New 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Gets The Wilderness Treatment

With the exception of the BRZ sports car, all the models sold here at Twin Falls Subaru are pretty adept, after the pavement stops. And when the ground gets more challenging, the Crosstrek is great at taking you further. With multiple rally championship trophies in its case, Subaru decided that no one knew how to make a Subaru more capable than themselves. That is what gave birth to the Wilderness models. Already applied to the Outback and Forester, 2024 sees the Wilderness treatment applied to the freshly redesigned Crosstrek. 

In short, what the Crosstrek is to the Impreza, the Wilderness is to the Crosstrek. The model is lifted further, has higher approach and departure angles, and has the drivetrain adjusted, all in an effort to give you more confidence to tackle that deeply rutted trail and conquer that hill.

Keeping it Real

Subaru keeps the Wilderness costs in control in part by drawing from its deep parts bin. To start, it uses the 2.5-liter boxer-4 already fitted in the Sport and Limited Crosstreks. The power remains the same as those models with 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, which is 30 more ponies and 33 more pounds of twist than the base models. That improves acceleration on any surface, but keeping their eyes on the prize the Crosstrek Wilderness pulls from the larger Outback, its 4.11 final drive ratio compared to its normal 3.7, this allows for more controlled low-speed ability.  The CVT paddle shifters engage a Wilderness-specific set of pre-set ratios. This has the effect of increasing control when climbing a steep hill and pulling faster off the line. The transmission also gets its own cooler to keep things from getting too hot and more pressure sensors to better warn you when they do.  Throw in a more robust rear differential, heavier-duty radiator fan, and the Wilderness can now tow 3,500 pounds instead of the usual 1,500.

Taking You Higher

A stronger drivetrain is welcome, but it only gets you so far on the rough stuff.  The Crosstrek Wilderness gets taller shocks and springs to raise the ground clearance from an already good 8.7 inches to an excellent 9.3. It takes some pretty dedicated machinery to get you higher than that. Both the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road and even the Ford Bronco Badlands sit at 8.6 and 8.4 inches, respectively. Eventually, you can get over 13 inches under you in the Bronco, but it will cost you over $90K to get up there. You will have clearance you’ve never had before in a Crosstrek. 

Transferring the power to the ground are bespoke matte-black finish wheels with a 17-inch diameter that allows for plenty of sidewalls on the standard Yokohama Geolander All-Terrain 225/60R17 tires.

The front and rear bumpers were redesigned to improve approach and departure angles, which, together with the suspension changes, are now up to 18 degrees coming and 30.1 degrees going, with a 19.7-degree breakover angle. The bumpers are unpainted to minimize contact issues, and larger cladding all around improves body protection while looking the business.  It’s best to get them scarred early to gain street, or rather off-street cred. Even so, the bumpers have replaceable panels, so they can go back to looking new without being replaced entirely. 

Some High-Tech Help

The dual-function X-MODE lets sensors and technology lend a hand to optimize traction for varying conditions, including dirt & or deep snow & mud. The system also helps the Crosstrek Wilderness climb. When the X-MODE system is activated, Low Speed / Low Ratio Gradient Control is automatically put on standby to sense when the vehicle is traveling on a steep incline at low speed. When it does, the system shifts the CVT to its lowest ratio (4.066:1), which, combined with the lower differential ratios, enhances low-speed drivability over rocks and other situations that require repeated on/off accelerator usage. When the system detects a downgrade while X-mode is on and the speed is below 12 mph, Hill Descent Control automatically engages individual wheel braking to control vehicle speed on the way down, disengaging automatically when the accelerator pedal is pressed past 10%. Standard on all 2024 Crosstrek models, Active Torque Vectoring enhances handling stability on both road or trail.

An Inside to Handle the Outside

Inside, the seating surfaces consist of water-resistant Subaru StarTex® fabric that will not stain like leather or cloth but also avoids the rubber feel of a taxi back seat. A removable water-resistant rear cargo tray protects the load floor from wet, muddy gear. The rear gate comes equipped with an LED light for better nighttime visibility.

Like all 2024 Crosstreks, the dash features the SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system, which features wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ and several source selections.  When engaged, X-MODE displays a Roll-Angle Indicator to help the driver judge potentially hazardous situations.

The 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness may fall short of conquering the Rubicon Trail, but anything short of pounding boulders or running flat out on the desert is likely to be fair game for the Crosstrek Wilderness to get you there and back while still not being something you have to endure on your daily commute. Crosstrek Wilderness models are currently in inventory. So plan a trek to Twin Falls Subaru and start planning your future adventures.