Subaru Crosstrek gets makeover to enter new generation for 2024

Advertising Feature: This article is from a special section that was not produced by the newsroom.

Subaru’s popular small crossover, the Crosstrek, enters its third generation for 2024 with a new, more-rugged exterior look, updated interior styling, improved ride and handling, enhanced safety, and the latest in multimedia technology.

The Crosstrek continues its role as a versatile utility vehicle with standard all-wheel drive, seating for up to five, and a long list of included or available features at a competitive price, beginning at $24,995 (plus $1,295 freight).

For 2024, the Crosstrek is available in Base ($24,995), Premium ($26,145), Sport ($28,995), Limited ($30,895) and Wilderness (new for 2024, $31,995) trim levels, with the starting price the same as that of the previous year’s Base model equipped with the Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission).

All Crosstrek models come with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, X-Mode with Hill Descent Control.

There is 9.3 inches of ground clearance for the new off-road oriented Wilderness model, while the rest have 8.7 inches of clearance. Even with the high clearance, the Crosstrek has a comfortably low step-in height for both front and rear passengers.

Base and Premium models are powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder direct-injection Subaru Boxer engine, producing 152 horsepower and 145 foot-pounds of torque.

Sport, Limited and Wilderness models get an upgrade to the 2.5-liter boxer engine with 182 horsepower and 178 foot-pounds of torque.

Wilderness models can tow trailers weighing up to 3,500 pounds; all of the others are limited to 1,500 pounds.

Our test vehicle for this report was the Limited model in the Crystal White Pearl exterior color.

Standard on all trim levels is the updated Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) with smoother and quieter performance.

There are 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires on lower grades, while our Limited model came with 18-inch dark gray machine-finished alloy wheels. They were fitted with 225/55 R18 98V all-season tires.

Premium, Sport, and Limited trims feature a manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the transmission via eight pre-set ratios.

The drivetrain is further enhanced with standard Active Torque Vectoring and the SI-Drive performance management system.

The 2024 Crosstrek comes with the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. It includes Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control; Pre-Collision Braking; Pre-Collision Throttle Management; Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Keep Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are included on Premium and higher levels, including our Limited tester.

Models equipped with both Eyesight and Blind-Spot Detection – including our Limited tester — now include Automatic Emergency Steering, which works with these safety features to assist with steering control to help avoid a collision at speeds less than 50 mph. We also had the Collision Detection Power Door Unlock feature, rear-seat reminder, and Vehicle Dynamic Control.

Built on the architecture of Subaru’s Impreza compact sedan, the Crosstrek offers seating for up to five and a decent-sized cargo area – while also providing great fuel economy and – a Subaru staple in the U.S. – the standard all-wheel drive.

Our Limited model with the 2.5-liter engine was EPA rated at 26 mpg city/33 highway/29 combined.

Base and Premium models with the 2.0-liter engine are rated at 27/34/29 mpg, while the Wilderness is 25/29/27, mostly because of its greater weight (up to 3,417 pounds with options).

Limited models come with a 10-way power driver seat with power-adjustable lumbar support; chrome interior door handles, and chrome-trimmed power window switches; exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals; Gunmetal front door trim panel insert accent; gray exterior trim; perforated leather-trimmed upholstery with orange stitching; “Limited” carpeted floor mats; leather-wrapped shifter; heated seats, and automatic headlights/high beams; LED fog lights; and full LED steering-responsive headlights.

Among other standard features of our Limited model were a rear-vision camera, roof rails, dark-tinted privacy glass, illuminated USB “A” and “C” ports, for front and rear seats, two 12-volt power outlets, electric power steering, and steering-wheel audio and Bluetooth controls.

The only extra-cost item on our tester was the Option Package 2 for Limited ($2.445), which brought a power moon roof, Harman Kardon 10-speaker audio system with 432-watt amplifier, and the Subaru Starlink 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus with Navigation.

Subaru’s Multimedia Plus system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Starlink system also includes Connected Services, which adds Internet apps. The basic Starlink system is standard on all Crosstrek models.

The Limited’s cargo area has 20 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat. That expands to 54.9 cubic feet with the 60/40-split rear seatback folded down.

Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system automatically transfers power to the wheels with the best grip, eliminating oversteer or understeer in sharp turns and on slippery surfaces.

While the all-wheel-drive system does not come with low-range gearing for serious off-road driving, the vehicle is suitable for limited use on well-maintained dirt and gravel roads, such as many found in state and national parks.

Both front bucket seats were comfortable, and there was ample legroom and headroom, front and rear, as long as the front seats weren’t moved all the way back on their tracks.

With the Option Package, the total sticker price for our 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Limited model was $34,635, including freight.

The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com, or on X (formerly known as Twitter) @gchambers3. His driving partner Emma Jayne Williams contributed to this report.

The package: Five-door, five-passenger, all-wheel-drive, four-cylinder, gasoline-powered compact crossover utility vehicle.

Advantages: Subaru’s Crosstrek enters its third generation for 2024. It comes in a popular compact size with standard all-wheel drive for all-weather driving. It has a bargain entry price for a vehicle in this class with all-wheel drive. For 2024, there is new exterior and interior styling, and some new standard and optional high-tech features.

Negatives: Middle seat in the rear is a bit tight for adults.

Engines: 2.0-liter horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder (Base, Premium models); 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder (Sport, Limited, Wilderness).

Transmission: Continuously variable automatic

Power/torque: 152 HP./145 foot-pounds (2.0-liter gasoline); 182 HP./178 foot-pounds (2.5-liter).

Length: 176.4 inches.

Curb weight range: 3,277-3,417 pounds.

Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock.

Side air bags: Front seat-mounted; side-curtain for all rows.

Electronic stability control: Standard.

Cargo volume: 20 cubic feet (behind second row); 54.9 cubic feet (second row folded).

Fuel capacity/type: 16.6 gallons/unleaded regular.

EPA fuel economy: 27 mpg city/34 highway/29 combined (2.0 engine); 26/33/29 (2.5-liter, except Wilderness); 25/29/27 (Wilderness).

Major competitors: Nissan Kicks, Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, Jeep Renegade, Kia Soul, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30.

Base price range: $24,995-$31,995, plus $1,295 freight.

Price as tested: $34,635, including freight and options (2024 Limited with option package).

On the Road rating: 8.7 (of a possible 10).

Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.