Why You Shouldn't Buy The New Subaru Crosstrek And Wait Until Next Year

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The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek arrives now. The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek gets a complete redesign, and should you buy the 2022 model or wait for the updated subcompact SUV? We will answer the question here.

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek remains unchanged and there is no reason to wait if you are thinking of buying one of the remaining 2021 models. Subaru Corporation chose to bring the 2022 models unchanged as a carryover. We reached out to Subaru of America, and a company spokesman told us, "The 2022 Crosstrek is a carryover. There are no new features." Why should customers wait for the 2023 model change?

Subaru Corporation made significant upgrades for the 2021 model year by bringing the new Crosstrek Sport trim level and the Limited top trim with the new 2.5-liter Boxer engine. It was a good decision, and the Crosstrek is Subaru of America's hottest model. But even better things are coming.

There are two reasons why the 2022 Crosstrek is a carryover. The global microchip shortage has severely limited the availability of new electronic features. It makes it easier for Subaru to manufacture the top-selling Crosstrek with no changes to the production line.

Here is why you should wait for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek

If you want a 2022 Subaru Crosstrek, you have to wait. Subaru Corporation is behind in filling its back orders. If you order a 2022 model today, you could wait three months to get one.

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek gets a complete remodel, and there are plenty of upgrades customers will want. Subaru Corporation will change the exterior with a new front facia and LED headlights. Engineers will make minor changes to the rear of the new Crosstrek as it keeps its C-shaped taillights. Subaru could make the new Crosstrek tailgate opening wider, making it easier to carry a mountain bike inside.

The Crosstrek will likely get a new touchscreen, next-generation EyeSight safety technology, and the interior will grow in size. Look for new aluminum wheels and a new exterior color.

A new Crosstrek Wilderness is coming

Outdoor enthusiasts will want to wait for the all-new Crosstrek Wilderness trim level. Sources close to Subaru tell us the automaker will launch the new Crosstrek Wilderness trim level in 2023.

The all-new Crosstrek Wilderness will come with an advanced dual function X-Mode, elevated 9.2-inch ground clearance like Forester, standard front and rear skid plates, and an upgraded suspension for additional off-road performance.

With the 2022 Forester Wilderness powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter engine, Crosstrek Wilderness will likely keep its 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer.

Subaru could decide to upgrade the Crosstrek's current 2.5-liter naturally aspirated Boxer engine with additional horsepower. True to form, the Japanese automaker is tight-lipped about releasing information on the all-new outdoor adventure model.

When will the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek be available in the U.S.?

The next-generation 2023 Subaru Crosstrek will make its global launch first in early 2023. The Crosstrek Wilderness will arrive in the U.S. in the spring of 2023. It will be worth the wait if you can hold off a year before buying a new Crosstrek subcompact SUV.

In the comments below, let Subaru of America know what changes you would like to see in the next-generation 2023 Crosstrek.

You Might Also Like: More Next-Generation 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Sightings

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.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA

Submitted by ImprezaOwner (not verified) on December 28, 2021 - 4:29PM

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There was a rumor at one point that the new Crosstrek and Impreza models would come with turbo engines. If true, it would be reason to buy the current naturally aspirated models, as they would be more reliable over the long term. Lets be honest, Subaru reliability isn't at Toyota like levels. Why add additional risk?

Because of power. Because of a lot of added towing capacity and torque. Because if you live at higher altitudes like a lot of Subaru owners naturally aspirated small engines can be completely gutless. So, a lot of good reasons.

Submitted by Brena (not verified) on December 28, 2021 - 6:37PM

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I was going to buy an outback this year but cushier my mind because Subaru has not made the car I want yet. I want the Touring XT with the Dual Snow Mode, or the Onyx with the stereo that comes in the Touring XT. Subaru must give the Onyx their best sound system and give The Touring XT their greatest potential on snow. When you make such car, then I will place my order :)

Submitted by Clayton Barnes (not verified) on December 28, 2021 - 9:59PM

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The Toyota Avalon has information projected on windshield a great feature.
I will probably wait until the EV’s come out or at least a Hybird.

Submitted by Lydia Nichols (not verified) on December 28, 2021 - 11:45PM

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It would be nice if you could put some insulation in the doors so that you don't hear the road noise. I don't like turning up the radio so loud that you are unable to talk to your passenger.

Also, bring back the silver color. That gray color just doesn't do anything.

Submitted by timothy perrigo (not verified) on December 29, 2021 - 6:24AM

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The wife just bought 2021 crosstrek limited, no heated steering wheel, no power passenger seat, no power sunroof shade, only the driver's side window has one touch up/down, automatic diming rear view mirror it an dealer add on $350.00
Subaru needs to get with the times!

Submitted by Howard Godelsky (not verified) on December 29, 2021 - 12:19PM

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Get rid of the automatic start/stop feature across the lineup.
95% of engine wear, etc occurs on startup.
Having the engine constantly restarting daily will cause an overall much higher cost of ownership and more frequent repairs !

Totally agreed for all reasons stated. At least allow one time off on the button rather than reactivating this feature every time you start the car.
This is the worst feature on my 2021.

Submitted by Rod Koch (not verified) on December 29, 2021 - 6:35PM

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I understand that the 6-speed manual is going away in 2023. If so, that’s a reason for the remaining 5-6% of us to buy a 2022.

Please don’t take away the manual. Do the opposite! Offer it on all models at all trim levels. Make driving fun again. Who cares about entertainment systems and touchscreens?!?! The CAR is the entertainment when done right

Please don’t take away the manual. Do the opposite! Offer it on all models at all trim levels. Make driving fun again. Who cares about entertainment systems and touchscreens?!?! The CAR is the entertainment when done right

Submitted by Parmjit Kaur (not verified) on December 30, 2021 - 1:58AM

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How about adding heated steering wheel features for the cold mornings and nights on sports and limited models.
Or maybe an add-on option.

Submitted by Bill (not verified) on December 31, 2021 - 9:40AM

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I would like to see an updated CVT transmission in all new Subarus. I have grown weary of dealing with the frustrating delay in acceleration from a hesitantly-responsive transmission in my '21 Crosstrek. When will Subaru address this issue?

Submitted by Lisa Faber (not verified) on December 31, 2021 - 10:11AM

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I am leasing a 2021 Crosstrek since September of this year and unfortunately I hate it. Has a horrible interior compartment as far as cracks and crevices to drop things into the abyss between seats to the side of seats behind seats everywhere seats. The glove box is horrible can barely hold the owner's manual and two pairs of glasses with cases. I'm not going to even start about the audio and information display. So am I kidding yes I am. Thank heavens they are redoing Worst position possible for sun glare with nothing to minimize it. Dust collection, crazy! It is not easily positioned for the driver to see while driving the on-screen buttons are too easily activated with an inadvertent touch and for a first time user of this newer technology and no I'm not 100 years old, it is not the most user friendly interface. Oh and back to dropping everything down the sides of the seats if there are such huge gaps in between the seats and the center console for say like a baby elephant to fall between why then can't the seats themselves possibly be somewhat larger?And in conclusion I'll just say I am a 5'8 180 lb 58 year old woman; nothing diminutive about me; and I have difficulty with the sight lines on the car. It is nice to have the backup camera but I would like to be able to see actually with my own eyes out the windows what is around me as I always have. It is an added sense of security for me and for I am sure most "older" drivers. In conclusion I will say I was thrust into the car decision by a bad accident and only had time to do minor investigating before securing a new car. My inability to love the Subaru Crosstrek as much as I wanted to on paper and even a test drive did not prepare me for all the shortcomings of this could be pretty fabulous smaller SUV. For now I am simply glad that I have least a car for the first time in my life and will be out of contract on it in another 32 months which will hopefully give me plenty of time to research not only the 2023 wilderness Subaru Crosstrek but the Forester which I lean toward because of friends' experience and possibly by 2023 something fully electric. Thank you for the opportunity to express my totally up front and "hopefully will change" opinions.

Submitted by Jad (not verified) on January 1, 2022 - 10:43AM

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Love my 2021 but would like a super aggressive Wilderness + edition :
LED headlights
More lift ie 2 inches over standard 8.7
Aggressive off road rim/tire package
Larger rear opening for bikes
Beefed up roof rack for heavier roof top tents
Turbocharged 2.5 engine
Floor mats with better coverage
A beefed tranny/drive train

I second this! I would buy in a second! Basically what everyone is already modding on their treks, do that and you'll have a ton of people lined up for it. I do love my 2018 limited but already looking to upgrade to the next version if worth it. Also, get better windshields the thin ones crack way to easy I've been through 3 due to winter driving and trucks kicking up rocks, even the salesman warned me about them... the salesman! You know it's bad when they tell you...

Submitted by Ben (not verified) on January 1, 2022 - 2:18PM

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IMO the 2.5 should be replaced by the 2.4 NA engine with the GR's 228 hp.
Subaru would, in one stroke, create a performance model with increased reliability and ultimately reduce costs because of economies of scale.

However, with their rumored move to a 1.5 and 1.8 turbo engines with possible hybrid models too, this suggestion may prove moot.

Submitted by Ruslan Urban (not verified) on January 2, 2022 - 11:02AM

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I test drove Crosstrek and found rear side window visibility very poor, even compared to Outback that is not much taller. Combination of low seating position and the slope of the sloped A-pillar also impact visibility. Sound insulation must be addresses also. Hope new models are going to get a heads up display as a standard option which is not only a convenience but also a safety feature. You can find lots of HUDs on Amazon and they are relatively inexpensive.

Submitted by B Cerny (not verified) on January 16, 2022 - 3:22PM

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Would finally like to see some attention paid to the passenger seat and comfort.
The seat is just too low…please add a height adjustment lever…it’s time.

Yes to the seat height lever. In fact, please add automated seats and auto hatch lift. Agree with the increased hatch width for bikes and roof strength for top tents. Love my 2021 Sport, but hoping the 2023 has more to offer!

Submitted by T. Polifko (not verified) on January 17, 2022 - 12:09PM

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I would like to see grab handles on the front pillars…especially passenger side…to assist older or handicapped people getting into or out of the vehicle.