During my time with the Crosstrek, I traveled from the sunlit roads of Phoenix to snowy and icy back paths of Pinetop AZ at elevations above 9,000 feet above sea level. The Crosstrek was put to the test this week and it performed exceptionally well both on and off the road.
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is a fantastic addition to the Crosstrek range, blending adventure-ready capabilities with the brand’s well-known reliability and safety. This model introduces a distinctive blend of exterior and interior features, setting a new standard for compact SUVs designed for both urban and off-road conditions.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
Exterior
The Crosstrek Wilderness features a tough yet refined appearance, with the Crystal White Pearl color being ideal for the Arizona sun. Enhanced by exclusive Wilderness badges, an anti-glare matte-black hood decal, and black-finished exterior elements, it boasts increased ground clearance to 9.3 inches and enhanced approach, departure, and ramp breakover angles. The vehicle is equipped with 17-inch matte black alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires, prepared for any adventure.
Interior
Inside, the Crosstrek Wilderness has a cabin designed for both comfort and durability. StarTex water-repellant upholstery, highlighted with Anodized Copper-finish stitching, and gunmetal gray touchpoints not only look exceptional but also offer comfort. The spacious interior is complemented by Subaru’s 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system, offering wireless connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring entertainment and connectivity on the go. The large touchscreen is easy to see and navigate, with user-friendly controls that are easily accessible from the driver’s perspective.
Engine and Transmission
Propelling the Crosstrek Wilderness is a DOHC 4-cyl. 2.5-liter BOXER engine with direct injection paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT, featuring an 8-speed manual shift mode for enhanced control. This setup, along with the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and an upgraded suspension, provides a driving experience that’s as dynamic on city streets as it is on back-country trails. The advanced dual-function X-MODE further enhances its capability, allowing for superior traction in various conditions.
Driving Experience
The Crosstrek is truly a versatile vehicle. It is easy to maneuver in city and highway driving, and it is also easy to park. After driving on snow-covered surfaces with some areas iced over, I trust in Subaru and the Crosstrek’s capabilities. The system easily grips the road on slippery surfaces, making it difficult to make the car fishtail (I attempted). We even took it on an off-road trail to observe some wild horses grazing in a pasture, and encountered no issues.
The improved suspension and all-terrain tires ensure a smooth ride over rough landscapes, while the 3,500 lb. towing capacity and increased ground clearance make it a perfect companion for outdoor excursions.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
Safety
Subaru’s dedication to safety is evident in the Crosstrek Wilderness, equipped with the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and additional features like Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The comprehensive safety suite, including Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control and Automatic Emergency Steering, provides peace of mind, making it a safe haven for its occupants.
Conclusion
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is a strong contender in the compact SUV segment, offering a compelling mix of style, capability, and safety. Its unique features, such as the water-repellant upholstery and advanced multimedia system, cater to the adventurous spirit without sacrificing comfort or convenience. For those in search of a vehicle that can navigate daily commutes and outdoor adventures with equal skill, the Crosstrek Wilderness is an outstanding choice. Its combination of practicality, performance, and safety makes it an ideal vehicle for a wide range of drivers, reinforcing Subaru’s reputation for producing vehicles that surpass expectations.
Subaru offers great value with an MSRP of $35,560 for my test vehicle.
For all things Subaru and more info on the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness visit the following link:
https://www.subaru.com/vehicles/crosstrek/wilderness.html
