Over the years, the Subaru Crosstrek has gone through a series of improvements giving it a competitive edge in the subcompact crossover SUV segment. It's characterized mainly by drive reliability on tarmac and gravel roads thanks to the standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and is relatively affordable for most buyers. This coupled with its stylish design and pocket-friendly fuel economy is what has made it one of the best-selling Subaru models.
Growing from being simply regarded as a lifted Subaru Impreza Sport, the third-generation Crosstrek is well on its way to setting itself apart from the hatchback in 2024. The refreshed 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is building on the success of its previous generations while making a number of improvements to set itself as a worthy buy. It comes with several new appointments and upgrades, including a new trim. Most of the features come standard, and with a fresh new look, there’s more than one convincing reason why you should buy the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek.
10 The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Comes With A Bolder And More Rugged Look
The new Crosstrek has been revised to give it a more modern, rugged, and bold look. Though it goes through a comprehensive refresh, it’s easy to differentiate it from the outgoing 2023 Subaru Crosstrek from its front or rear. Its standard LED headlights have been redesigned and easily integrate with the distinctively-colored bar that runs across the frameless hexagonal black grille.
This feature along with the bold creasing on the Crosstrek’s bumper and hood gives it a firm and adventure-ready look. You’ll also notice a difference in the design of the tail lights as well and from the side one of the major changes is that on the wheel arch cladding. In 2024, the wheel arch cladding features little functional air vents and is even larger on the new Crosstrek Wilderness trim.
9 It Comes With A Redesigned Interior With Ample Cabin And Cargo Space
The stylish interior is nothing short of impressive. It features newly designed front bucket seats to look sportier and add more comfort to your rides this is done without sacrificing cabin and cargo space. The 2024 Crosstrek is similarly spacious to its 2023 counterpart with only a negligible difference in the front legroom. For shopping trips or while on adventures, the 20 cubic feet of space in the cargo area will come in handy in carrying supplies or tools, but you can always fold down the rear seats for 25 cubic feet more.
The dashboard and center console also feature a couple of design changes that set it apart from the outgoing model. For instance, the dashboard features a redesigned control center with a larger screen and wider air vents while the center console now has diagonally-opposite cup holders. Its armrest storage is now more spacious since the 12-volt output has been moved outside next to the cup holders for easier access.
8 It Features A Much-Needed Infotainment Upgrade
All trims now come standard with the Subaru STARLINK multimedia system with the base trim featuring dual seven-inch touchscreens while the other trims come with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Both systems are highly responsive and intuitive and with hands-free smartphone operation, you’ll get to enjoy music and audio from the available Harman Kardon speakers via standard wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
In 2024, the Crosstrek also comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM stereo, HD radio, SiriusXM, steering-wheel-integrated controls, voice-activated controls, dual-zone climate control, USBC-A ports, and a wireless charging pad is available. The voice-activated climate control has been upgraded to be occupied-seat-specific to help save energy while the 11.6-inch infotainment is capable of receiving over-the-air updates.
7 The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek's Powertrain Is Adventure-Ready
All Crosstrek trims come standard with a symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. Under the hood, the base and premium models have a reliable naturally aspirated 2.0-liter flat-four gasoline-powered engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 and 4,000 rpm, respectively. Higher trims feature a 2.5-liter flat-four that produces about 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque to offer better performance.
And since the manual six-speed has been dropped, the engine works with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) but the eight simulated gears grant you throttle control. Expect the 2.0 to offer an EPA-estimated 27 city, 34 highway, and 29 combined mpg, while the 2.5-liter boxer should offer 26 city, 33 highway and an identical 29 combined mpg.
The engine power, symmetrical AWD, and X-MODE combined with the standard 8.7 inches of ground clearance, among other factors, make the Crosstrek an off-road-ready subcompact crossover SUV. The Wilderness trims gets 9.3 inches of clearance, thanks to longer travel suspension. You also get better approach departure, and breakover angles on the Wilderness (18,19.7,30.1) than the standard model (20,21.1,33).
Though not a fully off-road SUV, the base 2024 Crosstrek handles dirt and unpaved roads comfortably which makes it stand out in its segment. Considering the fact that it can also tow up to 1,500 pounds, this Crosstrek would be a good fit for camping adventures.
6 A More Diverse Selection Of Trims And Options
For this generation, Subaru has spiced things up with a wider selection of trims and options available for its customer base. Besides the conventional Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited models, a new Crosstrek Wilderness trim has been added to the lineup. The Base and Premium models feature a 2.0-liter DOHC engine while the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims offer a peppier version of the same engine with 2.5 liters displacement. Another trim, a plug-in hybrid Crosstrek, is set to be introduced later this year, bringing the total to six trims.
All trims boast standard safety features, rugged exterior design, and impressive gas mileage, rated at 29 MPG combined. Higher trims, however, come loaded with more appointments in terms of design and tech features with a wider selection of fairly-priced optional upgrades. For example, for less than $2,500, you can get an all-weather package, or have a combination of options such as a power moonroof, blind spot detection, power driver seat, etc.
5 The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Features Improved Handling For More Comfortable Rides
The new generation Crosstrek has received significant updates to improve handling and increase comfort for passengers. To begin with, the 2024 Crosstrek features stiffer underpinnings compared to the outgoing generation Crosstrek model and comes with an upgraded suspension.
It’s built on the updated Subaru Global Platform that comes with higher rigidity thanks to better welding and structural adhesives. The air vents on the wheel arch cladding also come in handy in reducing turbulence in the wheel well for better stability on the road. These factors help improve the Crosstrek’s aerodynamic performance and handling for a smoother drive.
This Crosstrek also comes with an electric dual-pinion steering wheel, similar to that on the Subaru WRX, and the powertrain has been reinforced to reduce vibrations. The cabin is quieter thanks to better damping and considering that its CVT is smoother and that the seats are more comfortable, the 2024 Crosstrek promises a marked improvement in ride quality.
4 It Comes With A Host Of Standard Driver Assist And Safety Features
The Crosstrek keeps nailing it especially when it comes to safety ratings. The subcompact SUV has been awarded a five-star overall rating from 2016 to 2023 with NHTSA reports indicating low complaints from buyers. And with the improved safety features on the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, it’s unlikely that the safety ratings will go any lower.
For this generation, the Crosstrek comes standard with safety features such as High Beam Assist, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), X-MODE, Brake Assist, etc. The convenient X-MODE feature optimizes engine output, enhances the symmetrical AWD system, and also works with the VDC for optimum traction on slippery surfaces.
One of the best EyeSight Driver Assist Technology features, Automatic Emergency Steering, does a great job working with Blind-Spot Detection to help drivers avoid collisions. Overall, the Subaru Crosstrek is well-appointed with safety features and it’s no surprise that it was on IIHS's top safety pick list in 2022.
3 Push Limits With The New Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Trim
There’s a lot that the base model brings to the table, but if you desire more adventure and higher power, the Wilderness trim will certainly fit the bill. This top-of-the-line Crosstrek offers more than standard performance, it’s also loaded with more features, handles unpaved roads better, and is generally more rugged compared to the other trims.
It comes standard with the 2.5-liter DOHC engine, a roof rack capable of carrying 176 pounds of weight on the road and 700 pounds when parked, and a higher ground clearance of 9.3 inches. The Wilderness trim also comes with an exclusive transmission oil cooler which more than doubles the towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. The CVT has also been tuned to improve performance at low speeds which makes the 2024 Wilderness the go-to trim level for off-road adventures.
2 The New Generation Crosstrek Is Competetively Priced
Considering the number of upgraded features and the fact that the 2024 Crossover has undergone some redesigning to look different from the first of the third generation, most would expect it to have a higher price tag. But no. Subaru has managed to make all the important design and features upgrades while maintaining a low MSRP. The base 2024 Crosstrek carries the same price tag as the 2023 model, with only a slight difference in destination charges.
The base model goes for $26,290, destination and delivery fees included, while the Wilderness is currently the most expensive available trim with its MSRP at $32,190. Once it’s unveiled, the plug-in hybrid model of the Crosstrek is expected to cost around $39,000. For a subcompact crossover SUV with a powertrain that promises thrill even on dirt roads, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is reasonably-priced and therefore affordable.
1 It Remains Highly Competitive In The Subcompact SUV Segment
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is a formidable rival to the 2023 Mazda CX-30, 2023 Hyundai Kona, and other subcompact crossover SUVs in its class. Besides having an upper hand over both the CX-30 and the Kona in terms of legroom and general cabin and cargo space, it’s also better off the road. Though the base model is underpowered, the Crosstrek has a higher ground clearance and its build allows it to handle gravel roads more gracefully compared to most subcompact SUVs.
Subaru Crosstrek also fares well in fuel efficiency and is the better option compared to the CX-30, Kona, and 2023 Honda HR-V. While the Mazda CX-30 and Crosstrek are both rated at a combined 29 MPG, the Crosstrek is more fuel efficient than the Mazda on the highway but it beats both the Hyundai Kona and Honda HR-V in terms of fuel efficiency. You may also travel longer on a full tank since the Crosstrek has the largest tank in this segment, 16.6 gallons, and since it's a competitively priced subcompact SUV, it's a great option over most of its competition.