2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: Adventure Awaits!

Hey there, fellow adventure seekers! If you're anything like me, you're always itching for the next great escape. And if that escape involves a winding mountain trail, a dusty desert road, or a snowy forest path, then you're probably already eyeing the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. This isn't your average compact SUV, folks. Subaru has taken the already capable Crosstrek and cranked it up to eleven, transforming it into a seriously rugged machine ready to tackle the wild. But does it live up to the hype? Is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness the real deal? Let's dive in and find out!

Unveiling the Beast: Exterior and Design

First impressions matter, right? And the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness makes a bold one. This thing looks the part. Subaru hasn't just slapped on a few cosmetic upgrades; they've given the Wilderness a complete makeover, inside and out, specifically tailored for off-road dominance. The most immediate change is the distinctive Wilderness styling. You'll notice the aggressive front and rear bumpers, designed to improve approach and departure angles, which is a game-changer when navigating tricky terrain. The rugged, black cladding around the wheel arches and lower body not only looks tough but also protects the paint from scratches and debris. And let's not forget the signature Wilderness accents: the copper-colored trim that pops against the exterior color options, and the bold Wilderness badging that screams adventure. It's a look that says, "I'm ready for anything." The raised suspension is another key element. This isn't just for show; it provides an extra 0.6 inches of ground clearance, bringing the total to a substantial 9.3 inches. That extra height allows you to clear obstacles that would leave a standard Crosstrek stranded. It's also critical for the improved approach and departure angles, making it easier to climb over rocks and navigate steep inclines. The Wilderness also sports a unique front fascia with a more aggressive grille and a sturdy front skid plate to protect the undercarriage. Roof rails are standard, ready to accept a variety of accessories like roof racks for bikes, kayaks, or even a rooftop tent. The Wilderness is not just about looks; it's about functionality, and Subaru has nailed it. They've crafted a vehicle that's both stylish and purpose-built for off-road adventures. So, whether you're cruising through the city or exploring the back country, the Crosstrek Wilderness makes a statement.

Wheels and Tires

Okay, let's talk about the tires. These are crucial for off-road performance, and the Crosstrek Wilderness gets a set of Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires. These tires offer a more aggressive tread pattern than the standard Crosstrek tires, providing superior grip on loose surfaces like dirt, gravel, and snow. They also have a tougher sidewall construction, which helps to resist punctures from rocks and other hazards. The wheels themselves are unique to the Wilderness, featuring a matte black finish that complements the rugged aesthetic. The combination of the all-terrain tires and the lifted suspension gives the Crosstrek Wilderness a significant advantage when it comes to tackling challenging terrain. They provide the necessary traction and ground clearance to keep you moving forward, even when the going gets tough. You'll feel more confident navigating trails, knowing that your tires are up to the challenge. The tires also contribute to the overall aggressive look of the vehicle, reinforcing its off-road prowess. It's a package that's designed to deliver a thrilling and capable off-road experience. So, if you're looking for a compact SUV that can truly handle the wild, the Crosstrek Wilderness is a top contender.

Under the Hood: Performance and Capability

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: what makes the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness tick? Powering this beast is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While that might not sound like a lot on paper, keep in mind that the Crosstrek Wilderness is a compact SUV, and the engine provides plenty of power for everyday driving and off-road excursions. It's not a speed demon, but it's more than capable of getting you where you need to go. But the real magic happens in the upgraded suspension and drivetrain. Subaru has equipped the Wilderness with a retuned suspension that offers increased ride height and travel. This not only enhances ground clearance but also improves the ride quality on rough roads and trails. The longer suspension travel allows the wheels to articulate more freely, maintaining contact with the ground and providing better traction. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is, of course, a key ingredient in the Wilderness's off-road recipe. This system constantly monitors the available traction and sends power to the wheels that need it most. In the Wilderness, this system is enhanced with an active torque split, which further optimizes power distribution for improved performance in challenging conditions. The Wilderness also features a unique X-Mode system with settings for snow/dirt and deep snow/mud. X-Mode optimizes the engine, transmission, and all-wheel-drive system to provide maximum traction and control in these difficult conditions. It's like having a built-in off-road expert guiding you through the toughest trails. Furthermore, the Crosstrek Wilderness has a standard transmission oil cooler. This is a critical feature for off-road driving, as it helps to prevent the transmission from overheating during prolonged use in low-speed, high-stress situations. The transmission oil cooler extends the life of the transmission and ensures that it can perform reliably in demanding conditions. The combination of these features makes the Crosstrek Wilderness a very capable off-road machine, ready to take on trails and adventures.

Towing Capacity and Other Features

One often overlooked aspect of the Crosstrek Wilderness is its improved towing capacity. It can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is a significant increase over the standard Crosstrek. This means you can easily haul a small trailer, a boat, or other recreational equipment, opening up a world of possibilities for your outdoor adventures. The hill descent control is another valuable feature. This system automatically controls the vehicle's speed when descending steep inclines, allowing you to focus on steering and maintaining control. It's a handy feature that can make a big difference when navigating challenging terrain. The Crosstrek Wilderness also comes with a sturdy roof rack, designed to carry a variety of gear. This allows you to bring along all the equipment you need for your adventures, whether it's camping gear, bikes, or kayaks. The Wilderness is all about maximizing your access to the outdoors. The car also features reinforced body and chassis components to withstand the rigors of off-road driving. These components improve the vehicle's durability and ensure that it can handle the punishment of rough trails. The enhanced towing capacity, hill descent control, roof rack, and reinforced components are all features that demonstrate Subaru's commitment to building a truly capable off-road vehicle. They are designed to enhance your off-road experience and provide you with the confidence to tackle any adventure.

Interior Comfort and Tech: Is It Livable?

Alright, so it's tough and capable, but what about the inside? Is the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness comfortable and practical enough for everyday use? The good news is, yes! Subaru has done a great job of balancing ruggedness with comfort and convenience. The interior features unique Wilderness-specific touches, such as water-resistant StarTex upholstery. This material is designed to withstand spills and dirt, making it perfect for muddy boots and outdoor adventures. The seats are also designed with extra bolstering for improved support during off-road driving. You'll find copper-colored accents throughout the cabin, echoing the exterior design and adding a touch of style. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a large touchscreen display that's easy to see and use. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, so you can easily connect your smartphone for navigation, music, and other apps. The Wilderness also comes with a host of driver-assist features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. These features enhance safety and make long drives more comfortable. The cargo area is surprisingly spacious for a compact SUV, and the rear seats fold down to create even more storage space. This makes it easy to haul camping gear, luggage, or other equipment. The Crosstrek Wilderness offers a comfortable and practical interior that's well-suited for both daily driving and weekend adventures. It’s got you covered, from the rugged StarTex upholstery to the user-friendly infotainment system, making it a great place to spend time, whether you're navigating city streets or exploring remote trails.

Infotainment and Safety Features

Let's delve deeper into the technology inside. The infotainment system in the Crosstrek Wilderness is built around a large touchscreen display, typically 11.6 inches. This is your central hub for navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. The interface is intuitive, with clear menus and easy-to-use controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so you can seamlessly integrate your smartphone for access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The system also includes Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming. Subaru places a strong emphasis on safety, and the Crosstrek Wilderness comes equipped with a suite of advanced safety features. These include: adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, pre-collision braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control helps maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, while lane keep assist helps to keep you centered in your lane. Pre-collision braking can automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision, and blind-spot monitoring helps to alert you to vehicles in your blind spots. The Wilderness also has a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. All these features work together to create a safe and secure driving experience, both on and off the road. With its user-friendly infotainment system and comprehensive safety features, the Crosstrek Wilderness provides a well-rounded and technologically advanced driving experience. The technology in the car ensures you're connected, entertained, and protected on every journey.

Driving Experience: On and Off the Road

So, how does the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness drive? In a word: capable. On the road, the Wilderness offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension is tuned for off-road use, but it's not overly harsh, making it suitable for daily commuting. The steering is responsive, and the car handles well on paved roads. The Wilderness is not a sports car, but it's not trying to be. It's a compact SUV that prioritizes practicality and off-road capability. Off the road, this is where the Wilderness truly shines. The increased ground clearance, the all-terrain tires, and the enhanced X-Mode system work together to provide impressive off-road performance. The Crosstrek Wilderness can tackle a variety of terrain, from gravel roads to rocky trails. The X-Mode system allows you to choose the optimal setting for the conditions, maximizing traction and control. The Wilderness feels planted and confident on the trails, and the driver is empowered by all the technology working together. The car is really a confidence booster. The all-wheel-drive system is constantly working, sending power to the wheels that need it most, and the hill descent control helps you navigate steep inclines with ease. The Crosstrek Wilderness is not a rock crawler, but it can handle more challenging trails than the standard Crosstrek. Subaru has done a great job of building a compact SUV that's as comfortable on the road as it is off. The driving experience is engaging and fun, and you'll feel confident tackling any adventure.

Handling and Ride Quality

The handling of the Crosstrek Wilderness is a pleasant surprise. The raised suspension provides a taller ride height, but it doesn't translate to excessive body roll on the road. The car remains composed and stable, even when cornering. The steering is well-weighted and responsive, providing good feedback to the driver. The ride quality is generally smooth, especially on paved roads. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and imperfections. The off-road-oriented suspension setup is noticeable on rough roads, where the Wilderness feels more planted and controlled than the standard Crosstrek. The ride quality is comfortable for a vehicle in this class. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, and the cabin is relatively quiet, with minimal road and wind noise. The all-terrain tires do generate some additional noise on the highway, but it's not excessive. The Wilderness is designed to be a versatile vehicle, capable of handling a variety of driving conditions. The combination of capable handling and a comfortable ride makes it a pleasure to drive, whether you're commuting to work or exploring the great outdoors. It's a vehicle that feels equally at home on the highway and on the trail.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Wilderness

Alright, let's break down the good and the not-so-good. Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness:

Pros:

• Exceptional Off-Road Capability: The lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and enhanced X-Mode make the Wilderness a very capable off-roader.
• Rugged and Stylish Design: The Wilderness styling is unique and eye-catching.
• Comfortable Interior: The interior is well-appointed and comfortable, with water-resistant upholstery.
• User-Friendly Infotainment System: The infotainment system is easy to use and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Advanced Safety Features: The Wilderness comes with a comprehensive suite of safety features.
• Increased Towing Capacity: You get more towing capacity compared to standard Crosstrek models.

Cons:

• Engine Performance: The engine could be more powerful for some. The 2.5-liter engine is adequate, but it's not a powerhouse.
• Fuel Economy: The Wilderness's fuel economy is slightly lower than the standard Crosstrek due to its off-road enhancements.
• Price: The Wilderness commands a premium price compared to the base Crosstrek models.

The Verdict: Is the Crosstrek Wilderness Right for You?

So, after all is said and done, is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness the right choice for you? If you're looking for a compact SUV that's ready to take on the wild, then the answer is a resounding yes! The Wilderness offers a compelling combination of off-road capability, rugged styling, and a comfortable interior. It's a great choice for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures, whether it's camping, hiking, or just exploring off the beaten path. However, if you're not planning on doing any serious off-roading, you might want to consider a standard Crosstrek model. The Wilderness does come at a higher price, and the off-road enhancements come at the expense of slightly lower fuel economy. But if you value adventure and want a vehicle that can take you anywhere, then the Crosstrek Wilderness is definitely worth a look. It's a fantastic vehicle that lives up to its name and offers a truly unique driving experience. Go test drive one, and see for yourself! You won't be disappointed.