2024 Subaru Crosstrek

The third-generation Subaru Crosstrek has arrived as one of the most off-road-capable contenders in the subcompact crossover segment. With the new model, Subaru largely sticks to what the Crosstrek has done well, which is to transition effortlessly between city life and dirt roads. The standard all-wheel-drive system and healthy ground clearance contribute to that. One of the major interior improvements is a new infotainment system with a large 11.6-inch touchscreen on most trims, along with improved refinement. On the downside, the base engine is still rather sluggish and there is no longer the option of a manual gearbox. Rivals like the Mazda CX-30 are also cheaper, quicker, and classier inside. But the Crosstrek's charm is that it isn't trying to out-muscle or outclass more premium-feeling rivals. It's an honest, completely unpretentious vehicle with a wide range of capabilities for outgoing families.

The new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek has a starting price of $24,995 for the entry-level model in the USA, excluding a destination and handling charge of $1,295. That's followed by the Subaru Crosstrek Premium's MSRP of $26,145, the Sport at $28,995, and the Limited at $30,895.

The Crosstrek is a bit more expensive than the 2023 Honda HR-V that starts at $23,800. However, the Honda doesn't have AWD as standard and is more expensive when this option is added. The 2023 Mazda CX-30 begins at $22,950 and is great value since it comes with AWD as standard.

As we found in our first drive review, the new Subaru Crosstrek SUV is a capable companion for the daily commute. Nothing about it will blow you away, but we appreciated the effortlessly light steering that is surprisingly precise at higher speeds. We can also confirm that interior noise levels and vibrations are improved when you get onto the highway, with the Crosstrek dealing well with poorly maintained surfaces. For speed freaks, the 152-horsepower 2.0-liter engine in the lower trims will be a disappointment, but it does the job asked of it without fuss, and together with a more refined CVT that fades into the background, this is a small crossover that makes each journey quite relaxing. It's likely that a hybrid model will join the range at some stage, but we expect it to once again prioritize efficiency over performance as the previous Crosstrek Hybrid only managed 148 hp combined.

On dirt roads, the Crosstrek shines. It's got 8.7 inches of ground clearance and comes standard with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, along with X-Mode with hill descent control and all-terrain tires. The crossover cleverly shifts torque and applies braking when needed on steeper and/or looser surfaces, and the suspension managed to keep us reasonably comfortable on dirt roads, too. The Crosstrek Sport also comes with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, making it even more capable.

Most small crossovers come with a few rugged trimmings that hint at a more adventurous lifestyle, even if they primarily play the same city-bound role as any hatchback or sedan. The Subaru Crosstrek is not just a window dressing exercise, though, and that's what we adore about it. Between its capable AWD and X-mode systems, along with greater ground clearance, the added capabilities of this over a regular hatch are obvious. And, while Subaru could've equipped a more powerful turbo engine, the simpler naturally aspirated units are likely to stand the test of time without attracting huge repair bills. The new model has been refined to deliver a smoother ride, and the interior infotainment tech is better. If you want something that feels more upscale, Mazda will happily sell you a CX-30, but the honest Crosstrek is still the go-to choice for customers wanting a mild off-roader at a palatable price.

Our favorite trim is the Sport. Not only is it the most capable off-roader with the more powerful engine and the additional off-road modes, but it has a mix of fun (yellow accents) and useful (wireless charger, heated front seats) features that make the Crosstrek a more enjoyable vehicle. However, some will not be able to spend the extra $5,000 on the Sport relative to the base model, so we'd have no issue recommending the entry-level Crosstrek either. It's not quick, and some interior bits feel a little cheap, but it has standard AWD and all the crucial features as standard.