SUBARU CROSSTREK

is an affordable option for sUV shoppers

Withthe average retail transaction price of new vehicles closing in towards the upper $40,000 range, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek SUV may have a big advantage. More precisely, the factory price point starts out at $24,995, before shipping and designation charges.

Essentially, the all-new Crosstrek comes with a new exterior and interior design, coupled with a number of improvements with its ride and handling. The redone exterior footprint telegraphs an obvious ready for adventure spirit. The vehicle’s expressive hexagonal grille, compact headlights, sculptural body and broad-shouldered stance helps to carry forward Subaru's design language. Attractive black wheel arch cladding and rocker panels provide a sharp contrast to the body color. An elevated level of enhanced safety and multimedia technologies are also included. This third-generation Crosstrek is a highly capable compact vehicle with a comprehensive list of standard and available features. Topping the list, this distinctive sport utility vehicle comes with an All-Wheel Drive chassis. The Base and Premium build combinations are equipped with a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder direct-injection engine. It generates 152-hp and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. However, some may discover that the 2-liter engine doesn't have the acceleration they might be craving. On the Sport and Limited models, they have a more responsive 2.5-liter engine, building on its 182 hp output and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. Also standard is their newly updated CVT, or Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission. It's been developed to be smoother and quieter than previous CVT's that Subaru used. The Premium, Sport and Limited trim levels feature a manual select mode, which also include steering wheel paddle shifters, thus allowing the driver to control the transmission's pre-set gear ratios for a more controlled driving experience. A traditional manual transmission is not offered. Also included is their hill descent control feature. If you're engaged in off-roading, this is a welcomed enhancement when driving down steep inclines. Crosstrek is engineered with close to nine inches of underside ground clearance on all versions. If you tend to gravitate towards driving on less than ideal roads, this underside body clearance ranks high in its competitive SUV class. Furthermore, it was developed to maintain a comfortably low step-in height for both front and rear passengers during entry and exit. The 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires are also standard. The interior benefits from an enhanced focus on the occupants and their interactions with its supportive front seat design and increased overall comfort. Without question, this helps minimize driving fatigue. To further expand on the passenger cabin, the center information seven-inch-high resolution touch screen display comes standard.

Additional standard features include fuelsaving automatic engine stop/start technology; power windows with express up/auto down on front windows, power door locks and side mirrors, tilt and telescoping steering column, keyless entry; security system with engine immobilizer, USB-A input/charging port and 3.5 mm auxiliary input jack in the front center console. 60/40-split fold-down rear seat are also included, as is carpeted floor mats; roof crossbar mounting points; combination dash gauges with color LCD, upgraded interior lighting and a brawny rear cargo tray. An 11.6-inch touch screen is offered which also includes numerous expanded and elaborate bells and whistles.

For 2024, the Subaru Crosstrek will be available in Base, Premium, Sport and Limited trim levels. Crosstrek production will be split between their manufacturing facility located in Japan and in Lafayette, Indiana, as it depends on the precise model. At road test, the Premium model I drove had an MSRP retail sticker price of $29,685. That further included a few options and the $1,295 destination charges. The EPA numbers showed 27-MPG city, 34-MPG highway.