The production Subaru Crosstrek, called the XV Crosstrek at the time, was first produced for the 2013 model year for the American market. Right away, this budget-friendly lifted Impreza could be found both in family driveways and offroading circuits. It truly was a return to form for Subaru by returning the brand to its versatile, affordable, rugged, all-wheel drive roots.

However, Crosstrek fans recently got a hint of anxiety when Subaru announced that the 2024 Crosstrek would usher in the next generation of the Crosstrek with a brand-new design. Did Subaru succeed with this redesign, or will this new Crosstrek be seen as a step backward for this crossover? Here is everything you need to know about the 2024 Crosstrek.

Does ‘newer’ always mean ‘better’?

All throughout automotive history, there have been examples of poorly executed vehicle redesigns. Of course, many vehicle redesigns are received well, with more features, power, and refinements added to an existing model, but this isn’t always the case.

The 2022 Subaru WRX is a prime example of a redesigned vehicle that has been received poorly by the public. The 2022 WRX is more powerful than its predecessor, sure, but the real issues lie with the styling.

The new WRX took on a drastic new styling cue that has nearly everyone scratching their heads. With Subaru having a recent history of redesigning woes, it is easy to see why critics were concerned that the beloved Crosstrek might be handled poorly.

The 2024 Crosstrek: How a redesign should happen

Cars.com recently spent a few days in California with Subaru to see how they handled the redesign, and he was thoroughly impressed. According to Cars.com, the new Crosstrek is very similar to its predecessor, with similar styling and features.

The new Crosstrek is bigger, but not so much so that it takes away from the practicality of the vehicle. The Crosstrek still retains its awkward, quirky look that has made it so popular with current owners, and even retained features like its 700 lb-capacity roof racks, although not every owner uses them.

Subaru appears to have taken notes from the public, and the public wants a vehicle that can be equally used as a commuter car and an offroad adventure car on the weekends. The 2024 Crosstrek does that incredibly well.

To help make the Crosstrek a better commuter car, the engine has been refined, with a small, 2.0L four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT as the base powertrain. While this may seem disappointing, this engine is incredibly quiet compared to its predecessor.

The fuel economy numbers were also improved as well, with the 2024 Crosstrek receiving an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. For an SUV with an offroading pedigree and full-time all-wheel drive, these fuel economy numbers are unheard of, and it only makes the Crosstrek that much better to live with as a daily driver.

With a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen, a more comfortable interior, and starting at $26,290, the 2024 Crosstrek could be one of the better redesigns we have seen in a very long time.