2024 Subaru Crosstrek

Overview

It has never been a rock-crawling off-roader, but the Subaru Crosstrek has long been an affordable, rugged, and fuel-efficient package designed to go slightly farther off the pavement than an Impreza hatchback. That won’t change as the Crosstrek enters its next generation for the 2024 model year. Its styling has been tweaked, but in true Subaru fashion, it hasn’t been wildly altered. The same is true of its interior, which remains as spacious and practical as the 2023 model. While the Crosstrek is no longer available with a manual transmission, the rest of the powertrains carry over unchanged from 2023 and include a standard 152-hp 2.0-liter flat four and an optional 182-hp 2.5-liter flat four; as is the Subaru way, all-wheel drive is standard on all models. Notable enhancements have been made, however, as Subaru has redesigned the seats to be more comfortable and has added more sound-deadening material to make the cabin quieter.

What’s New for 2024?

It might look very similar to the 2023 Crosstrek, but the 2024 model has been completely redesigned and represents the start of the subcompact crossover’s third generation.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Base

$26,290

Premium

$27,440

$30,290

Limited

$32,190

Plug-in Hybrid

$39,000 (est)

Although Subaru hasn’t confirmed, we are expecting to see a plug-in hybrid variant in the lineup as well, but until that model launches, we think the Sport trim will be the one to buy as it unlocks access to the more powerful engine.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2024 Crosstrek is offered with a 152-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder as standard, but Sport and Limited models come with a more powerful 182-hp 2.5-liter four. A 148-hp plug-in hybrid is expected to join the lineup again soon. None of those have delivered what we’d consider conspicuous performance in the past and the 2024 model is similarly poky. While the outgoing model was offered with either a six-speed stick or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the manual has sadly been dropped this time around. As on most other Subaru models, all-wheel drive is standard. The Crosstrek’s chassis isn’t taking cues from Subaru’s WRX sports sedan. It’s a soft-riding crossover and while its cornering capabilities are likely far more than its intended buyer will need, it doesn’t offer the same level of driving enjoyment as the Mazda CX-30 or the Volkswagen Taos. The Crosstrek can probably do more off-roading than those crossovers though, as it boasts 8.7 inches of ground clearance and comes with hill-descent control and hill-start assist features. During our initial test drive, we sampled some of the Crosstrek’s capabilities on some rutted two-tracks and light off-road trails in Joshua Tree National Park outside Palm Springs, California. While we’re satisfied that the Crosstrek has what it takes to get you and your camping gear far away from civilization, but not so far that you’re guaranteed to lose your smartphone’s data connection.

More on the Crosstrek SUV

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

According to the EPA, the Crosstrek is rated for up to 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway depending on the configuration. When we get a chance, we’ll test the Crosstrek on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and update this story with its results. For more information about the Crosstrek’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

While the new Crosstrek is about as spacious and cargo-friendly as the outgoing model, Subaru has improved the seat design to be more comfortable and has added additional sound-deadening materials to damp noises and quell vibrations. The interior remains overtly utilitarian and buyers seeking a more designer look will feel shortchanged but the Subaru’s straightforward style. Leather upholstery is optional, but most trims come with cloth upholstery, and higher-end models will have patterned inserts with silver stitching. The front doors have deep pockets for storing water bottles and other loose items and the cargo area offers 20 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2024 Crosstrek will offer the same 11.6-inch infotainment display that’s found in other Subaru models such as the Outback station wagon and the WRX sports sedan, but it’s not standard. A smaller 7.0-inch display is what comes on the base model, but both screens offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2024 Crosstrek offers Subaru’s latest EyeSight driver-assistance feature bundle as standard. For more information about the Crosstrek’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Subaru’s warranty coverage is exactly in line with that of most of its competitors. As with many rival hybrids, the plug-in Crosstrek comes with an extra policy to cover that car’s expensive battery-electric components.

Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Hybrid-component warranty covers eight years or 100,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenanceArrow pointing downArrow pointing down

Specifications

Specifications

2024 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0-liter

Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE

Base: $26,290; Premium, $27,440

ENGINE

DOHC 16-valve flat-4, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 122 in3, 1995 cm3

Power: 152 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque: 145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

TRANSMISSION

continuously variable automatic

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 105.1 in

Length: 176.4 in

Width: 70.9 in

Height: 63.6 in

Passenger Volume, F/R: 55–56/44 ft3

Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 55/20 ft3

Curb Weight (C/D est): 3400 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)

60 mph: 9.3 sec

1/4-Mile: 17.4 sec

Top Speed: 120 mph

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/City/Highway: 29/27/34 mpg

More Features and Specs