Subaru Crosstrek gets new Sport edition, but no extra power

Subaru Australia has revealed the Crosstrek Sport, a new special-edition variant that brings unique cosmetic tweaks to one of the Japanese brand's most popular local models.

Priced at $43,990 before on-road costs, the Sport is $3000 more than the mid-spec Crosstrek 2.0R on which it's based, and costs the same as the flagship non-hybrid Crosstrek 2.0S. The mild-hybrid Crosstrek Hybrid S still sits at the top of the small SUV range at $47,590 before on-roads.

It follows the limited-run Crosstrek Onyx announced in August 2025. Like the Onyx, however, the Sport brings no mechanical changes, with Subaru instead applying a raft of visual tweaks inside and out that appear vaguely reminiscent of the styling cues found on the brand's Wilderness models.

Even though there's a true off-road-ready Crosstrek Wilderness available overseas, Subaru has yet to introduce it to Australia. The only model currently sold in Australia under that sub-brand is the Outback Wilderness.

That said, there's already a Crosstrek Sport sold in the United States with similar features to the Australian version. The key visual difference between the two is that the overseas model features more extravagant yellow accents on the front bumper, rear bumper, and doors.

Locally, the Crosstrek Sport features gold exterior accents on the front fog light bezels and gloss-black garnishes on the tailgate and rear roof spoiler. Naturally, there's also a unique 'Sport' badge on the tailgate.

Other external additions include new 18-inch 'dark metallic' alloy wheels and an electric sunroof. Inside, the headline change is unique tricot cloth seat upholstery, which is grey with gold accents and contrast stitching.

The Sport also gains satellite navigation that's otherwise exclusive to the top-spec 2.0S and Hybrid S, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel now features gold stitching. It's available in four exterior colours (white, silver, grey, and black), all at no extra cost.

This is in addition to the equipment already available with the mid-spec Crosstrek 2.0R.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0R equipment highlights:

• Space-saver spare wheel
• Automatic LED headlights (steering-responsive)
• LED front fog lights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Sports pedals
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Leather-wrapped gear selector
• 8-way powered driver’s seat adjustment incl. lumbar
• Driver’s seat memory function (2-position)
• Heated front seats
• ‘Premium’ instrument cluster
• 4.2-inch multi-information display
• 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless phone charger
• 6-speaker sound system
• X-Mode (2 modes)

The Sport is powered by the same powertrain available across the rest of the non-hybrid Crosstrek range: a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre 'Boxer' four-cylinder engine producing 115kW of power and 196Nm of torque, mated with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive.

Importantly, that powertrain isn't quite as potent as what's offered in US-delivered models, including the Sport. There, the Crosstrek gets a 2.5-litre 'Boxer' four-cylinder with increased outputs of 180hp (134kW) and 178lb-ft (241Nm), still mated with a CVT and all-wheel drive.

The Sport is also distinct from the Wilderness, which uses the same powertrain but adds all-terrain tyres and more extensive lower-body plastic cladding. While the Wilderness sub-brand does exist in Australia, Subaru's local arm has yet to confirm additional models beyond the Outback.

Still, the Crosstrek is Subaru Australia's second-best-selling model so far in 2026. With 4821 deliveries to the end of July, it's behind only the Forester on 6642 – though both are down on their sales figures from the same period in 2025.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek pricing:

MORE: Explore the Subaru Crosstrek showroom