Text by Tom Appel
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
Specs
Class: Subcompact Crossover
Color: Geyser Blue
Seating Capacity: 5
Miles driven: 200
Real-world fuel economy: 28.6 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: 60% city, 40% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 25/29/27 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Regular gas
Base price: $32,195 (not including $1345 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Luxury option package ($2270)
Price as tested: $35,810
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.” And if you don’t understand the concept of a “flat” engine, no worries, just know that Subaru’s 4-cylinder motors are generally regarded as excellent.
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 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.
Shared here is a breakdown of the Consumer Guide report card which accompanies all of our test-drive reviews.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Report Card
Room and Comfort: B
Most subcompact crossovers serve up a decent helping of front-row adult comfort, with enough space even for big guys like me. The second-row is a little tighter, especially knee room when taller folks occupy the front seats.
All that said, the Crosstrek, in any trim level, is refined enough for long-trip comfort, and just quiet and smooth riding enough to make that trip fun. For folks who rarely park adults in the rear seat, this small Subaru will serve you well.
Power and performance: B-
In Wilderness trim, the Crosstrek comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four, good for 182 horsepower. That engine mates to a CVT-automatic, which pairs well with the engine. Though no ball of fire, the Crosstrek Wilderness is quick enough in around-town duty, and only feels overtaxed when asked to execute high-speed passing maneuvers. On the plus side, the engine sounds good in action, at least to this editor’s ears. Some folks might find Subaru’s “boxer” engine a little crude.
On the move, the Crosstrek Wilderness is fun to pilot, with great steering feel, strong brakes, and great control in corners. Indeed, even without a surplus of power, the editors of Consumer Guide find the Crosstrek a joy to engage.
Fit and Finish: B
In upper trim levels, the Crosstrek cabin looks, well, fine. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with the Subaru, it’s just that almost all the other vehicles in this class serve up nicer cabins—at least in terms of materials quality.
That said, build quality appears top notch, and our test car, and every Subaru test car we’ve evaluated in recent memory, has felt solid, and has been squeak and rattle free.
Fuel Economy: B+
In a recent evaluation of a very similar Crosstrek Wilderness, we averaged 24.6 mpg. Our most recent example was good for a much-more-satisfying 28.6 mpg. We can’t explain the spread, as both test drives took place during periods of relatively moderate weather.
Regardless, with standard AWD, a raised ride height, and some off-road-oriented equipment, we were please to see our test Crosstrek Wilderness return almost 30 mpg. For the record, that number exceeds the EPA combined estimate for this car of 27 mpg.
Value: B+
Review
There’s a lot to like about the Crosstrek Wilderness, and not all of it is expressed plainly using simple letter grades. There is a charm to this car, and a rewarding sense of utility, that is something more than the sum of its parts. We might raise our B+ value rating on lower trim levels of the Crosstrek, though at just about $36,000, our test car seems like a pretty strong value.
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2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Report Card Pictures
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Crosstrek Wilderness Report Card
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: 5 Cool Things (Review with Prices and Specs)
