Subaru announced recently that the Crosstrek, a subcompact SUV in its third generation, will join the Wilderness line-up for the 2024 model. The 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness, which is based on the Wilderness versions already established for the Forester, Outback, and other Subaru models, adds subtle but impactful changes to make this small, yet mighty vehicle ideal for off-road adventure.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Changes
The Crosstrek Wilderness comes with the 2.5-liter Subaru BOXER flat-line 4-cylinder engine, which is only available as a standard upgrade for the Crosstrek. It produces 182 horsepower and delivers 176 pound-feet of torque. The new transmission oil cooler is what makes the real difference. It more than doubles its towing capacity from 1,500 lbs to 3,500 lbs.
Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive is also standard. It offers optimal power distribution and uniform stability in any road or weather conditions. Subaru has done more to make the Crosstrek a true off-road vehicle. The suspension has also been raised by 0.6 inches. This gives a total ground clearance of 9.3 inches (compared to the 8.7 inches for the regular Crosstrek). It also improves the angles of approaching, departing, and breaking over, which are now 20.0 degrees each.
The driver can also select from a variety of X-Modes that adjust the transmission and throttle for deep snow/mud and snow/dirt. The system will detect steep slopes and activate low-ratio control instantly. Standard Hill Descent Control also applies the brakes intuitively on descents below 12 mph.
Exterior
Subaru made some subtle but significant changes to the Crosstrek to make it look more rugged and more outdoor-like than its cheaper sibling. Crosstrek Wilderness models will stand out if painted in the Wilderness exclusive Geyser Blue. Other features include Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, which offer better performance on mud, gravel,, and rocks, raised white lettering, a matte black 17-inch alloy wheel, black protective cladding, and anodized-copper accents.
The exterior design is not just about the form — it also has to do with function! A hood decal that reduces glare can help you see the road better, even if the sun is shining or if the oncoming traffic’s headlights are bright. The hexagon-pattern fog lights look great and are functional.
The addition of roof racks with a dynamic load capacity of 176 pounds and a static load limit of 700 pounds is the most useful exterior change. Extra tie-down points also provide greater cargo-hauling versatility. You can store large gear and even a tent on the top of your crossover.
Interior &Technology
The interior of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is dirt-friendly thanks to the easy-to-clean plastic covering everywhere. The interior of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is dirt-friendly thanks to the easy-to-clean coverings on all surfaces. This includes the rear seat backs, where you can store your muddy gear when they are folded down.
Don’t worry, this small SUV is still packed with the high-tech features drivers will want in 2024. The dash features an 11.6″ high-resolution touchscreen with intuitive controls and a stunning display. This allows you to operate the STARLINK Multimedia System apps and entertainment options easily. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto,, and wireless device chargers are standard.
Crosstrek Wilderness technology keeps you safe too! EyeSight Driver Assist technology is standard. It monitors traffic, optimizes cruise controls, and alerts the driver if they drift out of their lane. Automatic Pre-Collision braking brings you to a complete stop in an emergency. STARLINK Safety & Security offers of connected services, including emergency assistance, convenience,, and vehicle information. All the standard safety features are calibrated to consider this vehicle’s higher ground clearance and other off-road features.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Price & Release Date
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness has a starting MSRP price of $31,995, which is just two grand higher than the top trim level on the standard 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. As we have described above, it comes with everything that the most deluxe version of the Crosstrek offers and more.
The vehicle’s affordable price is not the only factor that makes it an intelligent purchase. Kelley Blue Book has consistently awarded Subaru its two most important awards, the Most Trusted and Best Performance Brand. J.D. predicts that the reliability of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek will be 83 points out of 100. You can also expect its wilder brother to perform as well. The Jeep Renegade Trailhawk is the only model in the current sub-compact SUV lineup that can compete with it. It costs the same but rides on an old platform.
Bottom line? The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness will be worth the two extra grand if you are looking for a small, but powerful vehicle and spend most of your time in the wilderness. Subaru’s long-term reliability, cute styling, and rugged construction are all included in this package.