CHATHAM, Mass. – Responding to the positive reception the company has received since the introduction of the Outback Wilderness and Forester Wilderness models, Subaru added the subcompact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) Crosstrek Wilderness for the 2024 model year.
Distinctive styling cues, like Wilderness badges, black mirrors, body-color roof spoiler, along with functional additions to enhance off-road capabilities and a ladder-type roof-rack system with a 165-pound dynamic load capacity and a 700-pound static one allowing safe use of larger roof-top tents, mark changes transforming the standard Crosstrek into a Wilderness machine.
Powertrain continues Subaru’s all-wheel-drive commitment
Like every Subaru sold in the United States, the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness comes with the company’s all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Feeding the AWD is a 2.5-liter engine with Subaru’s signature horizontally opposed (boxer) cylinder design producing 182 horsepower and 178 pounds-feet of torque.
A continuously variable automatic transmission, with eight manual ratios can be selected by using the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, transmits the engine’s power to the AWD system which is Subaru’s ACT-4 Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive with an electronically controlled variable hydraulic transfer clutch.
The system features Subaru’s driver-selectable X-MODE for refining powertrain operation for different road/environment conditions. The system offers Snow / Dirt and Deep Snow / Mud modes. To help maximize traction in varying conditions, each mode specifically optimizes the engine output and CVT ratio positions, increases the Active All-Wheel Drive engagement and enhances the control logic of the Vehicle Dynamics Control with Traction Control System.
The X-MODE display features a Roll-Angle Indicator to help the driver judge potentially hazardous situations.
According to the company, this technology also helps make Crosstrek Wilderness a nimble climber. When the X-MODE system is activated, Low Speed / Low Ratio Gradient Control is automatically put on standby to sense when the vehicle is traveling on a steep incline at low speed. When it does, the system shifts the CVT to its lowest ratio (4.066:1).
Combined with the Wilderness model’s lower differential ratios, the system also enhances rough off-pavement, low-speed drivability over rocks and other situations that require repeated on/off accelerator usage.
Standard Hill Descent Control will automatically engage individual wheel braking control on downgrades when the vehicle is driven under 12 mph with the accelerator pedal pressed less than about 10 percent, thereby helping to control vehicle speed. Active Torque Vectoring, standard on all 2024 Crosstrek models, enhances handling stability on road or trail.
On road, the powertrain produces good performance and excellent efficiency. According to Car and Drive magazine testing, the 2024 Crosstrek is capable of 0-60 miles per hour in 8.1 seconds.
In terms of fuel economy, I averaged 28.3 miles per gallon during my week behind the wheel, bettering the federal Environmental Protection Agency rating of 27 mpg overall (25 urban, 29 highway).
Platform further enhanced for off-pavement activities
Subaru engineered the Crosstrek Wilderness for off-pavement activities beyond enhancements to the powertrain. The chassis received attention beginning with raising the ground clearance to 8.7 inches (greater than the standard ground clearance of the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee).
Revised shock absorbers provide the ability to better maintain uneven-surface contact and a more comfortable ride under these conditions. The approach angle has been increased from 18 degrees in other Crosstrek models to 20 degrees in the Wilderness version, while the departure angle increases from 30 degrees to 33 degrees. Ramp breakover angle goes from 19.7 to 21.1 degrees.
Yokohama GEOLANDER® all-terrain tires are mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels in matte-black finish.
An electronically controlled power-assisted, dual-diagonal four-wheel disc brake system with electronic-brake-force distribution (EBD), four-channel/four-sensor anti-lock (ABS), brake assist, brake override, auto-vehicle hold, and active torque vectoring is part of all Crosstrek models. The rotors, ventilated at all wheels, are 12.4 inches in the front with dual-piston calipers, 11.2 in the rear with single-piston ones.
I did not have an opportunity to experience the Crosstrek Wilderness in off-pavement situations which might have stressed these capabilities, but in everyday driving, the vehicle delivered the goods.
Handling was reassuring. Despite the higher ground clearance, I never felt like the Crosstrek Wilderness was tippy or unsteady, regardless of how hard I pushed the pint-sized SUV through twisting roads found along the Cape Cod Bay side of Truro.
The ride was firm but not choppy or uncomfortable. I own a 2013 Crosstrek XV and the 2024 version is superior when it comes to ride, handling and occupant comfort – and I like my Subaru!
Strong list of ADAS
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness edition includes a solid list of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) including the Subaru EyeSight Driver-Assist System; advanced adaptive cruise control; blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert; automatic emergency steering, and reverse automatic-emergency braking (RAB).
Interior comfortable and durable
Product planners for the Crosstrek Wilderness did not stop with the platform or powertrain, extending their work to the interior of the subcompact SUV. The seats are covered with water-resistant Subaru StarTex material®, the front buckets featuring heating, while the floors are covered with all-weather mats.
Standard on the Wilderness trim and dominating the interior is the 11.6-inch vertically oriented color-LCD touchscreen of the Subaru STARLINK Multimedia Plus system. The system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, SiriusXM Travel Link® and HD radio.
The screen also works as a center information display with combination meter integration and on-screen controls for audio, climate, and vehicle functions. The Wilderness is also equipped with a wireless phone charger in the center console.
The solid value story.
The five-member 2024 Subaru Crosstrek family of subcompact SUVs – all with AWD standard –begins with the base model at $25,195. Moving up through better equipped versions until hitting the pinnacle Wilderness model at $32,195. The review unit, with all the equipment and features discussed, had no options and, with the $1,295 destination and delivery fee, totaled $33,490.
If your lifestyle is more adventurous than the average person and you are looking for a smaller, more efficient and value-oriented vehicle, the new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness might just be perfect.
