Desert Khaki is back, but only with the SE.
The Subaru Crosstrek will continue to be available for at least one year in its current form. Subaru has published information about the crossover’s 2023 model-year, which is very similar to the 2022 brochure. A few notable exceptions are the pricing and new trim levels.
The bad news. The price of all Crosstrek trims is $550 higher for 2023. This increase is due to two factors: a $500 price bump and a $50 increase in Subaru’s destination fees. The Crosstrek 2023 Base trim is now $24,870, down from $24,320 last years. The Crosstrek Limited’s MSRP starts at $30,720. It can be more than $33,000 when fully decorated. Crosstrek Hybrid is the flagship model of the Crosstrek line. It starts at $38,070.
Here’s some good news. All trim levels starting in 2022 are available again, with a new Crosstrek Special Edition which slots between the Premium and Sport trims. This is the only way to receive Subaru’s new shade, Desert Khaki. It has been added to the lineup for first time in many years. For a great contrast, the SE comes with special dark gray 17 inch wheels and an assortment of black exterior trim. The interior features more black with red trim in the upholstery and stitching. It comes standard with all the equipment you would get on the Premium trim level plus the 8.0 inch infotainment display.
Here is a quick breakdown of the pricing for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek.
Trim |
Transmission |
Base price |
MSRP (with $1,225 Fee) |
| Base | 6-Speed Manual | $23,645 | $24,870 |
| Base | CVT | $24,995 | $26,220 |
| Premium | 6-Speed Manual | $24,795 | $26,020 |
| Premium | CVT | $26,145 | $27,370 |
| Special Edition | CVT | $26,745 | $27,970 |
| Sport | CVT | $27,995 | $29,220 |
| Limited | CVT | $29,495 | $30,720 |
| Hybrid | CVT | $36,845 | $38,070 |
The powertrain options are the same. This means that the 2.0-liter four-cylinder four-cylinder is able to produce 152 horsepower (113 watts) in the SE, Premium, or Base trims. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder is available in Sport and Limited trims. It produces 182 horsepower (136 kW) All trims have a CVT, but Premium Crosstreks and Base come standard with a 6-speed manual. All-wheel drive is standard on all models. Crosstrek Hybrid still has the 2.0-liter engine with electric motor for a combined output 148 horsepower (110 kW).
We spotted a camouflaged Crosstrek walking down the street in 2021, sporting obvious visual changes. We thought that a new Crosstrek could be on the horizon for the model year 2023, as the current-generation model was introduced in 2017. Subaru won’t reveal the new model until at least 2024, it seems.