10 Best Features In The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

Aug 18, 2023

Discover the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, a capable off-roader providing the perfect combination for adventure and daily SUV driving.

The Subaru Crosstrek, which is a lifted Impreza hatchback, is a popular all-wheel-drive SUV, in production since the beginning of the last decade. The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, based on the second generation, now has a successor worthy of continuing its lineage. Indeed, the third generation based 2024 Subaru Crosstrek with a 2.0-liter boxer engine, unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year, has been getting delivered to customers since April. These are sourced from Japan and are readily available on the market. The other, more powerful 2.5-liter engine variant, is being manufactured in the States for the North American market, and is expected to reach showrooms later, with the Sport and Limited trims reaching their owners by summer and the top-of-the-line Wilderness trim out for delivery in autumn. Orders for the latter have not yet been announced.

As for pricing, the 2024 Crosstrek Premium starts at $27,440, the Sport at $30,290, the Limited at $32,190 and the Wilderness at $33,290. These prices include destination and delivery fees. Everyone should be able to pick an exterior color of their preference, with a wide range of choices including Alpine Green, Crystal Black Silica, Horizon Blue Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Lithium Red Pearl, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Offshore Blue Metallic, Pure Red, Crystal White Pearl, Sun Blaze Pearl, Sapphire Blue Pearl and Geyser Blue, which is exclusive to the Wilderness trim.

Let's take a look at the 10 best features in the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and the improvements over the 2023 model.

The Subaru Crosstrek offers two boxer engine options, catering to different driver preferences. Base trims feature a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, delivering responsive performance but lacking in aggressive acceleration. In contrast, the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims step up with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, boasting 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come with a continuously variable automatic transmission, but the 2.5-liter version stands out with a driver-selectable eight-speed manual shift mode and steering wheel paddle shifters.

Furthermore, Subaru's Lineartronic CVT is smooth and responsive, improving power delivery and positively impacting performance and fuel economy. It differs from traditional gears with the use of a metal push belt for power transmission from the engine to the wheels. The transmission control unit monitors driving conditions and driver's input to adjust the pulley width and continuously vary the gear ratio.

The new Crosstrek sees the addition of the Wilderness trim. This variant gives the most off-road-ready version of the Crosstrek, equipped with features and modifications designed to enhance its capability in rugged terrains. Notably, the Wilderness offers a raised suspension system, increasing ground clearance to an impressive 9.3 inches. This improvement contributes to enhanced approach and departure angles.

To tackle uneven ground, all-terrain tires come as standard, providing optimal traction and stability. The Wilderness trim also receives a modified drivetrain, specifically engineered for off-road performance. It is exclusively available with the 2.5-liter engine. On the aesthetic side, the Wilderness trim distinguishes itself with unique badges adorning the front doors and tailgate, while a body-color roof spoiler with black side mirrors add a touch of rugged sophistication.

RELATED: Why The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Is The Best AWD Off-Roader Under $35,000

Subaru was one of the pioneers in the implementation of four-wheel-drive tech, dating back to 1972, with the Subaru Leone. Since then, Subaru has been known for its symmetrical all-wheel-drive, which comes standard on the Crosstrek, thereby enhancing stability and handling. The smoothness of the boxer engine coupled with the all-wheel-drive system indeed make rides across terrains enjoyable.

This set-up's benefit, though, is not limited to off-roading, and extends to tarmacked roads when climatic conditions are not at their best. For instance, snow-laden roads are easier to negotiate with an all-wheel-drive when snowfall outpaces road-clearing efforts. For those staying in rainy regions, the added traction can also help reduce aquaplaning.

Those who relish outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking often gravitate towards a Subaru due to its impressive capacity for crawling rugged terrains. Staying true to this legacy, the Crosstrek upholds its reputation by offering standard all-wheel drive combined with the X-Mode, Subaru's hill descent control. Moreover, models equipped with the 2.5-liter engine boast an additional dual-function X-Mode, enhancing their capability further. This advanced system caters for two additional drive modes that adapt to prevailing conditions: snow/dirt mode and deep snow/mud mode.

Another function of X-Mode is the hill descent control, which allows the vehicle to maintain a controlled speed when descending steep slopes, even in slippery conditions. By automatically applying the brakes when necessary, it ensures a controlled descent and reduces the risk of skidding or loss of control.

The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness variant has an impressive towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs, over the base variant's 1,500 lbs. The Wilderness trim does come with the more powerful 2.5-liter boxer engine, but other improvements were brought about to render this feat possible. These include a reinforced chassis and suspension systems, which ensure superior stability and precise handling while towing.

But it is the advanced cooling system that makes this leap in towing capacity feasible, effectively preventing the system from overheating while maintaining performance throughout towing journeys. The top of the line trim also comes with a tow hitch receiver, trailer sway control and trailer stability assist.

RELATED: How Subaru Doubled The 2024 Crosstrek's Towing Capacity To 3,500 Lbs

With 19.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, the Crosstrek provides ample cargo space despite being a compact SUV. Add to this the foldable rear seats in a 60/40 arrangement, and one gets the flexibility to stack in extreme sports equipment, with a total of 54.7 cubic feet. The low load floor of the Crosstrek also minimizes the effort required in loading things into the vehicle, along with the 41-inch tailgate opening, thereby facilitating the stowing of larger belongings.

Storage accessories designed specifically for the Crosstrek are also available, fitting seamlessly in the cargo area, like the cargo area tray for maintaining a tidy interior, the cargo net which prevents items from moving around the boot, and the cargo organizer with various bins, dividers, and compartments to stay organized. If more storage is needed, the roof cargo carrier will help in storing larger and bulkier items.

What is the purpose of an off-roader if it cannot accommodate your pet? Well, Subaru makes accessories for the Crosstrek geared towards hosting pets in the vehicle, by scratch-proofing and mud-proofing the interior. From cargo and seat covers to panel protectors, the Crosstrek is ready for your furry friends.

Subaru's endeavor to being more accommodating to pets does not stop here, though. Subaru actively demonstrates its commitment to animal welfare by supporting various organizations and sponsoring pet adoptions at auto shows and events nationwide. Employees are also encouraged to volunteer in these activities. Choosing the Crosstrek ultimately supports this movement, which is quite a unique value proposition.

Satellite broadband internet and navigation onboard of off-roaders is all that's required for explorations. Luckily, the Crosstrek comes with Starlink, a revolutionary satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX. Starlink brings global broadband internet coverage to Subaru vehicles, offering a unique value proposition in the realm of in-car connectivity.

Indeed, by harnessing a network of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit, Starlink provides high-speed internet access to areas with limited traditional infrastructure. This means Subaru drivers can enjoy fast and reliable internet connectivity, even in remote and underserved locations. The system's low latency ensures seamless real-time applications like video conferencing and online gaming. Drivers and passengers can stay connected, stream music, access online services, and utilize features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Extensive research, as published in journals like Ergonomics and Applied Ergonomics, have underscored the detrimental effects of extreme temperatures on driving performance as well as passenger's mental and physical wellbeing. Indeed, thermal discomfort caused by excessively hot or cold conditions can lead to decreased concentration, slower reaction times, heightened fatigue behind the wheel or heated debates with cranky passengers.

Opting for a Subaru Crosstrek might well rescue you from these scenarios, as it comes standard with dual-zone climate control across all trim levels. But what sets this Subaru's climate control apart is its efficiency. Air is blasted only at occupied seats, preventing one row of occupants from freezing and the other from being uncomfortably warm.

RELATED : Why The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Is The Best Cheap AWD Crossover To Buy

The 2024 Crosstrek comes standard with Subaru's driver assistance, Eyesight, which has been fine-tuned to provide drivers with invaluable inputs. EyeSight uses a combination of stereo cameras instead of just radar or lidar technology, unlike many other systems on the market. This dual-camera setup gives the system a clear advantage, improving depth perception, object recognition, and the precision with which potential hazards are detected.

These enhancements enable the prompt identification and warning of potential collision risks with both pedestrians and cyclists at intersections. In the event of no remedial response, the Crosstrek can stop by applying the brakes more rapidly. Additional safety features available in the 2024 Crosstrek include reverse automatic braking, blind-spot detection with lane-centering, and rear cross-traffic alert.

With a fascination for cars since his early years, Bhushan has cultivated a keen interest in the automobile world from the time he could read. Magazines and articles on the subject would be devoured in an instant.Formula 1, Le Mans and Paris Dakar would have Bhushan's heart revving to red line at light speed.Nothing has really changed and he now translates his passion into content for HotCars!