The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek stands out as one of our top choices when it comes to small crossovers. Its unique appeal stems from its resemblance to a hatchback on stilts rather than a traditional SUV, which provides a car-like feel that many customers, including ourselves, prefer.
What sets it apart from its rivals in the compact crossover segment is its remarkable off-road performance, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy venturing beyond paved roads.
Boasting 8.7 inches of ground clearance (or 9.3 inches in the Wilderness trim), the Crosstrek offers ample flexibility, and its standard all-wheel-drive system is smart enough to navigate challenging terrains.
The interior of the new Crosstrek closely resembles its predecessor’s in terms of size and overall appearance, although Subaru has incorporated tech features from the Outback, resulting in a noticeable visual change. As with the previous model, the Crosstrek’s cabin is user-friendly and provides generous space for rear passengers, a spacious cargo area, numerous storage compartments, and excellent driver visibility. However, the interior lacks aesthetic appeal and the infotainment technology, though it offers an available large screen, operates at a slower pace.
Perhaps the most significant drawback lies within the performance department. The base 2.0-liter flat-four engine offers sluggish acceleration, prompting many customers to opt for the 2.5-liter upgrade to address this issue, though it still fails to provide noteworthy speed. With only a continuously variable transmission (CVT) available, the lack of power becomes more apparent as the engine continuously requires higher revs to get the vehicle moving. Despite this subpar power, the Crosstrek remains one of the best options in terms of daily driving and adventure-friendly features among its small crossover counterparts.
What is the driving experience like in the Crosstrek?
The The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek prioritizes functionality and utility over all else in terms of its interior design. While lacking premium and visually appealing elements, this actually contributes to the Crosstrek’s charm for some customers. Long drives are comfortable thanks to the seating, although the plastic steering wheel in 2.0-liter models may appear cheap. The simplistic interior continues in the rear seats, featuring plastic trim typically found in vehicles within this price range.
Two distinct infotainment screen options are available for the Crosstrek. The base model is equipped with dual/stacked 7-inch touchscreens, which may appear unconventional but provide wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality on the top screen. The performance of Subaru’s StarLink infotainment system for this version remains untested, but the upgraded version, available in higher trims, offers a massive 11.6-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality.
The surround of the screen features a glossy black finish instead of the flat black found in the base model, and it retains physical controls that are highly appreciated. The console includes convenient switches for adjusting temperature and activating defrosters, while the chunky volume and tuning knobs further enhance user-friendliness. Surprisingly, an aux port is located on the console underneath the touchscreen, ensuring compatibility with older devices such as iPods. However, it is important to note that the 11.6-inch screen may appear impressive in photos, but it exhibits slow response times regardless of the task at hand.
While the menu layout is straightforward, tech enthusiasts may find the infotainment software lacking innovative features or cutting-edge software solutions. The instrument cluster is mostly analog, with a small central screen that can be customized to display various information. Unfortunately, the screen controlled via steering wheel buttons appears dated, raising concerns considering the Crosstrek’s all-new design for this year. Other competitors offer more exciting and advanced infotainment technology.
How much interior space does the Crosstrek offer?
The The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek design as a hatchback greatly benefits its interior space. Despite its compact size, the Crosstrek offers ample room for four passengers over six feet tall to fit comfortably. Additionally, there is sufficient space for a front passenger even with a rear-facing child seat. The cargo area behind the rear seats measures 19.9 cubic feet, which can be expanded to 54.7 cubic feet by folding the seats. While this may be slightly less than the spacious Nissan Kicks, it falls within the average range for its class. Furthermore, the cargo area’s depth and width compensate for its relatively lower height. Subaru even incorporated designated cupholders in the cargo floor, specifically designed to securely hold 32-ounce Nalgene bottles while the rear gate is open at a campsite.
What are the Crosstrek’s fuel economy and performance specifications?
The base and Premium trim levels of the Crosstrek are equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-four engine. It generates 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, paired exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The fuel efficiency is rated by the EPA at 27 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. All Crosstreks are equipped with all-wheel drive. For those seeking additional power, the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims come standard with a 2.5-liter engine. This upgrade offers 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, providing noticeably improved performance while maintaining similar fuel efficiency ratings of 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.
Final Thoughts
Pros: Enjoyable off-road capabilities; compact yet practical design; efficient engine options
Cons: Extremely slow base engine; low-quality interior materials; sluggish infotainment technology