This article contains independent illustrations by CarScoops’ artist Josh Byrnes based on 2023 Subaru Crosstrek / XV prototypes as well as our own intel. The renderings are not related to nor endorsed by Subaru.

Subaru’s Crosstrek, also known in regions outside North America as the XV, has been an absolute hit for the Japanese automaker. Who knew that taking an ordinary Impreza hatch and giving it higher ground clearance with extra cladding would result in sales wonders for Subaru.

Sadly, the current state of affairs isn’t as rosy, especially for Subaru of North America, whose November sales plummeted by 35 per cent compared to last year’s same month. As with other automakers, the semi-conductor shortage is hitting them hard.

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Illustrations Copyright Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes

Fortunately though, an all-new Crosstrek is on the horizon to rekindle interest – but will it be enough to jump-start sales again? Let’s take a spy-shot based, illustrative deep dive and explore everything we can expect from the new generation model that’s due to arrive within the next year.

A Familiar Face

Dating back to 2017, the current Crosstrek has had subsequent updates helping it stay fresh amongst the ever-increasing competition. Next year’s redesign retains a rugged, evolutionary look – similar to the latest WRX and Levorg wagon.

Frontal styling kicks off with sleek matrix LED headlights intersected by a chrome spear spanning the trapezoidal grille. Lower down, angular fog-light housings and contrasting black cladding add to the frontal dynamism.

Like the new WRX, the flared front and rear fender cladding appear to sport faux vents, and the hindquarters have muscular haunches. The tail lamps have Subaru’s signature c-clamp aesthetic at the back, while the lower portion of the rear bumper has funky cutouts for the reflector lenses.

A Nicer Place To Relax

The next Subaru Crosstrek will likely borrow its interior from the new WRX pictured here

Don’t expect any significant surprises when it comes to the interior. Why? Well, because essentially, it’ll be the same cabin as you will find in the all-new WRX, minus the sporty touches Subaru applied on the performance compact. This is good news, as it will feature an 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and wireless phone charging.

Safety will be a top priority, too. Here, Subaru’s Eyesight suite of driver assists will include autonomous emergency braking, lane-centering aid, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree camera and a driver attention monitor.

Under The Skin

The new Crosstrek/XV rides upon the same, well-regarded Subaru Global Platform (SGP) as the outgoing car. Revisions to the frontal crash structure and additional torsional stiffness will further benefit the XV’s impressive ride and handling characteristics.

We’ve heard rumors about the current sluggish 2.0-litre boxer four possibly making way for a smaller 1.5-litre turbocharged unit with similar power but more torque. Other likely candidates include the 1.8-litre boxer engine used in the Japanese market, a self-charging hybrid and a carryover 182-hp 2.5-litre non-turbo four for US and Canadian consumption.

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As with all Subaru’s bar the BRZ, the Crosstrek puts its power to all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission and X-mode for off-road driving conditions. A ‘Wilderness’ edition with bigger rubber and even higher ground clearance will also appear.

Rivals & Reveal

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The Crosstrek / XV’s sits in a highly competitive and crowded compact crossover segment. Main rivals include Toyota’s Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Skoda Karoq, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos (depending on the market, of course).

The new Crosstrek will debut later next year as an MY2023 entrant in North America, and as the 2022 XV in the rest of the world.

What are your thoughts on the new Crosstrek / XV? We’d love to hear them in the comments below.

Illustrations Copyright Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes