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In our initial report of the next-generation 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, we covered the new features and upgrades, and there are many. The all-new third-generation Crosstrek comes with a slightly new exterior design, upgrades the interior, improved driving dynamics, and new safety features.
In this report, we’ll uncover the changes that do not upgrade but are flaws in the new subcompact SUV. The Crosstrek is designed for an active generation who use the small SUV for outdoor and Overlanding adventures. The Crosstrek stays with the excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and X-Mode for more extreme off-road excursions.
But Subaru Corporation took the new 2024 Crosstrek backwards by taking away nearly one inch of ground clearance on the new model. Subaru Corporation says the next-generation model comes with 200 mm of ground clearance which is now 7.9 inches compared with 8.7-inches in the previous generation model.
It’s always been an advantage the Crosstrek had over the competition with the additional height to clear any obstacles on the trail or road. The Crosstrek will now have about the same ride height as the competition.
What was Subaru thinking?
The next-generation Crosstrek is 0.20 inches longer between the axles, and the overall width remains the same. But the new model is about 1.38 inches shorter overall height than the outgoing model. There are two reasons we can think of for lowering the Crosstrek’s growing clearance is to reduce drag and improve fuel mileage in the new model. The new ride height will also improve driving dynamics.
Increased weight
Crosstrek’s new full-inner-frame body design increases body rigidity while reducing weight. The next-generation 2024 model’s weight now increases from 3,395 to 3,571 lbs. The 2022 Crosstrek’s overall weight is 3,117 to 3,298 lbs depending on the model. That’s 273 to 278 lbs more than the outgoing model.
With the increased weight, Subaru Corporation had to design the new Crosstrek to be more aerodynamic. The lower height and ground clearance will accomplish the goal.
Where does the added weight come from?
The new Crosstrek has added weight due to interior technology upgrades and the next-generation EyeSight driver assist safety technology.
Our take
The new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek will be more aerodynamic and likely get improved fuel mileage even though it’s heavier than the outgoing model. But Subaru sacrificed extra ground clearance in the new Crosstrek to reach the goal.
Our guess is the 2024 Crosstrek will still appeal to those with active lifestyles who will use the subcompact SUV for a commuter during the week and occasional soft off-road excursions on the weekend.
Look for Subaru of America to offer the rugged 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness trim level with about 9.2-inches of ground clearance like the Forester Wilderness. The Crosstrek Wilderness will be the new model for more active customers who want to get further away from civilization.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Comments
Probably when the new 2024
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Probably when the new 2024 Forester comes out it will offer less ground clearance as well. Subaru will further be able to differentiate between Wilderness models and non Wilderness models.
It will still be 8.7 in
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It will still be 8.7 in clearance for the US market. Why do these articles come out without knowing the facts.
I think the newly-styled, WRX
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I think the newly-styled, WRX-like Crosstrek will appeal to many more people (more than the actual WRX does) and the ride height works very well for the overall package. Height-sensitive buyers will get to purchase a Wilderness Edition eventually so ground clearance isn't really the issue this article makes it out to be.
A reduction of less than an
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A reduction of less than an inch isn't nearly as big a deal as it's being made to be here. You say the Crosstrek is for outdoor enthusiasts and over-landers, but that's not really so accurate. It's as much intended to be a perfect city car for young couples/singles, who have active lifestyles but have no interest in turning their Crosstrek into an overlanding beast.
I live in DC and there are TONS of Crosstreks to be found in this city, and the bulk of them are owned by folks who throw a bicycle or two onto them and head out. Or a kayak/SUP. They're NOT designed to be Overlanders nor are they designed to be used in heavy off road use. Sure, the Crosstrek Wilderness will be more focused towards those activities, but dont' here there and peg this small SUV as some kind of off road beast that's being neutered of it's ability.
A bulk of Crosstreks are bought as reasonably sized AWD utility vehicle that's good for the Urban settings. And while yes I know there are those who get them and then demand the absolute most out of them off road, they are not the status quo. And IMHO Subaru making all but hte more off-road focused Wilderness Edition a bit more road friendly is a shrewd move and will see more folks buying it than before, because a bulk of Crosstrek owners don't go anywhere that they need more than a gravel/dirt/snowy road capable vehicle with AWD.
Trust me, there are way more grocery getting Crosstreks on the road than off-roading Crosstreks on the road. So why not change the car to be just a little bit more tarmac capable when that's what is drives more than anything else?
JDM XV always had 200mm
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JDM XV always had 200mm clearance to ensure the car is under 1550mm for mechanical multi-storey carparks in Japan. Probably the same for this generation - overseas models would get 220mm clearance.
Every model gets front radar
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Every model gets front radar EXCEPT the US version? Why?
Ugh. Long time Subaru family
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Ugh. Long time Subaru family here. I am personally on my 4th (2022 Crosstrek Premium). Subaru could have had a a big chunk of change in their pocket if I could have added all the bells and whistles I wanted when I ordered it that are not available if you want to drive a manual (huge lost opportunity for sales in the Sport, IMO). I am so sick of having tech rammed down our throats whether we want it or not; Eyesight is the primary reason they are switching to all CVTs. More than one dealer I talked to said Subaru has actively been making it increasingly harder to get manuals over the years, then claim there is no market for manuals in the US. I also get better than the advertised CVT MPG with my manual. Hope my 2022 Crosstrek lasts as long as my 2005 Outback (250,000k and counting).