The 10 Best Interiors Under $50K And The Subaru That Shocked The Judges

When a Subaru vehicle makes any of the ten best interiors lists, it’s shocking to me, and it's headline news. From what I’ve seen, Subaru is typically chided by the experts and owners for having inferior interiors and has rarely made any list. 

But the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV shockingly has the seventh best-ranked interior for 2024, according to Autotrader. I am shocked because you’d think that if a Subaru model was picked, it would be the Outback Touring XT model or the Ascent Onyx Edition Limited trim. But it was the value-priced Crosstrek. Go figure. 

Have Subaru’s interiors improved? 

Subaru has upped its game. The Subaru Outback XT was nominated for the Wards 10 Best Interior Award in 2020 but fell short. In a few short years, Subaru interiors have come a long way. In the past, they used lots of plastics, the fit and finish were inferior, and the materials needed higher quality. 

Subaru has upped its game, and now the Japanese automaker is recognized for the next-generation Crosstrek interior. Check out why the new Crosstrek’s seats are a game-changer. 

I’ve listed Autotraders’ 10 Best Interiors Under $50,000 for 2024, starting with number one and going through the tenth best.

1. 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV
2. 2024 Genesis G70
3. 2024 GMC Acadia
4. 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
5. 2024 Lincoln Nautilus
6. 2024 Mazda CX-90
7. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
8. 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
9. 2024 Toyota Tacoma
10. 2024 Volkswagen Atlas/Atlas Cross Sport

What does Autotrader say about the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?

“The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is all-new this year, and the upgrades are apparent throughout, but nowhere more so than in the cabin. Sure, you still get Symmetrical all-wheel drive, and EyeSight driver assists standard, but you now also get much-improved front seats, with more padding and larger bolsters, a boon both on-road and off. The new Crosstrek also has an 11.6-inch touchscreen in all but the base model.” 

The new next-gen 2024 Crosstrek seats will be a game-changing upgrade. See how Subaru hit a home run for its subcompact SUV customers. https://t.co/VYc6rKtGvJ #subaru #crosstrek @SubaruReport pic.twitter.com/GHeElpfBxh
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) March 10, 2023

“It’s not all about luxury accommodations and design, however — the Crosstrek is also roomy, with lots of cargo space for its size and decent rear-seat legroom. Given the Crosstrek’s bargain starting price, you can get a fully loaded model for less than our cutoff price, so if you would like some extra equipment, check out the Limited model with a power driver’s seat, leather-trimmed upholstery and accents, and more.”

What Is The 2024 Crosstrek Pricing For All Trims?

The 2024 Crosstrek Base has a starting price of $26,290 (the same MSRP as the 2023 Base model equipped with the Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission).

The 2024 Crosstrek Premium has a starting price of $27,440, Sport ($30,290), and Limited ($32,190). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,225). The all-new Crosstrek Wilderness costs $33,290, including dealer destination and delivery fees.

Three Autotraders Judges Sound Off

Rob Nestora says, “The new Crosstrek proves that purpose-built doesn’t have to be Spartan, and the interior on its Wilderness trim is the finest example of such.”

Joe Tralongo says, “The Crosstrek’s interior is all kinds of cool. Depending on the trim you get, the seats are fabric, leather, or stain- and water-resistant synthetic. The overall layout is handsome, if not a bit dated, with the occasional dash of orange, red, or gold accents to pull it all together. As Nathan Lane’s character Albert from “The Birdcage” once said, ‘Well, one does want a hint of color.’ The Crosstrek and Albert would get along famously.” 

Eric Brandt says, “When I drove the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, I was pleasantly surprised by the space and comfort. The competition in the affordable subcompact SUV class has gotten fierce, but the Crosstrek’s impressive cabin has helped it keep its competitive edge.”

The Remodeled 2025 Subaru Forester - 10 All-New Hidden Interior Upgrades @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #subaruforesterhttps://t.co/sPUUWDSetu
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) November 25, 2023

In my experience with the Subaru Crosstrek, here’s what I found.  

I’ve driven the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, and the seats significantly improve over the second-generation model. They are more supportive and comfortable on a long drive. In our 2019 Crosstrek, my leg would cramp up on the 1100-mile drive from Colorado to Galveston, Texas, but not so in the third-generation 2024 Crosstrek.  

Don’t Leave Yet, We Want To Hear From You

What do you think of the Subaru interiors? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Crosstrek interior award story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News and Subaru reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA