2024 Subaru Crosstrek Loads Up on Tech and Safety, Keeps $26,000 Price Tag
Competes with: Chevrolet Trailblazer, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30
Looks like: A more rugged version of the current Crosstrek; a smaller Outback
Powertrains: 152-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder or 182-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine; continuously variable automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Spring 2023
As shoppers’ appetites for large vehicles continue to expand, the subcompact Subaru Crosstrek proves to be an outlier; the brand’s smallest, most affordable crossover was also its bestselling vehicle in 2022. Now, the redesigned 2024 Crosstrek enters its third generation with a freshened exterior, improved performance, and notable technology and safety upgrades. Meanwhile, a duo of four-cylinder engine options carry over into the new model, while the outgoing SUV’s manual transmission sees the end of the road.
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More Rugged on the Outside
Fans of the outgoing Crosstrek’s styling will likely not be disappointed by its replacement. The 2024 Crosstrek retains its familiar exterior, aside from a few updates for a slightly more rugged appearance. The facelift gives the subcompact SUV a larger hexagonal grille and slim headlights. The Crosstrek’s new face and added plastic wheel cladding more closely align the small SUV’s styling with its larger sibling, the 2023 Outback. The Crosstrek also gains functional improvements like new air outlets at the front wheel opening and on each side of the rear bumper for aerodynamic improvements such as driving stability and reduced body sway.
Elevated Comfort Inside
The outgoing Crosstrek performed well in a Cars.com small SUV challenge, placing second behind the Kia Seltos; however, its front-seat comfort rated last among the competition. This has been addressed in the new model, according to Subaru. The automaker says the Crosstrek’s front seats have been updated to improve occupant comfort and reduce driver fatigue. Other measures to improve comfort include noise reduction and an updated climate control system that zeros in on occupied seats instead of the entire cabin. Unfortunately, the Crosstrek’s tight cargo space — another weak spot among the competition — has not been addressed based on interior dimensions provided by Subaru.
Familiar Engines Live On; Manual Is Dead
The powertrain options for the current Crosstrek return largely unchanged for the 2024 model — with a couple exceptions. The Crosstrek once again offers the choice of two four-cylinder engines: a base 2.0-liter making 152 horsepower and 145 pounds-feet of torque or a 2.5-liter standard on higher trims that bumps power and torque to 182 and 178, respectively. The six-speed manual transmission previously standard on lower trims is no longer available; a continuously variable automatic transmission now comes standard across the board.
In a review of the 2021 model, we found the CVT to be the Crosstrek’s Achilles’ heel: Although it provided sufficient acceleration off the line, the vehicle’s struggle to accelerate when already in motion was noticeable. According to Subaru, the transmission has been updated in the 2024 model for a quieter, smoother performance. While fuel-economy estimates for the new Crosstrek are not yet available, the 2023 model gets an EPA-rated 28/33/30 mpg city/highway/combined for the 2.0-liter engine with the CVT and 27/34/29 mpg with the 2.5-liter.
Although the changes under the hood are minimal, Subaru promises performance improvements thanks to the SUV’s stiffer chassis and enhanced all-wheel-drive system. Like the outgoing model, all trims of the 2024 Crosstrek come standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD, which offers better responsiveness, handling, and control on- and off-road, according to the automaker. The driver-selectable off-road X-Mode is once again standard, with a dual-function X-Mode offered on higher trims.
Tech and Safety Level Up
The Crosstrek’s tech and safety see the bigger updates for 2024: The standard 6.5-inch center touchscreen in the outgoing SUV is replaced with dual 7-inch touchscreens in the 2024 Crosstrek’s base model. The top display is responsible for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and radio controls while the bottom screen features climate control and other vehicle settings. The available 8-inch display offered on higher trims of the 2023 Crosstrek is swapped out for an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, replacing wired connectivity. This large multimedia display is currently available on the Outback, and like its stablemate, the Crosstrek will offer available built-in navigation with what3words integration that assigns three words for designated locations.
All trims of the 2024 Crosstrek come standard with the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist suite, which has been enhanced with a wider field of view, updated software for smoother operation and an added electric brake booster. According to the automaker, the system is now able to detect pedestrians and bicyclists at intersections sooner, giving the driver an early warning and applying the brakes when necessary. Automatic emergency steering has been added to models with blind spot monitoring with lane departure steering assist and rear cross-traffic alert. The feature assists with steering control to help drivers avoid collisions within a lane at speeds under 50 mph.
Trims, Pricing and Release Date
The 2024 Crosstrek will be available with the same four trims as the outgoing SUV: Base, Premium, Sport and Limited. Below are the starting prices (including a $1,295 destination fee) and standard features for each. The starting prices for the Base and Premium model are nearly the same as the outgoing model equipped with the CVT, while the Sport and Limited see more significant increases.
- Base: $26,290
- Premium: $27,440
- Sport: $30,290
- Limited: $32,190
The Base and Premium are powered by the base 2.0-liter engine, while the Sport and Limited get the upgraded 2.5-liter.
The Sport adds unique styling elements like yellow accents for the exterior and interior; a gloss-black grille, mirrors and roof spoiler; and larger 18-inch alloy wheels in place of the standard 17-inch alloys. The range-topping Limited adds standard safety features like blind spot monitoring with lane change assist and rear-cross traffic alert; these features can be added to the Premium and Sport trims as part of an optional package. The Limited’s interior features perforated leather seats with orange contrast stitching and chrome accents.
For the first time, select Crosstrek models including Sport and Limited will be built in the U.S. at Subaru’s Lafayette, Ind., plant and are expected to arrive this summer. Meanwhile, the Base and Premium trims will continue to be built in Japan with an estimated arrival this spring.
More From Cars.com:
- 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Gets New Special Edition, $24,870 Starting Price
- Subaru Crosstrek: Which Should You Buy, 2021 or 2022?
- What’s the Best Affordable Small SUV?
- 2021 Subaru Crosstrek: 5 Things We Like and 5 Things We Don’t
- Research the Subaru Crosstrek
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