2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Review

Do I have a Subaru bias?  Why do you ask, just because I talk about them all the time on the Car Pro Radio Show?  Let’s call it sincere appreciation and respect for a car company that does it right, thinks outside of the box, and yet sticks to its roots.  This defines Subaru.

So, this week I spent a very nice week with the all-new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, a compact SUV.  My two favorite features that come as standard equipment on Subi SUVs are the full-time Symmetrical all-wheel drive system, and the EyeSight safety system, two features I think are best-in-class in the auto industry.

EyeSight monitors traffic movement from two cameras mounted high on the windshield.  It optimizes cruise control, and if you stray out of your lane it will center the vehicle back in the lane. The pre-collision braking feature can even apply full braking force in emergency situations.  It works incredibly well.

Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive system continually keeps the power to all four wheels, ensuring outstanding grip in snow, rain, or rough terrain.  The Wilderness trim takes it to another level.  It is all part of a new trend I am seeing:  It is called Overlanding.  The ability to go off-road anywhere you want to, but also a pleasurable vehicle to drive on a daily basis. 

Exterior

The 2024 is sleeker than previous versions and is actually quite attractive.  The Wilderness adds a lot of cladding on the outside, not for looks, but for protecting the vehicle from obstacles.  

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The 17” black alloy wheels and Yokahama tires look super, and you’ll notice the Wilderness badging on the exterior.  There are also hints of gold on the exterior and interior.  There is a large flat-black portion on the hood for those times you are off-roading to cut the glare, and a nice spoiler in the rear.

Performance 

Under the hood is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine, that provides 182-horses and 178 foot-pound of torque.  It is mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that is shiftable from paddles on the steering wheel.  While not normally a fan of CVTs, this one is smooth, doesn’t feel like it is laboring, and the shift paddles actually make a difference.  As an aside, the first Subaru CVT I ever drove was in 1985, so the Subaru folks have it perfected.   

Interior

The interior is nicely done with StarTex seats (simulated leather for cleaning purposes) that are bolstered and stitched.  A large Subaru Wilderness badge is emboldened into the front headrests and the front seats are heated, but not cooled.  The analog gauges are easy to see, and there is a driver info center between the tach and speedometer that operates from the steering wheel.

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Stitching runs through the door panels and nicely across the dash.  There is a soft center console that your arm rests on.  Forward of the gear shifter is a cubbyhole with two USBs, a wireless phone charger, and a power outlet.   

High on the dash is a terrific 11.6” touchscreen that houses the Subaru Starlink System.  From there, you operate the sound system, Bluetooth, apps, Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the vehicle settings.  This system works great, and it’s easy to figure out.  From the screen, you can go into X Modes, which includes snow/dirt, normal, and deep snow/mud.  Also from there, you can set the Auto Hold and not have to turn it on every time you start the SUV, and there is a button on the screen to turn off the start/stop system. 

Back seat leg and head and room are really good.  I wish there were A/C vents but there are USB-C and USB-A ports back there, and a pulldown armrest.   Cargo area is also plentiful with plenty of storage with the back seats up. The back seats fold down quite easily to give you 55 cubic-feet of cargo area and they are fold flat with the cargo area.   

Standard Equipment and Options

Important standard features include:  rearview camera, heated seats, tilt steering wheel, power windows and door locks, automatic headlights, fog lights, and keyless entry system.    

My tester has the optional power moonroof, Harmon Kardon sound system, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and the navigation system, all for $2,270 plus the Alpine Green color is a $395 charge.

Safety 

Safety features besides the Eyesight system are adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot warning, automatic emergency braking, reverse automatic braking, collision detected power door unlock function, and rear seat reminder.

Ride and Drive 

The CrossTrek is a lot of fun to drive, it is relatively quiet inside, the visibility is great, and the acceleration is actually quite good.  It really shines when you venture off the pavement but is a super enjoyable SUV at all times.  If you don’t think you’ll go off-road often, take a look at the Crosstrek Limited for a little smoother ride and easy entry and exit height.

Fuel economy is really good at 25 in town, and 29 on the highway for a 27 MPG rating combined

Verdict 

MSRP is a very reasonable $35,965, which is right in line with other compact SUVs that don’t have EyeSight and it’s really hard to put a price tag on your safety. 

This is truly one of my favorite compact SUVs on the market.