Tuesday, February 27, 2024

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness AWD: An Alternative To A Jeep 4x4


Highlight: The compact crossover is capable of offering up to 9.3 inches of ground clearance.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $35,560 (Base Model: $26,540)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; traction control; a stability control system; a tire pressure sensor system; an incline start assist system; a rear-view camera; hill descent control system; a traction control system; and automatic pre collision braking

Standard Equipment (Base): 17-inch wheels; all-wheel drive; a dual zone ventilation system; SI Drive engine performance management system; welcoming lighting; a dual zone ventilation system; roof spoiler; black folding side mirrors; roof cross bar mounting points; manually adjustable front seats; cloth seats; a manually operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; and a keyless entry system

Standard Equipment (Wilderness): a 2.5-liter; 4-cylinder engine;17-inch all terrain a blind spot detection with lane change assist; a radar activated cruise control system; cargo cover retractable; a lane departure an sway warning system; heated front seats; a keyless access with push button; air cooled oil cooler; raised letter type roof rails; reverse automatic braking; 12-inch infotainment screen; a hill descent control system; a wireless phone charger; bags; LED fog lights; exterior power mirrors with integrated turn signals in black finish; tow points front and rear bumpers; wheel arch and side cladding in black; a black headliner; all-weather floor mats; 9.3 inches of ground clearance; active torque vectoring and 3,500 lbs of towing capacity

Options: 10-way power driver’s seat; a Harman Kardon 10-speaker audio system; and power moonroof


Other Trim Levels:

Premium

Sport

Limited

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 4-speaker audio system with AM/FM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 or 60,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower: a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/152-horsepower (Base Model)

Wilderness Towing Capacity: 3,500 towing capacity

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 26-city/33-hwy (test model)

What’s New: The Crosstrek has been redesigned inside and out for the 2024 model year.

Why:

An alternative to Ford and Jeep entry-level crossovers/SUVs

AWD

A minimum 8.7 inches of ground clearance

Easy to navigate on the roads or off-roading

An easy-to-use infotainment system

An optional upgraded audio system

An optional power moonroof

A variety of powertrains

Folding second row seats leads to more utility space

A variety of driving modes

Heated front seats

X-mode display features a roll-angle indicator, helping the driver to judge potentially hazardous situations

Wilderness model is able to drive up steep grades at a low speed  

But: 

Needs to add a 200-horsepower powertrain to match the competitors from both Jeep and Ford

Verdict: The Crosstrek has been redesigned for the 2024 model year. The station wagon-like crossover is available with two all-new 4-cylinder powertrains. 

At a starting price under $27,000, the Crosstrek is available in a variety of trims. Although the vehicle has been reworked, it might be difficult to discern the exterior differences from the previous year. 

Yet, that's not the case for the interior. The five passenger compact joins other Subarus receiving a major tech update. Like other Subarus, this year's model offers an all-new easy-to-use colorful infotainment system.

Moreover, for those buyers seeking adventure, an all-new Crosstrek Wilderness trim joins the line up. 

The rugged looking Wilderness trim offers over 9 inches of clearance, a 182-horsepower engine and the ability for the shock absorbers to keep the tires in contact, when encountering rough surfaces. 

Out the gate, the compact Wilderness model lists for $32,500. Our test model which included such optional upgrades as a power moonroof, a premium audio system and a 12-inch infotainment system drove the price up to $35,560.

So, for buyers, looking for a capable AWD vehicle that's smaller than the Forester and is highly competitive in its segment, the Crosstrek Wilderness is worth considering. 

Competition: Ford Bronco Sport and Jeep Compass

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