2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: for those who prefer small

Sedona, Arizona – This year, the holiday season came early for Subaru, at least for drivers who have chosen the newest member of the utility lineup.

The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness 2024 therefore comes to lend a hand to two other models who have been painted with this special badge. And since the manufacturer has had some success with these more powerful versions, the addition of a Crosstrek worn for hard roads was only in order. After all, the crossover is the brand’s best-selling vehicle, so why not focus on the platform that, in any case, serves as the backbone of all the manufacturer’s vehicles?

However, it is reasonable to question the importance of the Wilderness distinction, given the popularity of the car, but also considering the already amazing ability of this Impreza in high heels.

In fact, we can even push the reflection further: would the manufacturer benefit more from a version with more vitamins for consumption? A type of elevation – and more space – alternative to WRX sedans? As of this writing, the guessing game can begin, but for now, let’s focus on this “adventurous” version.

Photo: Subaru

Subaru Crosstrek and its little history

The name debuted for the 2022 model year in a family car outside and spread in 2023 to Forester. And unless Subaru decides to reveal a similar variant for the larger Ascension, we can almost say that this interior unit is now complete.

It’s still surprising to witness this new “off-road” model within a brand already known for its “outdoor” side. The first Subaru Legacy in the mid-90s was the most muscular representation of the Legacy car. Over the years, the more utilitarian nature of both eventually sent the sedan version into retirement, however Subaru continues to offer sedans. Inheritance still today.

It’s a similar story with the Crosstrek which had the Impreza as its ancestor, followed by the Impreza Outback Sport at the turn of the century, before seeing the arrival of the XV Crosstrek in 2013. Recent history is a bit of a story. A repeat of what happened with the great Outback. The Impreza sedan has disappeared from the lineup and the Impreza has lost focus to the Crosstrek model.

The popularity of the model is such that Subaru even decided to add a little punch to the product during the redesign of the previous generation, without falling into the same mold as the brand’s rally cars. The Wilderness livery is undoubtedly the most striking addition since the model’s launch a decade ago.

Desert Recipes

As with the other two “off-road” variants, the Crosstrek Wilderness is dressed in reinforced black plastic. If you noticed that last year’s modification of the model was already “decorated”, this idea may disgust you. On the other hand, for those who are not afraid to show themselves behind the wheel of a vehicle that seems to combine the qualities of a 4×4 with those of a rally car, the Crosstrek Wilderness falls into the same group that Jeep Compass Trailhawk in small parts, and that Toyota RAV4 way (which no longer offers the optional TRD Off-Road package) and worse Ford Bronco Sport Badlands.

The Wilderness treatment doesn’t stop there with two unique body colors (Alpine Green and Geyser Blue), and other colors that go well with all this added plastic. Also note that the front is unique, with an aggressive grille that, according to Subaru, includes some elements of the standard grille, but with a higher definition. Six LED fog lights change the car’s lighting signature.

Those familiar with the Wilderness variants may have already noticed a few brass details on the bumpers (for the cover hooks), badges, but especially in the ends of the luggage racks on the roof. At the rear, the center of the black plastic bumper panel adds a feature that rally enthusiasts will surely appreciate: the SUBARU lettering clearly stamped into the plastic.

Finally, the off-road aspect is enhanced by bumpers with rounded ends, which give this Wilderness variant more angle of attack when an obstacle appears in front of it, while the 17-inch rims painted black – and only for the Crosstrek bad. – fitted with Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 all-terrain tires. The ground clearance is raised by 15 mm. And let’s not forget the improved towing capacity: The Crosstrek Wilderness can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The interior is more resistant to off-road days with upholstery covered in durable, easy-to-wash fabric. The headrests bear the Wilderness logo and brass stitching completes the adventure, although the rubber floor mats should reassure people who don’t hesitate to get their car dirty from time to time.

Road and Limited

This day in Sedona began behind the wheel of a Transportation Company, definitely less equipped than the Wilderness in terms of off-road capabilities, but still very equipped. In addition to smooth roads like a pool table, the route also included sections on gravel roads.

The urban variant was equal to itself by proving surprisingly quiet – thanks to the continuously variable gearbox (CVT) – but also very agile. The Crosstrek is based on the Impreza however, and full-time all-wheel drive hasn’t aged a bit over the years. It is allowed to criticize the transmission unit for its operation, especially when taking off, on the other hand, once launched, the Crosstrek responds when the right foot asks for more. Other transitions will have to be carefully planned, as the acceleration of the crossover is not its greatest strength. On the other hand, the handling and stability of the car is reassuring, including at high speeds.

Off the road and in the desert

The second part of this day therefore focused on the new Crosstrek. Already, with a few millimeters longer and all-terrain tires, the company Wilderness livery seemed promising to tackle this level 3 off-road course where ATVs and Jeep Wranglers are the army, it is not necessary to cross from the pocket as Crosstrek.

The new addition to the family may have received a revised front suspension, a small rear sliding differential and a ratio that favors driving on rough terrain (3,700 for the standard Crosstrek against 4,111 for the Desert), that does not make it a direct competitor to 4x4s current reality.

And yet, respecting the limits of this SUV, this 5 km journey from paved roads was never a problem. Admittedly, the organizers of the event had identified a few sharp rocks to avoid, as the Crosstrek’s clearance was not the highest in the industry. Let’s also mention that the suspension, despite the front adjustment, was strong enough to absorb the many bumps of this rocky road.

As for the X-Mode grip management system, a selection of SNOW/DIRT functions took care of the rest, bringing the stability control to a minimum, without being intrusive when driving. What? Would a Crosstrek with a standard automatic transmission be more sporty, or better suited for off-road driving?

It’s possible, but the car’s CVT unit didn’t grumble during rough rides, the exact opposite of hard acceleration on the highway where the standard 2.5-liter flat-4 with 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft spoke loud and clear. , before falling. silence once cruising speed was reached.

So what about this Crosstrek Desert?

On the road, Subaru’s newest touring product honors the Wilderness family philosophy. The appearance is more clearly “you’ve seen it”, favoring function before fashion, the interior is well placed and comfortable, while the driver’s environment is easy to live in, like other cars of the brand.

In addition to pavement, the Crosstrek Desert can pass, especially if its driver pays attention to obstacles and bumps, but considering this fact, it is clear that any other presentation of the Japanese SUV could have succeeded well where The Wilderness bowed. it shone brightly in the Arizona desert.

This is why it would be interesting for Subaru engineers to make the Crosstrek Wilderness more aggressive than what is already available in the country. Such a car would certainly sell for more, but at least it would stand out from the crowd. While waiting for this fantasy (which will not happen), the Crosstrek Wilderness 2024 is for people who prefer small formats.