2024 SUBARU CROSSTREK

 

CROSSTREK ENTERS THIRD GENERATION 
WITH THE COMING OF THE 2024 MODEL

Introduced as a 2012 model to replace the Sport version of the iconic Outback SUV, the subcompact Crosstrek continues to be a stellar seller for the Japanese automaker Subaru, challenging the Forester and Outback the company’s No. 1 spot.

Over the last three years, the Crosstrek has occupied the No. 1 (2022), No. 2 (2023), and No. 3 (2021 place in Subaru’s yearly sales in swapping positions with the Forester and Outback.

Overall, those three dominate the company’s sales over its largest SUV, the three-row Ascent that hit the U.S. market in the fall of 2018. Each of the top three hold more than double the sales numbers of the fourth-place Ascent, a trend that continues through the first two months of this year.

The redesign that moved the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek into its third generation didn’t change its appearance or size much. Fractions of an inch were shaved off the length down to 176.4 inches and the width to 70.9. A couple of inches were knocked off the height (63 inches), but the wheelbase is a tad longer at 105.1 inches.

But there is a new trim level that Subaru dubs Wilderness at the top of the portfolio to go with the Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited models, and the manual transmission has been dropped from the drivetrain offerings.

Subaru’s Eyesight Technology, a safety systems that monitors traffic and provides assistance such as a full-on emergency stop, is now standard for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, and infotainment systems have been updated.

This review is based on the Sport trim of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and features a 2.5-liter Boxer engine (a Subaru trait) mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that boosts horsepower to 182 and torque to 178 pound-feet over the 152/145, respectively, in the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine standard in Base and Premium trims.

Along with Premium and Limited trims, the CVT in Sport models includes eight pre-set modes that the driver can access manually via steering-wheel paddle shifters.

There’s not much in the way of peppy performance even in the larger engine, but fuel mileage is rated at 26 miles-per-gallon city, 33 highway, and 29 combined. That’s pretty close to the 27/34/29 figures for the 2.0L 4-banger.

Among comfort and convenience features on the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport are Subaru’s StarLink services with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, a wireless phone charger, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and push-button start.

In addition to the EyeSight Driver assist program, safety features include adaptable control with lane-centering assist, brake assist, and the usual collection of airbags and seatbelts.

Blind spot and rear cross-traffic alert comes in a $1,190 option package that also features a power moonroof and 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support.

Roof rails, a retractable cargo cover, automatic LED headlights with automatic high beam, and LED fog lights also are among standard features. The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.

Starting MSRP for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is $28,995, which is $5,000 more than the starting point for the Base model that carries over from 2023. My test 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport that included the one option package came to $32,210 including the $1,295 destination and delivery fee.

What I liked about the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport: The interior is roomy and comfortable. What the 2.5L, 4-cylinder Boxer engine lacks in oomph it makes up for in fuel efficiency. Tech features are plentiful. The touchscreen looks imposing but really is quite user-friendly. It even has knobs to adjust audio volume and surf the radio dial. The Crosstrek isn’t ready to take on the Rubicon Trail, but with a ground clearance of 9.3 inches and extra body cladding in Wilderness trim it has some off-roading chops. Being a Subaru, all-wheel drive is standard.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport: The manual transmission available on some earlier models has been discontinued in favor of a CVT. Ugh. Even with the 2.5L engine the low power shows up when looking for a little more punch for passing at highway speeds. I can live without the touches of gold trim. A power liftgate would be a nice addition.

Would I buy the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport? Models with the 2.5L engine definitely are worth a look. It is a very functional SUV and the price level is appealing.