At the Chicago Auto Show, the third-generation 2024 Subaru Crosstrek made its official debut with all-new design inside and out, improved performance options, an elevated multi-media user experience and a stiffer safer body structure.
An evolutionary exterior design brings many of the lines and details of the also redesigned Impreza and WRX but with a distinctly off-roadier feel. Details like a frameless hexagonal grille, slimmer LED headlights, and generous black plastic wheel arch trims are all planted to the earth with newly designed 17 and 18-inch wheels.
Functional cross bar mounting points and available roof rails provide for expanded cargo-carrying options while its 8.7-inch ground clearance makes for a more impressive metric than many of the competitors.
The cabin gets the latest design and technology found in contemporary Subarus including dual 7.0-inch high-resolution touchscreens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, SiriusXM among other features in addition to menus for HVAC and vehicle settings.
Available in place of those is the large tablet format 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. In addition to all of its available services and features, the touchscreen also services menus and controls for HVAC and vehicle settings.
Being the off-road adventure oriented Crosstrek, the cabin features lots of rugged touches and cargo carrying functionality. With both seat backs down, the cargo area has 54.7 cubic feet of space. Its 41-inch-wide rear hatch and lift over height makes for easy getting in and out.
Powering the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek are two engines. Base and Premium trims get a 2.0-liter flat 4-cylinder direct-injected “boxer” engine with 152-horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Upper trims Sport and Limited get a more powerful 2.5-liter plant with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.
Both engines deliver power to its standard all-wheel drive system through Subaru’s Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Upper trims Premium, Sport and Limited trims get a manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters that provides simulated shift points for the CVT.
For traction challenged conditions it has a standard X-MODE with hill descent control. Upper trims
Sport and Limited get a more comprehensive dual-function X-MODE with more variety and capability in its control. All trims feature active torque vectoring and the SI-Drive performance management system.
For 2024, the Crosstrek body structure features 10-percent higher torsional rigidity with stronger welding techniques and additional structural adhesives all to provide a tighter and more solid feeling driving feel. Steering is also improved with a version of the new WRX’s dual-pinion electronic power steering rack.
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek will start at $24,995 when it goes on sale this spring, the same price as the 2023 model. Sport and Limited models will be built at Subaru’s Lafayette, Indiana plant while Base and Premium will continue to come from Gunma, Japan.
