Michael Satterfield
In the land where everything’s bigger and the call of the open road resonates deeply, the little Subaru Crosstrek makes its way across Texas with its rugged charm and unpretentious capability. A blend of old-school sensibility and modern necessity, the Crosstrek has morphed from what we’d traditionally call a five-door hatchback into what the market now dubs a compact SUV. In the sprawling expanses of Texas, where versatility and resilience matter, this evolution isn’t just marketing; it’s the essence of what makes this Subaru a compelling contender.
At first glance, the 2024 Crosstrek design embodies a spirit of adventure and readiness. Its rugged aesthetic is not just skin-deep; it’s functional, and I would claim it to be the best-looking Subaru on the market today. The prominent grille, sleek headlights, and updated body cladding are complemented by gold accents that speak of both elegance and grit. The high ground clearance, particularly in the Wilderness trim, which boasts a lofty 9.3 inches, signals its off-road prowess, ideal for Texas weekend warriors eager to escape the asphalt jungle.
Inside, the Crosstrek offers a sanctuary of comfort and functionality. The spacious cabin, adorned with high-quality materials, invites both front and rear passengers to stretch out and enjoy the journey. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, ensuring that long drives across Texas’s vast landscapes remain enjoyable. The driver-centric layout is intuitive, featuring a standard 7-inch touchscreen that can be upgraded to a more luxurious 11.6-inch. Compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures seamless connectivity, while higher trims boast a premium Harman Kardon audio system, transforming the Crosstrek into a mobile concert hall.
Beneath the hood, the 2024 Crosstrek offers two engine choices. The base and Premium trims house a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. While it’s not the most potent engine on the market, its efficiency, clocking in at 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, makes it a sensible choice for daily commuting and road trips alike. For those seeking more muscle, the 2.5-liter engine in the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims churns out a respectable 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This engine balances performance and fuel efficiency with ratings of 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Driving the Crosstrek across Texas’s varied terrains reveals its composed and comfortable ride. The suspension is finely tuned to absorb bumps and rough patches, a crucial feature when navigating the less-traveled roads. Its handling is remarkably agile for its class, with light steering that provides ample feedback. Although some body roll is noticeable during spirited driving, the Crosstrek maintains stability and confidence in corners. Our test vehicle, equipped with the 2.5-liter engine, offered reassuring power for highway merges and passing maneuvers, making it a capable companion for both city and rural adventures.
True to its Subaru heritage, the Crosstrek excels off-road. The standard all-wheel-drive system, paired with X-Mode, enhances traction on slippery surfaces, ensuring that drivers can confidently tackle everything from muddy trails to sandy paths. The Wilderness trim elevates this capability further with its increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and additional off-road enhancements. For Texans with a penchant for outdoor escapades—be it camping in the Hill Country or exploring the Big Bend—the Crosstrek proves to be an ideal partner, ready to conquer the great outdoors.
Safety is paramount for Subaru, and the 2024 Crosstrek upholds this tradition with an impressive array of standard features. The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking, making it one of the safest choices in its segment. Whether navigating crowded urban streets or cruising on the open highway, these systems provide an extra layer of security, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
The infotainment system is user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs complementing the touchscreen controls, a thoughtful touch for intuitive operation. The larger 11.6-inch screen available in higher trims enhances functionality and readability, while the available navigation system proves invaluable for long journeys through Texas’s vast expanses.
The Crosstrek shines in practicality, offering a generous 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Fold those seats down, and the capacity expands to an impressive 55.3 cubic feet. During our test, we put this to the test, hauling a large shipment without a hitch. The wide rear hatch and low load floor simplify loading and unloading, while the roof rails add extra utility for carrying larger items like bikes, kayaks, or even a rooftop tent. Whether it’s a trip to the Gulf Coast or a weekend retreat in the Piney Woods, the Crosstrek adapts to your needs with ease.
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek presents a compelling value proposition. Starting at approximately $26,290 for the base model and reaching around $33,290 for the Wilderness trim, it offers a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. The Limited trim, priced at around $32,190, combines premium features with a great value, making it a popular choice for those seeking a bit more luxury in their compact SUV.
The Crosstrek might not be the fastest in its class, but it excels where it counts, offering a balanced blend of performance, comfort, and utility. It’s a vehicle designed for those who appreciate the journey as much as the destination, embodying the spirit of exploration and resilience that defines Texas itself. Whether you’re navigating the urban jungles of Houston, the rugged terrains of West Texas, or the scenic routes of the Hill Country, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is ready to take you there with confidence and style.
