2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Are you looking for an all-purpose adventure wagon that puts more utility in a subcompact SUV? Look no farther than the all-new Subaru Crosstrek for 2024. The reimagined family hauler is rugged, affordable, and very dependable. This new generation no longer offers a manual gearbox, sporting a continuously variable transmission (CVT), two engine choices, and an all new more rugged Wilderness version.
A True Sport Utility Vehicle
The Subaru XV, also known as the Crosstrek first debuted in 2012 when the subcompact crossover style was gaining ground on America's roads. In 2022 the automaker unveiled its third generation Crosstrek to the global market. It has always been an all-wheel drive five-seater that is both spacious and practical, but this next generation Subaru for 2024 features upper tier trim models that are built right here in the United States.
The more off-road oriented Crosstrek Wilderness model raises the suspension to 9.3 inches so it can ford streams and climb out of gullies with the greatest of ease. The standard model has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches. The Wilderness has a more outdoorsman look, including all-terrain tires, a roof rack that is rated to hold 700 pounds, the CVT transmission is tuned for better low-speed performance, and it can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
All versions of the redesigned Crosstrek include better positioned and more ergonomic comfortable seating and the addition of sound-deadening material in the cabin produces an ultra-quiet driving experience.
Under the Hood
The new Crosstrek comes in five trim levels. The Base and Premium models include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The Sport, Limited, and Wilderness models have a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrain that pumps up performance to 182 horses and 178 pound-feet of torque. However, this hill climbing hiker is no sports car. Even the meatier horsepower model takes 8.2 seconds to take you from zero to 60 mph, but then, it was never designed to be a track day terror.
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When it comes to fuel economy, the gas sipping 2.0-liter Subaru will take you an estimated EPA rated 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway and the bigger 2.5-liter version slices a mile per gallon off that, coming in at estimated 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway. As of this writing, there are no plans for a hybrid version anytime soon.
Inside the Cabin
The Subaru Crossover is designed to get the job done for a family of five and that is evidenced in the rather utilitarian design of the cabin. Everything is exactly where you'd expect it so long as you aren't expecting Mercedes-style luxury. The interior makes you think, "Wow, it would be easy to clean up muddy boot prints or paw prints from wet dogs." And that's the point of the Crossover. It is here to make your everyday adventures comfortable and easy to clean up after.
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As mentioned, the new seats are more comfortable than the previous version and the car is much quieter inside than the old model. Cloth upholstery is standard though leather seats are an option as is a panoramic sunroof. You'll find the interior to be spacious with plenty of cargo room. There's 20 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and a healthy 55 cubic feet with those seated stowed away. Deep pockets in the doors accommodate many bottles of water or extra gear and the overall impression is that this crossover is ready to handle any outdoorsy wilderness fun you can throw at it.
For the first time, the Crosstrek offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard and while the base model comes with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, higher trim versions include a big 11.6-inch screen to keep you connected. Subaru's latest suite of EyeSight driver assist features include automated emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control all as standard. The system assesses traffic around the vehicle and includes automatic pre-collision braking (a new feature for 2024). Blind-spot detection with lane change assist is available on the Premium and Sport trim models and is standard on the Limited version.
What's it like to Drive?
Subaru's intention with this all-new subcompact SUV was no doubt to focus on areas that needed improvement and it has done a brilliant job of listening to its customers. For instance, a new stiffer chassis, part of the Subaru Global Platform, includes more weld points to improve ride quality and crash safety. In fact, the Crossover has earned a Five Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA. While the overall structure is stiffer, the suspension can be adjusted for a softer ride to better absorb bumps and potholes on the road and for a bit of off-road wandering.
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We found that the overall ride to be superb on the road or in the dirt. Its 17-inch Yokohama tires offer excellent grip, and the new crossover has better skidpad ratings than the previous generation. But keep in mind that like all Subaru vehicles this nimble adventure-ready family mover is made to handle light off-road trails and rutted roads but falls short if you're into serious rock climbing. The new Wilderness trim offers additional ground clearance and more aggressive all-terrain tires for those who are interested in pushing the limits on backroad trails.
On the road, the car is great in corners and at traversing twist canyon highways and byways. Steering is light and precise and handling is predictable. Making a steep ascent? Choose X-Mode on the center touchscreen for hill-start hold and hill-descent control. Want to take along a canoe? That's what the roof rack is for, and the latest version of EyeSight has a wider field of vision to help watch out for cross traffic. Subaru has thought of everything including an electronically assisted steering rack, bigger brakes, and an electronic brake booster to smooth out steering and braking on any surface.
Get your Crosstrek at Lithia Motors
Capable of more off-roading than your average compact crossover, this new generation is bolder, quieter, and more comfortable. We think it's the best Crosstrek ever. Find yours at the Lithia Motors Subaru dealer near you. Starting MSRP $24,995.
