Subaru Tempts Us With Teaser For New SUV…Probably The Crosstrek

Don’t you just love it when a carmaker releases a teaser advert for a soon-to-be-unveiled model and they try to hide what’s coming?

Subaru did that today when it announced online that it would be launching a “new SUV” on September 15, and proceeded to show a short video with flash images of what looked like an SUV. Check out the images below.

The brand is remaining tight-lipped about exactly what’s coming, but from our research, and a quick look at Subaru’s product lineup and recent concept cars, we are almost certain they are referring to the new XV (in Japan) or Crosstrek in the U.S.

In 2018, Subaru launched the plug-in hybrid electric version of the Crosstrek to serve as a compliance car and therefore was sold only in states that follow California emission standards. It was the brand’s first-ever PHEV and was a sign of things to come. It employed a new 137-hp 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder boxer engine, two electric motors and a CVT and of course Subaru’s signature all-wheel-system.

The outgoing Crosstrek also offers a 182-hp 2.5-liter engine option which garnered praise from the media for its punch and beefy bottom end torque. So what to expect with the new model? Given the discontinuation of gasoline engines on many rival’s lineups, we can expect to see the 2.5-liter disappear from the the Crosstrek range with a revised PHEV version taking up the role of the big seller in this lineup. Also something to watch will be whether the new Crosstrek has been configured to house an electric powertrain as this will determine whether it also offers a version of the brand’s just-launched electric Solterra power unit.

The Crosstrek concept’s exterior styling should closely follow examples set by the earlier concept cars, especially the Viziv Tourer Concept from the 2018 Geneva Motor Show with its sharp angles and creases. Matte-black wheel surrounds and side sills accentuate the lower half of the body and the wheel arches to give the SUV a macho look.

Expect the new model to come with AWD and Subaru’s dual X-Mode traction control with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud terrain options and a large 13-inch plus vertically mounted touchscreen similar to that in the recently launched WRX.

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek SUV will go on sale in late 2022, for around $37,000, and if they offer an EV variant, that would enter the mid $40,000s. Anyway, stayed tuned on September 15 for the unveiling.