What Do They Say About The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek - Expert Review by Larry Nutson

2024 Subaru Crosstrek
All you need is love

By Larry Nutson
Executive Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL

Subaru of America is on an upward trend. Through October 2023 they reported 15 consecutive months of increased sales. Year-to-date sales total 520,995, a 15.9 percent increase compared with the same period in 2022.

The Crosstrek is Subaru’s lowest priced vehicle, priced to start at $24,995. It’s Subaru’s second biggest seller following right behind the Outback.

This five-seat four-door with a big rear hatch is a compact size utility vehicle. At 176.4 inches long it makes for comfortable big-city maneuvering and parking, as well as navigating a campsite trail. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on every Crosstrek. There’s 8.7 inches of road clearance which helps out in deep snow or soft-roading. Cargo volume is modest at 20 cu.ft. but it expands to 55 cu.ft. for those bigger hauling jobs.

Crosstrek is entirely new for 2024 with new exterior styling and interior designs. Ride and handling have been improved with a 10-percent stiffer chassis, safety is enhanced, and infotainment and multimedia technology is improved.

For 2024, the Crosstrek continues with Base, Premium, Sport and Limited trim levels. Adding to the mix, there’s a new Wilderness trim level. Combining Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with a revised drivetrain, standard X-MODE, elevated 9.3-inch ground clearance and exclusive body cladding, the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness is the most rugged and trail-capable Crosstrek ever.

Base and Premium trim levels are equipped with a 2.0-L 4-cylinder BOXER engine producing 152-hp and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. Sport, Limited and the new Wilderness trim levels upgrade to a 2.5-L BOXER engine delivering 182-hp and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. Standard on all trim levels is a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The Premium, Sport, Limited and Wilderness trims feature a manual mode with steering wheel shift paddles that allow control of the transmission via eight pre-set ratios.

The Crosstrek Wilderness drivetrain has been optimized 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 3,500 lb. with the addition of a transmission oil cooler.

EPA test-cycle fuel economy ratings for the Base and Premium are 29 mpg combined, with 27 city mpg and 34 highway mpg. The Sport and Limited are EPA-rated one mpg lower in both city and highway EPA tests. Wilderness, mainly due to its final drive ratio, is EPA-rated at 27 mpg combined with 25 city mpg and 29 highway mpg.

All 2024 Crosstrek models are available with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology that includes an array of collision warning, collision intervention, and driving control assistance features.

My Chicagoland Crosstrek drive experience was in a Sport trim finished in Sapphire Blue Pearl. Base price on the Sport is $28,995. Option Package 22 was equipped ($1,920) that added blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, a power moonroof and 10-way power driver seat. With the $1,295 destination charge the bottom line totaled $32,210.

Around a large, crowded city the Crosstrek is a dream to maneuver. Its compact size makes life easier and its sporty handling makes for some fun. There’s plenty of room up front and the controls and touch screen are intuitive and easy to operate. Overall, the interior appointments parallel the ruggedness of the Crosstrek.

Trim level base prices range from $24,995 to $31,995. More facts, figures and details on the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek can be found at www.subau.com. The third-generation Crosstrek is a highly capable compact SUV with a comprehensive list of standard and available features offering a good value at a competitive price.

I was pleased to have driven the new Crosstrek with the larger and more powerful 2.5-L engine. Given the minimal difference in fuel consumption compared to the smaller 2.0-L engine, a 2.5-L equipped Crosstrek is the way to go with the increased performance it provides.

Some years back my wife and I made our home in central Connecticut. At every stop light, it seems Subaru was the most evident car brand. I frequently saw Subarus with a bicycle or a kayak on the roof. If the active outdoorsy life is your thing, the Crosstrek is a good choice to get you to the trails and streams.

Happy motoring!

Pros and Cons of Buying a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Pros:

Roomy and Versatile: The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek remains a roomy and versatile choice, ready for outdoor adventures and affordably priced.
Enhanced Technology: The redesigned 2024 Crosstrek features upgraded cutting-edge technology, including an 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and wireless charging.
Rugged Style: The Crosstrek Wilderness model offers enhanced off-road capability, rugged style, and quality Subaru engineering for confident exploration of tough trails.
Safety Features: The 2024 Crosstrek benefits from standard Eyesight driver assist system, which includes automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection.
All-Wheel Drive: As with previous models, all 2024 Crosstreks come with all-wheel drive as standard.

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Cons:

Powertrain Specs: There is no word yet on powertrain specs for the 2024 Crosstrek, including whether a plug-in hybrid model will return.
Transmission: All 2024 Crosstreks rely on a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), as the manual transmission option from the previous year is no longer available.

Consumer Reports insights about the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek:

The Crosstrek received an evolutionary redesign for 2024, with a few performance and design tweaks aimed at improving handling. The basic formula of the small SUV remains the same, with a raised Impreza hatchback design, impressive ground clearance, and standard all-wheel drive
Consumer Reports expects the 2024 Crosstrek to be more reliable than the average new car based on data from the 2024 model. However, it has been recalled twice by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
The cabin of the Crosstrek is noted to be rather noisy, and the ride can be stiff. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with 148 horsepower, occasionally has to work hard. However, the fuel economy is satisfying at 26 mpg
In terms of driving experience, the Crosstrek is described as surprisingly responsive and easy to maneuver. On the highway, it is remarkably quiet and comfortable
The Crosstrek's EyeSight driver assistance system, which includes automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, is now standard across all trims. This enhances the safety features of the vehicle
Please note that these insights are based on the available YOU.COM search snippets and may not cover all aspects of the Consumer Reports review. For a more comprehensive understanding, it is recommended to refer to the complete report from Consumer Reports.

2024 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is praised for its impressive off-road capability, making it a suitable choice for adventurous drivers.
The vehicle's spacious interior and comfortable seating are highlighted as strengths, providing a comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers.
The Crosstrek's fuel efficiency is noted as a positive feature, making it an economical choice for daily commuting or long-distance trips.
The reviewer commends the Crosstrek's safety features, including its advanced driver-assistance systems, which enhance the overall driving experience.

About Review Author Larry Nutson, The Chicago Car Guy

Larry has been the executive producer for The Auto Channel for more than 20 years.

Larry is a graduate mechanical engineer and an automobile enthusiast at heart. "I’ve enjoyed a diverse automotive corporate career that began in product planning and expanded into marketing and communications. I’m established as a successful contractor, a founder of the Individual Communicators Network (ICN) and operated a well-regarded 1000-home residential property management service. I'm equally at ease with technical matters, strategic planning, architectural plans, or communicating to an audience. Project management suits me well and I love to travel.

A Founding member and past-Chairman of the Individual Communicators Network. Past chairperson of the SAE International Public Affairs Committee. Public relations services for SAE Congress and Formula SAE. Sponsorship representative for and early-supporter of the Woodward Dream Cruise, Detroit, Michigan.

Independent management and communications professional since 1997.

Guest commentator on Drive Chicago-WLS 890AM, Consumer Guide Automotive Car Stuff Podcast, KRTK 93.3 Automotive Insights, Shunpiker's Journal-Michigan Business Network and Talk Lansing.net Radio. Executive Producer for The Auto Channel. Contributing writer to ClassicCars.com Blog and Chicago Tribune/Autos.

Past member of the Board and Treasurer of the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Specialties: Automotive Product Evaluation, Brand Communication, Automotive Event Planning and Management, Government Liaison, Automotive Marketing, Education Advocacy, Homeowner Association Management, German Language