The Subaru Crosstrek might not be the first model you think of with this brand, but it’s the best-selling SUV in the lineup. For 2024, the Crosstrek has been completely redesigned.
For years, the Outback was the gold standard of Subaru, but an affinity for smaller crossovers brings more buyers to a different SUV. The Crosstrek brings impressive success to the brand. This success should continue for the new model, which hits the market for 2024. The upgrades make the Crosstrek more comfortable and quieter, which are both important when competing with a slew of new EVs.
What is the Crosstrek?
Anyone that sees the Crosstrek on the road might not think of it as an SUV. The ride height is minimal, and the cabin appears to be more of a lifted wagon than an actual SUV. Strangely, before the Outback grew up, it was a lifted off-road wagon. Is that what we find in the Crosstrek? Not technically, but its hard to think of it as anything else. Of course, when you look at other subcompact SUVs, you don’t really think of them as SUVs either. Maybe we should call it a lifted hatchback instead of an SUV.
What’s new for this Subaru SUV?
The third-generation Subaru Crosstrek brings some impressive improvements but not a completely new vehicle. This new model shows an evolution by addressing some of the issues found in the previous model. The body panels are brand new, but it’s still a recognizable vehicle. The grille is bigger than before and has textured hexagons. Below the grille, you’ll find a pair of black intake ports to cool the brakes on each side. The plastic wheel-arch protective items are larger than before, making it easy to bash this SUV into a tree or rock and live to tell about it.
Some of the items you won’t see improve the ride and give you a safer feeling on the road. These include the stiffer chassis and softer suspension, which combine to offer a safer and more comfortable ride in this small SUV. The EyeSight safety package offers a wider view from the camera, which allows it to detect obstacles much easier and alert you to a potential issue.
Where you will notice a distinct change in the cabin is in the seating. The Crosstrek has much better seats with more cushion and bolstering to give you the desired level of comfort on the road. Every model has the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to give you the connectivity you want. If you choose a higher trim, you’ll enjoy a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen which replaces the dual 7-inch models.
You still get Subaru’s AWD system in this SUV
One of the most important aspects of nearly every Subaru is the Symmetrical AWD system. The new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek includes this feature and gives you the capability desired to head out on some of the most challenging trails. You’ll be glad to have 8.7 inches of ground clearance when you want to enjoy some fun away from the paved roads. This is a significant part of the Crosstrek and what makes it a popular choice in its class.
Something unexpected for this small Subaru
The Crosstrek includes a set of cornering steering responsive LED headlights to give you the views you want to see. The headlights turn in relation to the wheels, which helps you see further into a corner and stay safer on the road. Most SUVs in this class don’t have anything like this. This is a great item to help when driving on dark roads, on trails at night, and when turning into your driveway at the end of the day.
The flat engines make plenty of power
The Base and Premium versions of the Subaru Crosstrek utilize a 2.0-liter flat 4-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. If you choose the Sport or Limited trims, you’ll have a 2.5-liter engine which delivers 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque for your drive. These two engines lower the center of gravity with the flat configuration, which gives this SUV a planted feeling.
The new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek has the stuff to be fun on the trails, more competent on the roads, and more comfortable wherever you go. Are you looking for a small SUV that can do it all? The Crosstrek could easily be the right SUV to give you the confidence you need wherever you want to drive.
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