Why The Next-Generation Subaru Crosstrek Is Now Too Soft

When Subaru Corporation announced the next-generation 2024 Crosstrek subcompact SUV, it was initially greeted with enthusiasm because of its ride comfort, body rigidity, braking, steering, and noise reduction improvements. Those are all good things for urban dwellers and city commuting. But what about the Crosstrek's "go-anywhere" attitude?

Subaru Corporation says the third-generation Crosstrek is aimed at pure driving enthusiasts making the small SUV more of a driver's vehicle. The Crosstrek is now the Japanese automaker's second-bestselling nameplate worldwide, passing the popular Outback, and it's the number one selling model for Subaru of America. Subaru aims to keep a top-selling model around the globe.

Is the new Crosstrek softer and gentler than the outgoing model?

The 2024 Crosstrek rides lower than the previous generation model. Subaru Corporation says the newly-remodeled Crosstrek comes with 200 mm of ground clearance which is now 7.9 inches compared with 8.7-inches in the last generation model.

The Crosstrek's ground clearance has always been an advantage the subcompact SUV had over the competition, with the additional height to clear obstacles on the trail or road. The Crosstrek will now have about the same ride height as the competition.

What was Subaru thinking?

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.

It's not bad that the new Crosstrek's ride comfort, body rigidity, braking, steering, and noise reduction are all improved. Subaru's goal is to increase the new model's appeal by making the next generation more of a driver's vehicle.

The Japanese automaker even improved the seats to make them more comfortable for the driver and front passenger. The improvements to the new small SUV reduce the ride roll and sway and boost comfort by damping vibration.

We guess the 2024 Crosstrek will increase its appeal to those who will use the subcompact SUV for a commuter during the week and occasional soft off-road excursions on the weekend.

If the new Crosstrek is too soft for those with active lifestyles, Subaru will bring the all-new next-generation Crosstrek with a Wilderness trim level. The more rugged Crosstrek Wilderness could have 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 off the grid. But U.S. customers will have to wait to get one.

When will the 2024 Crosstrek arrive in the U.S.?

Subaru Corporation says they will launch the all-new 2024 Crosstrek in Japan in 2023 (or later) and then introduce the third-generation subcompact SUV in the U.S. and other global markets. Customers in the U.S. may have to wait until 2024 to get their hands on the softer Crosstrek subcompact SUV. The rugged Crosstrek Wilderness will arrive even later.

Look for the third-generation 2024 Subaru Crosstrek to make its U.S. reveal at the Los Angeles Auto Show. We will see if the U.S.-spec Crosstrek gets the same softer treatments. Stay tuned.

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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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Photo credit: Subaru Corporation