2023 Subaru Crosstrek — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2023 Subaru Crosstrek

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $28,804–$35,347
Fuel Economy 28 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $1,875/yr

Key Specifications — 2023 Subaru Crosstrek

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$28,804–$35,347

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek

Our scoring places the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek at 7.7/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.5/10, while Performance at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.5/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 8.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 6.3/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.4/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $28,804–$35,347, 28 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru Crosstrek sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.5/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Our take: The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology and performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek ranks #564 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $28,804 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 20%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →

Which Crosstrek Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.7 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.9/10$30,585 Read review →
2025 7.9/10$30,585 Read review →
2024 7.8/10$29,695 Read review →
2023 (this review) 7.7/10$28,804
2022 7.6/10$27,913 Read review →
2021 7.7/10$27,022 Read review →
2020 7.6/10$26,131 Read review →
2019 7.6/10$25,240 Read review →
2018 7.4/10$24,349 Read review →
2017 7.4/10$23,459 Read review →
2016 7.4/10$22,568 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2023 Subaru Crosstrek

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
  • Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment

Common Questions — 2023 Subaru Crosstrek

Is the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

We rate the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek's reliability 8.5/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.

Is the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek worth buying?

It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #564 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 77% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek cost?

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $28,804 and ranges up to $35,347 across trims (MSRP when new). At 28 MPG, expect roughly $1,875/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

More Subaru Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.