The new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek does what people like: It’s surprisingly capable, but in a way that doesn’t dominate the experience. If you’re ready for ruggedness to take center stage though, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is here to lead you into its namesake.
Joining the Forester and Outback Wilderness, the toughened-up Crosstrek balances increased off-road performance with unibody car refinement. It’s for people who want something more economical than an off-road pickup, but still need or want capability. To that end, the Crosstrek Wilderness gains long-travel springs and shocks, adding 0.6 inches to ground clearance for a total of 9.3 in. That increases approach, breakover, and departure angles to 20, 21.1, and 33 respectively, with aid from altered body cladding. That’s pretty much what you get from a 2023 Chevy Colorado Z71, folks.
The Crosstrek Wilderness also has a front skid plate to protect its drivetrain, while a roll indicator, hill descent control, and various terrain modes amplify stability on all surfaces. Traction benefits from a shorter rear-axle ratio, torque vectoring, and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires (with raised white lettering) on exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels. There’s even an anti-glare hood decal to improve visibility while driving into the sun.
To maximize use of its added off-road capability, the Crosstrek Wilderness has a ladder-style roof rack rated for 176 pounds of dynamic load, and 700 pounds static. (Sounds ready for a rooftop tent.) It has water-resistant interior upholstery too, and standard all-weather floor mats.
If the Crosstrek Wilderness alone isn’t enough to transport your gear, you can toss it in a trailer courtesy of an upgraded 3,500-pound tow rating (same as the Forester) enabled by a transmission cooler. Power however remains the same, at 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque from a 2.5-liter flat-four. The 2.4-liter turbo engine in the WRX would really ice this cake, but it’s not available. (That’s your cue, Subaru.)
The Wilderness model stands out in a lineup, with available Geyser Blue paint exclusive to Subaru’s off-road range. It has copper contrast stitching, and copper finish on its shifter, gauge rings, and leather wheel too. Standard equipment includes keyless entry, steering-responsive LED headlights, two-zone climate control, and heated front seats, mirrors, and windshield. Subaru Eyesight ADAS is standard too, along with an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Options include a power moonroof, 10-way power driver’s seat, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Made in Lafayette, Indiana, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness will reach dealers in Fall 2023. It’ll start at $33,290 delivered, and it’s hard to imagine them lasting on dealer lots at that price.
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