2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium review | WOM 89.7 FM

Already Subaru’s best-selling vehicle, the Crosstrek compact crossover continues to get better.

It’s no surprise that when Subaru revamped the Crosstrek for 2024, it didn’t spoil the success; They’ve modified the interior and exterior just enough to modernize it and keep it near the top of the market in value and function.

However, there are two moves in particular that make it even more attractive.

First, Subaru stiffened the chassis by 10%, which helps with safety, but combined with the retuned suspension, this creates a better ride quality. The latest generation Crosstrek was light years ahead of its predecessor in this department, and now the ride is more controlled and cushioned.

When operating the Crosstrek on city streets that aren’t much different from the bumps and bumps you might encounter while driving off-road, there was only a little vibration inside but no sharp hits to the occupants.

Comfort is also aided by Subaru finally improving its seats, which are often on the firm side. These have more padding and well-shaped supports to give the passenger or driver more hip and lower back support. I did well!

There could be two things, both of which help with overall comfort. But Subaru has also managed to quieten the interior, which is always a concern with its flat-four engines. However, the sound deadening improvements make the Crosstrek quieter than my several-year-old Subaru Outback and on par with the newly redesigned Subaru Impreza, which we reviewed a few weeks ago.

In fact, one could argue that it would be harder to buy a Crosstrek or Impreza, as both are good-looking hatchbacks with the Crosstrek having 8.7 inches of ground clearance on all models. However, the new Wilderness Edition gains 0.6 inches more ground clearance and is aimed more at the off-road crowd. More about wildlife in a few.

Testing the Premium model (one up from the base), I was only able to experience moderate acceleration of the base 2.0-liter engine, which produces 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. This gets the little crossover up to highway speeds without the engine complaining too much due to the quiet interior.

But the Impreza I’d bragged about earlier boasted the more powerful 2.5-liter boxer-4 engine, making 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque — much more soulful. To get this engine in the Crosstrek, one needs to upgrade to the Sport, Limited, or Wilderness models. I will vote yes!

All Crosstreks now use the improved Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission. A manual transmission is not offered. But there are paddle shifters behind the steering wheel if you want to bypass the automatic transmission.

However, handling is quick and precise on all models, with Subaru adding the two-pinion electronic power steering used in the lively WRX Subie. This increases steering response for a more nimble feel, making the Crosstrek a joy on winding roads and actually easier to slide into tight parking spaces.

Oh, and in case you’re not a fan of the Subie, the Crosstrek has all-wheel drive standard, even on the base model. This ensures better grip on wet and muddy streets, or when traveling on dirt roads or doing some moderate off-roading. The X-mode button can also be pressed to assist the AWD system if you’re off-road.

A good time to mention the new Wilderness model, the top-level Crosstrek, although the Wilderness model is available on other Subarus as well. For a couple more, it adds an off-road suspension, stiffer all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, better approach and departure angles, and a waterproof interior. One assumes you’ll be wading through some creeks or near the lakefront. Also key to the Wilderness is the dual-mode X-Mode system that allows the driver to adapt to driving on dirt, snow or mud.

Inside the Subie, the main change is the standardization of the 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen, except for the base model which still uses dual 7-inch displays.

No doubt this is big, bright and easy to see. But as I said before about these, they are very crowded, so you not only see the current radio station, but you also see 6 favorite radio stations as well as the climate controls. Oh, and at the top there is a bar with oil temperature, average speed, etc. Turn it off.

All those numbers and icons can be a bit overwhelming, and the screen is quite reflective on a sunny day, making it difficult to read. It only gets more difficult if you open the small sunroof overhead and let in more daylight. The screen can be seen more easily at night.

Functionally, it’s good and includes volume and adjustment knobs.

The Sapphire Blue Pearl model tested, a stylish dark blue metallic, features a black and gray interior with cloth seats and mostly plastic trim that also includes dark gray faux carbon fiber on the doors and dashboard. The seats were a gray plaid cloth with little green dots in the pattern to make it look more modern and youthful. The material also looks as if it would be easy to clean with a damp cloth. Come on kids and eat the ice cream cone in the back seat, or let the dog walk around back there.

The steering wheel appears to be hard plastic, although it is undoubtedly faux leather of some sort. The Crosstrek console is flat black and includes two-level seat heater buttons. The standard heated front seats are a win in the winter.

Behind the back seat is a spacious cargo room, with about 20 cubic feet of space, and the rear seats split and fold flat to carry larger loads. Think bikes and camping gear.

Naturally, this one has an unpowered opening, but it’s easy to raise and lower. Additionally, it wisely includes a wiper to keep the rear view clean in winters and during occasional monsoon rains.

EyeSight, a driver-assistance feature, is standard on the Crosstrek and includes most of the safety features one would expect by now. Subaru has also expanded the system’s field of view, which it says will help identify motorcyclists, pedestrians and more roadside obstacles. The system now includes automatic emergency braking and steering along with intelligent cruise control with lane centering and automatic high-beam headlights.

Speaking of which, the Crosstrek’s headlights are steering responsive, meaning they rotate relative to the front wheels so you can see around a corner faster. Smart safety feature!

Safety is also built into the side mirror/A-pillar area of ​​the roof, something most of us might overlook. But Subaru designers put a space between the A-pillar and the side mirrors with a ventilation window through which one can see for better side sight lines. I’m not sure why no other automaker has figured this out.

There are a few bogeymen, of course. One is the giant black electronic EyeSight box that sits behind the rearview mirror and spreads across much of the middle portion of the windshield. It doesn’t bother me as a driver, but several passengers have complained that their upper forward view feels somewhat confined.

Then there’s the annoying new feature that more and more vehicles are adding, no doubt thanks to the advice of their legal teams. This is the chime that alerts you to check the back seat every time the car is turned off. One suspects the intent is to attract the attention of parents who might leave a child or pet in the car while they text on their phones. Ugh!

There’s still no hybrid Crosstrek available in the Midwest, which is a big mistake in my book since Subaru markets itself as a patriotic, eco-friendly crossover. However, the Crosstrek’s gas mileage is good, rated at 27 mpg city and 34 highway by the EPA. I managed 29.1 mpg in a combination of the two.

Pricing?

Glad you asked. The base model lists a price of $26,290 with delivery, but most buyers will likely want to step up to at least the as-tested Premium version at $27,440. That’s about $1,500 less than the Impreza by the way.

The test car added an all-weather package, blind-spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a power sunroof for $2,245, priced at $29,685. This is a bargain area with cars now selling on average for around $45,000.

Move up to Sport for $30,290 and you’ll get the peppy engine, which will make driving more fun and you’ll only lose one mile per gallon. Or jump up to the Limited for $32,190 or the off-road-oriented Wilderness. This lists for $33,290.

For comparison, look at the Honda HR-V, Kia Seltos, or Hyundai Kona, all of which are available as hybrids. Or for fun and sporty flair, there’s the Mazda CX-30 with turbo power.

As it is, the Crosstrek is a fun small family crossover with great driving dynamics and a competitive price.

Quick Stats: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium

Visits: A sporty crossover with intelligent handling, good handling, and standard all-wheel drive. Quiet interior, comfortable and supportive seats, heater, sunroof, good cargo space and safety equipment. Large touchscreen with audio/tuning knobs, intelligent ride, good side sightlines, rear wiper and good mpg.

make mistake: humble strength, The large black EyeSight box behind the rearview mirror forces the passenger’s view, the large screen has too many visual entities making it distracting while driving, and an annoying ringing reminder to check the back seat.

Made in: Lafayette, Indiana.

engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer with 152 horsepower/145 torque

moving in: Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission

Weight: 3,296 lbs.

Wheelbase: 105.1 inches

Length: 176.4 inches

the goods: 19.9 – 54.7 cubic feet

Ground clearance: 8.7 inches.

mpg: 27/34

mpg: 29.1 (tested)

Base price: $27,440 (including delivery)

invoice: $25,998

Main option:

All-weather pack. Plus blind spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert and a power sunroof, $2,245.

Test vehicle: $29,685

sources: Subaru, www.kbb.com