After the Forester and the Outback, it’s the turn of the Crosstrek 2024 to adorn itself with an adventurer’s outfit by the name of Wilderness.
Like the other models already unveiled by Subaru, the Japanese subcompact SUV is more adventurous with more abundant use of black plastic. In the case of the Crosstrek, it’s even more striking than the Outback and the Forester. The bumpers are completely black, embellished with golden inserts while the plastic moldings go up higher along the doors and fenders.
A specific roof rack is also part of the Crosstrek Wilderness equipment. It can receive a load of 176 lbs while driving, or 700 lbs when stationary. The other element that we notice are the specific 17-inch rims. The latter are fitted with Yokohama Geolandar A/T tires.
Photo: Subaru
In the passenger compartment, also mostly black, the base of the steering wheel, the strapping of the instrumentation and the golden stitching distinguish this adventurer version from the rest of the range.
Like the other Crosstreks, this more adventurous version receives the latest version of the Eyesight active safety system, as well as a range of standard driving aids such as blind spot detection and cross traffic alert.
2.5 liter engine and reinforced parts
Under the hood, Subaru has logically retained the 2.5-litre 4-cylinder. Developing 187 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, it already offered convincing performance in the outgoing model.
To adapt the powertrain to more extreme conditions, the Crosstrek WIlderness is equipped with a larger radiator as well as an increased diameter fan. The CVT box has also been revised and inherits a cooling system. This technical choice also makes it possible to significantly increase the towing capacity, which peaks at 3,500 lb on this version instead of 1,500 lb on the other versions.
With a different final gear ratio (4.111 instead of 3.700), the vehicle would be capable of better performance at low speeds and on slippery surfaces. The rear differential, specific to the Wilderness model, has also been reinforced.
Photo: Subaru
Still to improve its crossing capabilities, a protective plate has been added to the front and the ground clearance has been increased by 15 mm to peak at 235 mm. The angles of attack and departure are also greater. They amount here to 20 and 33° respectively against 18 and 30.1° for a classic Crosstrek. A descent assist system is also delivered, as well as a torque vectoring system.
Finally, the suspensions have also been revised, with specific settings, in particular with different springs and longer travel.
The Crosstrek Wilderness will arrive in the fall of 2023 at dealerships. Pricing has yet to be announced.