During my time with the Crosstrek, I transitioned from cruising the sunlit streets of Phoenix to traversing snow-covered back roads in Pinetop, AZ at elevations exceeding 9,000 feet above sea level. The Crosstrek faced various challenges during this period and it performed exceptionally well both on and off the road.
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness serves as a valuable addition to the Crosstrek lineup by combining adventure-ready capabilities with the brand’s well-known dependability and safety standards. This model showcases a distinct set of exterior and interior attributes, establishing a new standard for compact SUVs tailored for urban and off-road terrains.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness[/caption>
Exterior Design
The appearance of the Crosstrek Wilderness strikes a balance between toughness and sophistication; the Crystal White Pearl hue perfectly complements the Arizona sun. Adorned with exclusive Wilderness badges, a matte-black hood decal to reduce glare, and black-finished exterior accents, it flaunts an elevated ground clearance of 9.3 inches along with enhanced approach, departure, and ramp breakover angles. Riding on 17-inch matte black alloy wheels fitted with Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires, it stands ready for any expedition.
Interior Layout
Internally, the Crosstrek Wilderness features a blend of comfort and durability in its cabin design. The StarTex water-repellant upholstery, complemented by Anodized Copper-finish stitching and gunmetal gray touchpoints, not only deliver a pleasing aesthetic but also ensure cozy seating. The commodious interior is supported by Subaru’s 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system, providing wireless connectivity options for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, facilitating entertainment and connectivity on-the-go. The large touchscreen offers clear visibility and intuitive navigation, making it easily accessible and driver-friendly.
Engine and Gearbox
The Crosstrek Wilderness is powered by a DOHC 4-cyl. 2.5-liter BOXER engine equipped with direct injection, paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT that features an 8-speed manual shift mode for improved control. This powertrain, coupled with the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and an upgraded suspension system, ensures a dynamic driving experience on urban streets as well as off-road trails. The advanced dual-function X-MODE further augments its capability, enabling superior traction in diverse conditions.
Driving Impressions
The Crosstrek proves to be a versatile vehicle, offering ease of maneuverability in urban and highway driving scenarios, as well as convenient parking. Following my experience driving on snowy and icy terrains, I developed a strong trust in Subaru and the Crosstrek’s capabilities. The vehicle demonstrates excellent road grip on slippery surfaces, making it challenging to induce fishtailing (despite my attempts). We even ventured onto an off-road path to observe wild horses grazing in a pasture, encountering no issues.
The enhanced suspension and all-terrain tires contribute to a smooth ride over rugged landscapes, while the 3,500 lb. towing capacity and increased ground clearance make it an ideal companion for outdoor escapades.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness[/caption>
Safety Features
Subaru’s dedication to safety is evident in the Crosstrek Wilderness, which comes equipped with the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology alongside additional features like Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The all-encompassing safety suite, inclusive of Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control and Automatic Emergency Steering, instills a sense of security, making it a sanctuary for its occupants.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness emerges as a formidable contender in the compact SUV segment, presenting a captivating blend of style, capability, and safety. Its distinctive elements, such as water-repellant upholstery and cutting-edge multimedia system, cater to the adventurous spirit without compromising on comfort or convenience. For individuals in search of a vehicle capable of navigating daily routines and outdoor adventures with equal prowess, the Crosstrek Wilderness stands out as a stellar choice. Its fusion of functionality, performance, and safety positions it as an ideal automobile for a diverse range of drivers, solidifying Subaru’s reputation for exceeding expectations.
Subaru further enhances its value proposition with an attractive starting price. The test vehicle I reviewed is priced at an MSRP of $35,560.
For additional details on the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness and more about Subaru, visit the link below:
https://www.subaru.com/vehicles/crosstrek/wilderness.html
