The compact crossover, Subaru Crosstrek, cleverly combines the sleek design elements of the Impreza hatchback with a raised ground clearance, ensuring ample space for five passengers. Its unique features set it apart in the competitive landscape, vying against formidable rivals like the Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, and Compass within its category.
DESIGN
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek boasts an innovative design, showcasing a grille free from the conventional frame, seamlessly merging with sleek, wraparound headlights for a distinctive front end. Its rear design features a descending upper window line and a narrowed cabin, emphasizing a unique profile extending beyond the doors.
Enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency, the vehicle integrates functional vents within the wheel-arch molding and rear apron, effectively reducing drag and improving fuel economy. Available as part of the Optional Package: 33 for an additional $2,445, the Crosstrek includes a power moonroof, heightening the driving experience with an open-air feel and a deeper connection to the surroundings.
Looking inside, the Crosstrek embraces a deliberately practical design, showcasing vibrant cloth upholstery with contrasting stitching and ample bottle holders. The 2024 model distinguishes itself by incorporating an upgraded 11.6-inch touchscreen display in all variants, except the base model, providing an enhanced and visually immersive user interface.
Remaining dedicated to functionality, Subaru upholds its distinctive hooded instrument cluster and incorporates physical knobs for vital functions like volume control and seat heaters. In response to diverse connectivity preferences, the interior caters to a variety of needs with USB-A, USB-C ports, and an audio jack for those who prefer traditional connections.
Enhancing its offerings, the Subaru Crosstrek boasts the Harman Kardon speaker system and the Subaru Starlink 11.6-inch multimedia navigation, adding a touch of luxury to the driving experience. The remarkable Harman Kardon audio system immerses passengers in a three-dimensional sonic environment, creating a luxurious and emotionally captivating atmosphere within the cabin through dedicated amplifiers and strategically positioned speakers.
PERFORMANCE
The Crosstrek Limited showcases a robust 2.5-liter DOHC Subaru boxer engine, paired with an 8-speed manual shift mode and convenient paddle shifters on the steering wheel, ensuring agility on challenging terrain. Despite its all-wheel drive and 8.7-inch ground clearance, the lower center of gravity from the flat-4 engine notably enhances stability around twists and demanding paths.
With 182 hp and 178 lb-ft, the 2.5-liter engine elevates the Crosstrek’s performance beyond that of the base 2.0-liter, providing ample power for passing despite achieving a mid-seven-second 0-60 mph acceleration. Impressively, road noise is kept to a minimum, matching that of the 2.0-liter.
The continuously variable transmission (CVT), distributing power to all four wheels, undergoes thorough improvement to minimize noise during acceleration. This is achieved through a reinforced CVT case, directly mounted seats, and targeted sound-deadening measures. As a result, the Crosstrek maintains its composure during acceleration, even if not significantly quicker.
With a reinforced chassis, the improved Crosstrek features gentler spring rates, offering a noticeably smoother ride that leans towards a more refined sensation than Subaru’s traditional feel. When navigating slight bumps on certain roads, the eased wheel motions contribute to a polished driving experience in the 2024 model, emphasizing increased comfort throughout.
VERDICT
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Limited is priced at $30,895 MSRP. With the inclusion of the power moonroof, Harman Kardon speaker system, and Subaru Starlink 11.6′ multimedia navigation system, valued at $2,445, the total cost for the model amounts to $34,635.
Competition
In the competitive compact crossover segment, the Crosstrek competes with the Honda HR-V, a rival that boasts advanced features but compromises fuel efficiency due to its larger size.
On the compact end, the Mazda CX-30 provides a satisfying driving experience but falls short in challenging the Crosstrek’s off-road prowess, an area where Subaru shines.
In comparison to the Crosstrek, the smaller Renegade matches in off-road performance but faces challenges with passenger space and a higher price. The Jeep Compass, leaning towards on-road usage, falls short in achieving a well-rounded appeal across different aspects.
