There’s a lot to love about the all-new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. Launched at the 2023 New York International Auto Show, the Crosstrek Wilderness is powered by a 2.5-liter direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine, with 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Subaru engineered the Crosstrek Wilderness drivetrain for better off-road performance by installing a revised differential gear ratio and retuned Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The 4.111 final drive ratio (vs. 3.700) improves the SUV’s climbing ability, and the new tuning for the CVT optimizes traction at low speeds and on slippery surfaces.
But that’s not all the Crosstrek Wilderness offers to tackle challenging trail, snow and mud situations. Crosstrek Wilderness features dual-function X-MODE, a feature designed to help you out of demanding terrain.
On the highways and back roads, basic traction control on most vehicles will help to minimize wheelspin and keep you on course by limiting throttle inputs. It’s a vital feature in day-to-day traffic, especially in wet, icy conditions.
The Benefits of Dual-Function X-MODE
But what about when you’re trying to drive out of a kayak launch at the bottom of a hill with 200 feet of muddy path in front of you? Or when you’re facing 8 inches of unplowed powder on your way to your favorite ski area? A one-size-fits-all approach limiting wheelspin entirely isn’t what you need. That’s why Subaru developed dual-function X-MODE, which allows you to dial in the right amount of traction for the conditions you find yourself in.
There are times when it’s an advantage to stick to a lower gear, slow down the throttle response, split torque evenly and apply brakes to the slipping wheels. Then there are times when a little bit of wheelspin can be helpful to keep your momentum. Dual-function X-MODE has two settings for particular situations:
Snow/Dirt Mode
In loose gravel and slippery conditions, Snow/Dirt Mode simultaneously controls engine output and throttle response to minimize wheelspin and alters the Symmetrical AWD system’s torque split to direct power to the wheels with the most grip.
Selecting Snow/Dirt Mode also engages the Hill Descent Control feature. Think of it as cruise control for tricky off-road downhill situations. Hill Descent Control keeps the Crosstrek Sport at a slow, even pace without having to apply the brake, allowing the driver to focus on steering around obstacles.
Deep Snow/Mud Mode
There are some situations where wheelspin is desired to help get you out of a sticky situation. That’s the idea behind Deep Snow/Mud Mode. When faced with these conditions, selecting this mode allows some wheelspin, when needed, to prevent the vehicle from becoming stuck.
Paired with the new 2.5-liter direct-injected SUBARU BOXER® engine, the Crosstrek Wilderness can maximize that traction and help get you out of trouble during daily driving or off-road adventures. For a demonstration on how the dual-function X-MODE works, see your Subaru retailer.
Dual Function X-MODE is available in the following select trim levels:
- Ascent Onyx Edition
- Ascent Limited
- Ascent Onyx Edition Limited
- Ascent Touring
- Crosstrek Sport
- Crosstrek Wilderness
- Forester Limited
- Forester Touring
- Outback Onyx Edition
- Outback Onyx Edition XT
- Outback Wilderness
