2024 Subaru Crosstrek Review: A Spirited Adventure Machine
2024 Subaru Crosstrek review
- 2024 Subaru Crosstrek: $24,995 – $31,995
- Pros: Comfortable interior, agile performance, solid off-roading upgrades
- Cons: Limited storage space, underwhelming tech, lackluster engines
- Best resale value for its class – Kelley Blue Book
- MotorBiscuit Score 8.1 out of 10
The award-winning formula is back as the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek kicks off the third generation. This is Subaru’s fastest-selling SUV, and it’s a rugged little off-roader with plenty of comfort and capability to offer.
It’s not a rock crawler, and it won’t dominate the racetrack, but it will get you from point A to point B, even if you’re hedging out to a campsite. The 2024 Crosstrek builds upon the outgoing generation with enhanced comfort, modern tech, and a revamped style.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek: What’s new?
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek was redesigned with a slight facelift and a new interior. It has the same engines and is the same size as before, but has updated interior materials such as extra sound-dampening substances.
Plus, the frame is now stiffer to provide a better ride quality, and modern tech makes the Crosstrek feel more advanced. The manual transmission bit the dust, but the new Wilderness Edition adds extra capability.
Which 2024 Subaru Crosstrek trim is best?
There are five 2024 Subaru Crosstrek trims available:
- Subaru Crosstrek Base – $24,995
- Subaru Crosstrek Premium – $26,145
- Subaru Crosstrek Sport – $28,995
- Subaru Crosstrek Limited – $30,895
- Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness – $31,995
The 2024 Crosstrek Premium trim spices things up with extra convenience and comfort features such as a push-button start, keyless entry, an 11.8-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and extra USB ports.
It’s a good way to save by getting a little more than just the base. But the Crosstrek Sport is a bit more luxurious, with heated seats, more power, and a wireless charging pad. It has upgraded interior materials such as simulated carbon fiber trim as well.
Continuing to climb the ladder provides access to additional safety features like evasive steering assist, leather upholstery, more protective cladding, built-in navigation, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
How does the 2024 Crosstrek drive?
We recommend skipping the base engine with the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit cranks out 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Upgrade to the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
The Crosstrek can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.2 seconds, which is adequate for the class. While the acceleration isn’t exactly exciting, it gets the job done. The real excitement comes for steering upgrades to make the Crosstrek more responsive.
Using S-Mode with the paddle shifters is a nice way to make errands more engaging. The I-Mode or Intelligent mode is more fuel efficient with slower response times. Both modes feature confident and predictable braking.
It has a 17.39-foot turning radius, so it’s extremely agile and easy to maneuver in tight areas of the trail or downtown city areas.
Can the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek go off-roading?
Yes, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is an above-average off-roader, and AWD is standard across the lineup. Our Crosstrek Limited model packed 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is an excellent start.
The X-Mode function and Hill Start Assist are also standard. Higher trim levels have Dual X-Mode with Hill Descent Control and multi-terrain modes for Deep Snow and Mud. We would like to see more modes for Gravel and Sand.
The Crosstrek felt like it had plenty of control down steeper inclines but could use a little more torque for deeper mud and ruts. To our surprise, the suspension was a bit rough and jittery over gravel and rougher sections of the trail.
Opting for the 2024 Crosstrek Wildneress Edition adds extra plastic cladding, a revised powertrain for better torque distribution, and raises the ground clearance to 9.3 inches. Skid plates would sweeten the deal, but the Crosstrek isn’t designed for trickier situations that require more protection.
Is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek comfortable?
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is comfortable enough for longer trips without complaining. It’s definitely more comfortable than the outgoing generation, thanks to suspension upgrades that provide a smoother ride.
Plus, the Crosstrek benefits from more sound-deadening materials to keep wind and road noise out of the cabin. It’s a little louder at highway speeds, but you can still easily carry a conversation with passengers in the rear.
The seats have been improved with more padding and bolstering for comfort and support. The backseat is also well-padded, but the rear cushions feel flat after longer stretches of the highway. The backseat rest angle is pretty relaxed, and there’s enough space for two average-sized adults.
We’re impressed by the climate control system. It’s smart and rarely needs to be adjusted to keep drivers and passengers comfortable. However, rear air vents would sweeten the deal.
Is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek interior nice?
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek interior is simple and attractive. It has a minimalist design that may seem bland, but higher trim levels add attractive yellow accent stitching to help things pop.
The faux carbon fiber trim provides an upscale feeling with an eye-catching pattern but feels plasticky. It matches the rest of the black trim pieces
Soft touch covered surfaces and plush carpeting craft an upscale feeling, and everything you need is placed within reach so you can focus on the road. The available sunroof allows natural light to enter the cabin, but it’s a bit small.
The 2024 Crosstrek has wide door openings for easy access. The hatch also opens wide with a low liftover height, making it easier to load heavy or awkward items.
Frontward visibility is excellent, thanks to the massive windshield, but the rear window is a little small. Parking sensors and the optional 360-degree camera make up for the difference.
Does the 2024 Crosstrek have good tech?
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek has adequate tech. The guage cluster still has analog meters that feel basic compared to rivals. However, it provides crucial driving information, such as driving modes and how many miles you have left until empty.
While the 11.6-inch infotainment screen is attractive, it feels like a basic tablet was placed on the dash. The graphics look good, and the system works quickly. A few extra menus provide extra steps while adjusting certain settings.
The lower half of the screen is taken up by HVAC controls. The screen responds quickly to your touch, but some folks may prefer more physical controls.
You can pay a subscription fee to access advanced safety features like an automatic collision notifier, SOS emergency assistance, a remote vehicle locator, and more. The safety features work well without being too sensitive or constant loud chiming.
How much cargo space does the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek have?
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek has less cargo space than before. The outgoing generation had 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and the current generation features 19.4 cubes.
However, it has up to 54.7 cubes overall, and the seats are easy to fold down to create a level cargo floor. The raised roof rails are a nice perk for strapping extra gear on top of the vehicle. It can also support tents with the proper cross-rails.
Personal item storage is lacking. There aren’t many trays and cubbies to take advantage of, plus the glove box is limited. The center console is shallow and tight. Also, the sides of the door can only fit smaller bottles.
When properly equipped, the 2024 Crosstrek can tow up to 1,500 lbs, but the Wilderness Edition can tow up to 3,500 lbs.
How safe is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek doesn’t have official safety ratings from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) yet. But the 2023 model has nice scores, and it’s similar to the 2024 model.
The 2023 model is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ despite having a few Poor and Marginal ratings for rear passenger safety. It earned a Good score for most of the other crash tests, which is the highest score possible.
It received a Marginal rating for its seatbelt reminders because the volume is too low. This may have been updated for 2024. Also, the automatic crash prevention systems earned a Superior score.
Standard safety features:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keeping assist
Is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek doesn’t have an official reliability score yet. It’s brand new and needs to be put through paces. However, the 2023 Crosstrek earned an above-average score from J.D.Power.
It received a score of 81 out of 100, which lets it barely make it in the above-average category. Scores between 70 and 80 are average, while anything between 81 to 90 is above average. Ratings between 91 to 100 are best.
Based on the previous generation, the average Crosstrek model can make it between 200,000 to 250,000 miles. Some models have crossed the 300,000-mile mark, but regular maintenance and proper care are the key to success.
MotorBiscuit awards the 2024 Subaru Crostrek with a score of 8.1 out of 10
The experts at MotorBiscuit have provided the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek with a rating of 8.1 out of 10. It’s a versatile SUV that’s comfortable and capable, but it’s not exactly exciting or paving the way with modern tech.
It has plenty of passenger space and can reach your campsite with above-average off-roading grit. But cargo space is limited unless you’re tall enough to strap extra bags to the top.
The 2024 Crosstrek provides tons of value with standard AWD and X-Mode functionality, but heated seats, a wireless phone charging pad, the sunroof, leather upholstery, and desirable safety features are limited to higher trims and available packages.
We hope to get behind the wheel of the Wilderness Edition soon to see how it compares with its extra height and powertrain refinement.