Text by Tom Appel
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
Specs
Class: Subcompact Crossover
Color: Geyser Blue
Seating Capacity: 5
Miles driven: 111
Real-world fuel economy: 24.6 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B |
| Power and Performance | B- |
| Fit and Finish | B |
| Fuel Economy | B |
| Value | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | B |
| Tall Guy | B |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 182-horsepower, 2.5-liter |
| Engine Type | 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT Automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving mix: 65% city, 35% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 25/29/27 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Regular gas
Base price: $31,995 (not including $1295 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Luxury option package ($2270)
Price as tested: $35,560
Pros and Cons
The great: Serious foul-weather ability, comfortable cabin
The good: Decent fuel economy, upscale amenities
The not so good: Limited rear-seat space
Overview
Full confession: I am a two-time Subaru owner. The wife and I have owned a Forester, and still own a Crosstrek. Much of our attraction to the brand comes from its reputation for reliability, excellent foul-weather capability, and the promise of strong resale value. By these metrics, we have never been disappointed.
The quirkiness of the Subaru “boxer” engine also appeals to automotive geeks and weirdos, this in a way that is not easily explained to folks who don’t find charm in the term “pancake engine.”
I mention all this because the maker’s new Wilderness trim level, now available on the Outback wagon, Forester crossover, and the wee Crosstrek, hints at areas of performance mainstream Subaru products might have been somehow been deficient in. I bristle at this notion.
Conceptually, I sort of thought of the Crosstrek as the “Wilderness” version of the compact Subaru Impreza, but, Wilderness takes things up a notch…or two. For folks not in the know, the Wilderness trim level elevates standard Subaru models in terms of off-road prowess, and—and this is important—design intensity. You will know a Wilderness model when you see one.
That said, my defensive attitude aside, there is real value in the Wilderness trim level, and very little—save for a small fuel-economy hit, and any issues you may have with the styling—downside to its choosing.
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It’s still a Crosstrek
And that’s a good thing. Ride, handling, and apparently build quality all play into the Crosstrek’s general sense of sporty solidity. And despite the special Wilderness tires and assorted off-road-oriented upgrades, the Wilderness feels very much like any other Crosstrek.
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It’s easier to get in and out of
This may be a little thing to some, but the Crosstrek Wilderness’ elevated ride height—which should prove handy when plowing trough snow drifts, or navigating deeply rutted trails—also means that getting into and getting out of the Crosstrek will be just that much easier. If you’re not of empty-nester age, you probably don’t care much.
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It’s better equipped for the rough stuff
In addition to the aforementioned additional ground clearance, the Wilderness also boasts mission-specific wheels and tires, and hill-descent control. And with a bump in ground clearance from 8.7-inches to 9.3, traversing snow drifts just got a little easier. All available on the Wilderness is a ten-way power driver’s seat, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and a power sunroof.
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It’s well equipped
As the premium trim level in the Crosstrek lineup, the Wilderness is well equipped. Apart from the aforementioned sunroof, premium audio system, and ten-way driver’s seat, there is little than can be added to the Wilderness, which helps to underscore the value here.
Also standard is the larger of the two available Crosstrek engines. Powering the Wilderness is a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 158-horsepower 2.0-liter engine is available on other Crosstrek trim levels. All Crosstreks come with a CVT automatic transmission, and run on regular gas.
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It’s attention getting
We don’t love color scheme seen here, but appreciate the sporty nature of the look. Were in not for the gold/copper accents that come as part of the Wilderness trim level, we’d be pretty cool with livery. Even so, it seems as the general consensus—the results of an entirely non-scientific poll—is that the Crosstrek Wilderness looks pretty cool. This is about as flashy as a Subaru gets, so if you’re looking for a little flash—and attention—we’ve got the Subaru for you.
Review
We noticed that our fuel economy was down some compared to previously tested Crosstreks; we blamed the raised ride height, and the off-road oriented tires. That, and our general aversion to gold-tone trim, we can find little reason not to recommend the Crosstrek Wilderness. Slightly less extroverted Crosstrek shoppers will find much to like about on of the other trim levels.
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2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Pictures
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