By Michael Satterfield - Photos By Lucas Kepner - 05/24/2024
20 years ago, we would have called the 2024 Crosstrek a five-door hatchback. However, today, it is considered a compact SUV because SUVs sell, and no one wants a wagon or a hatchback. Its best feature is its rugged aesthetic; I would say it is the best-looking SubaruSubaru currently on the market. The redesigned exterior includes a more prominent grille, sleek headlights, updated body cladding, and an overall fresh yet familiar look, complete with gold accents. With a high ground clearance of 8.7 inches (9.3 inches for the Wilderness trim), it emphasizes its off-road capability, making it ideal for weekend warriors looking to get off the pavement.
The Crosstrek has a spacious and functional cabin made of high-quality materials. The seats are comfortable and provide enough legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers. The layout is driver-friendly and includes an intuitive infotainment system with a standard 7-inch touchscreen (which can be upgraded to 11.6 inches) and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims include luxury features such as upgraded upholstery, a sunroof, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system.
The 2024 Crosstrek is available with two engine options. The base and Premium trims have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine pumping out 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. This engine is matched with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and delivers decent fuel efficiency at 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The other options in the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims feature a more powerful 2.5-liter engine, producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Despite its increased power, the 2.5-liter engine maintains similar fuel economy figures, with slightly reduced ratings of 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway. Don't expect to be thrown back in your seat, our test vehicle had the 2.5-liter option which made it less stressful for highway merges and passing.
The Crosstrek offers a comfortable and composed ride, with a suspension system designed for comfort and adept at absorbing bumps and rough terrain, positioning it as one of the superior options in its class. Remarkably agile handling, complemented by a light steering feel that delivers ample feedback, characterizes its driving dynamics. Notwithstanding some body roll, the Crosstrek exhibits stability and confidence when navigating corners. The Crosstrek excels off-road with its standard all-wheel-drive system and X-Mode, which improves traction on slippery surfaces. The Wilderness trim is especially notable for its heightened ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and extra off-road capabilities, making it an ideal vehicle for outdoor adventures.
Safety has always been a strong point for Subaru, and the 2024 Crosstrek is no exception. It comes equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. These features are standard across all trims, enhancing the vehicle's safety credentials.
The Crosstrek is known for its practicality, offering plenty of cargo space. There are 20.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and up to 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down, I put this to the test with a large shipment, and it was packed, but surprisingly, I hauled it all. The wide rear hatch and low-load floor make it easy to load and unload gear. In addition, the Crosstrek's roof rails provide extra utility for carrying larger items such as bikes, kayaks, or rooftop tents.
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek presents a competitive pricing structure, commencing at approximately $26,290 for the base model and escalating to approximately $33,290 for the Wilderness trim. Equipped with standard all-wheel drive, extensive safety features, and off-road capabilities, the Crosstrek delivers noteworthy value for its price point. Priced at approximately $32,190, the Limited trim encompasses a selection of premium features, rendering it a favorable choice for individuals wanting a little more out of their compact SUV. While it may not be the quickest in its class, its overall package is hard to beat, making it a top pick for those looking for a little adventure in their next daily driver.
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