New Subaru Impreza Hatch Vs. Crosstrek SUV - Meet The Shining Star

If you are considering buying the all-new 2024 Subaru Impreza, it's a good choice for some compact hatch buyers. Many buyers are walking away and checking out another Subaru model. There are distinct advantages to the Crosstrek small SUV over the Impreza. 

The Crosstrek offers the same affordability, fuel efficiency, and hatchback utility but has more advantages that I have found. There are four reasons why the Crosstrek beats the Impreza every time. 

Customers with active lifestyles are finding four significant advantages. They are its recreational features. 

1. Crosstrek has 8.7 inches of ground clearance 
2. X-Mode for extreme severe-weather capability 
3. A Sport trim with duel-function X-Mode for all-terrain capability
4. The new outdoor-themed Crosstrek Wilderness to get further off the grid 

Why do you need 8.7 inches of ground clearance?

It's always been an advantage the Crosstrek had over the other small SUV competition with the additional ride height to clear any obstacles on the trail or road. Active customers will use the Crosstrek for off-road adventures and to get further away from civilization. It's the calling card of a Subaru Crosstrek.  

Crosstrek Wilderness has 9.3 inches of rock clearing ground clearance.

The Crosstrek Wilderness joined the Wilderness family, adding features that have made the Outback Wilderness and Forester Wilderness popular with overlanders and off-roaders. The new trim level has taller ground clearance (9.3 inches), an upgraded suspension, all-terrain tires, unique interior and exterior design, better towing capacity, and advanced off-pavement technology. 

Subaru says the Crosstrek Wilderness has longer coil springs and shock absorbers, specially tuned to help maintain performance in all driving conditions.

What is X-Mode?

With the X-Mode system activated, the vehicle can better capitalize on the traction available and provide sure-footedness over and above what is afforded by Subaru's symmetrical full-time all-wheel-drive. Here is a brief explanation of how the X-Mode system works and how to get the most from it in everyday use.

The system controls the engine, transmission, all-wheel-drive torque split, and braking system when road conditions are challenging and there is a need to capitalize on the grip. It uses the CVT transmission to better direct power to the wheels that need the most traction. This is useful in everyday driving where snow, ice, mud, or wet conditions occur on the road.

What is dual function X-Mode on Sport, Limited, and Wilderness?

If you live in a northern climate where you'll encounter deep snow or mud, you'll want the Crosstrek Sport, Limited or Wilderness. Dual-Function X-Mode comes with deep snow and deep mud settings. Dual-Function X-Mode adds additional capability when you get into deep snow, mud, and steep inclines if you live in the mountains.

How does Dual-function X-Mode work?

Dual-Function X-Mode changes the SUV's brakes by locking up one wheel if it senses it is spinning. The system knows it needs extra grip instead of letting the wheel spin. 

CR Says A Lightly Used Subaru Crosstrek Gives You The Best Bang For Your Buck @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #crosstrek #subarucrosstrekhttps://t.co/NdEcNoq0Ch
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) December 8, 2023

Do you need the Wilderness trim level? 

Consider the all-new next-generation 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness to escape civilization and get further off the grid. It comes with extensive off-road performance upgrades for the most active customers.

You don't need the Wilderness trim level if you don't take the Crosstrek past the city limits. 

Your turn

Which Subaru vehicle would you choose? The Impreza hatch or the Crosstrek small SUV?