You ever meet a car that doesn’t shout but still gets stuff done? That’s the Crosstrek. It’s the go-anywhere, fit-anywhere crossover that’s been quietly crushing it for a decade. For 2024, Subaru gave it a fresh face, a stiffer chassis, and just enough attitude to keep things interesting—especially with the new Wilderness trim.
Is it fast? Nope. But does it hit the sweet spot between daily practicality and weekend dirt-road mischief? Absolutely. Let’s take a look at how the latest Crosstrek stacks up.
💥 Powertrain Specs
Subaru kept the engine lineup simple—and yeah, not everyone’s gonna love that. But the move makes sense for buyers who care more about traction and reliability than 0–60 times.
| Engine | Trim Availability | Horsepower | Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain | Fuel Economy (City/Hwy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L flat-4 | Base, Premium | 152 hp | 145 lb-ft | CVT | AWD | 27 / 34 mpg |
| 2.5L flat-4 | Sport, Limited, Wilderness | 182 hp | 178 lb-ft | CVT | AWD | 26 / 33 mpg (non-Wilderness) |
The 2.5L finally gives this thing some real get-up for merging and climbing, especially with the Wilderness’s tuned gearing.
Ride and Handling: Better Bones, Same Grit
The 2024 model rides on a stiffer version of Subaru’s Global Platform, and it shows. Steering is tighter. Body roll is down. It still feels like a soft-roader—but now it’s a more confident one.
The big win? Noise and vibration are way lower than last year. It actually feels composed on long drives now. And with 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.3 on Wilderness), you’re good when the pavement runs out.
Interior: Comfortably Rugged
You’re not stepping into a luxury lounge, but Subaru nailed the blend of durable and daily-drivable. Materials feel more solid than before, and the layout is finally catching up to modern standards.
Interior Highlights
- 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen (standard on most trims)
- Physical knobs for volume and temp—thank you, Subaru
- Optional heated front seats and steering wheel
- StarTex water-resistant upholstery in the Wilderness trim
- Rear seats fold nearly flat, with wide cargo access
There’s legit room for four adults, and tall drivers won’t feel jammed in. Plus, you can actually see out of it—rare these days.
Dimensions and Utility
The Crosstrek didn’t grow much, and that’s a good thing. It still fits in tight parking spots but gives you enough space to make it a proper daily adventure rig.
| Spec | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 176.4 in |
| Width | 71.7 in |
| Height | 63.0 in (Wilderness: 64.0 in) |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 in (Wilderness: 9.3 in) |
| Curb Weight | ~3,300–3,500 lbs |
| Cargo Space (rear seats up/down) | 19.9 / 54.7 cu ft |
Perfect size for camping gear, bikes, dogs, and impulse IKEA runs.
Safety and Driver Tech
Every Crosstrek comes with Subaru’s EyeSight® driver assist suite, which is one of the best out there in this price range. It doesn’t freak out over minor stuff, and it works well in real-world traffic.
- Adaptive cruise control with lane centering
- Pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure warning with sway assist
- Rear seat reminder
- Available blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Add in Subaru’s crash safety record and symmetrical AWD, and this thing is built to keep you out of trouble.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Subaru didn’t overload the lineup—five trims, each with a clear role. Base is for budget buyers. Wilderness is for the REI crowd. Limited gives you everything without stepping on Outback territory.
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| Base | $26,290 |
| Premium | $27,440 |
| Sport | $30,290 |
| Limited | $32,195 |
| Wilderness | $33,290 |
The Sport is the sweet spot if you want the 2.5L without breaking $31K. But honestly? The Wilderness trim is a vibe.
Final Verdict: Jake’s Take
“The 2024 Crosstrek won’t blow anyone’s doors off—but it’ll be the last one standing when the road turns to gravel and half your camping group flakes.”
Subaru didn’t reinvent the Crosstrek, but they did make it better in every way that matters. Smoother ride, smarter interior, and actual off-road bite if you go Wilderness. For folks who want one car that can handle weekday errands and weekend dirt without drama, this one delivers.
Not flashy. Not fast. But exactly what it needs to be.