2024 Subaru Crosstrek SUV

　　

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　, rating written byChristian WardlawNews Editor

　　Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the News Editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.

　　Subaru has redesigned its popular Crosstrek small crossover SUV for the 2024 model year, but it might be hard to tell. The new Crosstrek is about the same size inside and out, and it continues to offer a choice between two four-cylinder engines paired with standard all-wheel drive. The styling is similar, too, and despite a new infotainment system, the plastic-fantastic interior still looks like you could hose it out. But considering the previous Crosstrek's popularity, we expect the incrementally improved third-generation version to remain an appealing choice in the segment, especially in the new extra-rugged Wilderness trim level. Read our testing team's full Expert Rating for more details.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$107/mo  for Crosstrek Base

　　Crosstrek Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $25,195 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $26,345 MSRPSport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $29,195 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $31,095 MSRPWilderness 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $32,195 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: The new Crosstrek Wilderness

Aside from its next-generation infotainment and safety tech, the most substantial change to the 2024 Crosstrek is the new Wilderness trim level. All Subaru crossover SUVs offer standard all-wheel drive and substantial ground clearance, making them among the hardiest off-roaders in their competitive sets. But Wilderness specification takes the Crosstrek's capability to new levels with more than half an inch of added ground clearance, all-terrain tires and revised transmission and suspension tuning. Subaru says the Crosstrek Wilderness can tow up to 3,500 pounds, and the automaker outfits it with added body cladding, water-resistant upholstery, and other special details to support adventures in the wilderness.

　　

Competitors to consider

There are plenty of small crossover SUVs on sale today. If you want something that can match the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek in the dirt, you might want to compare this diminutive Subie to the Ford Bronco Sport and Jeep Compass. Otherwise, the roomy Chevrolet Trailblazer and stylish Mazda CX-30 are among our top picks for this class. For something roomier, consider the more expensive Subaru Forester.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.5

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Crosstrek drive? Even in a class of relatively slow cars, the Crosstrek trails the pack. We tested a Crosstrek Premium with the base 2.0-liter engine. At our test track, it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a lethargic 9.9 seconds. Passing is an affair that demands patience above all else in the base 2.0-liter Crosstrek; we recommend upgrading to models with the 2.5-liter engine.

　　The Crosstrek isn't a handling all-star, nor should it be. The steering is a little vague and there's noticeable body roll both under braking and around corners. That said, it's a smooth operator on the road and is easy to live with and use for day-to-day duties. Even better, its all-wheel-drive system will provide extra confidence in inclement weather situations and it feels sure-footed and confident in the dirt. Don't be afraid to take it on roads less traveled.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Crosstrek? The Crosstrek's ride comfort deserves special mention. This little SUV's lifted stance and chunky tire sidewall help it easily absorb road impacts. There are few potholes and even fewer manhole covers that can flummox this Subie. The seats, however, don't quite match the ride's inherent comfort. The padding is a little too soft and there isn't much in the way of lateral support. We suspect the seats in higher trims that come with different materials would be more supportive.

　　Wind noise was ever present on our highway drives from both the door mirror and the windscreen itself. At anything above or near 65 mph, the Crosstrek is a loud place to be, so much so that conversations at normal volume are difficult to have. The fans for the climate control are also a little too weak until you crank them all the way up, and at that point they are blaring and you'll need to keep them going to keep the cabin at whatever temperature you've set.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below