2024 Subaru Crosstrek Pros vs Cons, & How it Stacks Up to Competitors

Are you and outdoor enthusiast hunting for an SUV that can tackle mud one minute and shuttle your family the next? The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek might just fit the bill. This lifted wagon is ready to conquer trails without punishing you in the city. But is it really the total off-road package? We'll compare the Crosstrek's pros and cons to see if it's got the goods. Can it truly be both a weekday errand-runner and weekend wilderness escape pod? Let's find out if this Subaru has the versatility and capability needed to fuel your active lifestyle and handle all of life's adventures, big or small.

Key Takeaways

• The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek has good ground clearance and room inside. It saves gas with a hybrid model. EyeSight tools keep you safe on the road.

• Some downsides of the Crosstrek are a weak engine and loud noises at high speeds. It also has tight legroom in the back seats.

• Other cars to think about are Mazda CX - 30, Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul, Honda HR-V. These cars have different features that might fit better for other people's needs.

• Compared to its rivals, the Crosstrek is tops when it comes to usefulness - its AWD, space and safety beat out other small SUVs. But some rivals have nicer interiors, power, and have a smoother ride.

What We Like - Eleven Pros to Consider

The 2024 Crosstrek has a lot going for it as a rugged yet comfortable compact SUV:

• Standard all-wheel drive, great ground clearance and features like hill descent control let you tackle off-roading and winter weather with confidence.

• Inside, you get a spacious interior for the class along with available heated seats on higher trims.

• The optional hybrid model delivers excellent fuel efficiency, so you can go the distance without draining your wallet.

• You also get peace of mind from the included EyeSight system of driver assists and safety features. This Subaru's got your back on road trips.

Between its traction control, good visibility, easy parking, and Subaru's renowned reliability, the Crosstrek delivers a satisfying and secure driving experience.

1. Standard All-Wheel Drive with Good Ground Clearance

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek has a symmetrical all-wheel drive system. This feature comes as standard. It helps the car stay firm on the road in all weather and conditions.

The car also sits high above the ground - good for rough roads and bumps. The Crosstrek has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches on all trims except the Wilderness model with 9.3 inches, making it a champion in its class. In comparison the Mazda CX-30 has 8 inches and the Hyundai Kona has 8.3 inches. These make the Crosstrek a solid choice if you like off-road trips or live in places with bad roads.

2. Good Overall Ratings by Experts and Crosstrek Owners

The Crosstrek received some good overall ratings by expert reviewers and owner alike. MotorTrend ranked the Crosstrek as #1 for "Best Subcompact SUVs". KBB rated it at #4 with the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos and Honda HR-V narrowly taking the top three spots. And it is on the Consumer Reports "CR Recommended" list. They all like Subaru's standard all-wheel drive and offroad capability.

J.D Power ranked the Crosstrek in the #3 spot overall. They base their ratings on consumer feedback by people who actually own the vehicle. It is based on a number of criteria such as quality, reliability, drivability and resale value. They gave quality and reliability a score of 83/100 and resale value 86/100 - both excellent ratings. People who own the Crosstrek seam to really like the vehicle based on there feedback.

(Reference Sources: Motertrend, KBB, J.D. Power)

3. Spacious interior & Cargo Room

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is pretty roomy for a subcompact SUV. It gives you up to 100.5 cubic feet of total total passenger space! That's good news for folks who want their gear and passengers to fit comfortably.

In fact, the Crosstrek shines in its segment with more elbow room than rivals like the Kia Soul and Mazda CX-30. Compared to the Crosstrek's 100.5 cubic feet of interior space, the CX-30 has 93.8 cubic feet and the Kia Soul has 96.7 inches.

Cargo capacity is good with 54.7 cubic feet. (Rear seats folded down.) The Hyundai Kona has a sight edge with 63.7 but the CX-30 falls short with 45.2 cubic feet and the Chevrolet Trax with 48.4.

 

4. Good fuel economy

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek shines in fuel economy in its class. The 2.0-liter engine found on the lower trims gets 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the Highway. The larger 2.5 liter engine gets 26 City MPG and 33 Hwy MPG. Also not bad. And considering it has standard all-wheel drive, it makes it stand out even more than the two-wheel drive competition. The Chart below provides the fuel economy of Crosstreks rivals.

 

(Reference: EPA)

5. Good Driver Assistance and Safety Features

As a standard on all trims, Subaru offers the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology which includes a bundle of features:

• Adaptive cruise control with lane centering

• Forward collision warning

• Pre-collision braking (automatic emergency braking)

• Lane departure warning and Sway Warning

• Lane Keep Assist

• Automatic Emergency Steering - will automatically steer the vehicle back to a safe position.

High Beam Assist automatically toggles between high and low beams when it senses other traffic. Nice not to have to worry about that manually!

Other standard safety features are vehicle dynamics control, brake assist, and of course a rear vision camera when backing up.

Standard on upper trims - the Limited and Wilderness, and optional on the Sport and Premium trims, you get extras like blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert. This helps keep you aware of vehicles around you when changing lanes or reversing.

Reverse automatic braking is standard on the Limited and Wilderness trims. It offers pedestrian detection and other objects behind you and automatically brake to avoid backing into something.

Subaru clearly put a focus on features that provide peace of mind and help avoid collisions. It recieved a 5 Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA and is rated a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

6. The 2.5-Leter Engine Offers Good Driving Dynamics

We did not have a chance to drive the Crosstrek ourselves so we gathered information from a variety of sources including test drives conducted by reputable publications, and expert reviews. Our intention was to discuss how reviewers weigh the pros and cons, and highlight any areas where opinions diverge. But all the expert reviews we read had similar insights.

According to Car and Driver, the Crosstrek drives with a familiar, willing spirit. Its 2.5-liter flat-four engine churns out 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, packing more punch than the previous gen. (Reference Source: Car and Driver)

According to MOTORTREND, the 2024 Crosstrek Limited offers smooth power delivery, controlled body motions, and a comfy ride - an all-around solid option. The bigger 2.5-liter motor accelerates better than the base 2.0. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) shifts smoothly and predictably while maintaining good mpg. Light steering gives good feedback, and the SUV stays surprisingly tidy when cornering hard. The brakes feel firm for reliable stopping power. Overall, this Subaru provides a polished driving experience that inspired confidence. (Reference Source: MOTORTREND)

7. Good Off-Road Prowess

According to Car and Driver, with the all-wheel-drive system, Deep Snow/Mud mode, and nearly 9 inches of ground clearance, the Crosstrek can handle off-road adventures. These features let the Crosstrek traverse muddy or rocky terrain without breaking a sweat. The electronics help maintain stability so you can tackle tough conditions with confidence. During testing at a ski resort, the Crosstrek crawled downhill slowly and steadily, powered through mud pits, and handled wet, rocky hills when using hill descent control. The all terrain tires provided adequate grip on the conditions tested. Overall, the Crosstrek's off-road chops are legit, giving drivers the control they need to take on various situations away from the pavement. This Subaru's got the skills to confidently go where the roads don't. (Reference Source: Car and Driver)

8. Good Visibility and Easy Parking/Maneuverability

According to Consumer Reports, the Crosstrek gives you stellar all-around visibility do to its high seating position,. You've got a clear view out the front, sides, and back thanks to slim front pillars, tall side windows up front, and a good-sized rear window. When it's time to park or maneuver through tight spots, the Crosstrek's compact size and awesome visibility make navigating a breeze. This Subaru's got your back with a commanding view of your surroundings, so you can see potential obstacles and steer clear of trouble.

(Reference Source: Consumer Reports)

9. Good Reliability and Durability

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek stands out with its proven reliability and durability. It's a car that lasts for years! According to Experian Automotive, after ten years, 96% of Subarus are still on the road. J.D. Power Rates the Crosstrek quality and reliability with 83/100. Anything over 80 is considered very good.

(Reference Source: J.D. Power)

10. Strong Depreciation Value = Strong Resale Value

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek holds its value well. Many Subaru cars are known for this strong resale value. The Crosstrek is no different. J.D Power rated resales value at 86/100. The Kia Soul received a lower rating of 79/100, Hyundai Kona got 82/100 and the Ford Bronco Sport received 76/100.The Honda HR-V tied the Crosstrek with a resale score of 86/100. (Reference Source: J.D. Power)

Doing some research at Edmunds, we found that there depreciation calculator backs up J.D power ratings. We avaraged out all trims for the Crosstrek's competitors and found that the Crosstrek has the lowest one year to five year depreciation.

 

(Reference Source: Edmunds Depreciation Calculator)

11. Good Number of Trim Levels to Choose From

Base trim - The entry level Crosstrek has a base price of $26,540. Comes with 17-inch wheels, touchscreen, phone connectivity, and driver aids. Good value for AWD.

Premium - The Crosstrek Premium trim adds some nice features to the Base for around $27,440. Things like dual climate control, keyless entry, leather wheel, and roof rails. Can add moonroof and blind spot tech.

Sport - The Crosstrek Sport trim has a bolder adventure look for $30,290. Special 18-inch black wheels, yellow accents outside, and water-resistant seats. Standard dual-function X-MODE allows you to select between two modes; snow/dirt mode and deep snow and mud mode so you can select the appropriate setting for your driving conditions. The Sport model looks trail ready.

Limited trim - The luxury model from $32,190. leather upholstery seats, power driver's seat, heated front seats/wheel/mirrors, chrome details.

Crosstrek Wilderness Trim - New off-road version with lifted suspension and chunky wheels. Made to handle trails starting around $33,290 Most rugged Crosstrek.

Some Drawbacks to Consider - 4 Cons

While the Subaru Crosstrek is well-regarded for its rugged versatility, it's important to consider a few drawbacks such as an underpowered base engine, increased cabin noise at high speeds, limited rear-seat legroom due to the steeply sloping roofline and a stiffer ride compared to rivals.

1. Underpowered Base Engine

According to the Consumer Reports road test, the Crosstrek's base 2.0-liter four-cylinder puts out 152 horsepower. It gives you an abrupt burst when accelerating from a stop but quickly poops out when merging or climbing hills. By modern standards, this engine feels underpowered and can struggle when pushed hard, making for a noisy, unrefined drive. You'll often have to rev it high to compensate for the lack of oomph, cranking up cabin noise. Overall, the 2.0 lacks the smooth power delivery and quiet cabin you expect these days. It's the weak spot in an otherwise solid small SUV. Moving up to the 2.5-liter engine improves performance, but the base motor leaves you wanting more punch. (Reference Source: Consumer Reports)

2. Noisy Cabin at Higher Speeds

Consumer Reports also noted that the Crosstrek's noise issues start with the 2.0-liter engine. It can sound rough and unrefined when revved hard to make up for the lack of power. Cranking up the RPMs leads to extra engine noise filling the cabin. At highway speeds, lots of wind noise also sneaks in, adding to the ruckus. Together, these things make the Crosstrek on the loud side for road trips or high-speed cruising. If you want a quiet, peaceful ride, this Subaru's engine and wind noise could become tiring and distracting. Moving up to the 2.5-liter motor helps reduce the droning, but the base engine and wind noise combos make things pretty noisy overall. For 2024, the New Crosstrek has improved noise insulation over the outgoing model however.

3. Tight Rear Legroom

The Subaru Crosstrek has a stylish sloping roofline. But this style makes the back seat tight on legroom. Tall adults might find the space small. The rear legroom is only 36.5 inches. That is less room than most rivals.

But there's good news too! In front, you get plenty of room with 42.9 inches of legroom! This makes it more comfy for long drives or city trips. The following table compares legroom for close rivals:

 

4. Infotainment system can be slow to respond

The main complaint from expert reviewers - the infotainment display interface takes time to react to touch. Using the tech feels slow and hard at times. Still, this Subaru comes with all the infotainment and connectivity bells and whistles:

• The centerpiece is an 11.6-inch infotainment screen with support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Wireless connectivity makes hooking up your phone a breeze.

• The intuitive interface has large icons and buttons for key functions like audio and climate controls. You also get handy physical knobs for volume and tuning.

• Built-in navigation provides turn-by-turn directions, though responsiveness may lag at times.

• Bluetooth lets you easily make hands-free calls. Higher trims add Subaru's StarLink system with helpful safety features.

Overall, the Crosstrek serves up a straightforward, smartphone-friendly infotainment system with the core features you need to stay connected on the go. The large touchscreen and physical controls combine for an intuitive user experience. But the mild but consistent lag when navigating through functions and commands make it seem dated to some people.

How it Stacks up to Competitors: Mazda CX-30, Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Kona, and Kia Soul

In assessing the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, consider its rival competitors including Mazda CX-30, Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Kona, and Kia Soul. These vehicles can offer a different mix of performance, comfort and tech features that may make them worth cross-shopping.

The CX-30 wins on nice interior, fun handling, and acceleration. The Kona has more power, cool styling, and hybrid choices. The Trax costs less, has a smoother ride and nicer interior. The Soul has its distinctive styling. On the other hand, the Crosstrek gives you more utility, AWD, and advanced safety tech. Taking test drives is recommended.

The Bottom Line

If you're an adventure-seeker needing a ride that's equal parts practical and off-road ready, the 2024 Crosstrek brings some good stuff. This lifted Subaru comes standard with handy AWD, safety tech, and a roomy interior to haul your crew. Sure, road noise bugs at highway speeds. But when it's time to hit the trails, the Crosstrek has the versatility and capability to be your wingman. Whether it's everyday errands or making memories outdoors with the fam, this quirky SUV aims to be your adventure buddy. If weekend getaways under the stars are your thing, take the Crosstrek for a spin to see if it's the total package your adventurous spirit wants.

Note: This article is based on research and expert reviews. We are not affiliated with Subaru or any other automaker and do not receive any compensation for our reviews. This information is based on our opinions and the opinions of the expert reviewers we have referenced.