2024 Subaru Crosstrek – First Drive
A Unique Combination of Off-Roading, Efficiency and Practicality
Here in the lower mainland of Vancouver British, just two hours away lies an off-road fire road trail access to an incredible hike up Mount Cheam. While ripping up the trails in our full-fledged Jeep Wrangler, we were surprised to see a Subaru Crosstrek at the top of the hill. Surprised by its off-roading capability, we were eager to test drive this little, but mighty capable 5-door subcompact SUV.
The Crosstrek isn’t new to Subaru’s stable as it enters a new generation for model year 2024 with improved styling and more off-roading capabilities. Engine options will be carried over from 2023 with base models equipped 2.0L 152 horsepower boxer engine and a larger 2.5L 182 horsepower engine upgrade option available. The majority of the powertrain will also remain the same, but Subaru has freshened up the interior with better seats and added sound-dampening in the cabin to improve overall ride comfort.
In the US, four trims are available with an expected 5th plugin-hybrid trim later in the year, which makes the Crosstrek very exciting. Opting for the Sport trim upgrades to the the larger 2.5L 182 horsepower engine for added power.
| Base | $26,290 |
| Premium | $27,440 |
| Sport | $30,300 |
| Limited | $32,190 |
| Plugin-Hybrid * | $39,000 |
Base model comes attractively priced in at $26,290, which is an incredible value with one of the best AWD systems in the market. We liked the Sport trim as we enjoyed the added power from the larger 2.5L engine, which also brings out more performance potential from its praised Subaru AWD system.
Powertrain
Base models come with a smaller 2.0L 152 horsepower engine while Sport trims and up receive a larger 2.5L 182 horsepower. Both engine types are boxer configurations, which reduces engine noise and vibration to give an overall smoother ride.
All models come equipped with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system. Unfortunately, driver enthusiasts will be disappointed that Subaru will be dropping its 6-speed manual transmission in favor of a CVT transmission. Still, gear transitions throughout its speed range remained relatively smooth and seamless with available manual shift mode via its steering-mounted paddle shifters.
Despite its AWD configuration, the Crosstrek achieves impressive EPA fuel economy ratings of 28 and 34 mpg in both city and highway driving. We averaged 30 mpg in mixed city and highway driving.
Interior and Tech Features
The Subaru Crosstrek follows a utilitarian approach with their interior cabin space with better padding in the seats and added sound dampeners for better sound insulation. Other than that, there isn’t much aesthetics to point out and there’s the pet peeve with the lack of an arm rest support on the gear shifter side, or ergonomics per se. But higher trims are available with leather seats to bump up the quality of the interior.
Both rear seating room and rear trunk cargo space proved fruitful in the practical category.
A large 11.6″ infotainment touchscreen takes up the entire center console, which takes up its space well. While the graphical user interface and performance are within average means, we liked the overall menu layout and large fonts that was very easy to access.
Test Drive and Final Thoughts
A quick drive off the lot reveals an authoritive driving position with excellent all-around visibility. The suspensions did a great job at dampening out road chatter and acceleration was quick to react with our upgraded 2.5L boxer engine. Despite added sound dampening materials in the interior, we still felt the interior noise insulation was a bit lacking and the raw engine tone isn’t exactly the most pleasant to the ears. Still, the overall practicality, off-roading prowess and fuel efficiency scored high in our cards, making it an excellent go-around, get around car with room for outdoor adventures.
Specifications
- Vehicle : 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
- Model : Onyx
- Vehicle Type : 5-door Hatchback
- Seating Capacity :2+3
- Engine : 2.5L 4-cylinder Boxer
- Transmission : CVT
- Price as tested: $30,300
Pros
- Excellent fuel efficiency and practicality
- Equipped with class-leading all-wheel drive system
- Rare and excellent off-roading capability in subcompact sector
Cons
- Bland styling
- Lack of interior comfort
- Ergonomics