Skip to main content

What's Next For The Hot Subaru Crosstrek? 2 New Next-Generation Models

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is hot and getting hotter. Check out two new next-generation models that are on the horizon.

Subaru of America reported the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek just had its best February ever, and the compact SUV is the automaker’s hottest all-wheel-drive model. How does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek compare with the 2021 Forester and Outback? Recent sales show the Crosstrek is hot on the heels of the Forester and Outback. And two new next-generation 2023 models are coming.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is inching closer to both Forester and Outback, with retailers delivering 21,122 subcompact SUVs to U.S. customers in 2021. Crosstrek is 5,567 units behind Forester and just 3,328 behind the Outback through the first two months of the new year.

2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport, pricing, specs, features

The 2021 Forester is still the number-one-selling nameplate with 26,689 compact SUVs delivered year-to-date in 2021. The 2021 Outback SUV/Wagon is a close second, with retailers delivering 24,450 SUV/Wagons to customers in 2021.

With two new Crosstrek models on the horizon, the small SUV could inch even closer to its two siblings in the Camden, N.J. automaker’s all-wheel-drive lineup.

What’s coming for the 2023 model year?

2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport, pricing, specs, features

Subaru has confirmed none, but sources close to the Japanese automaker say a new Crosstrek turbocharged model is coming for U.S. customers. A turbocharged Crosstrek would make the small SUV even more popular. What engine will Crosstrek get?

What enthusiasts would like to see is a third-generation 2023 Crosstrek with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine option. If Subaru does offer a Crosstrek with a 260 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged engine option, it will attract many new buyers.

But Subaru will likely decide to use an all-new 1.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine in the Crosstrek to replace the normally-aspirated 2.0-liter engine. Reports from a Japan source say Base, Premium, and Hybrid Crosstrek trims will get the new 1.5-liter turbocharged powerplant.

The report says it will produce close to the same 152 horsepower (148-hp) as the 2.0-liter engine. If Subaru uses the smaller turbocharged Boxer engine, it will increase fuel mileage, not increase its power and performance.

Another new Crosstrek model is expected to arrive in 2022 as a 2023 model year upgrade. The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness edition is coming and will be a hot model when it arrives late next year. It launches after the more rugged Forester and Outback Wilderness models coming this year.

Subaru is competing with the all-new Ford Bronco Sport that is also attracting customers with active lifestyles. The Subaru Wilderness models will be more rugged than the current models and will offer new options for a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts.

Look for Subaru to offer two new 2023 Crosstrek trims, an all-new Crosstrek turbocharged model, and a more rugged 2023 Crosstrek Wilderness trim. Stay tuned.

You Might Also Like: Subaru Says New Models And Improving Quality Are Top Priorities In The Next 10 Years

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Subaru Report - We’ve got you covered! Check back tomorrow for more unique, informative SUBARU news, reviews, and previews you can trust.

Leave your comments below, share the article with friends and tweet it out to your followers!

Photo credit: Subaru

Comments

Richard (not verified)    March 7, 2021 - 10:01AM

Lease on current 2019 Forester expires soon. Would like to change to a 2022 Crosstrek.

Scott R. (not verified)    March 7, 2021 - 11:25AM

I am a past Crosstrek and WRX STI owner. I am 57 years old & married. With that being said myself (and many of my friends) would like to see Subaru build a Crosstrek (type) vehicle with a truck bed and around 200 H.P.

Vicki (not verified)    March 7, 2021 - 1:17PM

I have a crosstreck, why haven’t you come up with solution about the hatchback.
It’s impossible to close it and especially if you’re short.. This has been going on for years and people have been complaining about it and yet you have done nothing.
You pay a lot of money for these cars and you don’t find a solution to fix this problem. I love my car, but I have definitely have hurt my back and my arm. People, I’m giving you a warning think before you buy about if you can reach it to get it down. Even if they can adjust the springs so it doesn’t open really far up and with the old models. I think you can do a recall on this issue and fix the problem. I think I’m going to start sending you the doctor bills and spend some money to get this issue resolve. I would like to know how the people that live in Japan can close it?
P

nathon olson (not verified)    March 26, 2021 - 10:48AM

In reply to by Vicki (not verified)

Sounds like you should do some research before buying. "People have been complaining" is a helluva weak argument.

Also, Subaru doesn't read this so stfu with your buyers-remorse whining.

Ching chong (not verified)    April 7, 2021 - 8:21PM

In reply to by Vicki (not verified)

Sounds like you made a dumb decision. Time to get a 4 door with a trunk, Karen. The hatch is supposed to open so you can fit larger things in there. If it’s that much of an issue to where you’re going to the doctor, you need a different car. Something that suits you and your abilities. Oh and I’m Asian and 5’6” and don’t have any issue, whatsoever, closing my hatch. I’m sure most other Asians don’t have any trouble either. It’s just you and your white privilege. Go get a legacy.

Mr. Smith (not verified)    March 7, 2021 - 2:44PM

Subaru increases the engine size and hp and sales go up. Now they will decrease engine size and hp and expect more sales? Something doesn't add up

Cesar Augusto … (not verified)    March 30, 2021 - 10:55AM

I have wished for a XT version of the Crosstrek since it came out. What would be amazing is if they offer a manual transmission. In CO, the turbo really helps going up to the mountains and passing semi-trucks on I-70. I'm just used to the power from owning a WRX and a Forester XT.