First-Hand Evaluation of 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: Appropriately Rough-terrain, Demands more Power
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: A Rugged Swiss Army Knife
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is a versatile vehicle, often described as a "Swiss Army knife" of a car. This off-road variant boasts great capability, rugged style, and good value.
The Crosstrek Wilderness is equipped with a 2.5-liter 182-hp BOXER engine, Yokohama all-terrain tires, added ground clearance, and Subaru's dual-function X-MODE software for improved off-road performance. This setup allows the Wilderness to conquer steep and sandy obstacles, descend loose slopes, traverse muddy holes, and straddle deep ruts without protest. Its X-MODE controls throttle mapping and transmission functionality to optimize traction off road, with Deep Snow/Mud mode allowing more wheelspin in certain off-road conditions.
The car's hill descent control works well on steep dirt declines, enabling one-foot driving down hills. The Wilderness also boasts a higher ground clearance of 9.3 inches, improved approach and departure angles with unique bumpers, and a standard front skid plate. All these features make the Wilderness notably more capable off-road and better suited for towing and rugged terrain than the standard Crosstrek.
In terms of design, the Wilderness features a higher beltline and low car-like seating position, making it harder to see out of compared to a traditional SUV. However, the interior showcases stitched vegan leather upholstery, Wilderness badging, and a black headliner to hide scuffs from loading cargo or camping gear.
The Wilderness comes with a large 11.6-inch touchscreen with Subaru STARLINK, but the climate control can be frustrating due to the lack of actual buttons. The car's hatchback configuration and folding rear seats make it versatile to haul all sorts of stuff.
Pricing for the Wilderness trim is higher than the standard Crosstrek trims, with an MSRP of $31,995 plus $1,295 delivery, totaling $33,290 before tax, title, and license. The only option package is $2,270, and Alpine Green is an additional $395.
While the Wilderness offers impressive off-road capabilities, some might argue that it could potentially be improved with the addition of the WRX or Outback Wilderness' 2.4L turbo engine, making it a "Swiss Army switchblade."
In contrast, the standard 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offers a base 2.0-liter 152-hp engine or the 2.5-liter 182-hp engine in higher trims, with standard all-wheel drive but less ground clearance and fewer off-road features. The standard model is more oriented toward everyday use and less extreme terrain, while the Wilderness trim is purpose-built for rugged adventures.
In summary, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness offers enhanced off-road capability, a more powerful engine, and improved rugged design compared to the standard Crosstrek. However, its higher price tag reflects these upgrades, making it a more suitable choice for those seeking adventure and rugged terrain capabilities.
- This off-road car, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, resembles a 'Swiss Army knife', showcasing versatile performance in rugged outdoor settings.
- The Wilderness is equipped with a wide array of features, such as all-terrain tires, X-MODE software, and hill descent control, making it capable of navigating tough terrain with ease.
- Engaging in adventure-travel with the Wilderness is further facilitated by its hiking-friendly hatchback configuration for storing camping gear.
- The automotive industry has touted the Wilderness for its alignment with the 'lifestyle' of outdoor enthusiasts who cherish off-road expeditions.
- Priced at $33,290, purchasing the Wilderness requires a significant investment from the finance sector, but compared to paying for separate motors, footwear, and transportation for long hiking trips, it could prove beneficial.
- For those seeking an even more robust off-road experience, some in the industry argue that the WRX or Outback Wilderness' 2.4L turbo engine would make the Crosstrek Wilderness more like a 'Swiss Army switchblade'.
- On the other hand, the standard 2024 Subaru Crosstrek delivers through everyday commuting, offering less off-road prowess but more affordable prices, perfectly suitable for urban transportation and 'travel' purposes.
