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

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.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek, Crosstrek Wilderness, specs, features pricing

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.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek, Crosstrek Wilderness, specs, features pricing

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.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek, Crosstrek Wilderness, specs, features pricing

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

Comments

D Oliver (not verified)    January 31, 2022 - 10:59PM

Get rid of automatic start/stop feature. This feature makes me really not like my car. Also, a huge improvement would be the addition of lumbar support and heated steering wheel for that long distance comfort.
I hate to admit it, but I actually really miss my 2018 Crosstrek. The dashboard was sleek, simple, and had a very classy design. None of the winged vents and plastic appearance of the newer models. I'm hoping the new interior design catches up to it's competitors. If it does, a 2023 is definitely in my future

Paul (not verified)    February 2, 2022 - 9:50AM

The 2023 Crosstreck should have a manual transmission availability, non turbo engine and either non-direct injection engine (just multiport fuel injection) or have both and use a system similar with the Toyota DS4 system.
Inside, the seating arrangement should be higher off the floor. The seats are too low to the ground now. This is not a sports car.

MDK (not verified)    February 24, 2022 - 11:53AM

LED headlights on all trims and more power. Manual transmission on Wilderness would be great but it's not gonna happen.

Joy Zimmerman (not verified)    March 6, 2022 - 2:02PM

Heated and VENTILATED seats. Higher electric mileage. High quality interior. More comfort. Crosstreks are really uncomfortable for long drives.

Robert (not verified)    March 29, 2022 - 12:52PM

I currently lease a 2021 Crosstrek Limited and this is my 7th Subaru. It is about the best Subaru I’ve had to date. But….the worst things about this model is the lack of insulation …the road noise is terrible, not to mention the terrible Harmon Khardon sound system. So Subaru, if you are listening, stop cutting corners, raise the price a couple of hundred dollars and quiet down the car.

Jason (not verified)    April 18, 2022 - 8:46PM

LED exterior lighting might be fine in warm climates, but here in Canada they suck. They do not heat up to keep the lights visible on a snowy day. The only thing that keeps the snow melted is the heat of the bulbs. LED exterior lighting shoud be banned in cold climates. I have had several near misses with vehicles with LED lighting because I couldn't see them due to snow encrusted tail lights. Covered brake lights don't do any good!

Tami (not verified)    April 27, 2022 - 2:13PM

I leased a 2021 crosstrek for the reliability and safety features. However, I recently had my crosstrek serviced and had a very bad experience. 4 days ago, after a scheduled maintenance appt. and driving away from the shop, I noticed the red oil lamp light on. I continued to drive for approximately 5 miles figuring the car just needed to reset because an oil change was a part of the scheduled maintenance service package. However, after I started to hear a rattling noise, I decided to turn around and go back to the service department. As I was turning around, all of sudden the car lost power. I was terrified! I had enough momentum to pull off to the side of the road next to center medium. I called Subaru immediately. They gave me a loner car and said they could not get it started and would have to call in their "top guy" to fix the engine. Now it looks like a couple of weeks. There was nothing wrong with my car before the service. How can a motor just stop working? Is this a common Subaru issue? Is this just a crosstrek issue?

Jeanie Volpe (not verified)    March 29, 2023 - 10:48AM

We have the 2021 Crosstrek limited. I’m 5’ 2” and my husband is 6’1”. Memory seats and a power rear hatch would be nice in addition to a heated steering wheel. Sad they’re not offered as an option. Otherwise I love my Crosstrek