2024 Subaru Crosstrek Subcompact SUV Evolves With a Familiar Redesign

When the Crosstrek first appeared in 2012 as a raised Impreza, it defined the subcompact SUV segment. It hasn’t changed much since then, and even this latest redesign is more of an evolution, as is often the case with Subaru. The benefit of this strategy to consumers is that the fewer the changes, the better the odds are for good reliability, something that has been a Subaru hallmark. 

Although we expect the Crosstrek to remain popular among Subaru loyalists who prefer a smaller vehicle than a Forester, it remains to be seen how it fares on an increasingly competitive playing field. There are many models now designed specifically as crossovers, rather than essentially hatchback cars with added ground clearance, all-wheel drive, and a roof rack. We’ll find out more when we purchase our own upgraded Crosstrek as part of our vehicle test program.

Subaru didn’t change much about the Crosstrek’s exterior, but definitely followed the ongoing trend of making even the smallest SUVs look rugged and aggressive. We’ve seen only a 2024 Crosstrek in the optional Sport trim, which features yellow accents reminiscent of the Wilderness trims on the Outback and Forester. Subaru knows its target audience: The black body cladding, bright color trim, and earth-tone sheet metal make the Crosstrek’s exterior design seem inspired by a hiking boot.

The Crosstrek’s interior looks very similar to the latest Outback and Forester, especially when it’s equipped with an optional 11.6-inch infotainment screen in the middle of the dashboard (shown below). We found that screen to be a bit annoying on other Subaru models, especially because it shrinks Android Auto and Apple CarPlay into a tiny window. Dual 7-inch screens come standard: The top one controls audio and phone features, while the bottom one is for climate control and vehicle settings.

Subaru says the Crosstrek’s front seats are now more comfortable, a claim we’ll be sure to test when we purchase and test our own vehicle. The rear seats fold all the way flat for additional cargo space (shown at bottom).

The 2024 model gets the same engine options as the current Crosstrek. The Base and Premium trim levels get a 2.0-liter, 152-hp four-cylinder engine, while the Sport and Limited trim levels feature a more powerful 2.5-liter, 182-hp four-cylinder engine. All-wheel drive is standard.

The base manual transmission is now gone, replaced by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) standard across all trim levels. We had only a few complaints about the current Crosstrek’s CVT, and Subaru says it made some upgrades for a smoother and quieter performance.

Subaru didn’t mention fuel-economy estimates, but the outgoing model got a class-leading 29 mpg overall in our tests, and the new model has some aerodynamic improvements that might increase those numbers a bit.

Subaru gave the 2024 Crosstrek the latest version of its EyeSight advanced driver assistance system as standard equipment. That means every Crosstrek comes with AEB and forward collision warning (FCW). A rear seat reminder system is now standard as well and will remind drivers to check for pets and passengers.

Blind spot warning (BSW) is still optional, as is lane keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic warning, and rear AEB. Optional automatic emergency steering can steer the Crosstrek to help avoid a collision at speeds below 50 mph.