The Most Affordable Subaru SUV is Now the Most Off-Road Capable
Subaru is one of the low-key coolest car makers in the game. Sure, the WRX isn’t low-key. However, the Subaru Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek are not very outwardly cool, but they are efficient, safe, and can adventure with the best of them. Now that the Wilderness package is fully adopted between the three SUVs, that makes them a bit more standout. Now that the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek – the cheapest of the three – is getting the Wilderness package, the coolest package just got a little more affordable. Thankfully, this means we finally have a cool, affordable Subaru SUV.
How much is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness?
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness MSRP starts at $31,995. The Wilderness trim isn’t cheap, considering that the Limited starts at $29,495. However, the Crosstrek Wilderness is about $2k cheaper than the Starting price of the Forester in the same trim and $7k cheaper than the starting MSRP of the Outback Wilderness.
Is the Wilderness package worth it?
The Wilderness package is the most expensive trim for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. This trim is specifically meant for off-roading. So before we get too far into the specs, if you don’t plan to off-road, the price hike is not worth it. The Limited trim would be cheaper and better for more road travel.
However, if you plan to get into the woods with it, the Wilderness trim comes with a laundry list of features that make it far more capable in the dirt. Road & Track points out that the ground clearance jumps from 8.7 inches to 9.3 inches. It also runs on 17-inch wheels and A/T rubber. The exterior also comes wrapped in beefy cladding meant to keep your Crosstrek safer in the trees. It also got a front bash plate.
The Crosstrek still gets the same 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine making 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. However, Subaru gave the CVT a once over and added an oil cooler, along with some other final drive changes. Subaru’s press release states:
“Subaru engineered the Crosstrek Wilderness drivetrain for better off-road performance by installing a revised differential gear ratio and retuned Lineartronic CVT. The 4.111 final drive ratio (vs. 3.700) improves the SUV’s climbing ability, and the new tuning for the CVT optimizes traction at low speeds and on slippery surfaces. Additionally, maximum towing capacity more than doubles to 3500 lb. thanks to the addition of a transmission oil cooler.”
Is the Subaru Crosstrek any good off-road?
Look, the Crosstrek, even in the Wilderness Editon, isn’t likely to hang with proper body-on-frame trucks and SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota Tacoma, but it is far more serious than many of its unibody segment mates. Subaru knows trail runners, and the Crosstrek Wilderness seems to have all the makings of a truly great off-roader for the casual user to the enthusiast alike.
