Following the announcement of its full lineup for the 2023 Tokyo Auto Show, Subaru published photos of the Boost Gear Concepts based on the Crosstrek compact crossover and the Rex urban SUV. Both models feature off-road-focused modifications and accessories that enhance their rugged appeal.
The Subaru Crosstrek Boost Gear Concept
comes equipped with plenty of extra gear, looking like a version of the new-gen
Crosstrek on steroids. The Yokohama Geolander mud-terrain tires are a stand-out
feature, giving it more grip in more demanding off-road conditions combined
with AWD. It also appears to sit higher than the stock model, hinting at a
suspension lift kit. Styling modifications include some parts from the recently
announced official accessory catalog, including the black sticker on the hood,
the add-on above the grille, and the extra LEDs mounted next to the foglights.
The Boost Gear Concept takes it a step further by adding aluminum-style accents
on the skidplate and fenders, extra protective plastic cladding on the doors, a
pair of side steps, rally-style mudflaps, and a Rhino roof rack with an
integrated LED bar and awning.
Subaru designers opted for a duo-tone
treatment with a matt finish, combined with light blue accents on the alloy
wheels, custom badges, and mudflaps. The automaker remains coy on details about
the technical specs of the concept so we don’t know if it comes fitted with the
stock e-Boxer hybrid powertrain or a different engine.
Moving on to the Subaru Rex Boost Gear
Concept, the updates here are more subtle than in the Crosstrek, which is
understandable as we are talking about an urban SUV. Still the additions on the
concept look more impressive than any of the already available accessory packs.
Subaru’s version of the Toyota Raize / Daihatsu Rocky twins has been upgraded
with a new set of black wheels shod in Yokohama Geolander tires, mud-flaps,
aluminum-style skid plates, a matt finish for the bodywork and the black roof,
plus a few light blue accents.
The production-spec Subaru Rex is
exclusively offered with a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter engine that is good
for 80 hp transmitted to the front wheels through a CVT gearbox
with seven simulated gears. Thus, we hope that the rugged-looking concept will
gain the more powerful turbocharged 1.0-liter alongside the 4WD system that is
available in the nearly identical Toyota Raize.
We will learn more about the Boost Gear
Concepts at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon, where they will be exhibited together
with the rest of the Subaru lineup including an Impreza fitted with STI parts,
the limited-production Levorg STI Sport #, and a trio of racecars. It remains
to be seen if the extra kit of the concepts will find its way into production.