AUTO REVIEW: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Is Wilderness Ready

By Marc D. Grasso

(Boston Herald/TNS) — Subaru boasts tremendous options for outdoorsy consumers looking to enjoy what nature has to offer. From well-priced sedans to crossovers and wagons, Subaru vehicles have grown a huge following over the years.

This week, we tested the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness. This AWD compact SUV, which looks a lot like the Outback (only smaller), brings everything Subaru has to the table. The Wilderness package adds copper finish accents, an anti-glare hood decal, whitewall Yokohama 17-inch tires and water-repellant upholstery to the already popular Crosstrek. This highly desired addition will ensure that 2024 is the best Crosstrek yet and a huge win for Subaru lovers.

Mounted on the third generation Subaru Global Platform frame, the Crosstrek Wilderness is roomy, with just shy of a 105-inch wheelbase and 176 inches in length. The five-door cargo space exceeds 54.9 cubic feet, making this more than a grocery-getter and confirming its fitness for mountain getaways and the like. The roof racks can hold up to 700 pounds of static weight. Winning!

Powering the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is the 2.5-liter Boxer-style engine offering 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a whiny Lineartronic CVT transmission, road noise was at the forefront and noticeable for all passengers.

The Crosstrek has been a huge hit for an array of consumers who enjoy four-season weather. It is priced right and has decent gas mileage, a spacious interior, and power enough for off-road and highway uses. The Crosstrek Wilderness is no different, and its good-looking exterior lines and color accents are worth the additional expense. Appealing for a Subaru, the Crosstrek is a money-maker for the brand and it holds a great deal of trade-in value, which is a win-win for everyone.

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness

MSRP: $31,995

MPG: 25 city / 29 highway / 27.1 as tested

As Tested: $35,560