First Drive: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Benefits from Subtle Updates

If you’ve owned a Crosstrek before, you won’t find any surprises in the newest model.

Keith Barry, Consumer Reports Senior Autos Reporter.

By Keith Barry
Senior Autos Reporter

Updated October 3, 2023

Update: Since this first drive was originally published in April, 2023, we finished testing the Subaru Crosstrek. Read the complete Subaru Crosstrek road test.

You’d be forgiven if you didn’t notice all the changes the all-wheel-drive Subaru Crosstrek went through for the 2024 model year. Despite an improved chassis, a redesigned interior, engine and transmission refinements, an updated exterior, and standard Eyesight driver assist system which now includes automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, the new Crosstrek sure looks and feels a lot like the last model—and that’s not such a bad thing.

The Crosstrek has been around for just over ten years. That’s when Subaru gave the Impreza hatchback more ground clearance, rugged-looking exterior trim, and a beefier all-wheel-drive setup—and created the whole concept of a subcompact SUV in the process. The Crosstrek now has a ton of competitors, but remains the top-selling choice when it comes to maneuverable, practical, compact SUVs that can handle winter weather, are easy to park in the city, and are perfect for a weekend getaway to somewhere a little more remote.

For 2024, Subaru is offering a rugged Wilderness trim on the Crosstrek. Like the Wilderness editions of the Forester and Outback, the Crosstrek Wilderness gets higher ground clearance (9.3 inches instead of 8.7), an upgraded suspension, all-terrain tires, an improved towing capacity (3,500 pounds instead of 1,500 pounds) and unique colors and design trims. It’s powered by the larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s also found in the Crosstrek Sport.

We rented a mid-level 2024 Crosstrek Premium from Subaru for a few weeks. (The Premium sits just above the Base in the lineup, below the Limited, Sport, and Wilderness.) Our testers tried it out on long highway slogs, took it on trips to the garden center, and even did a little off-roading, and it sure seems like Subaru didn’t mess with the formula that led to the Crosstrek’s success. The Mazda CX-30 may be more stylish and fun to drive, and the Kia Niro hybrid gets much better fuel economy, but it’s hard to match the Crosstrek’s practicality for the price.

Since this was originally published, we bought our own Crosstrek Premium and put it through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including those that evaluate acceleration, braking, fuel economy, handling, car-seat fit, and controls. CR members have access to the full road-test results.

Members can also read the initial expert assessment below.

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What we drove: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium
Powertrain: 152-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine; continuously variable transmission (CVT); all-wheel drive
MSRP: $26,145
Major options: $2,245 All-weather package (heated seats, mirrors, and windshield), BSW, RCTW, power moonroof
Destination fee: $1,295
Total cost: $29,685

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Keith Barry

Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on BlueSky @itskeithbarry.bsky.social.