Last month’s small SUV figures are in, and it appears that the Subaru Crosstrek has come out on top in the subcompact category. It has sold over 76,000 units total for 2023, finishing out June with nearly 14,000 units sold. Why is the Subaru Crosstrek beating its rivals by such a large margin?

The Subaru Crosstrek vs. its competition

While the Honda HR-V is experiencing promising sales growth compared to 2022, it trails behind the Crosstrek with just below 54,000 units sold. Over 51,000 Jeep Compass models have been purchased this year, according to the latest GoodCarBadCar data. Both the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 have sold around 38,000 units for 2023. 

The Buick Encore GX and Kia Seltos have sold closer to 30,000 units so far. The Chevy Trax and Toyota Corolla Cross are nearly matched with approximately 27,387 and 28,336 units sold, respectfully. The Kia Niro’s June sales were up by 85% over last year’s, but it still hasn’t even moved 20,000 units.

The Hyundai Venue’s sales are also far below those of the Subaru Crosstrek. Little more than 16,000 drivers have purchased one this year. The Mini Cooper Countryman is one of the least popular SUVs in the segment with just 5,257 units sold. 

The Subaru Crosstrek is the most capable subcompact SUV

One of the Crosstrek’s (or almost any Subaru’s) biggest appeal is that all-wheel drive is standard on every model. Both the Base and Premium trims come standard with a 152-hp four-cylinder engine and boast 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Starting on the Sport trim, the standard engine is upgraded to a 182-hp four-cylinder. 

The 2023 Crosstrek’s base engine could only be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Both engines are paired with a continuously-variable transmission for the 2024 model year. Subaru also promises that the 2024 Crosstrek has a comfier ride and enhanced stability thanks to a torsional rigidity increase. The Sport and Limited models have standard X-Mode for added off-road traction, plus hill descent control.

Every Subaru Crosstrek is capable enough for light off-roading, especially the all-new Wilderness trim. This one features the bigger four-cylinder engine with enhanced gearing and an upgraded ground clearance of approximately 9.3 inches. It also has all-terrain tires, better approach and departure angles, water-resistant seats, and more drive modes to suit any kind of road condition. 

Consumers love the Subaru Crosstrek’s revised interior

U.S. News reported that a lackluster interior was one of the 2023 Crosstrek’s biggest downsides. Given that the latest Crosstrek was released last spring, we can assume that many drivers might have purchased the redesigned model.

Subaru claims that the 2024 Crosstrek features improved sound insulation and front seats that offer better support. Both Subaru Crosstrek models have plenty of room for five riders on either cloth or leather-trimmed seats.

Heated front seats are standard starting on the Crosstrek Sport. The Subaru Crosstrek Limited features a moonroof and a 10-way power adjustability lever for the driver’s seat. As for maximum cargo capacity, the Crosstrek boasts nearly 55 cu-ft of space. According to Car and Driver, the seats don’t fold completely flat. 

The redesigned Subaru Crosstrek has better technology

Every Subaru Crosstrek has an abundance of advanced driver’s aids, most of which are standard for 2024. In addition to several collision mitigation features, you get lane centering and adaptive cruise control. The Crosstrek Limited adds reverse automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alert. Besides the Base trim, each 2024 Crosstrek also has a new 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration. 

The Crosstrek has a rugged character that’s unconventional for this segment, which we believe makes it more popular. It also has the mechanical enhancements to deliver some actual off-roading skills, while some of its rivals are simply sporty or adventurous for aesthetic purposes. All of the Crosstrek’s standard safety features and spacious interior accommodations are great bonuses.