The Subaru Crosstrek returns for 2023 with minimal changes.

The 2023 Crosstrek is available in 4 trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited and Sport. The 2.5-liter flat-four has been lifted from the mid-size Legacy sedan and Outback station wagon and plopped under the hood of Sport and Limited models of the Crosstrek; It's the same horizontally opposed flat-4 engine found in the larger Forester, and its 182 horsepower represents a 30-horsepower gain over the 2.0-liter still used in the other 2023 Crosstreks.

When ordered with the 6-speed manual transmission, the Crosstrek comes with a conventional AWD system. With the CVT, the AWD system is more electronically advanced and has features such as X-Mode, which offers Hill Descent Control. HDC allows you to go down hills safely without need to touch the brake pedal.

Subaru makes sure the Crosstrek is well-equipped, with its Base model seeing a host of standard features: 2.0-liter flat-4 engine, 6-speed manual transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, and tilt/telescopic steering column.

With a small step up in price, the Premium model adds significantly to the list of standard equipment. The Premium adds: fog lights, heated front seats, wipers and side mirrors, 6-speaker sound system, on/off automatic headlights linked to wiper system, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift handle and retractable cargo cover.

The Crosstreks newest trim level is next level excitement, featuring: 2.5-liter flat-4 engine w/CVT automatic, dual-function X-Mode (with deep dirt and snow modes), unique wheel arch moldings, gunmetal finish on grille, and water-repellent premium upholstery with yellow stitching.

Drivers looking at the top-of-the-line Limited model will get even more. The standard features of the Limited include: 2.5-liter flat-4 engine w/CVT automatic, active LED headlights and fog lights, black 18-inch alloy wheels, black or gray leather upholstery with orange stitching, power driver's seat and Blind-spot monitor/rear cross-traffic alert.

Subaru also offers several optional features that buyers will find desirable are the Si-Drive (with Intelligence and Sport modes), X-Mode AWD with Hill Descent Control, paddle shifters (Premium only), EyeSight driver-assist suite.

Subaru has taken particular care with the safety features of the Crosstrek. It has all the standard electronic safety features including traction control, anti-lock brakes, brake assist, rearview camera and stability control. A full suite of airbags come standard on all Crosstrek trims. The front airbags are dual-stage and include a mechanism to detect how close the driver is sitting to the steering wheel, delaying airbag deployment accordingly. With all the safety features Subaru has included in the Crosstrek, it has available options like, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek blurs the distinction between a compact SUV and an economical 5-door hatchback. This SUV jumps in the compact crossover market, competing with other small crossovers such as the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. With all-wheel drive standard & high ground clearance, the Crosstrek is an extremely capable vehicle, while providing the comfort and conveniences seen in some of its competition. Subaru continues it high safety standards, which are shown in the high ratings received from both IIHS and NHTSA. The Crosstrek achieves good fuel economy and does so without compromising Subaru's famed all-wheel-drive. With a Subaru's reputation for reliability, the Crosstrek becomes a strong option for buyers desiring a smaller SUV.

All-wheel drive standard; fuel efficient; quiet comfortable interior; extensive standard feature list; high safety standards; high ground clearance; carlike experience