Subaru Crosstrek Sport Vs. Limited: Which Trim Is Better?
Between the Subaru Crosstrek’s top two twims, the Crosstrek Sport has a leg up—and we’ve got the details right here.
Written by Macy Fouse
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Subaru Crosstrek is a solid option for a subcompact SUV, but between the Sport and Limited trims, the Sport offers a better package deal.
As Subaru’s car-like crossover, there’s plenty to love about the Crosstrek. From standard all-wheel drive and smooth handling to its generous array of standard features, the Crosstrek delivers plenty for its price point. But between the Sport and Limited trims, which one is the best choice?
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.Crosstrek Sport vs. Limited: which is more expensive?
The MSRP for the current Crosstrek Sport model is $29,220, only $1,500 cheaper than the Crosstrek Limited trim’s price of $30,720.
Here’s how the prices play out for all of the trim levels for the 2023 Crosstrek:
Model | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
Crosstrek Base | $24,870 |
Crosstrek Premium | $26,220 |
Crosstrek Special Edition | $27,970 |
Crosstrek Sport | $29,220 |
Crosstrek Limited | $30,720 |
Crosstrek Hybrid | $38,070 |
Ownership costs
The upfront cost is important, but it’s not the only price that matters! Let’s look at the projected ownership costs for each trim.
According to Edmunds, the true cost to own the Subaru Crosstrek Sport across a five-year span will be $36,462 based on a starting price of $33,861. On the other hand, the Limited trim’s five-year cost to own will be $37,228 (based on a starting price of $35,904).
The Limited trim’s true cost to own is still more expensive than the Sport, but the long-term ownership difference is smaller than the difference in their upfront costs. Most of the ownership cost differences can be contributed to taxes, financing, depreciation, and slight variations in Subaru maintenance costs.
Be sure to note that these numbers are just estimates. The real costs will depend on a number of outside factors and could be very different from these projections from Edmunds.
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Subaru tune up cost
Insurance costs
While higher trims often come with higher insurance costs,
Subaru Crosstrek Sport insurance costs
and Subaru Crosstrek Limited insurance costs
are roughly the same. On average, the cost to insure a 2023 model is about $3,520 a year, but the real cost will vary from person to person. Winner: Subaru Crosstrek Sport
If we’re talking strictly about finances, the Crosstrek Sport is the cheaper option all-around. Its starting price and cost of ownership are both more affordable that the Limited trim—but not by much!
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Subaru Crosstrek Sport vs. Limited: In-Depth Comparison
Sure, the Crosstrek Sport is cheaper than the Limited, but does that mean it’s the better option?
In this section, we’re giving you the rundown of all the specs of each trim so you can decide for yourself which trim is the best choice for your needs.
Body style and size
For the two trims at hand, there’s no outside difference in their bodies or sizes since they’re the same vehicle. As a subcompact crossover, the Crosstrek is
Subaru’s smallest SUV
offering—which makes maneuvering in small space effortless. The downside is that the Crosstrek’s small size also means less cargo space—but it still delivers a decent amount for its class. Plus, there’s plenty of space for passengers in the front and rear seats.
Here’s what you can expect for the 2023 Crosstrek dimensions:
Dimensions | 2023 Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|
Wheelbase | 104.9 inches |
Passenger volume | 100.9 cubic feet |
Headroom (front/rear) | 39.8/38 inches |
Legroom (front/rear) | 43.1/365 inches |
Cargo volume w/seats up | 20.8 cubic feet |
Cargo volume w/seats down | 55.3 cubic feet |
Ground clearance | 8.7 inches |
Base curb weight | 3188 lbs |
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Engine and performance
As the top two trims of the Crosstrek, both the Sport and Limited trim share a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine also provides 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine is a considerable upgrade from the standard option on lower trims. The Crosstrek can also tow up to 1,500 pounds.
The Crosstrek comes set with standard all-wheel drive, which is also the standard for the Sport and Limited trims. Also standard on these trims is a continuously variable transmission (CVT); unlike the other trims, a manual transmission is not available.
Fuel economy
Since both the Sport and Limited trims are equipped with the same powertrain and drivetrain, they have identical fuel economies: 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg for the highway.
If these numbers don’t impress you, upgrading to the Subaru Crosstrek plug-in hybrid will earn you an estimated 90 MPGe when operating in all-electric mode.
Safety
The Crosstrek earns a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The safety differences in the trims come down to the driver-assistance features.
The Sport trim is equipped with the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, which includes the following: advanced adaptive cruise control, lane centering, pre-collision braking and throttle management, and lane departure/sway warnings. For an additional $1,600, you can add the Sport’s Optional package, which includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Limited trim comes with all of that—including blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert—and adds on reverse automatic braking.
Tech
Other than driver-assistance tech, these two trims come with a few differing technology and infotainment features as well. The Crosstrek comes standard with Subaru’s Starlink system and a 6.5-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a USB port.
The Crosstrek Sport takes it up a notch with dual rear USB ports. With the top Limited trim, you get an 8-inch touchscreen, as well as voice activation, HD radio capability, and NFC technology. The Limited also includes the option for navigation and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
The convenience tech also shines in the Limited. While the Sport comes set with proximity keyless entry and push-button start, the Limited has that plus adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams.
Interior and comfort
While the interior of these trims is fairly similar, the biggest difference is the upholstery. The Crosstrek Sport comes with water-repellent synthetic leather upholstery, while the Limited is cloaked in standard leather. The Limited also comes with a power-adjustable driver’s seat and an optional moonroof.
Winner: Subaru Crosstrek Sport
Considering all of their difference, the Subaru Crosstrek Sport offers a better deal than the Limited trim. The Sport is not only more affordable, but it includes the most important upgrades from the lower trims, like the more powerful engine, more driver-assistance features, and upgraded upholstery.
The Limited trim does offer more advanced safety features, but the overall package doesn’t deliver enough extra features or comfort to make the higher price worth it.
How to save on Subaru insurance costs
While the Sport and Limited trims often have the same insurance prices, we can’t say the same for every insurance provider. If you want to be sure you aren’t overpaying for your
Subaru insurance costs
, the Jerry
app is the easiest way to do it. As the top-rated insurance app and a
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