The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness stands out as the most rugged and trail-capable Crosstrek ever, combining Subaru’s renowned reliability with enhanced off-road features. As someone who has previously driven and reviewed the 2024 Crosstrek Premium and Limited trims, I was eager to see how the Wilderness trim would fare. The Wilderness trim does not disappoint, offering unique design elements and practical enhancements that cater to adventurous drivers.
The exterior design of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek remains true to its rugged roots, featuring a raised stance and sculpted body lines that enhance both its aesthetic appeal and aerodynamic efficiency. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance are standard across all trims, giving the Crosstrek a robust presence. The front end boasts a bold grille and sharp LED headlights, while the sporty alloy wheels and a variety of color options allow for a degree of customization.
The Wilderness trim distinguishes itself with increased ground clearance of 9.3 inches, making it more adept at handling rough terrains. The exclusive all-terrain Yokohama GEOLANDAR® tires mounted on matte-black 17-inch alloy wheels provide superior traction in challenging conditions. The unique exterior design features, such as the all-new front and rear bumpers, larger wheel arch cladding, and bold hexagonal front grille with a metal skid plate, emphasize the vehicle’s rugged nature. Additional touches like unique LED fog lights, an anti-glare hood decal, and Wilderness badges further enhance its off-road-ready aesthetic.
Inside, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is both practical and comfortable. The water-resistant StarTex® upholstery, with embossed Wilderness logos and copper-colored contrast stitching, is designed for durability and easy maintenance. The manually adjustable front seats are heated for added comfort, and the 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks offer versatile cargo solutions. The dashboard and accents, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel and anodized copper-finish elements, add a touch of style to the rugged interior.
The SUBARU STARLINK® 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system is a standout tech feature, offering wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Bluetooth® connectivity, SiriusXM® All-Access Radio, HD Radio®, and over-the-air updates. Charging and connectivity are well catered for with illuminated front and rear USB-A and USB-C ports and a wireless phone charger in the center console. The dual-zone automatic climate control system ensures comfort for all passengers.
Driving the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is a robust and refined experience. The 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine delivers 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, ensuring responsive acceleration and ample power for various driving conditions. The retuned Lineartronic® CVT enhances low-speed traction and provides smooth power delivery, making it well-suited for both city driving and off-road adventures. Despite its enhanced capabilities, the Crosstrek Wilderness maintains respectable fuel efficiency with an estimated 29 MPG on the highway and 25 MPG in the city.
Off-road, the Crosstrek Wilderness truly shines. The increased ground clearance allows it to tackle rugged trails and obstacles with ease. Subaru’s dual-function X-MODE, which includes Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, optimizes engine output, CVT ratio, and AWD engagement to provide maximum traction and control in challenging conditions. The enhanced suspension system, with longer coil springs and shock absorbers, provides better stability and a smoother ride on rough surfaces. Hill Descent Control and Yokohama GEOLANDAR® all-terrain tires further enhance its off-road capabilities.
The rear hatch of the Crosstrek Wilderness is designed for convenience, with a wide opening that makes loading and unloading cargo easy. The cargo volume is generous, with 20.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and expanding to 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Practical touches like grocery bag hooks, tie-down hooks, and a removable cargo tray help protect the area from dirt and moisture.
Overall, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is a well-rounded and enjoyable vehicle, making it an excellent choice for those seeking adventure and practicality in a compact SUV. The advanced technology, capable driving dynamics, and rugged design elements make it a versatile option for both everyday use and off-road adventures.
