New Subaru Crosstrek: Top of the Line for 2024

The Ultimate Off-Road Crosstrek

The 2023 New York International Auto Show is thrilled to welcome the unveiling of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, the third release with its signature off-road capabilities. This new generation has been developed with a focus on off-roading adventures for outdoor lovers seeking an enhanced driving experience.

Recently, Subaru introduced the US to their brand new Crosstrek. The range-topping Wilderness consists of the most costly models starting at a cost of $31,995 (along with the $1,295 destination and delivery fee).

As the head honcho, Subaru has implemented the more powerful 2.5-liter boxer-four in the higher end trims and reintroduced the RS variant of the Impreza, churning out an equivalent 182 horses and 176 lb-ft of torque. Furthermore, they have modified the differential gear with a 4.111:1 final drive ratio (as opposed to 3.700 as in the base model) and adjusted the CVT for maximum traction at lower velocities. In addition, a transmission cooler has been added, thus enhancing the towing capacity to 3,500 pounds.

Subaru states that their latest Crosstrek Wilderness version has increased ground clearance at the front by substantial margin – 9.3 inches, 0.6 of a bar more than in typical Crosstreks. The higher height was achieved by deploying longer coil springs and shock absorbers with a slightly longer dampening compression which assists to soak up bumps while off-roading. Moreover, other essential aspects of ground clearance have been improved as well – the approach angle going from 18 to 20 degrees, the departure angle jumps from 30.1 to 33 degrees, and the breakover score goes from 19.7 to 21.1 inches.

Similar to the Forester Wilderness, the Crosstrek Wilderness is fitted with Yokohama Geolandar off-road tires that come in exclusive blackout 17-inch rims, as opposed to the 18-inch ones offered on the rest of the range. These smaller wheels are less likely to get scuffed and supply a better ride experience.

To facilitate even further ascents of demanding inclines, the car is outfitted with Subaru’s X-Mode; featuring modes for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud. The X-Mode display has a role-angle indicator to inform the driver of the vehicle’s positioning. Contrary to having locking differentials, the CVT can spin at a ratio of 4.006:1 for slow traverses over peaks. Additionally, the Standard Hill Descent Control engages the brakes if the velocity is less than 12 mph, only when the accelerator pedal is pressed with a maximum force of 10%.

Besides the off-road ameliorations, the Wilderness showcasing a more solid external design complete with distinct front and rear bumpers, a hexagonal grille, sizable wheel arch cladding, metallic skid plate at the front, one-of-a-kind hex LED fog lights, plus an anti-glare hood decal. We highly encourage buyers to choose the Wilderness-exclusive Geyser Blue color which looks great alongside its copper accents. For those that need somewhere to store extra items during transport, the ladder-type roof rack can hold up to 176 pounds while in motion or a total of 700 pounds when stationary – ideal for a rooftop tent.

Within, the Crosstrek Wilderness is set to become mucky with long-lasting, waterproof StarTex seats and rubber floor mats. Bright copper accents and accentuating stitching offer a delightful touch of color to the otherwise bleak interior. Taking into consideration it is the highest trim level of the Crosstrek, it comes with the 11.6-inch Starlink infotainment system offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technology. Further standard features include dual-zone climate regulating, multiple USB ports, keyless ignition, and warmed up front seats. A purchasable $2,270 package furnishes a 10-way power driver seat and a 10-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system.

Come fall 2020, the all-new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness will hit American car dealerships.