You might think that the Subaru’s best-selling vehicle is the Outback – you see them everywhere. Nope. The Forester? Nope. It’s the Crosstrek. Introduced 11 years ago, it was an immediate success, and became the fast-selling vehicle in Subie’s history.
In 2022 it remained the brand’s best seller, so you know there’s a lot of pressure to make sure the all-new 2024 Crosstrek makes everyone happy. So, will it continue to be a big seller? Let’s take a look!
Ruggedly Reimagined
The exterior is evolutionary, rather than revolutionary. In fact, many people we talked to didn’t realize this was an all-new model. That could be good or bad, depending on your viewpoint.
Up front there’s a larger looking frameless hexagonal grille that’s blacked out on our Sport model and looks especially beefy. Slim design headlights have an angry angle, while the Sport model’s gold-yellow accents add some visual pop.
The profile remains very similar, but it’s a great look. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Crosstrek stands tall and capable for off-road work, with black wheel arches including vents on the front for enhanced aerodynamics. Blacked out rocker panels look especially eye-catching with another yellow-gold Sport accent, and unique 18-inch, dark-grey finished alloy wheels finishing off the package.
Out back, (not to be confused with the Outback…) There’s a new horizontal trim panel that spans the width of the vehicle and connects the line of the taillights, while an aggressive lower fascia gives a serious trail-ready look. New air outlets at each side of the rear bumper helps reduce body sway. We like functional design! And we really liked our tester’s optional Alpine Green paint – we got loads of compliments on it, a rich Army green that just perfectly suits the Crosstrek’s outdoorsy vibe.
Added Tech and Comfort
Inside, the design is evolutionary as well. You’re still greeted by large analog gauges that are clear and to easy read, and a beefy 3-spoke steering wheel that puts a lot of functionality at your fingertips.
The big news happens when you scan to the center stack, with a large vertical 11.6-inch info-tainmnent system that’s standard fare on most Subaru models now. You’ve got all the latest goods, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a handy wireless charger ahead of the shift lever. Like other Subies, the screen also controls climate control and other vehicle functions. It’s an easy swipe-and-tap style that’s intuitive and quick to learn. And Subaru knows what buyers want, still providing volume and tuning knobs. Yay!
You’ll also find the Crosstrek a better place to spend time, thanks to redesigned front seats that are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives. In our tester’s Sport trim, they’re also nicer to look at with contrasting gold seat trim that brightens things up. The little SUV’s tall stance also pays off in nice headroom for those in back, and to meet the Subie’s go-anywhere ethos, the cargo area is spacious, and we loved the stylish Crosstrek rubber cargo mat cover. Need more space? The 60/40 seatbacks fold flat easily and give an impressive amount of room.
And it wouldn’t be a Subaru without roof rails ready to carry a wide range of gear – makes us want to buy a couple of surfboards just to fit in here in SoCal!
Get Up and Go
Well, the Crosstrek certainly looks ready for adventure. Is it up to the task?
You have two engine choices for 2024, a 152-horsepower, 2.0-liter Boxer 4-cylinder, or like our tester, a larger 2.5-liter, Boxer 4-cylinder that ups the ante with 182 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. Based on our test drive, we highly recommend the larger motor.
Subaru has tuned the 2.5-liter to bring in its torque a little sooner, and also tuned the standard CVT transmission (sorry manual transmissions are no longer available) to be smoother and quieter. With Sport models. you also get paddle shifters that lets you play at “shifting” although a CVT really doesn’t have any gears.
So why the recommendation on the larger motor? We like the peppiness the 2.5-liter brings. Put the SI-Drive in S mode and you feel quick and responsive around town, but you really have to give it some boot to do so. Same with highway speeds, you’re not a moving roadblock, but you’re no WRX either. The Crosstrek seems most happy cruising along, taking you to your next adventure in quiet comfort.
Quiet is the magic word here – the Crosstrek is notably quieter and more refined feeling than the previous model, and the ride is notably supple and comfortable. The new model features a stiffer chassis – up 20% – and less engine vibration. It’s a smooooth ride.
You’ll enjoy handling the curvy roads and trails, too, with a new power steering system that’s got great feel, and the Subie active torque vectoring AWD gives you plenty of grip in corners. You’ll also appreciate larger brakes for added stopping power.
We also had a chance to try the system with a freak tropical storm that hit Southern California, and you have such a feeling of supreme confidence even in heavy rain and slippery, muddy conditions thanks to Subaru AWD and our tester’s off-road capable Dual-function X-MODE with Hill Descent Control.
Adding to that confidence is Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance suite that included Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering Assist, and Auto Emergency Braking. Our tester also had an option package that along with a power moonroof and 10-way power driver seat (both nice), included Blind-Spot Detection and Rear-Cross Traffic Alert System. Subie’s systems are one of the best, and they work seamlessly and make any drive easier.
Crosstrek Check Please!
So, how much for all this goodness? Glad you asked! The 2024 Crosstrek Base model starts at just $24,995 and with standard AWD, EyeSight Driver Assist, 17-inch alloys and Dual zone auto climate control, it’s a bargain.
Our Sport model sits in the middle of the lineup and starts at $28,995. That’s also excellent value, with the larger 2.5-liter engine, Dual function X-mode, 18-inch alloys, heated seats and stylish Sport exterior and interior accents all included. Our tester also had that gorgeous Alpine Green paint ($395), and Option Package 22 ($1,920). Add in $1,295 for Destination and we rang the bell at $32,805.
Competitors would include the Mazda CX-30 at $34,545, which is very stylish but leaning more towards on-road luxury than the Subie’s off-road capability. At that higher price you do get a 250-horsepower turbo engine that makes the Mazda seriously quick.
We’d also look at the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, with an outdoorsy look, and similar performance. Our loaded tester was a bit more at $35,565, but there are lower trims, and the hybrid will probably make up some of that difference with its excellent fuel efficiency.
Of course, the one thing you can’t get with either competitor is that Subie-ness, a special vibe of fun, function and funkiness that seems to keep owners smiling as they pile on the miles.
Stylish, spacious, and practical with enhanced performance on road and off, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek remains a unique small crossover that’s ready for your next adventure!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.