The 2022 North America International Auto Show is in full swing but Subaru decided to officially introduce the new Crosstrek at home in Japan rather than in Motor City. With the third generation, this little crossover has lost the “XV” moniker used in certain markets, meaning that going forward it will be known globally as the “Crosstrek”. It has retained the Subaru Global Platform (SGP), but with a series of enhancements for a more comfortable ride.
Compared to its predecessor, the new model’s body is stiffer by using a full inner frame structure following the techniques applied to the Levorg and WRX. The upper and underbody structures are no longer assembled separately, allowing the suspension and engine mounts to better address road imperfections for a smoother ride with less vibration felt in the cab.
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While the rugged exterior styling follows evolutionary lines more, the interior has been significantly revised to accommodate the new infotainment system. It uses the same 11.6-inch touchscreen with portrait orientation as we’ve seen on a recent Subaru, but without the fully digital instrument cluster you’ll find on the Levorg or JDM-spec WRX S4.
The Crosstrek 2023 gets redesigned seats to improve comfort by offering better support and a revised structure to reduce shock. Engineers also installed new sound-absorbing materials while making adjustments to the dual-pinion electric power steering and the latest EyeSight safety technology. With the third-generation model, the crossover has full LED headlights as well as LED corner lights – a first for Subaru.
Measuring 4,480 millimeters (176.3 inches) long and 1,800 mm (70.9 inches) wide, the Crosstrek is 15 mm (0.6 inches) longer than the model it replaces despite being the same width. It is 1,580 mm (62.2 in) tall and carries a wheelbase of 2,670 mm (105.1 in) from its predecessor. Wheels up to 18 inches are available and a minimum ground clearance of 200 mm (7.9 inches). Depending on specifications, they weigh between 1,540 and 1,620 kilograms (3,395 to 3,571 pounds).
Subaru has been tight-lipped about the technical specifications of the powertrain, only saying the JDM-spec Crosstrek gets an e-Boxer setup with a 2.0-liter petrol engine and electric motor. We know tweaks have been made to the ICE and gearbox to reduce vibration and noise.
The third generation will initially go on sale in Japan next year before making its way to other markets.
