Springdale, Utah Subaru: Unveiling the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness

Springdale, Utah Subaru stands above other carmakers in their commitment to understanding their customers. To truly grasp how their vehicles are utilized and to gain insights for future improvements, the company embarks on camping expeditions with its core buyer demographic. This approach directly led to the development of the highly anticipated 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness. As the name suggests, it’s a new iteration of the popular Crosstrek, which has already garnered a warm reception. However, the Wilderness badge signifies Subaru’s dedication to enhancing the off-road capabilities of its vehicles, much like what’s been done with the Forester and Outback Wilderness models.

• Engine: 2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder
• Output: 182 Horsepower / 178 Pound-Feet
• Drive Type: All-Wheel Drive
• Trim Base Price: $33,290
• On-Sale Date: Fall 2023

Under the hood of the Crosstrek Wilderness lies a robust 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, delivering an impressive 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This represents a significant upgrade from the base Crosstrek’s 152-hp 2.0 liter engine. Power is seamlessly channeled through a continuously variable transmission to all four wheels. The Wilderness sets itself apart from its Crosstrek counterparts with a reengineered suspension specifically tuned for more intense off-roading experiences. The ground clearance has been raised from 8.7 inches to 9.3 inches, offering a competitive advantage. In fact, the Crosstrek Wilderness boasts an approach angle of 20 degrees, a 33-degree departure angle, and a breakover of 21.1 degrees, making it more capable than the base Jeep Wrangler Sport, which clears 9.7 inches. Subaru has also added strategically placed skid plates and unique anodized copper accents to the vehicle’s exterior. To cater to adventurous customers seeking to haul gear, the Wilderness features a roof rack with a 165-pound carrying capacity while in motion, and a staggering 700-pound capability when parked. With a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, the Crosstrek Wilderness offers a compelling option for outdoor enthusiasts ready to explore off-grid terrains.

At Zion National Park in Southern Utah, I had the privilege of thoroughly testing the Crosstrek Wilderness both on- and off-road. Given its focus on adventure, let’s dive into that aspect. To engage X-Mode, the optimal drive setting for tough terrains, I simply selected it from the top of the spacious infotainment screen while stationary. The system prevents adjustments while in motion, which is perfectly fine since the deep mud and snow setting remains active until you reach a speed of 25 miles per hour, reactivating each time your speed dips below that threshold. X-Mode essentially functions as an intelligent traction control system that engages hill descent control while adjusting the EyeSight suite of safety features to minimize false alarms. No need to ponder over four-high or low, lock hubs, or disconnect sway bars – just push the button and conquer the path ahead. Navigating the deep, powdery red sand that blankets the region, the Wilderness maintains excellent stability in the ruts, exhibiting minimal squirming unless provoked intentionally. On steep climbs where the windshield frames only the sky, steady and measured progress prevails. A consistent throttle input just past idle powers the Crosstrek over rocks as X-Mode flawlessly calculates the optimal settings for a seamless experience. Descending steep slopes is just as effortless thanks to the hill descent control, maintaining the speed at which you crested. With your feet off the pedals, the antilock brakes ensure a smooth descent back to level ground. On washboard surfaces and larger bumps, the suspension does feel slightly firmer. Overall, I found the Crosstrek Wilderness to be highly capable of tackling moderate off-road terrains. While it may not conquer obstacles as skillfully as a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon or a Ford Bronco, it certainly surpasses the performance of a mere dirt trail, making it an ideal choice for Subaru’s adventure-seeking fan base.

Furthermore, the Crosstrek Wilderness offers a satisfying experience on paved roads. Unlike some competitors, there is no body-on-frame wobble exhibited by the Jeep. The steering stays true to the center, resulting in a highly enjoyable ride. Surprisingly, the cabin remains remarkably quiet even with the Yokohama all-terrain tires. The suspension strikes a harmonious balance, offering a softer ride suitable for regular road usage. Though it doesn’t beg to be driven like a BRZ or WRX, it performs admirably when navigating winding roads. Its main drawback lies in the lack of initial power during acceleration. Starting from a standstill, the engine may feel strained, and the CVT transmission emits a continuous drone until you gain momentum. However, once cruising, everything operates smoothly. Achieving a zero-to-sixty time of approximately eight seconds, the acceleration proves to be respectable. A modest boost of another 50 horsepower and a turbocharger would be a welcome addition, especially when driving at high altitudes.

As for pricing, the Crosstrek Wilderness offers exceptional value. With a starting price of $33,290 (including $1,295 destination fees), it presents a compelling option when compared to competitors such as the base Ford Bronco Sport, priced at approximately $32,825, and the base Jeep Compass at $29,995. While the more off-road-focused versions of these models carry higher price tags, boasting several thousand dollars in extra features, the Crosstrek Wilderness remains a practical choice for most adventure seekers. Moreover, the Crosstrek Wilderness delivers a commendable fuel efficiency, estimated at 25/29 miles per gallon city/highway and 27 miles per gallon combined. The Jeep Compass offers a combined fuel consumption of 27 mpg, while the Bronco Sport achieves a comparable 26 mpg.

The Perfect Adventure Companion – The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness

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