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Even if manual transmission cars and SUVs are on the way out, Subaru still has some options. The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek manual transmission configuration is only available on two of the current Crosstrek trim levels, but it is one of the few remaining vehicles even to offer it. For those on a tight budget or who prefer the feeling of a manual transmission, these are your options.

Will the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek offer a manual transmission?

Inside the Subaru Crosstrek without the manual transmission
2023 Subaru Crosstrek interior | Subaru

The good news is that the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek manual transmission comes standard on the base model. This Subaru starts at $23,645 and comes pretty well equipped from the factory (for a Subaru). It utilizes a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that gets up to 33 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek TrimsMSRPManual
Base$23,645Standard
Premium$24,795Standard
Sport$27,995Not Available
Limited$29,495Not Available
Hybrid$36,845Not Available
2023 Subaru Crosstrek manual transmission options

The base 2023 Crosstrek gets the six-speed manual transmission as the base transmission option. A Lineartronic CVT transmission is available that gets adaptive cruise control and incline start assist. With this configuration, the Crosstrek gets 152 hp and 145 pound-feet of torque. As a bonus, it can also tow 1,500 pounds.

Does the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Premium come with a manual transmission?

There is also the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Premium trim that comes with the manual transmission standard. Starting at only $24,795 this year, the Premium trim has the same 2.0L four-cylinder engine. It also gets the same 152 hp and 145 pound-feet of torque. This is also one of the Crosstrek models that offers the best value, thanks to all of its standard features.

While the base model doesn’t allow for many upgrades, the Lineartronic CVT with adaptive control, incline start assist, and eight-speed manual mode with paddle shifters is an option. A few other options are available on the different trim levels that get the automatic transmission, but not for the Premium. It does get all-wheel drive as standard, just like all of the 2023 Crosstrek models.

The Subaru manual transmission might not last much longer

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek SUV in blue
A 2023 Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru

There are five 2023 Subaru Crosstrek trim levels, with only two receiving the manual transmission. The Crosstrek Sport, Limited, and Hybrid get a variety of options. For instance, the Sport and Limited trims get the 2.5L DOHC engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The Hybrid trim also gets the 2.0L in the manual ones, paired with Lineartronic CVT. It is the most expensive option, starting at $36,845.

One of the most significant selling points for the Subaru brand is affordability and customization. Even though the Base and Premium trims are the only ones available with a manual, both start just under $25,000. That is cheaper than most new vehicles on the road, and Subaru knows how to build a reliable SUV.

The Subaru Crosstrek manual transmission is a dying breed, so don’t wait too long if this is your dream vehicle. Pricing for the 2024 Crosstrek has already gone up, and the manual option is no longer standard. Not to say you need to buy one and lock it in a barn for 20 years, but you might want to consider it.

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