What's Next For The Hot Subaru Crosstrek? 2 New Next-Generation Models
Subaru of America reported the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek just had its best February ever, and the compact SUV is the automaker’s hottest all-wheel-drive model. How does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek compare with the 2021 Forester and Outback? Recent sales show the Crosstrek is hot on the heels of the Forester and Outback. And two new next-generation 2023 models are coming.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is inching closer to both Forester and Outback, with retailers delivering 21,122 subcompact SUVs to U.S. customers in 2021. Crosstrek is 5,567 units behind Forester and just 3,328 behind the Outback through the first two months of the new year.
The 2021 Forester is still the number-one-selling nameplate with 26,689 compact SUVs delivered year-to-date in 2021. The 2021 Outback SUV/Wagon is a close second, with retailers delivering 24,450 SUV/Wagons to customers in 2021.
With two new Crosstrek models on the horizon, the small SUV could inch even closer to its two siblings in the Camden, N.J. automaker’s all-wheel-drive lineup.
What’s coming for the 2023 model year?
Subaru has confirmed none, but sources close to the Japanese automaker say a new Crosstrek turbocharged model is coming for U.S. customers. A turbocharged Crosstrek would make the small SUV even more popular. What engine will Crosstrek get?
What enthusiasts would like to see is a third-generation 2023 Crosstrek with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine option. If Subaru does offer a Crosstrek with a 260 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged engine option, it will attract many new buyers.
But Subaru will likely decide to use an all-new 1.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine in the Crosstrek to replace the normally-aspirated 2.0-liter engine. Reports from a Japan source say Base, Premium, and Hybrid Crosstrek trims will get the new 1.5-liter turbocharged powerplant.
The report says it will produce close to the same 152 horsepower (148-hp) as the 2.0-liter engine. If Subaru uses the smaller turbocharged Boxer engine, it will increase fuel mileage, not increase its power and performance.
Another new Crosstrek model is expected to arrive in 2022 as a 2023 model year upgrade. The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness edition is coming and will be a hot model when it arrives late next year. It launches after the more rugged Forester and Outback Wilderness models coming this year.
Subaru is competing with the all-new Ford Bronco Sport that is also attracting customers with active lifestyles. The Subaru Wilderness models will be more rugged than the current models and will offer new options for a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
Look for Subaru to offer two new 2023 Crosstrek trims, an all-new Crosstrek turbocharged model, and a more rugged 2023 Crosstrek Wilderness trim. Stay tuned.
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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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