2024 Subaru Crosstrek: rugged, versatile, value-priced

Many of the country’s most popular vehicles had lousy sales numbers in recent years because of supply chain difficulties. The lingering issue didn’t affect Subaru as much as other carmakers’ double-digit drops.

Subaru’s sales were about four percent lower in 2022 than the year prior. But the Crosstrek, the carmaker’s subcompact sport utility vehicle, had its best year in 2022. It had more than 155,000 sales, about 35,000 more than in 2020.

Introduced in 2012, the Crosstrek is now the manufacturer’s best-selling vehicle. It offers an appealing combination of versatility and value.

Subaru’s signature is its symmetrical all-wheel drive. Since its first heyday in the United States, individuals and national alpine skiing and cycling teams have formed sponsorship relationships with Subaru. The carmaker’s vehicles transport athletes and equipment to mountaintops with an ideal combination of efficiency, carbo space, comfort and value.

The symmetrical AWD system continuously sends power to all four wheels for better traction. In a traditional all-wheel-drive vehicle, power only goes to all wheels when slippage is detected. It could be too late.

Subaru’s qualities have steadily improved since it debuted in the U.S. in 1968. Toyota and Nissan (then Datsun) were already successful while Subaru stumbled along for years.

With its 2024 model, the Crosstrek has arrived at its finest with a redesign and new features.

The new generation is offered in Base, Premium, Sport and Limited trims. The Base and Premium trims have a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine (152 horsepower, 145 lb-ft of torque). The Sport and Limited trims have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (182 hp, 178 lb-ft). Both engines are matched with a continuously variable transmission. Every Subaru is offered only with the brand’s all-wheel-drive system.

Subaru keeps its focus throughout its lineup. It caters its wagons and crossovers to active consumers who often drive in mountainous and inclement conditions. It offers specialty kits for traveling safely with dogs. California and Colorado are the carmaker’s top-selling states.

The Crosstrek trims vary slightly, but the reviewed Premium selection is rated by the EPA to achieve 28 miles per gallon in city driving, 34 mpg on the highway.

New features for 2024 include redesigned and more comfortable seating. The materials added for additional sound reduction work; the new Crosstrek is appreciably quieter than previous models. Offering generous cargo space important to Subaru. The Crosstrek offers 20 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up, 55 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2024 Crosstrek also offers an 11.6-inch infotainment display offered in other Subaru models as an option. A 7.0-inch display is standard. Both choices offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

With its emphasis on efficiency in problematic weather and on mountainous terrain, the Crosstrek’s standard equipment include: Subaru’s latest EyeSight driver-assistance feature bundle. Additional safety features include automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.

The mid-level Premium trim offers as a package: a sunroof, heated exterior mirrors, heated windshield, heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance and evasive steering assistance all add to the Crosstrek’s appeal.

Its AWD configuration provides the SUV’s confidence while cornering and when negotiating mountain challenges. Bring the family pet and know it’s as secure as the vehicle’s human occupants.

Performance is not Subaru’s forte. Its acceleration is adequate. Its dependability is superior. The latter is more important, offering peace of mind in the ever-increasing chaos of driving.

With its option package and destination fees, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek costs slightly less than $30,000. A better-valued, safer and more durable vehicle may not exist.

Article Last Updated: April 18, 2023.