Subaru Shows Rugged Crosstrek And REX Boost Gear Concepts In Tokyo

The concepts look ready to attack the wilderness thanks to the additional equipment

[This story has been updated with a full gallery from the exhibition floor]

At the 2023 Tokyo Auto Show, Subaru unveiled a couple of "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.

Read: Subaru's Tokyo Lineup Includes Impreza With STI Parts And Tuned Levorg STI Sport

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 to 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 (60 kW / 82 PS) 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.

The Boost Gear Concepts are exhibited together with the rest of the Subaru lineup at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon, 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.