The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness has arrived at the 2023 New York International Auto Show, becoming the third model to wear the off-road focused nameplate.
Subaru only released the brand new Crosstrek in the US a few weeks ago, and as the range-topping model, the Wilderness is also the most expensive starting at $31,995 (not including the $1,295 destination and delivery fee).
As the top dog, it uses the larger 2.5-liter boxer-four engine found in other upper trims and revived RS version of the Impreza, producing the same 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Subaru did revise the differential gear ratio with a 4.111 final drive ratio (compared to 3.700 in the standard model) and retune the CVT to provide more grip at low speeds. A transmission cooler ups towing capacity to 3,500 pounds.
Subaru says the Crosstrek Wilderness has 9.3 inches of ground clearance in the front, six-tenths more than a standard Crosstrek. The Japanese automaker achieved the extra height by adding longer coil springs and shock absorbers with longer dampening compression stroke to absorb off-road impacts. Other important ground clearance measures are improved too; the approach angle increases from 18 to 20 degrees, departure goes from 30.1 to 33 degrees, and breakover angle goes from 19.7 to 21.1 inches.
Just like Forester Wilderness, the Crosstrek Wilderness comes with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires that are wrapped around exclusive black 17-inch wheels, not the 18s available elsewhere in the Crosstrek lineup. Those smaller wheels should be less prone to scrapes and provide a softer ride.
To further help it get up steep inclines, the car includes Subaru's X-Mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes. The X-Mode display features a roll-angle indicator to let the drive know how the vehicle is positioned. There are no locking differentials, but the CVT can run a 4.006:1 ratio to crawl slowly over hills. To help it get back down, the Standard Hill Descent Control engages the brakes at under 12 mph so long as the accelerator pedal is pressed less than 10%.
Along with the off-road upgrades, the Wilderness features a tougher exterior design with unique front and rear bumpers, a hexagonal front grille, larger wheel arch cladding, metal front skid plate, unique hex-design LED fog lights, and an anti-glare hood decal. Buyers can (and should) opt for the Wilderness-exclusive Geyser Blue color, which pairs beautifully with copper accents. A ladder-type roof rack lets owners carry up to 176 pounds when moving or 700 pounds static, perfect for a roof tent.
Inside, the Crosstrek Wilderness is ready to get muddy with durable, water-resistant StarTex seats and rubber floor mats. Copper accents and contrast stitching add a pop of color to the otherwise dark interior. Since this is the top Crosstrek trim level, it comes with the 11.6-inch Starlink infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technology. Other standard features include dual-zone climate control, multiple USB ports, push-button start, and heated front seats. An optional $2,270 package adds a 10-way power driver seat and 10-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system.
The 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness will arrive at US dealers this fall.