023 Hyundai Kona - U.S. News Safety Score: 9.9/10

2023 Tesla Model Y - U.S. News Safety Score: 9.9/10

2023 Lincoln Nautilus - U.S. News Safety Score: 9.9/10

2023 Audi Q4 e-tron - U.S. News Safety Score: 9.9/10

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid - U.S. News Safety Score: 9.9/10

2023 Volvo C40 Recharge - U.S. News Safety Score: 10/10

2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid - U.S. News Safety Score: 10/10

2023 Kia EV6 - U.S. News Safety Score: 10/10

2023 Genesis GV60 - U.S. News Safety Score: 10/10

2023 Genesis GV70 - U.S. News Safety Score: 10/10

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander - U.S. News Safety Score: 10/10

2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge - U.S. News Safety Score: 10/10

The Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid is a safe model, should be on the list, and received the highest Top Safety Pick Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 

What does U.S. News say about the Crosstrek Hybrid?

"The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid SUV, is a much more niche vehicle than others on this list. It comes in the bottom half of hybrid SUV rankings due to a small cargo hold for its class, poor acceleration at higher speeds, and a very short (17-mile) electric driving range. However, it is assuredly safe."

The Crosstrek received the highest scores in crash protection and had the highest "Good scores of any subcompact SUV the IIHS tested. So why did Subaru of America drop the Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid?

Check Out This Related Story: 6 Reasons Why You Will Feel Safe In The New Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

Subaru axed the Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid after a few short years. Customers weren't willing to pay extra for the three mpg increase in fuel mileage over the standard Crosstrek.

The 2023 Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid had a starting price of $38,070, which included destination and delivery fees ($1,225). Customers could buy a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Premium trim for $26,020, including dealer fees, which was $12,050 less than the Hybrid trim level.

What's next for the Subaru Crosstrek?

The good news is Subaru is bringing back the Crosstrek Hybrid trim level. A recent report from Automotive News says Subaru will launch a new Crosstrek Hybrid trim level in 2026 when the Crosstrek subcompact SUV gets a refresh. The third-generation Crosstrek will be three years old in its product life cycle and due for new upgrades. 

The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid will come with Subaru's new-generation EyeSight safety technology and superior crash protection. 

The new Crosstrek safety tech comes with automatic emergency braking, a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, front and rear collision warning, adaptive cruise control, adaptive pivoting headlights with automatic high beams, and rear-seat alert (reminds you to check the back seats for kids or pets before you exit the vehicle). 

U.S. News got it right that the 2023 Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid is one of the safest SUVs for 2023. The only problem is it's been discontinued and is no longer available for U.S. customers. But a new, safer Crosstrek hybrid trim level is coming in 2026. 

Don’t Miss This Related Story: Will Subaru Get It Right This Time Around? A New Crosstrek Hybrid Is Coming In 2026

Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

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Photo credit: Subaru