~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek arrives newly designed inside and out, with the distinction of becoming the Japanese manufacturer’s best-selling model.

At the end of 2022, it had sales of more than 1.16 million in the United States since its introduction in 2012. A total of 155,142 of those came in 2022, the last full sales year in the U.S. market, besting the popular Outback and eight other Subaru models.

Enhancing the appeal, the third-generation Crosstrek comes standard with all-wheel drive, the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance technology, hill descent control for off-roading, and a sophisticated Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) equipped with an eight-speed manual mode controlled by steering-wheel paddle shifters. A manual gearbox is not offered.

EyeSight monitors traffic conditions with special cameras and complements a suite of safety enhancements, including adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, emergency braking front and rear, low speed throttle control, and lane centering assist. The tester also had automatic emergency steering that helps avoid collisions.

Like its siblings and predecessors, the Crosstrek gets its power from a horizontally opposed engine, also called a boxer or flat engine, of the type used in generations of Porsches and Volkswagens. Subaru now is the only manufacturer that powers all of its vehicles with boxers.

Tested for this review was the top-line Limited model, called a trim level. It and the next level Sport are powered by 182-horsepower four-cylinder boxer engines that deliver 178 pound-feet of torque, or twisting force. The drivetrain is enhanced with standard active torque vectoring. Less expensive Base and Premium versions use 2.0-liter boxer engines with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque.

In boxer engines, both liquid and air cooled, the cylinders lie flat, feet to feet, on both sides of the crankshaft instead of leaning at an angle or standing upright as with V or inline designs. With its short vertical measurements, a boxer can be mounted low in the engine compartment to give the vehicle a lower center of gravity, and enhanced stability and handling.

Older flat-four engines emit a distinctive chugging exhaust sound. It’s caused by unequal length headers, which influence the exhaust pulses. However, the effect is minimized in Subaru’s 2.5-liter engine with equal-length headers. They enable a quieter, smoother engine that delivers a strong surge of power with flexibility for battling urban traffic or changing lanes on crowded Interstates.

As something of a ‘tweener in size between small and compact crossover SUVs, the Crosstrek measures just shy of 15 feet long and has 99 cubic feet of space for five passengers with 20 cubic feet for cargo behind the back seat. The overall interior space is roughly equal to that of a midsize automobile, defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as having 110 to 119 cubic feet.

The tester delivered quiet cruising, adept handling, a decent ride and quick throttle response in urban and Interstate driving, though its acceleration to 60 miles an hour from rest—respectable in the seven second range—won’t win too many drag races in this era. However, it’s relatively economical with an EPA city/highway/combined fuel consumption rating of 26/33/29 miles to the gallon on regular gasoline.

With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru’s X-Mode enhancement of the all-wheel drive, the Crosstrek Limited is equipped to handle almost any driving condition. Press a button and X-Mode controls engine output, transmission performance, all-wheel drive torque split, and braking to handle rugged terrain. The system delivers more control, purchase and stability to maximize available traction.

The tested Crosstrek Limited came with a starting price of $32,190, including the destination charge. Standard equipment included 18-inch alloy wheels; roof rails; leather-trimmed upholstery; heated windshield, seats and outside mirrors; dual-zone automatic climate control with air filtration; SXM satellite radio; wireless Apple Car Play, Android Auto and device charging, and automatic LED headlights.

Options on the tester were a power glass sunroof, premium Harman Kardon audio speakers, and the Subaru Starlink 11.6-inch center touchscreen with a multimedia navigation system. The options brought the tested price up to $34,635.

The tested Crosstrek Limited and Sport with the 2.5-liter engine will, for the first time, be assembled in the United States at the Subaru plant in Lafayette, Indiana, starting in the summer of 2023. Premium and Base 2.0-liter versions will continue production in Gunma, Japan.

Specifications

  • Model: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Limited four-door crossover sport utility vehicle.
  • Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder horizontally-opposed; 182 hp, 178 lb-ft torque.
  • Transmission: Continuously variable automatic with eight-speed manual mode and paddle shifters. All-wheel drive.
  • Overall length: 14 feet 8 inches.
  • Height: 5 feet 3 inches (with roof rails).
  • EPA/SAE passenger/cargo volume: 99/20 cubic feet; cargo 55 cubic feet with rear seats folded.
  • Weight: 3,349 pounds.
  • Towing capability: 1,500 pounds.
  • EPA city/highway/combined fuel consumption: 26/33/29 mpg.
  • Base price, including destination charge: $32,190.
  • Price as tested: $34,635.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©Subaru