2024 Subaru Crosstrek Beefs Up With Wilderness Model
Following the Forester and Outback, the 2024 Crosstrek is the latest Subaru vehicle to get the rugged Wilderness treatment.
Once again, the idea is to enhance styling and off-road capability. It starts with more liberal use of black plastic cladding including on the entire front and rear bumpers (with golden accents), as well as on the rocker panels and wheel arches (there’s even more of it than on the Forester and Outback).
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The Crosstrek Wilderness is topped by sturdier roof rails that can support a static load of 700 lbs or a dynamic load of 176 lbs. It also sports unique 17-inch wheels wrapped in Yokohama Geolandar A/T tires.
Inside, the layout is mostly black with golden stitching on the seats and golden accents on the steering wheel and instrument bezels. Similar to other Crosstreks, the Wilderness boasts the latest generation of Subaru’s EyeSight active safety system, plus additional driver assistance features such as blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
Upgraded Powertrain
Under the hood, you probably won’t be surprised to find the 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. Now rated at 187 horsepower (+5) and 177 lb-ft. of torque (+1), it’s exactly what the Crosstrek Wilderness needs to begin with.
Listen: Gab gives his driving impressions on the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru engineers made sure it could tackle more demanding conditions by fitting a larger radiator and fan. They also revised the CVT and cooling system, resulting in increased maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs (other Crosstrek models are limited at 1,500 lbs).
With a new final drive ratio of 4.111 instead of 3.7, performance at low speeds and on slippery terrain is said to be improved. Oh, and there’s an upgraded rear differential that’s specific to the Wilderness, too.
But wait, there’s more. A front skid plate and increased ground clearance (from 220 mm to 235 mm) allow the vehicle to clear bigger obstacles. Approach and departure angles have also been improved, going from 18 to 20 degrees and 30.1 to 33 degrees, respectively. Hill descent control and torque vectoring are part of the package, as well.
As for the suspension, upgraded springs and longer travel provide extra stability and wheel articulation off the road.
Available at Canadian dealerships in late spring, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $28,995 in base Convenience trim. The Touring is next at $31,195, while Onyx and Limited models retail from $33,995 and $36,995, respectively. The Crosstrek Wilderness will go on sale this fall with a base MSRP of $37,995.