2023 Subaru Crosstrek revealed, timing for XV replacement unclear

Subaru has revealed the replacement for its XV SUV, with a sportier look, higher-tech interior, and a new name.

Dubbed the Subaru Crosstrek (as it has long been called abroad), the small SUV will go on sale first in Japan. Subaru strangely says the launch there is “scheduled for 2023 or later”.

“The latest global reveal from Subaru Corporation is very exciting! Details for the Australian market to come soon,” a spokesperson told CarExpert.

Subaru has only detailed an AWD hybrid version of the Crosstrek for its domestic market, but the full drivetrain line-up is not yet clear.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek revealed, timing for XV replacement unclear

The powertrain appears to be a version of the brand’s existing 2.0-litre e-Boxer powertrain, which mates a 110kW and 196Nm petrol engine with an electric motor packing 12.3kW and 66Nm, linked to a lithium-ion battery.

Outputs in the new Crosstrek haven’t been confirmed, but Subaru says “improvements to reduce vibrations and noise in the engine and Lineartronic CVT have also been made”.

Under the skin, the car rides on a version of the Subaru Global Platform underpinning the latest Levorg and WRX. The brand says the updated car should offer better noise and vibration suppression than the current XV, and supports a smoother ride by being more rigid than before.

Measuring 4480mm (-5mm) long, 1800mm (unchanged) wide, and 1580mm (-35mm) tall with a 2670mm (+5mm) wheelbase, the new car is smaller on the outside than the outgoing XV – although its longer wheelbase should help free up more interior space.

The cabin mirrors those of the Levorg and WRX closely, with an 11.6-inch infotainment system dominating the dashboard.

Subaru says the cabin “remains just as roomy as in previous models” despite the smaller exterior, and promises “plenty of cargo carrying space inside”. It’s confirmed the rear seats will fold 60:40, but hasn’t confirmed how much luggage space it will offer.

The outgoing XV Hybrid has just 310 litres of space with the rear seats in place.

The latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight safety system will feature, and gains a wide-angle mono camera to back the colour stereo cameras.

Subaru says its stereo camera has a broader range of vision than before, and its software has been updated to better recognise objects in its periphery.

Expect the Crosstrek to offer a refined version of the adaptive cruise, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-change assist systems that feature on the current Subaru range.