2023 SUBARU CROSSTREK

SUBARU UPS CROSSTREK’S OFF-ROADING CAPABILITY BUT YOU’LL HAVE TO WAIT FOR IT

The Subaru Crosstrek moves into its third generation with a new trim added to 2024 models to boost its off-roading capabilities.

At 9.3 inches, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness sits a little more than a half-inch higher than the 8.7-inch ground clearance for other Crosstrek trims, and the continuously variable transmission has been revised to give it a little more climbing capability.

Shown at the New York Auto Show in early April, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness trim won’t go on sale until this fall when it joins Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited models in dealer showrooms.

Thus this review is based on the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium model which comes with a 2.0-liter Boxer engine, so-named because the horizontal pistons mimic the jabs of a boxer when the engine is running.

The Base model gets the same engine as the Premium while the other trims — Sport, Limited, and Wilderness — get a 2.5-liter 4-banger that ups horsepower and torque to 182 ponies and 178 pound-feet, respectively, over the 152/145 in the smaller engines.

All engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission and Premium, Sport, and Limited models get paddle shifters to simulate an 8-speed manual transmission.

Speaking of a manual transmission, it has been discontinued on Subaru Crosstrek models across the board. But all Crosstreks feature one of two X-Mode systems for driving on slippery surfaces and steep inclines.

As is the custom with Subaru, all Crosstreks also feature the company’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

While its power numbers are not that great, my experience showed the 2.0L engine in the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium to be anything but pokey. It wouldn’t be my first pick for a drag race, but around town it seemed fine. I had no issues keeping up with the traffic flow on South Florida’s notorious expressways.

You might have a bigger issue with gas mileage. The 2.0L engine has little advantage over the larger engine with numbers of 27 miles-per-gallon city, 34 highway, and 29 combined compared to 26/33/29 for the 2.5L.

Where the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium trim excels is in the features it offers without breaking the bank. 

Standard items on the my test Premium trim included keyless entry and push-button start, Eyesight Driver Assist Technology (adaptive cruise control with lane centering; pre-collision braking and throttle management; lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist), auto start/stop, dual-zone climate control, LED headlights and foglights, X-Mode with Hill Descent Control, 17-inch alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, roof rails, and an 11.6-inch screen to operate infotainment features on Subaru’s Multi-media Plus system. 

Throw in a couple of options that included an all-weather package, power moonroof and blind-spot detection, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert and the final total still came short of the $30,000 mark at $29,685 including the $1,259 destination and delivery charge.

What I liked about the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium: The cabin is roomy and comfortable. The engine outperforms its subpar power numbers. The Premium trim offers keyless entry and push-button start along with dual-zone climate control. All-wheel drive is a nice bonus even if you don’t live in a climate that gets snow. (Ever been in a Florida rainstorm?) Power windows are auto up/down. Didn’t realize how much I missed auto up until I switched to a vehicle without that feature.  Fuel economy is competitive in the segment. In addition to touchscreen, the audio and climate control systems also work off knobs/buttons. A nicely equipped model still checks in at under $30K.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium: I would prefer an 8-speed transmission or even a manual (discontinued) over the CVT. There is a bit of a learning curve with the touchscreen to get you into the proper mode for the function you are seeking. 

Would I buy the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium? In a heartbeat. This is an ideally priced vehicle that looks sharp and is very functional, roomy, and comfortable.