At the New York Auto Show, the popular Subaru Crosstrek joined the Wilderness Family. Not the family from that 1970’s movie drama, but the trim grade of extra off-roadier Subarus known simply as Wilderness.

Taking the already capable and all-new 2024 Crosstrek, they added all of the extra rugged styling and mechanical upgrades to take it to the next level out there in the dirt, snow, water and mud.

Styling mods include revised front and rear fascias with most notably a unique grille with a bolder hex pattern. There’s upgraded hex-design LED lighting, blackout graphic on the hood and underneath is a metal skid plate. Larger plastic shrouds are added to the wheel arches which surround unique 17-inch matte-black alloy wheels with extra chewy Yokohama GEOLANDAR 225/60 R17 all-terrain tires.

Up on top is a standard ladder-type roof rack offering up to a 700 pound static load capacity perfect for a large roof tend. There’s also a body-color spoiler, black side mirrors and Wilderness emblems scattered about. Shown here is the exclusive color of Geyser Blue available only on Wilderness models.

To its capability upgrades, the biggest news is its increased 9.3-inch ground clearance afforded by taller off-road tuned springs and strut assemblies that step it up more than a half-inch. That extra length not only raises the ride height but goes to increased travel that conventional block type lift kits can’t provide.

In such approach angle is increased to 20 degrees, departure angle now at 33 degrees, and the breakover angle increases to 21.1 degrees.

Power continues from its 2.5-liter flat-four direct-injected engine with 182 hp and 176 pound-feet of torque. A lower final drive in the continuously variable transmission (CVT) of 4.11 final drive ratio makes for better low end climbing. A transmission oil cooler is added too which more than doubles towing capability to 3,500 pounds.

Making it you look like a pro off-road is an expanded set of X-MODE traction programs. Various modes tailor engine and transmission behavior along with all-wheel drive traction metrics to multiple situations automatically and can be also set manually.

The driver is also given an X-MODE display inside that relays all of what’s happening out there in the dirt. There you will find unique interior trim treatments and accouterments dialed into a more rugged lifestyle. Seats come with a water-resistant upholstery Subaru calls StarTex with Wilderness logos. Copper accent stitching flows throughout along with gunmetal gray accents here and there.

My favorite part are the rugged rubber all-weather floor mats that you can let anything fly with and never get your carpet mashed up. Front to rear they get the Wilderness treatment – especially at the cargo are wit a large removable tray – perfect for that bid muddy dog.

The 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness will start at $31,995 and we should see them arriving later this year around the fall. You might get with your dealership ahead of time to get your name on one though as they are likely to sell out before then. Just saying.