2024 Subaru Crosstrek: Rugged Crossover Ready for Adventure

2024 Subaru Crosstrek

The automotive industry is flooded with crossover SUVs these days. With so many competitors it’s hard for automakers to actually make one that stands out. Well, fear not there is an option from Subaru that is worth taking a look at. That vehicle is the new 2024 redesigned Subaru Crosstrek. Now in its third generation, the Subaru Crosstrek is more of an evolution of past versions but vastly improved. The Crosstrek is attractive, comfortable and like most Subaru’s isn’t afraid to get dirty with standard All-Wheel drive. Subaru has always marketed themselves as being a little bit different and this new Crosstrek is definitely unlike anything else in this segment and price point. The attention to detail was honestly surprising, especially since the Crosstrek competes in a sub-compact crossover class that often features vehicles that aren’t too exciting. For people that want a crossover that has great build quality, loads of tech and the ability to go off-road, then this vehicle has plenty going for it and stands out in a crowd of boring competitors. 

Exterior Design: An evolution of past generations

The Crosstrek is now Subaru’s best-selling model, so Subaru has been cautious when changing the overall shape and design. Rather than messing with success and giving it a thorough redesign, Subaru has instead decided to gently rework the body and sharpen the details to make the vehicle look more modern and aggressive. Many will not be able to tell the difference between the different generations of Crosstrek except for those with a well trained eye. For Subaru that’s fine, as their goal was to give this vehicle an evolutionary design change versus a revolutionary one. Subaru has done a great job as the new Crosstrek looks handsome and rugged.

The first thing to note about the styling is the protective body cladding that runs over the wheel wells, bumpers and along the bottom of the vehicle. This toughens up the overall look of the Crosstrek and gives the vehicle its rugged character. Another unique attribute with the Crosstrek is that it has 8.7 inches of ground clearance. This makes the vehicle look tall and sets the Crosstrek apart from other crossovers in its class. The grille is larger than ever before with a unique honeycomb design. The headlights are narrow and are placed at an angle, making the vehicle appear much more chiseled than before. From the side, the Crosstrek hasn’t changed all that much since 2013, as the shape has mostly stayed the same. Again, Subaru has played it safe when re-doing the Crosstrek and refused to stray too far from the design that resonates so well with consumers. Basically, it has the same hatchback shape but the character lines are more defined along the sides with a higher beltline and slimmer greenhouse (window design). The back end feature wrap around C-shaped tail lights and a big plastic cladded bumper. The plastic bumper has a cool feature as mountains and trees are embossed on this piece of trim. This is Subaru’s way of reminding customers that the Crosstrek is ready and willing to go on adventures. To me the increased ground clearance and stout appearance only enhances the appeal of the Crosstrek. This Subaru has the classic traits that have allowed the brand to carve out a niche with those who seek an active lifestyle. Subaru has designed an attractive little crossover that features the go anywhere looks that are very popular with today’s mainstream buyers and I’m sure the styling of the new one will continue to appeal to many.

Interior: Tough exterior leads to charming interior

While the exterior is quite rugged, the interior is very well done with a classy design and top notch materials. Build quality is excellent and the use of soft to the touch surfaces even on lower parts of the dash, the doors and armrests is phenomenal. This alone shows the maximum effort Subaru went to while designing the interior of the Crosstrek. It’s worth pointing out that I did drive the top of the line trim, but the lower end trims also had well-appointed interiors as well. The interior feels spacious and visibility is also good, especially since you sit a little higher off the ground in the Crosstrek versus its competitors due to the increased ride height. An attractive large vertical 11.6-inch touchscreen sits in the center of the dash, while a smaller 7-inch touch screen is available on the base trim only. The Subaru Starlink system is available with Apple Car play and Android Auto connectivity. I found the technology to be intuitive and the infotainment system responsive and easy to use. The seats are comfortable and supportive and rear space is also sufficient for passengers of all sizes. A wide rear opening reveals a large cargo space area. 60/40 split folding rear seats are available for extra cargo space if needed. As I mentioned before, Subaru has paid attention to the small details and once you pop open the rear lift gate, a small silhouette of mountains and an outline of a mini Crosstrek can be seen on the durable plastic trim near the trunk latch. Again this is such a neat touch that gives this vehicle its character and helps reinforce its image as a vehicle that belongs in the great outdoors. The interior of the Crosstrek is a nice place to be as it is well thought out, comfortable and technology friendly.

Mountains, forests and a small Subaru Crosstrek embossed into rear bumper and trunk

Safety:

Subaru has always been big on safety and the Crosstrek has plenty of features to make sure your outdoor adventure is safe. All Crosstrek’s features what they call EyeSight Drivers Assist technology. Basically this system features lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking and throttle management. All these features are helpful to drivers and make the Subaru a great choice. Also a backup camera is standard and blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert is available on most trims too.

How it drives: On road manners a pleasant surprise

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek comes available with either a base 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 152 HP and 145 lbs-ft of torque or a 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine that makes 182 HP and 178 lbs-ft of torque. My tester came equipped with the more potent 2.5-liter boxer engine and I thought it had plenty of power. If you want power, that’s probably the engine to get. Like most Subaru’s, the Crosstrek comes standard with the brand’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system that is designed to improve traction in all types of weather. Acceleration is effortless as the Crosstrek quickly gets up to speed. Driving the Crosstrek with the 2.5-liter engine can be quite engaging and fun. The standard transmission is a CVT and it is very smooth and responsive in this vehicle. CVTs can typically create a rough or harsh ride but Subaru has tuned it to feel more natural and predictable. Steering is light and accurate, allowing the driver to enjoy quick turns and twisty roads. Even though you are sitting higher up, the Crosstrek has great body control and drives similarly to the related Subaru Impreza Hatchback. Road and wind noise are also minimized in the Crosstrek thanks to an increase in noise resistant materials. Bumps are easily soaked up with the Crosstrek as its underpinnings are designed to handle rough roads. While I drove the Crosstrek in the city on a warm, dry summer day, apparently this little crossover can handle its own on off-road trails. The Crosstrek comes standard with a dual-function X-Mode that allows the driver to customize the traction settings based on the type of road or condition. My experience behind the wheel of the Crosstrek was a good one and Subaru has shown that compact crossovers can be both capable and enjoyable to drive at the same time.         

The Crosstrek’s C-shaped tail lamps

Final Thoughts: A very complete package

By all accounts the Subaru Crosstrek challenges the norm in the small crossover segment. It’s different from the rest and Subaru went their own path in creating a vehicle that didn’t copy the mainstream expectations for what a small affordable crossover should offer. The vehicle is handsome, rugged and is packed with a lot of unique hidden details waiting to be discovered (Easter Eggs). That level of brawny looks, capability and attention to small details are just not common in a vehicle of this price range. Factor in the nicely appointed interior, comfortable ride, standard AWD and loads of safety features, and then this Subaru starts to look like quite the bargain. The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is a standout not only because its distinctive but because it is also probably the best offering in its class. Its quirky in a good way and the Crosstrek has become one of Subaru’s bestselling models. Subaru likes to brag by saying that 97% of Crosstreks sold in the last 10 years are still on the road. This claim is believable as the Crosstrek is the complete package. Subaru has stuck to their core values of offering well-built, outdoorsy themed vehicles that refuse to comply with the standard expectation we have come to anticipate from automakers. Subaru likes to be different and that is a great thing.

Pricing and Specifications:

Canada:

Convenience - $31,710 – Base 2.0-liter engine, 152 HP

Touring - $34,910 – Base engine

Onyx - $36,710 – 2.5-liter engine, 182 HP

Limited - $39,710 – 2.5-liter engine

US:

Base - $24,995 – Base 2.0-liter engine, 152 HP

Premium - $26,145- Base engine

Sport - $28,995 – 2.5-liter engine, 182 HP

Limited - $30,895 – 2.5-liter engine

Wilderness - $31,995- 2.5-liter engine

Main Competitors:

Toyota Corolla Cross, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, VW Taos, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Chevrolet Trailblazer

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