Summary

• The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness excels in off-road efficiency, towing capability, and enhancements to enhance maneuverability over opponents in its class.
• Unique enhancements, reminiscent of an elevated strategy angle and improved gas effectivity, set the Crosstrek Wilderness aside from related off-road packages within the subcompact SUV phase.
• Subaru’s dedication to all-wheel drive expertise, coupled with the Crosstrek Wilderness’ rugged capabilities, make it a best choice for journey seekers seeking to really discover difficult terrain.

Nobody likes a poser, we will all safely agree on that. Self-expression, making an attempt new issues, studying to be snug in a single’s personal pores and skin are all commendable. Trying to be anyone or one thing you’re not, in an try and get consideration? Not a lot.

In the world of new SUVs, this interprets to “off-road” packages with nothing greater than slapping on burlier tires, some black styling bits, perhaps a roof rack, and in case you’re fortunate, larger floor clearance and maybe a entrance skid plate for good measure. Oh, and a pair of tow hooks. It all screams journey on the skin, however mechanically, no actual efficiency upgrades are to be discovered. You’re higher off shopping for a base mannequin and modifying it your self.

Simply put, the Crosstrek Wilderness stands alone within the subcompact crossover segment with its unparalleled off-road capabilities. While the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk, Ford Bronco Sport Badlands, and Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road are worthy mentions, they belong to the compact class and are not particularly engineered for excessive terrain in the identical means the Crosstrek Wilderness is. Plus, it is a nimble little machine with city sensibilities. Here’s how this small hauler splits from the pack.

A Small Crossover Optimized for Challenging Off-Road Conditions

Since first arriving in 2013 because the Crosstrek XV, Subaru’s smallest sport utility has at all times walked the off-road discuss. Even then, boasting a normal 5-speed guide transmission paired with a 2.0L engine making a good 148 horsepower, all backed by Subaru’s confirmed all-wheel drive, normal throughout all the SUV lineup.

Fast-forward a decade, the third-generation 2024 Crosstrek not solely improves in each means, the redesigned crossover good points an much more succesful Wilderness trim for the primary time, becoming a member of its Forester Wilderness and Outback Wilderness siblings. In phrases of appears, the huge, yellow CROSSTREK throughout the doorways and chunky black cladding on the Crosstrek Wilderness will not be for everybody.

Enhanced Performance and Extra Capabilities Over the Standard Crosstrek

To improve its off-road prowess, Subaru beefed-up the already capable Crosstrek for the Wilderness version by adjusting the differential gear ratio and optimizing the CVT transmission to enhance dealing with on slippery surfaces and increase efficiency in low-speed traction situations. Yes, the guide tranny is gone, sadly.

During a current off-road journey outdoors Sedona, it impressively navigated the grueling terrain like a champ, and stood its personal among the many numerous side-by-sides and Wranglers we encountered on the journey. The Crosstrek Wilderness’ compact measurement is a bonus when negotiating the tight turns and uneven dust roads, all using on matte-black 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in normal Yokohama GEOLANDER all-terrain tires.

The steep and rocky ascents had been managed with relative ease, due to the Wilderness’ 4.111 ultimate drive ratio—an improve from the usual 3.700 spec. Its 2.5L engine delivers 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, however it’s the improved efficiency options and off-road expertise that actually shine, good for low-speed rock crawling and path using.

Furthermore, the Crosstrek Wilderness has been optimized with important enhancements to its strategy, departure, and ramp breakover angles. The strategy angle has been elevated to twenty levels from 18, permitting for steeper inclines with out entrance bumper harm. The departure angle is now 33 levels, improved from simply over 30, which helps in avoiding rear bumper contact throughout steep descents.

Additionally, the ramp break-over angle is enhanced to 21.1 levels from 19.7, facilitating smoother navigation over uneven terrain and decreasing the danger of getting caught. These enhancements collectively reduce the danger of harm and enhance the car’s off-road functionality.

Crosstrek Wilderness Towing Capacity: Nothing Comes Close

The nail within the coffin right here is that this Crosstrek’s towing talents. At an astounding 3,500 lbs, it proves to be a bonafide outside leisure car, capable of pull teardrop trailers, pop-up campers, ATV trailers, and small boats. This towing determine is 2,000 lbs greater than the bottom 2024 Crosstrek, 500 kilos greater than its bigger Forester sibling, and on par with the midsize Outback. All this from a subcompact, no much less, and effectively surpassing the competitors:

So, The Crosstrek Wilderness Must Have Some Competition, Right?

Well, no. Not actually. And that’s the entire level right here. As talked about from the highest, barely bigger crossovers, together with Jeep Renegade Trailhawk, Ford Bronco Sport Badlands, and Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road could present sufficient off-road-worthiness for many consumers, however they fail to enhance efficiency in any significant means when hitting the unbeaten paths.

All-wheel drive is arguably their finest backcountry driving function – together with fashions just like the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V Hybrid, solely when outfitted with non-obligatory AWD. Again, Subaru has been the leader in all-wheel drive for effectively over 30 years, and except for the sporty Subaru BRZ coupe, count on each Subie to return with this drivetrain. Front-wheel drive isn’t even on the radar.

Final Thoughts: No Gimmicks Here

Granted, not each small crossover units out to be an overlanding beast. They’re not all fitted with improved strategy angles, aggressive facet cladding, an engine undercover, elevated towing capability, and extra. Most, if not all, subcompact and compact SUV buyers could search simply the minimal to discover and veer off the paved roadways for much less aggressive adventures. And there’s completely nothing mistaken with that.

But when these TV commercials come on of adventurers and Millennials base leaping off mountain tops, excessive snowboarding someplace within the backcountry, or white water rafting in Class VI degree rivers, all with a shiny crossover within the background outfitted with nothing greater than huge tires and a flimsy roof rack, it’s tough to not ask: did you actually drive that factor out of your downtown apartment to a mountain peak?

That’s the place the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness splits from the pack. The Crosstrek has at all times been a succesful rock-basher, however the Wilderness version elevates this to new heights its opponents merely can’t rival – with or with out their off-road packages.