Subaru has been making the small Crosstrek crossover for some time now and it has proven to be a popular ride with rugged styling, flared fenders and better than normal ground clearance. The Subaru Crosstrek sports a new face for 2024 with a sleek up-to-date lighting cluster and a new grill that adds more SUV style than before. However, it’s not a big change from the previous model — a Subaru owner and friend had to really study it to see the differences.
While the outside gets a styling tweak, the power is still hard to come by. My tester came with the base 2.0-liter engine and it’s pokey merging onto the highway with all the seats filled. However, the Subaru Crosstrek excels with its comfortable ride. The suspension will soak up a lot of punishment on our area roads. Just like the 2021 version of the Crosstrek crossover, the AWD system makes this a very sure-footed small crossover, too. The EyeSight system is impressive with its safety and technology in this price class.
Inside, the Subaru Crosstrek has more space than before. The cabin is surprisingly spacious for such a small crossover. Choosing the more affordable Crosstrek Premium trim level still gives you a nicely equipped small crossover.
Comfortable front seats in a sturdy fabric play nicely with its two-tone color scheme. A new 11.6-inch multimedia plus system is a welcome touch at the sub-$30,000 price tag. While the people have more room than before, the rear cargo space doesn’t offer as much room as others in this class.
Cost: $26,195; as tested $29,685
MPG: 27 mpg city; 34 mpg highway. I managed 26.7 in 297 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $2,245 power tilt/sliding moonroof, all-weather package, blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert; $395 offshore blue metallic
Safety: Rear vision camera; X-mode with hill descent control; EyeSight driver assist technology with advanced adaptive cruise with lane centering; high beam assist; steering responsive LED headlights; brake assist and brake override system
Things to know: Subaru keeps its popular Crosstrek up to date with a styling refresh, improved interior space and technology to keep this a popular choice in small crossover.
Pros:
- A good value for a small crossover
- Has good ground clearance and AWD for some light off-roading
- Good space for front- and rear-seat riders
Cons:
- Not as much cargo space as some other small crossovers
- Some road noise at highway speeds but better than in the past
- Base engine feels underpowered at times
