2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Is A Rugged Crossover Worth Looking At

Subaru has been building out its roster of off-road-themed Wilderness models lately, and it’s now adding a third model to the lineup in the form of the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness. It joins the Outback and Forester Wilderness editions in offering Subaru fans a more rugged option to explore flora and fauna.

The Crosstrek Wilderness boasts 9.3 inches of ground clearance—a half-inch increase over other Crosstrek models—enabled by longer coil springs and shock absorbers. It rides on exclusive 17-inch wheels wrapped in Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires with raised white lettering.

Styling changes include a new front-fascia with hexagonal-pattern LED fog lights, larger wheel-arch cladding, a skid plate, a body-color roof spoiler, a black anti-glare hood decal, and gold-colored accents, including in the cabin. Subaru also adds a ladder-type roof rack, which the automaker claims can support 176 pounds while driving, or 700 pounds while parked. The latter is enough for a large rooftop tent and its occupants, according to Subaru.

Things are just as functional on the inside, where you’ll find water-resistant StarTex upholstery, standard all-weather floor mats, and a removable, waterproof rear cargo tray. But that doesn’t mean Subaru has left out the luxuries. Keyless access, heated seats and windshield, and LED lights are standard while spending an extra $2,270 brings an option package comprising a power moonroof, power driver’s seat, and Harmon Kardon sounds. In addition, an 11.6-inch Starlink infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technology is standard.

As the top dog, it uses the larger 2.5-liter boxer-four engine found in other upper trims and revived RS version of the Impreza, producing the same 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Subaru did revise the differential gear ratio with a 4.111 final drive ratio (compared to 3.700 in the standard model) and retune the CVT to provide more grip at low speeds. A transmission cooler ups towing capacity to 3,500 pounds.

• Also See: The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Is The Most Capable Off-Road Station Wagon (Photos)