Subaru XV to become Subaru Crosstrek after major update

• Late 2023 or early 2024 release
• Crosstrek name already applied outside UK
• Hybrid engine and all-wheel drive as standard

The current Subaru XV is to be rebadged as the Subaru Crosstrek after a thorough update expected to be released in 2023 or early 2024. The Subaru XV received a minor facelift in 2021 but the smallest Subaru SUV is now to get a more thorough set of changes along with the new name.

The Crosstrek will get a thorough redesign to the front end with slimmer headlights and new front bumper details as well as a new fog light design and a larger grille. Along the side there is more plastic cladding than on the existing model to give a more rugged appearance. 

At the rear, Subaru has adopted a larger bumper and light design that is familiar from the larger Subaru Outback model to align with the current brand identity. Nine colour options will be available but all will have the plastic cladding along the sides unpainted.

Crosstrek models will all be equipped with the ‘e-boxer’ engine, a 2.0-litre petrol hybrid powertrain producing 154bhp, and will have all-wheel drive as standard. The existing driving modes for snow, dirt, gravel, and mud are expected to be retained along with the option to select further driving modes for performance or to maximise fuel efficiency.

Inside there is a new air vent and door handle design along with a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the centre console. The physical dials of the instrument cluster remain and a new seat design is claimed to support the pelvis better while allowing less swaying through the body and to the head. The physical buttons previously used for climate control have been removed and these functions are now routed through the screen, however a volume dial remains.

The safety updates introduced in 2021 will carry over. These include Front View Monitoring to give the 180-degree view of the road ahead, but they will now be joined by pre-collision braking.

Trim levels and pricing for the UK are yet to be announced but we expect a slight rise over the £33,195 price of the existing Subaru XV model when it becomes the Crosstrek next year.

Read about an all-electric Subaru SUV due soon.