The third-generation Subaru Crosstrek is already on sale in Japan, where it’s a 2023 model. Soon, the compact crossover will grace the stage for North America as a 2024 model. Mark February 9 on your calendar, because that’s when the US-spec Crosstrek officially makes its debut. It will be on display at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show.
When the cover lifts, there’s no reason to believe it will be significantly different from the version that debuted in Japan last year. Crosstrek owners will easily recognize the new model, especially from the side where the styling changes are minimal. Bold wheel arches with thick plastic trim add to the rugged design language that Subaru injects into the new Crosstrek. This continues with an intricate, irregularly shaped rear fascia and more plastic trim. Up front, a significantly larger grille sits above a new fascia with larger driving lights. The dimensions are virtually identical, with the next-gen model being about half an inch longer.
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Inside, the Crosstrek gets an 11.6-inch center touchscreen. It’s considerably larger than the outgoing model, and the screen is mounted in a portrait orientation spanning the dashboard from top to bottom. The digital upgrade doesn’t mean a lack of touch controls, though. There are still plenty of buttons to control the stereo, climate control functions, seat positioning and a large shifter holds station in the center console.
While we don’t expect notable differences for the US version, some changes are likely. Among other things, Subaru’s teaser photo for the US Crosstrek (below) shows a sport badge on the door instead of an e-Boxer emblem. Subaru doesn’t currently have a sport trim for the Crosstrek in its home market, and vice versa, it’s unclear if North America will get the e-Boxer hybrid powertrain. In Japan, it’s a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter flat-four that develops 145 horsepower, mated to a small 13-horsepower electric motor. Front-wheel drive is also available on the Japanese Crosstrek.
A bigger engine with standard all-wheel drive might suit the North American market better, but we’ll have to wait until February 9 to be sure. The 2024 Crosstrek is debuting in a live stream event for the Chicago Auto Show, and we’ll have all the details right here at Motor1.com.
