2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2023 Jeep Renegade

A blue 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and a dark blue 2023 Jeep Renegade angled away from each other on a white background

When shopping for a vehicle, it’s helpful to have a list of your needs and wants in mind, particularly when you’re comparing models that are the same size and perform the same basic function––for instance, the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2023 Jeep Renegade. While they both fit in the subcompact SUV category, there are plenty of differences between them that will determine which one is the best fit for you.

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, for instance, has three powertrains available, while the 2023 Jeep Renegade only has one. Depending on where you live, what surfaces you’ll be driving on, and the activities you’re most interested in, one or the other will appeal to you the most. While the Renegade does have some of that Jeep off-roading capability many love, the Crosstrek is more than able to keep up on the trails and on the pavement. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest differences between the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2023 Jeep Renegade and see which one ends up the most appealing.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek VS 2023 Jeep Renegade
$23,645[a] MSRP $30,490
152 Horsepower (hp) 177
28/33 Fuel Economy (city/hwy MPG) 23/29
55.3 Max Cargo Volume (cu.ft.) 50.8
A gold 2023 Subaru Crosstrek driving on a city street in the rain

Performance

Subaru and Jeep, on the surface, appear to have very different performance styles. Jeep is known for producing rough-and-tumble models that can ford streams, crawl over logs, traverse rather bumpy terrain, and play in the mud. Subaru, on the other hand, tends to give off a practical, roomy, outdoorsy vibe that lends itself to the idea of picnics, a visit to a national park or forest, and other less rugged adventures. Is that really the case?

The Engines of the Subaru Crosstrek

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is available with three different powertrains––the 2.0L Subaru Boxer-4, the 2.5L Subaru Boxer-4, and the Hybrid, a dual pairing of the 2.0L Subaru Boxer-4 and an electric motor. The base 2.0L option provides the Subaru with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.5L offers 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid engine-and-motor combination nets 148 hp and 149 lb-ft of torque. While the hp is lower than a full-size SUV, this subcompact model still has plenty of power and more fuel efficiency when you opt for the hybrid model. For example, the base model gets 28 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The Crosstrek makes the most out of its power to provide you with a smooth, quick ride.

The Engine of the Jeep Renegade

On the other hand, the 2023 Jeep Renegade comes with one powertrain: the 1.3L direct injection turbocharged four-cylinder. With this engine, you’ll get an average of 23 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway, which is much lower than the base Crosstrek engine. You’ll end up spending more on fuel than you would with the Crosstrek, something to keep in mind when planning for your next adventure. Unfortunately, this might mean fewer and shorter trips, with more careful planning around mileage and fuel stops. The 1.3L engine provides 177 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque, which means you’ll have a middling hp between the two Crosstrek options.

While Jeep does provide a decent engine for its only option, it just doesn't stand up against what the Subaru Crosstrek has to offer. With three engine options, including a hybrid variant, the Crosstrek is far ahead of the Renegade.

The maroon and black interior of a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Special Edition parked in the mountains

Technology

When it comes to technology and safety, many people look for standard features like power windows, adjustable seats and steering wheel, a radio, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Some are more interested in the optional or luxury features, like heated and ventilated seating, large infotainment centers, and multiple USB ports or Wi-Fi capability. Still, others prefer to keep the amenities simple and concentrate on the safety features, like a rearview camera, pre-and-post collision assistance, and blind spot monitoring. What are you looking for?

Tech in the Crosstrek

When you look at a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, you’ll find it packed to the gills with features. From base trim to the hybrid, there are plenty of standard and optional features that you can choose to make your vehicle optimal for your life. Depending on which trim you’re looking at, you’ll have some of the following: multi-reflector halogen headlights, LED steering responsive headlights, LED fog lights, a roof spoiler, windshield wiper de-icer, heated side mirrors, sliding moonroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, StarTex water-repellent upholstery, keyless access with push-button start and PIN-code access, electronic cruise control, and USB ports.

Tech in the Renegade

Compared to the Subaru Crosstrek, the Jeep Renegade does appear to be lacking in some of the more refined aspects of the features available with the Crosstrek. The Renegade is available with heated side mirrors, LED headlamps, variable intermittent wipers (there is no option for a de-icer), a choice between a few types of upholstery for seating, heated front seats, a USB host flip, GPS navigation, and a console with sliding armrest and cupholders.

Are you the sort of person who enjoys the little luxuries, or do you prefer something more plain? Either way, the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek comes out on top. The 2023 Jeep Renegade just doesn’t have the extras that are available or even come standard with the Crosstrek.

A blue 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid parked at a downtown charging station.

Trims

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek bests the 2023 Jeep Renegade when it comes to trim offerings. The Crosstrek offers five trim levels, and the Renegade only has three for 2023. While it might sound appealing to have your choices narrowed down for you, the choice of trim for the Renegade is more limiting than the Crosstrek, which has stylized each trim for a different type of driver.

The Trims of the Renegade

The 2023 Jeep Renegade, regardless of trim, comes standard with a 2,000 lb towing capacity, a nine-speed automatic transmission, variable intermittent windshield wipers, advanced brake assist, and Jeep’s Uconnect navigation system on an 8.4-inch screen. The starting trim for the Renegade is the Latitude, which is a pretty bare-bones model that gets the job done. Next up, you have the Upland trim, which adds a little bit more luxury to your ride. Finally, if you are a fan of heading out onto the trails, then the Trailhawk would be the trim to check out.

The Trims of the Crosstrek

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, on the other hand, has five available trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Hybrid. You can already begin to see the types of drivers that will find each of these appealing. The base trim level is for those who just want the practical everyday commuter. The Crosstrek Base comes with manually adjustable front seats, 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks, a 6.5-inch infotainment display, power front and rear windows, electronic cruise control, and a front seat USB input port.

The Premium trim level, in addition to the above, can offer you fog lights, body-color folding side mirrors, the All-Weather Package, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth upholstery with orange stitching, auto-on/off headlights, dual front USB input ports, an illuminated and lockable glove box, a rear cargo tray, and a retractable/removable cargo-area cover. Next on the list is the Sport trim level, which includes features like a leather-wrapped shifter handle, StarTex water-repellent upholstery w/ yellow contrast stitching, keyless entry with push-button start and PIN-code access, Lineartronic CVT paddle shifters, dual rear USB charging ports, and Eyesight Driver Assist Technology.

Looking for something a little more luxurious? The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Limited is the trim level for you, including reverse automatic braking, blind-spot detection/rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, the STARLINK 8-inch Multimedia Plus, and leather-trimmed upholstery with orange contrast-stitching. Last, but certainly not least, the Hybrid level trim comes with low-rolling-resistance all-season tires, low-profile roof rails, leather-trimmed upholstery with blue contrast stitching, and the all-important hybrid powertrain. No matter which way you look at it, the Subaru Crosstrek has options for every type of driver, while the Jeep Renegade just doesn't have as much to offer.