2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Review

Design and Features of 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness

1. Deceptive Exterior: Resembling a tall-boy hatchback, the Crosstrek Wilderness doesn't immediately convey its off-road capabilities, despite its plastic body cladding.
2. Distinctive Upgrades: The Wilderness badge brings notable enhancements, including copper accents, water-resistant StarTex synthetic material seats, and standard rubber floor mats.
3. Improved Ground Clearance: With a 0.6-inch lift and taller springs, the Wilderness boasts 9.3 inches of ground clearance, surpassing competitors like the Jeep Compass Trailhawk and Ford Bronco Sport Badlands.
4. Enhanced Off-road Geometry: The raised ride height improves approach, departure angles, and breakover angle, crucial for navigating challenging terrain without scraping the undercarriage.

Performance and Handling of Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness

• Adequate Powertrain: Powered by the Crosstrek Sport and Limited’s 2.5-liter flat-four engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, the Wilderness offers adequate acceleration for urban driving but may feel strained during rapid acceleration scenarios.
• Off-road Capability: Despite its leisurely acceleration, the Wilderness excels off-road, thanks to a shorter final-drive ratio and improved towing capacity, making it adept at tackling steep inclines and rough terrain.
• Terrain Management System: Equipped with Subaru's X-Mode, the Crosstrek Wilderness adjusts transmission, throttle, and torque distribution for various terrains, ensuring optimal traction and control, particularly in challenging conditions.

Comfort and Interior Quality of 2024 Wilderness

• Functional Cabin: While the Wilderness lacks a front-facing camera, it compensates with comfortable seating wrapped in water-resistant material, providing durability for outdoor adventures.
• Off-road-oriented Features: The model offers a spacious cabin with ample cargo space, complemented by a robust roof rack capable of supporting rooftop tents, catering to adventurous lifestyles.

Technology and Safety Features of Crosstrek Wilderness

• Off-road Assistance: Subaru's X-Mode enhances off-road capability, offering features like hill-descent control, which aids in maintaining vehicle control during steep descents.
• Lacking Advanced Safety Features: While the Wilderness prioritizes off-road performance, it may not offer advanced safety features found in some competitors, such as a front-facing camera for obstacle detection.

Pricing and Trim Options for 2024 Wilderness

• Competitive Pricing: Priced at $33,290, the Wilderness offers real upgrades without a significant price increase compared to the Limited model, making it an attractive option in its segment.
• Trim Options: The Wilderness trim presents a compelling value proposition, sitting below the price points of competitors like the Jeep Compass Trailhawk and Ford Bronco Sport Badlands.

Pros and Cons of 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness

Pros:

• Enhanced Off-road Capability: Surpasses expectations with its ability to navigate challenging terrain while maintaining on-road comfort.
• Functional Upgrades: Offers tangible upgrades, including increased ground clearance, water-resistant seats, and standard rubber floor mats, enhancing its suitability for outdoor adventures.
• Competitive Pricing: Provides significant upgrades without a considerable price hike, offering a compelling value proposition in its segment.

Cons:

• Lethargic Acceleration: While adequate for daily driving, the Wilderness may feel underpowered during acceleration, particularly in demanding situations.
• Limited Advanced Features: Lacks certain advanced features found in competitors, such as a front-facing camera, which could enhance off-road visibility and obstacle detection.
• Reduced Fuel Economy: The off-road enhancements, including a shorter final-drive ratio, result in a reduction in fuel economy compared to other Crosstrek trims, potentially impacting long-distance travel.