The Latest Soft-Roader: Subaru Japan Debuts Third Generation Crosstrek

• September 20, 2022
• Story By
  Mike Garrett

In about a decade, Subaru's Crosstrek has become one of the most popular subcompact crossovers on the market, and a nameplate as recognized as longer-running Subaru CUVs like the Forester and Outback.

The Crosstrek has also developed a sizable enthusiast following, with weekend adventurers and outdoors explorers upgrading their Crosstreks with lift kits, all-terrain tires and other aftermarket upgrades.

In fact, the Crosstrek is now hands down the more popular and more recognized version of the Subaru Impreza it's based on. With two generations of Crosstreks out in the wild, Subaru has just debuted the new third-generation model in its home market of Japan.

Being the JDM version, there will likely be some differences from the American market version, especially in the powertrain department. But this still gives us a good look at what's to come.

It's no surprise that Subaru has stuck with a familiar look given the Crosstrek's popularity. Some of the key updates on the exterior include a more defined front fascia and increased body cladding all around.

Under the hood, the Japanese market Crosstrek gets a 2.0L hybridized "e-Boxer" engine with a CVT, though its likely for the American version we'll continue to see the same 2.0 and 2.5 liter engine options. 

We also hope that the American market will continue to get a manual-transmission Crosstrek as its one of the big things that sets the little Subaru apart from its competition.

Improved but Familiar 

Inside, the cabin of the new Crosstrek isn't a big leap from the current car. But it does to move to the new 11.6" vertically oriented display screen used in other new Subaru models.

Elsewhere, the car looks to carry on the great balance of a compact footprint and a spacious interior—of course with Subaru's standard AWD system and things like X-Mode terrain management. 

The Crosstrek has always been known for having interesting body colors, and the new model looks to be no different with Subaru adding new hues "Offshore Blue Metallic" and "Oasis Blue" to the option list, at least in the Japanese market.

At this point we aren't exactly sure when Subaru will show the North American version of the new Crosstrek, but given that it's been fully revealed in Japan, it shouldn't be long. Perhaps for us it will be a 2024 model that goes on sale in the spring of 2023? 

Based on what we can see from the JDM model, it looks like the next generation Crosstrek should have no trouble pleasing its loyal, adventure-ready fans.