After an amazingly strong 2022, which set sales records and made the Crosstrek the single most popular vehicle in the lineup, Subaru is fast out of the gate in 2023 with an all-new third-generation Subaru Crosstrek.
“The Crosstrek has defined what the compact SUV should be,” said Subaru of America President and CEO Tom Doll at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show ahead of the launch of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. “The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek was so popular that it was our biggest seller in 2022 despite being in its last year of this generation’s production, which is typically the lowest sales point for a vehicle.”
Here’s what Subaru Drive learned about the all-new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show, held at the McCormick Place Convention Center.
The Crosstrek formula is intact: a moderately sized, roomy and comfortable compact crossover SUV with standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a normally aspirated SUBARU BOXER® engine.
It’s an evolution of the breed introduced with the first-generation Subaru XV Crosstrek launched in the U.S. in 2012. Like the second generation introduced in 2017, the third-generation Crosstrek continuously improves on its success, refining the top-selling Subaru model with advanced technology, standard equipment offerings and construction.
The 2024 Crosstrek is available in Base, Premium, Sport and Limited trim levels, with an MSRP starting at $24,995.1 That’s the same MSRP as a 2023 Base trim level equipped with an optional Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which is now standard equipment.
2024 Crosstrek Exterior Updates
The 2024 Crosstrek is still the compact crossover that has proven so popular with North American customers. But look for a closer family resemblance to the Subaru WRX, including black lower body and wheel arch cladding, a bold new front fascia, and wraparound taillights. The LED headlights are sharp and commanding, giving the Crosstrek a more aggressive appearance than it’s had to date.
At the rear, bulging rear fenders provide a more broad-shouldered stance than ever before. Design elements like the air outlets on the trailing edge of the front wheel arch are functional; they reportedly allow air to exit from the front wheel more easily, reducing lift and improving stability. The air outlet on the rear bumper helps to reduce body sway from a pocket of air trapped behind the rear bumper cover.
We spoke to Subaru of America Product Public Relations Manager Todd Hill about the roof rail specifications, which increased with the 2019 Crosstrek to 700 pounds static capacity. Exact specs weren’t available, but Hill told us to expect the specifications would be the same.
New Interior Features for the 2024 Crosstrek
The interior is the purpose-built, no-nonsense layout that Crosstrek buyers so strongly responded to after the second generation arrived in 2017. The all-new front seat frame design is more supportive to increase overall comfort and minimize fatigue.
Subaru engineers focused on reducing noise in specific frequency ranges, allowing a cabin that’s quieter than any Crosstrek before it.
The obvious change is a prominent center information display with highly visual controls as well as ample head and leg room and storage space. Rear passengers and cargo are protected by standard dark-tint privacy glass.
The climate control system in the 2024 Crosstrek is designed to focus on occupied seats versus the entire cabin, which provides better comfort and fuel economy. Dual-zone heating/cooling control is standard across the model line.
Cargo access is through a large, wide hatchback-style rear gate, and with the seats in place, the cargo volume is 19.9 cubic feet. The rear seatback is split 60/40 and folds to open up a maximum of 54.7 cubic feet of cargo volume to stow all of your favorite adventure gear, pet crates or hobby accessories.
2024 Crosstrek Infotainment Technology
The instrument panel – like that of the WRX – is more angular, but the emphasis is now on the huge SUBARU STARLINK® 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system vertically positioned infotainment screen available in select Crosstrek trim levels.
It brings all of the functionality of the infotainment system in the Outback, Ascent and Legacy to the Crosstrek, integrating navigation, radio, media and phone apps in the center portion of the screen, with climate controls and the bottom and easy-to-navigate X-MODE® functionality right at the top, versus the dial-based functions of the outgoing vehicle.
The Crosstrek features wireless Apple CarPlay®2 and Android Auto™3 integration, along with Bluetooth®4 hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity; AM/FM stereo; SiriusXM® All Access Radio5 and SiriusXM Travel Link®5 (4-month free Platinum Plan6); HD Radio®7; and over-the-air updates.
The available SUBARU STARLINK® Safety and Security8 Connected Services offer SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Maintenance Notifications, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Diagnostic Alerts, Stolen Vehicle Recovery Service and Vehicle Security Alarm Notification. Available convenience features include Remote Lock/Unlock, Remote Horn and Lights and Remote Vehicle Locator.
New services for Crosstrek include Valet Mode, Trip Log and Driving Journal, and Remote Vehicle Configuration.
2024 Crosstrek Comfort and Convenience Features
Every 2024 Crosstrek features standard Remote Keyless Access, Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Individual Wheel Display, Steering Responsive LED Headlights with Automatic High Beam, Welcome Lighting, and power door locks, windows and side mirrors.
Safety Updates for the 2024 Crosstrek
The third-generation Crosstrek will debut with active, passive and adaptive safety equipment that Subaru anticipates will put it at the top of its class when it’s evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The latest version of EyeSight®Driver Assist Technology9 is standard in every trim level of the 2024 Crosstrek. Subaru says that it operates “more smoothly and quickly and under a greater range of conditions” thanks to a wider field of view.
The system also receives updated control software and a new electric brake booster. EyeSight can reportedly identify bicycles and pedestrians at intersections sooner, alert the driver and apply braking to avoid collisions when necessary.
Optional active safety features include Reverse Automatic Braking10 and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.11
When customers choose the available Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert,11 Automatic Emergency Steering is now included. Automatic Emergency Steering assists with steering control to help avoid a collision within a lane at speeds less than 50 mph.
The Crosstrek also features a standard Rear Seat Reminder that helps to prevent child and/or pet entrapment, alerting the driver to check the rear seat before leaving the vehicle.
2024 Crosstrek Powertrain
Under the hood, look for two versions of the SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine: a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine producing 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque or the 2.5-liter Boxer Engine delivering a responsive 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque featured in the Crosstrek Sport and Limited.
All of the Crosstrek trim levels will feature the Lineartronic® CVT. The Premium, Sport and Limited trims feature a manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the transmission via eight preset ratios.
Chassis Improvements for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek is based around an updated version of the Subaru Global Platform that has been enhanced with 10% higher torsional rigidity. This stiffer chassis translates into a quieter cabin, smoother ride quality and better handling performance.
The Crosstrek has full inner frame construction, stronger welding techniques and additional structural adhesive help to provide the Crosstrek with better rigidity while simultaneously reducing weight.
2.5-Liter 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Now Produced in the U.S.
Crosstrek production will occur in the U.S. for the first time with the 2024 model. The 2.5-liter Sport and Limited will be produced at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. in Lafayette, Indiana.
The 2.0-liter Base and Premium trims will continue at the Subaru plant in Gunma, Japan.
The Sport and Limited trims will arrive at Subaru retailers in the summer of 2023. Base and Premium trims will be available at Subaru retailers in the spring of 2023.
Destination & Delivery is $1,295 and may vary in the following states: CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, and VT. D&D is $1,445 for retailers in Alaska.1 Manufacturer’s suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Dealer sets actual price. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice. Shown with optional equipment.
2 Apple CarPlay® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.
3 Android Auto™ is a trademark of Google, Inc.
4 Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
5 SiriusXM® All Access Radio and SiriusXM Travel Link® are registered trademarks of Sirius XM Radio, Inc.
6 A 4-month trial subscription is included for all new SiriusXM-equipped Subaru vehicles.
7 HD Radio® is a registered trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation.
8 Activation with subscription required. Includes a three-year trial subscription to Safety Plus services and a six-month trial subscription to Safety and Security Plus services. The Concierge plan can be purchased annually or monthly. A credit card on file will be required for specific packages and for renewal purposes. Features and availability vary by vehicle and trim level. May not be available in all states. See Retailer for details.
9 EyeSight is a driver-assist system that may not operate optimally under all driving conditions. The driver is always responsible for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors, such as vehicle maintenance, weather, and road conditions. See Owner’s Manual for complete details on system operation and limitations. Requires automatic transmission.
10 Reverse Automatic Braking is a system designed to assist the driver by detecting objects to help avoid a possible collision when the vehicle is moving in a reverse direction. It is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors such as vehicle maintenance, weather and road conditions. Always exercise caution and use vehicle mirrors and Rear-Vision Camera when backing up. See Owner’s Manual for complete details on system operation and limitations.
11 Blind-Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are systems designed to assist the driver by monitoring the rear and side areas of the vehicle during a lane change or reversing and are not a substitute for safe and attentive driving.
12 Harman Kardon® is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.