2023 Subaru Crosstrek Debuts, Ditching The “XV” Name

The successor to the Subaru XV has just made its debut, but it’s not anymore going to be called as such. Instead, it’s now going to be called the Crosstrek–a name that was only applied to North American XVs up until this point. Moving forward, the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek will now be the brand’s entry-level subcompact crossover SUV.

From the outside, the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek wears a very familiar look. That’s because it’s a careful evolution of the second-generation XV. The front end gets a larger hexagonal grille that’s now connected to the C-shaped full LED headlights. The body cladding below it also bears a C-shape that surrounds the foglights. The body cladding on its side has also been enlarged slightly for a more rugged look. That’s also the case in the rear, wherein the sides of the cladding extend vertically, almost reaching the LED taillights.

While this is a “next-generation” model, its main foundations, such as the Subaru Global Platform (SGP) that underpinned the previous XV have been carried over, albeit with major structural upgrades. The carryover platform is reflected in its dimensions, in which its 4,480 mm length, 1,800 mm width, 1,580 mm height, and 2,670 mm wheelbase are identical to the previous generation model.

However, the SGP that’s underpinning the new Crosstrek draws many enhancements from the WRX sports sedan and wagon, such as the adhesives for improved refinement and rigidity. For better handling, the new Subaru Crosstrek also gets a new dual-pinion electric power steering, which the automaker claims have virtually zero lag. This enables the Crosstrek to offer direct and sporty handling when going through turns. Combined with improvements to the seat mountings, the Crosstrek should deliver a more engaging driving experience compared to the XV.

Moving towards the cabin, we get to see its all-new dash design. Well, all-new to the Crosstrek, but it’s the exact same dashboard from the WRX sports sedan and wagon. In line with the Crosstrek’s outdoorsy nature, the interior materials range from water-resistant textiles, faux leather, or genuine leather, depending on the variant. What’s common across the range is the 11.6-inch Starlink portrait touchscreen that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Weirdly enough, it did not get the WRX’s optional digital gauges, and it keeps the analog gauges of the outgoing XV.

In Japan, the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that’s mated to an electric motor. Called the e-Boxer, the output of this powertrain has not yet been revealed. However, the powertrain has been significantly reworked for better refinement. This, of course, drives all four wheels via a Lineartronic CVT, as is with most Subarus.

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek debuts a new generation of its EyeSight driver-assistance tech. On top of the dual stereoscopic cameras, EyeSight in the new Crosstrek comes with an additional wide-angle monocular camera for even better forward visibility.

Expect the Crosstrek to reach Philippine shores in late 2023, with Japan retail sales to begin in early 2023.