The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is ready to go above and beyond with 9.3 inches of ground clearance and dual function X-Mode traction control

More than surefooted transportation, Subaru says the Crosstrek Wilderness is “designed as a ‘partner’ for outdoor activities.” Pricing starts at $33,540. (Photography by Mark Maynard)

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Crosstrek History
Off-Road Ready Small SUVs
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Pricing
Crosstrek Wilderness Separators
Safety Features
Performance
Wilderness Ride and Handling
Interior Function
Why Buy the Crosstrek Wilderness?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

When I first saw the Crosstrek Wilderness, I knew we would get down and dirty. This top model of the wildly popular Subaru Crosstrek is outfitted as the Off-Road Militia Commander. Dressed in Alpine Green paint and copper-colored epaulets, I almost gave a crisp salute.

You will know it when you see the Crosstrek Wilderness. The Army green tester looked parade-ready with copper-toned pageantry. With its sand-and-snow grips at the edge of the tread face on raised white-letter Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, it is poised for action. The body side moldings look to be military-grade protection from rock rash and trail pinstriping. Raised roof rails have a capacity of 700 pounds to support the optional roof-top tent, or whatever can be lashed to the rails. Front and rear bumper treatments look bump-stop ready.

It is a silly investment for this owner not to use the Crosstrek Wilderness in its natural element. There are four other Crosstrek trim levels, all with standard all-wheel drive, a base flat-four engine, and a hop-up choice. There are two versions of the Lineartronic continuously variable transmission Incline Start Assist, with the more off-road capable dual-function X-Mode for the Wilderness and upper trims. The Wilderness also has an air-cooled transmission fluid cooler.

Subaru says the Crosstrek Wilderness is more than surefooted transportation; it is “designed as a ‘partner’ for outdoor activities.”

Driver sightlines are uncluttered at the side mirrors and over-the-shoulder.

Subaru Crosstrek History

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness joins the Subaru Forester and Outback Wilderness models. All generations of the Crosstrek compact SUV are raised versions of the Subaru Impreza hatchback.

Crosstrek history goes back to the 2013 U.S. launch of the Subaru XV Crosstrek, which dropped the XV — “Crossover Vehicle” — in 2016. A gasoline-electric hybrid version came out in 2014, and a plug-in hybrid version was added in 2019. The plug-in model was dropped in 2023, but rumors abound that a hybrid variant will be offered again soon.

The second generation debuted in 2017 and offered a six-speed manual transmission. Crosstrek had a facelift for the 2021 model year, introducing new driver-assistance technologies and the new 2.5-liter “boxer” four-cylinder engine option.

This third-generation Crosstrek is built on the Subaru Global Platform and underpins other Subaru models. Subaru says the body is 10 percent stiffer in torsional rigidity than the previous generation. Subaru says the global platform has full inner frame construction and uses more structural adhesive. However, with the stiffer body, Subaru also engineers some flexibility into the chassis to improve suspension movements for greater road adhesion.

StarTex water-repellent upholstery with a embossed headrests.

Off-Road Ready Small SUVs

Most automakers now offer an adventure-themed SUV or truck. Here are four competing 2024 SUV crossovers to the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Activ AWD, $30,000. Assets: off-road suspension tuning, front underbody skid plate;

Ford Bronco Sport Badlands 4WD, $40,630 (including $645 “acquisition fee.” Assets: off-road suspension, underbody protection, 17-inch Continental all-terrain tires 225/65;

GMC Terrain AT4, $36,890 (before incentives). Standard AWD, 7.9 inches of ground clearance;

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, $42,890. Assets: off-road suspension, Jeep Active Drive Lock with mechanical locking differential on Active Drive Lock, 8.7 inches ground clearance;

Kia Sportage X-Pro, $37,565. Assets: active all-wheel drive with center locking differential, multi-terrain drive modes, and 8.3 Inches of ground clearance;

Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road, $39,645 Assets: torque vectoring all-wheel drive with rear driveline disconnect (to improve fuel economy).

A flat underbody for trail access.

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Pricing

Crosstrek is sold in five trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness. All models have standard all-wheel drive and two engine choices, both with a Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission with adaptive control and incline start assist; all trims but the Base have an eight-speed manual mode with paddle shifters.

Retail pricing includes the $1,345 freight charge from Lafayette, Ind.:

• Base: $26,540
• Premium: $28,085
• Sport: $30,935; Alpine Green paint is a $395 option.
• Limited: $32,440
• Wilderness: $33,540

The Crosstrek Wilderness tester with two options came to $36,205. Alpine Green paint is a $395 choice. Option package 23, $2,270, adds a power moonroof, a 10-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, and a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat.

Check this link for special Subaru Crosstrek offers.

Get current Subaru Crosstrek pricing here.

For $36K, the front passenger should also have a power seat.

Crosstrek Wilderness Separators

Wilderness separators from other Crosstrek models, include:

• Raised suspension with 9.3 inches of ground clearance
• 182-hp 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine with a lower final-drive ratio for improved low-speed climbing — up to a 38-degree grade – and a stronger rear differential;
• Air-cooled oil cooler for the Lineartronic CVT
• 17-inch matte black-finish wheels and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires;
• StarTex water-repellent upholstery and anodized copper-finish interior accents;
• Unique front and rear bumpers with integrated tow points and extended lower cladding;
• 3,500-pound towing capacity;
• An all-weather package adds heated front seats, windshield, and side mirrors.

Wilderness LED fog lights in a hexagon pattern.

Subaru Options to Consider

Thule Awning — Roof Mounted, $849.95

I camped in Baja California for years and always packed along a 10-by-10 easy-up canopy. It was always a struggle to put up and take down, especially in windy conditions. The Crosstrek’s roof-mounted awning is a simpler choice for shelter from the sun and rain. The awning is made of high-strength fabric and has canopy tensioners. Telescopic support legs are height adjustable, depending on the terrain. Access by the telescoping aluminum ladder also functions as a critical support to stabilize the weight of the tent and its occupants.

The 6 1/2-foot-wide awning, which stows in a lightweight aluminum case, reaches 8 feet when fully extended. Also included is a locking adapter kit for mounting to the crossbars and stakes to secure the legs to the ground.

Thule Roof Top Tent, $2,799.95

It sounds like a great idea to be off the ground while camping, but what a hassle for the midnight bathroom break. The tent is claimed to be large enough for two to three campers. It has panoramic skylights and windows for ventilation and a dual-layer foam mattress.

Lockable mounting brackets are extra and secure the tent to the Thule Crossbar Set – Aero Extended, $539.72.

The Subaru accessories guide claims “quick and easy deployment in 3 minutes or less: unzip the travel cover, unfold the base, and secure the ladder to begin your camping adventure!” The tent weighs 128 pounds. (I’d like to see that “easy deployment” in 3 minutes!)

Other tent features include:

• A rain cover.
• Dual-zippered panels for the door and windows.
• Four skylights with a bug screen and a water-resistant polyester privacy panel.
• Zippered travel cover.

700-pound capacity roof rails. (Subaru)

Subaru Crosstrek Safety Technologies

All Subaru Crosstrek models have eight air bags (including a driver knee bag and front passenger seat-cushion air bag), blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking.

The suite of Eyesight driver-assist technologies includes advanced adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, lane departure and sway warning, and a lead vehicle start alert.

17-inch Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires look rugged but roll smoothly without much noise.

Powertrain and Performance

I would not want any less than the 182-hp in the Crosstrek Wilderness. The 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder moves out tentatively until the engine gets into the torque range. There is strong force between about 25 and 55 mph, but passing power is thin at 65 mph and above. I used Sport mode except when cruising on the Interstate.

The Crosstrek Wilderness has the heaviest curb weight of 3,417 (with options), but it is just 92 pounds heavier than the Base model. 3,417 pounds with options

Revisions to the 2.5-liter engine include new camshafts, which raise torque to 178 foot-pounds at 3,700 rpm. That is just 2 pound-feet more than before, but peak torque drops by 700 rpm. More torque at a lower rpm provides a quicker getaway from the traffic light and more acceleration control while off-road.

X-Mode is an electronic hill descent control system that automatically controls the throttle and brakes, allowing drivers to focus on steering. However, this setting only works up to 12 mph. Improvements to the X-Mode control now automatically restore it when the speed drops to 22 mph.

Dual-function X-Mode is a secondary setting for use in more extreme snow, sand, or mud conditions. Engagement by a console button (or through the infotainment touchscreen) allows for some wheel spin to maintain forward momentum.

The Lineartronic CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) is retuned for better low-speed performance, and with the addition of a CVT cooler. The Lineartronic transmission uses a chain instead of a belt, which is longer lasting and responds faster to throttle input. A manual mode simulates eight gear changes, which can be helpful off-road to control downhill speed. The tow rating is surprisingly strong at 3,500 pounds.

Look how Subaru places all DIY checkpoints in easy reach.

Crosstrek Wilderness Ride and Handling

Perhaps the greatest asset of the Crosstrek Wilderness will never be experienced in a dealership test drive. Subaru’s “symmetrical” all-wheel drive is more than full-time AWD. It is an entire drive system philosophy. It begins with the low-mounted boxer engine with the driveshaft to the rear differential mounted in a straight, symmetrical line. Most 4WD systems have an offset driveshaft from the front transfer case to the axle and a second driveshaft centered from the transmission to the rear axle.

Subaru’s dual-pinion electric power-assisted steering is unrecognized for its smooth-rolling finesse and quick turn-in.

With the combination of the low position of the engine and driveline, there is much reduced body roll in cornering. On my backcountry run, I steered into tight S-turns and prepared for the expected weight transition of a raised suspension. But there was no roll, just a flat execution through the corners. It brought a smile and encouraged me to push a little harder into the next turn. It might be different with a few hundred pounds lashed to the roof, but I will call Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive a passive stability system.

Inside, the cabin is reasonably soundproofed, including a laminated windshield. But those heavy-duty roof rails and raised ride height generate wind noise.

Black and gray plastic is acceptable in appearance for a dust-prone off-roader.

Crosstrek Interior Function

The 11.6-inch-long multimedia tablet screen presents a narrow rearview camera view.

The Crosstrek cabin is efficient and roomy. There is a comfortable entry step-in height. Driver sightlines are uncluttered at the side mirrors and over the shoulder. Front headroom is good at 38.7 inches, or 39.8 inches, without the sunroof. Seat comfort is sufficient for a three-hour drive, but I did wish for more upper-body bolster control for powering through the S-turns. Substantial sun visors have extenders, and armrest pads are thick and comfy. The wireless charging pad just ahead of the shift console has a thoughtful light when traveling at night.

A 10-way power driver’s seat is a valuable feature in the sunroof package. But, the front passenger gets just a four-way manual seat — it should be power for the $36K Crosstrek Wilderness.

There is much black and Gunmetal Gray plastic that is acceptable in appearance for a dust-prone off-roader. Some creative trim elements add visual texture to the plastic-ness. Piano black around the gearshift showed scratches, with just 4,128 miles on the test vehicle.

My biggest gripe is the 11.6-inch multimedia-plus tablet screen. I’m sure it is efficient packaging to access phone, navigation, and apps, but the display is limiting. The rearview camera view is narrow and small, and glare can complicate views. A row of digital buttons at the tablet’s base is a quick fix while driving to adjust temperature and fan speed. However, those actions take eyes from the road to hunt and tap.

There is a 12-volt plug of 120 watts, but it should be stronger at 180 watts. For campers, a household 120-volt outlet would be beneficial for powering air pumps, auxiliary lighting, and chargers.

Back seat roominess is a smart compromise between cargo space and legroom.

Back Seat and Cargo Space

Back seat roominess is a smart compromise between cargo space and legroom. However, the bench is short on adult thigh support, but that helps legroom of 36.5 inches.

Side windows go all the way down, and the doors open to nearly 90 degrees. That’s more smart Subaru engineering that benefits parents strapping toddlers into child seats or loading gear for camping. However, the big-shoed passenger’s foot space through the back doors is tight.

Fold the back seats for about 5 1/2 feet in length. The cargo entry is wide at 40 ½ inches and 28 ½ inches from floor to headliner.

A full-size 17-inch temporary spare stows under the cargo floor with some robust jacking equipment.

Fold the back seats for about 5 1/2 feet in length. Below, a full-size, 17-inch temporary spare.

Why Buy the Crosstrek Wilderness?

The Subaru Crosstrek is a long-term keeper. It is smartly simple and adaptive to busy lives. The Wilderness is meant to be tramped and camped and looks better with exterior dirt and trail pinstriping. For maintenance DIY-ers, all the regularly checked engine fluids are clearly marked, and the oil filter is at the top of the engine.

If you are considering one of the new “adventure-themed” SUVs — and you are an active trail explorer — doesn’t it make sense to consider a vehicle from a manufacturer specializing in all-wheel drive and getting people to the outback?

The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness has a raised suspension with 9.3 inches of ground clearance.

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Specifications

Body style: Compact, 5-door, 5-seat SUV crossover with standard Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive

Engine: 182-hp 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer four-cylinder with direct fuel injection and auto stop-start at idle; 178 lb.-ft. torque 3,700 rpm; Subaru SI-Drive driver-selectable Intelligent and Sport modes with steering wheel control switches

Transmission: Lineartronic CVT with adaptive control, incline start assist, and 8-speed manual mode with paddle shifters

Fuel economy: 25/27/29 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane recommended

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 16.6 gallons

Cargo space: 20-54.9 cubic feet

Max. load floor length, rear seats up/down: 32.1/63.9 inches

Front head/leg room: 38.7*/42.9 inches *39.8 inches w/o moonroof

Rear head/leg room: 38/36.5 inches

Length/wheelbase: 176.4/*104.9 *105.1 inches all other trims

Width/height: 71.7*/63.6 inches *79.4 including mirrors

Curb weight: 3,417 pounds with options

Turning circle: 34.78 feet

Tow rating: 3,500 pounds (class 1); 400-pound tongue weight (1,500 lbs. with 2.0 engine)

Minimum road clearance: 9.3 inches (vs. 8.7 inches in other trims)

Angles of approach/departure: 20.0/33 degrees

Ramp breakover angle: 21.1 degrees

Crossbar dynamic load capacity: 165 pounds (176 lbs. other trims)

Crossbar static load capacity: 700 pounds

FEATURES

Crosstrek Wilderness key equipment includes: Keyless entry with push-button ignition, 4.2-inch color digital display for driver information and gauges, USB-C input-charge port in front center console, wireless phone charger, USB-A and USB-C charge ports in rear center console, cargo cover (retractable), sound insulating windshield, Subaru Starlink 11.6-inch multimedia-plus system, Subaru Starlink connected services, all-weather package (heated front seats, heated windshield, and heated side mirrors), LED light on rear gate for cargo area;

Interior Crosstrek Wilderness features include: anodized copper-finish stitching and accents, Gunmetal Gray touch points, StarTex water-repellent upholstery, front headrests with Subaru Wilderness logo embossed, all-weather floor mats with Subaru Wilderness logo on front mats, black-finish headliner;

Crosstrek Wilderness exterior features include: dual-function X-Mode with hill descent control, 17-inch alloy wheels in matte black finish, 225/60 Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, raised ladder-type roof rails, LED headlights (with LED signal, accent, and side marker lights);

Safety features include: 8 air bags (including a driver knee bag and front passenger seat-cushion air bag), blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking;

Eyesight driver-assist technologies include: Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control; Pre-Collision Braking; Pre-Collision Throttle Management; Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

CHASSIS COMPONENTS

Brakes: Electronic controlled power-assisted dual diagonal 4-wheel discs with electronic brake-force distribution, 4-channel/4-sensor ABS, brake assist, brake override, auto vehicle hold, and active torque vectoring; Front rotors: 12.4-in. ventilated discs with dual-piston calipers; Rear rotors: 11.2-in. ventilated discs with single-piston calipers

Steering: Dual pinion electric power assisted steering; Turning circle: 34.78 ft.) (35.44 ft. other trims)

Tires-wheels: Yokohama Geolandar 225/60R17 99T all-terrain; 17 x 7-inches aluminum alloy, matte black finish

Suspension: 4-wheel independent, raised; front, MacPherson-type struts, lower L-arms, coil springs, dampers, stabilizer bar, hydraulic engine mounts; rear, Double wishbone, coil springs, dampers, stabilizer bar

PRICING

Wilderness base price: $33,540, including $1,345 freight charge; price as tested $36,205.

Options on test vehicle: Alpine Green paint ($395); option package 23 ($2,270) adds a  power moonroof, a 10-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, and a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat.

Where assembled: Lafayette, Ind.

Warranties: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper to bumper with roadside assistance; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain