Why is Subaru crosstrek so popular?

It has never been a rock-crawling off-roader, but the Subaru Crosstrek has long been an affordable, rugged, and fuel-efficient package designed to go slightly farther off the pavement than an Impreza hatchback. That won't change as the Crosstrek enters its next generation for the 2024 model year. Its styling has been tweaked, but in true Subaru fashion, it hasn't been wildly altered. The same is true of its interior, which should remain as spacious and practical as the 2023 model. There's a chance—albeit slight—that we may see more changes under the hood, but so far Subaru hasn't announced those details for the U.S.-market Crosstrek. Notable enhancements have been made, however, as Subaru says its seats have been redesigned to be more comfortable and reduce head tossing. The EyeSight driver-assistance bundle also benefits from improved camera modules. We expect to see the 2024 Crosstrek debut soon in North American guise and go on sale sometime in 2023.

What's New for 2024?

It might look very similar to the 2023 Crosstrek, but the 2024 model has been completely redesigned and represents the start of the subcompact crossover's third generation.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Although Subaru hasn't said how much the 2024 Crosstrek will cost or how many trims will be offered, we think it will adhere to the outgoing model's successful formula. Expect a starting price around $25,000, with higher-end models driving the price up as features get added.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

In Japan, Subaru will offer the Crosstrek with a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor—a powertrain it calls e-Boxer—but so far no such setup has been offered in North America. We expect instead that U.S.-market Crosstreks will offer the same powertrains as before: a 152-hp 2.0-liter four, a 182-hp 2.5-liter four, and a 148-hp plug-in hybrid. None of those have delivered what we'd consider conspicuous performance. While the outgoing model was offered with either a six-speed stick or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), we expect the manual to be dropped this time around. As on most other Subaru models, all-wheel drive will be standard. When we learn more about the Crosstrek's powertrains and have a chance to test them for ourselves, we'll update this story with more info and add driving impressions.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA has not yet released fuel-economy estimates for the new Crosstrek, and without knowing for sure which powertrains will be offered, it's difficult to predict its fuel efficiency. The outgoing model was rated as high as 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for the nonhybrid powertrain. For more information about the Crosstrek's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

While we expect the new Crosstrek will be about as spacious and cargo-friendly as the outgoing model, Subaru says it has improved the seat design to be more comfortable and has added additional sound-deadening materials to damp noises and quell vibrations. Leather upholstery is optional, but most trims will come with cloth upholstery, and higher-end models will have patterned inserts with silver stitching. When we learn more about the 2024 Crosstrek's standard and optional features, we'll update this story with details.

Infotainment and Connectivity

From photos, we can see that the 2024 Crosstrek will offer the same 11.6-inch infotainment display that's found in other Subaru models such as the Outback station wagon and the WRX sports sedan. That large screen is optional in those models, so we expect it to be an upgrade on the Crosstrek too. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both expected to be standard, though.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The new Crosstrek will undoubtedly be offered with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance feature bundle, but whether or not that will be standard is unknown. The last-generation Crosstrek offered this as standard only on models equipped with the automatic transmission, while manual-transmission models did without the package. For more information about the Crosstrek's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Available automated emergency braking
• Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Subaru's warranty coverage is exactly in line with that of most of its competitors. As with many rival hybrids, the plug-in Crosstrek comes with an extra policy to cover that car's expensive battery-electric components.

Distinguished by a strong sense of adventure and standard all-wheel drive, the Subaru Crosstrek is one of the best-selling subcompact SUVs on the market. And the most popular Crosstrek of late has been the range-topping Crosstrek Limited.

Let’s take a look at some of the key features drawing shoppers to the top of the Crosstrek lineup.

More Powerful Engine

The Crosstrek Limited features a 182-horsepower 4-cylinder engine that delivers quicker, more effortless acceleration than the lineup’s standard 152-horsepower engine. Especially when loaded with people or gear, or heading up a mountain, that’s a meaningful difference.

And that extra power comes with very little sacrifice in fuel economy. The EPA city/highway combined rating of 29 mpg is just 1 mpg shy of the lesser engine’s 30-mpg figure.

More Safety Features

In addition to safety and driver assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering, moving upward to the Crosstrek Limited adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, and rear collision warning.

Upgraded Infotainment System

While lower trims come with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, the Crosstrek Limited has an 8-inch screen with over-the-air updates. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every Crosstrek, the Limited comes with additional USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Bluetooth. Upgrades include navigation and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Heated Leather Seats

In addition to more power and features, the Crosstrek Limited delivers a richer passenger cabin. Leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and an available moonroof all create an environment that feels decidedly more premium than what you’ll find in the base Crosstrek.

More Subaru Crosstrek

Build and price your own Subaru Crosstrek to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more, or see Crosstrek models for sale near you.

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