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2024 Subaru Crosstrek gets rugged Wilderness treatment

With knobby tires, skid plates, and other tweaks, this trim makes the Crosstrek a commuter you can take into the bush

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What is it?

The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness adds some off-road style and capability to the brand’s popular compact CUV.

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Is it gas-powered, hybrid, or EV?

The Crosstrek Wilderness is exclusively powered by a 2.5L gasoline boxer four-cylinder engine. There is no hybrid or EV option.

Why does it matter?

The Crosstrek Wilderness is part of a growing segment which aims to add some actual off-road capability to the AWD CUV segment. Subaru’s aim was not to make a full off-roader like a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, but to add some capability to the model while maintaining daily usability.

To do this, the Wilderness rides a half-inch taller than standard, and has 9.3 inches of ground clearance. That’s more than any other model in Subaru’s lineup, even other Wilderness-trim models. The front corners of the bumper have been rounded off to aid approach angle, and a skidplate has been fitted. The knobby Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires (with raised white lettering!) are driven by a lower (numerically higher) 4.11:1 final drive ratio, versus the standard 3.7:1. Subaru says this is for more powerful starts and increased torque while off-roading.

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To make the Wilderness more capable in the, well, wilderness, the springs have a thicker coating for better chip resistance on gravel roads; and a high-strength rear differential has been fitted. The Wilderness can also tow a class-leading 3,500 lbs thanks to modifications like that lower gear ratio, a larger radiator and cooling fans, and a CVT oil cooler.

The Crosstrek Wilderness comes with a roof rack that is rated for a full 700 lbs. That’s enough for a roof-top tent and two adults sleeping comfortably in it, says Subaru. Otherwise, the car gets the usual yellow accents, Wilderness badges, and unique interior upholstery.

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What are its competitors?

The Crosstrek Wilderness’ rivals include the Toyota RAV4 TRD, the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, and the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands. These are all CUVs that offer increased off-road capability while remaining more civil than true off-roaders like a Bronco or a Wrangler.

When will Canada get it?

Deliveries will start in fall of 2023 when it will arrive as a 2024-model-year car.

Should you buy it?

The Crosstrek Wilderness is now the most capable off-road Subaru, and it fills a hole between the base Crosstrek and something more rugged like a Wrangler. It’s also one of the few ways you can get real off-road durability in a small and economical package. Mind you, the chonky tires and raised ride height will compromise the fuel mileage versus the standard Crosstrek, but I don’t think buyers will mind. If you want to get out to the wilderness on the weekends and still have a comfy vehicle to drive to the office during the week, the Crosstrek Wilderness could fit the bill.

Clayton Seams picture

Clayton Seams

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