When it comes to the WRX and BRZ, Subaru loves a good special edition. But its other better-selling cars don’t normally get the same fun, having to plod into the new year without anything terrifically interesting. Until now, that is. The Crosstrek has a special collaboration that’s actually really cool.
There’s just one problem. It’s built for a specific market where the crocs are big, the spiders are fast, and surfing is just unreal, mate.
One Special Subary-Doo Right Here
Subaru Crosstrek Rip Curl AustraliaSubaru
It’s called the Subaru Crosstrek Rip Curl Edition, and it’s a collaboration with antipodean surf brand Rip Curl. The brand has been making clothing, wetsuits, and accessories for nearly 60 years. As you may have guessed by now, it’s available for the Australian market.
Subaru’s WRX and BRZ specials are usually just a new paint color and maybe some different shocks. The Crosstrek Rip Curl, though, gets some useful upgrades that should actually appeal to surfers and other outdoorsy people. It still starts with cosmetics, namely a big black Rip Curl-logo sticker on the hood, and there are some other exterior and interior badges. This Crosstrek comes with a new grille, with crossbars instead of a mesh look, and front mud flaps, too.
Hop inside, and there are new Rip Curl seat protectors up front to help keep the salt and sand off of the factory seats. A branded cargo tray does the same thing in the back, and there are rubber floor mats. Why doesn’t every Subaru already come with rubber floor mats?
What About The Functional Upgrades?
Subaru Crosstrek Rip Curl AustraliaSubaru
Look up top and you’ll find the real surf accessories. A set of Thule crossbars and surf pads on the factory roof rails will transport your board from the suburbs to the sand and back again. It even comes with vent visors to keep the cabin cool without letting in rain and sand while the windows are cracked open.
Last but not least, the cherry on top. This special Subie comes with a pair of Rip Curl hoodie towels and a 50L wetsuit bucket. If you’re hoping for those to be co-branded too, you’re not alone. But Subaru doesn’t show them, so we’re not quite sure.
What will all these accessories and gear cost? The sticker price comes in at $41,490 dollary-doos, about $2,500 more than the standard Crosstrek. That’s in Australian currency, mind you, and that country’s base Crosstrek is much better equipped than the US base model, so they’re not directly comparable.
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
Subaru Crosstrek Rip Curl AustraliaSubaru
Come on, Subaru. We know that Rip Curl might not resonate with Americans the same way, and that Carhartt is already locked down by Ford, but there must be some brands you can partner up with in the US for a special edition.
We remember the L.L. Bean edition Subaru Outbacks back around the turn of the century. The last special-edition Crosstrek in this area was a beige one made in 2023, and before that we saw red paint 10 years ago. Crosstrek already has cool factor. Make it a little cooler for us, especially if it’s a reasonably priced upgrade like this.
The Crosstrek Rip Curl is available now, but you’ll have to go to Australia to get it.
