Subaru Crosstrek gets limited-edition surfing makeover in Aussie collab

Subaru Australia has unveiled a new special-edition Crosstrek, after partnering with iconic Australian brand Rip Curl to put together a handful of surf-inspired accessories for the small SUV.

The Crosstrek AWD Rip Curl Special Edition is an Australia-only special priced at $41,490 drive-away, which at the moment is $2500 more than the entry-level Crosstrek 2.0L on which it’s based. The base Crosstrek AWD 2.0L is available for $38,990 drive-away until October 31, 2026, but is normally priced at $36,490 before on-road costs.

Beyond Rip Curl badging, unique seat protectors, and a cargo tray, the new Crosstrek comes standard with several genuine Subaru accessories, including rubber floor mats, a revised front grille, front nose garnish, front mud guards, and weather shields.

It also gets roof-mounted Thule cross bars and surf pads for carrying surfboards. Those accessories cost more than $3200 when optioned on a standard Crosstrek 2.0L, which means the Rip Curl edition brings savings of at least $700.

“Rip Curl started on Victoria’s Surf Coast and has become a world-leading surf brand, while Subaru has been helping Australians get out and explore for over five decades. There’s a natural fit between the two brands,” said Blair Read, managing director of local Subaru distributor Inchcape Australasia.

“Crosstrek is already designed to take you beyond the beaten path, and this special edition gives it a very distinct personality.”

Subaru Crosstrek Rip Curl Special Edition equipment highlights:

• Rip Curl bonnet decal
• Rip Curl exterior badge
• Rip Curl interior badge
• Subaru x Rip Curl front seat protectors
• Subaru x Rip Curl cargo tray
• Thule cross bars
• Thule surf pads
• Front grille
• Front nose garnish
• Front mud guards
• Rubber floor mats
• Resin cargo step panel
• Weather shields

That’s in addition to the standard features of the Crosstrek 2.0L, which include:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Space-saver spare wheel
• Automatic halogen headlights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Rear privacy glass
• Standard steering wheel
• Manual seat adjustment incl. driver’s seat height
• Standard analogue instrument cluster (petrol only)
• Premium instrument cluster (Hybrid only)
• 4.2-inch multi-information display
• 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• Bluetooth
• Auxiliary jack
• 1 x USB-A port (front)
• 1 x USB-C port (front)
• Wireless phone charger
• 6-speaker sound system
• Paddle shifters
• Dual-zone climate control
• SI-Drive (2 modes)
• X-Mode (1 mode)
• Active torque vectoring
• Adaptive cruise control
• Reversing camera

The Rip Curl edition brings no mechanical changes to the Crosstrek. It’s powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder ‘boxer’ petrol engine with 115kW of power and 196Nm of torque, with drive sent to Subaru’s ‘Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive’ system through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Though a plethora of exterior paint colours are available for the Crosstrek and the Rip Curl Special Edition, only white and black are no-cost options. The Sand Dune Pearl finish on the Rip Curl model pictured here costs an extra $660, the same as every other special colour.

Subaru has confirmed the Rip Curl Special Edition will be available in local showrooms from November 2026, joining the special-edition Crosstrek Sport announced in August.

The Japanese brand has yet to confirm Australian plans for the more off-road-focused Crosstrek Wilderness, which is currently on sale in the US with a more powerful boxer engine and the choice off-road upgrades, nor the Crosstrek Strong Hybrid currently on sale in Japan.

Subaru isn’t the first auto brand to collaborate with the famous Aussie surf brand, with previous limited-edition model variants including the homegrown 2007 Ford BFII Falcon Ute Rip Curl Edition, and several Citroens sold in various markets including Australia.

Pricing

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