The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Ditches the Manual But Stays Cheap
The last manual crossover is dead. After offering a manual for two generations, the Subaru Crosstrek has dropped the shift-yourself option for the 2024 redesign. But the other reason we love the Crosstrek hasn't changed: At $26,290 with destination, the base car is no more expensive than the cheapest 2023 Crosstrek with an automatic.
It's also still got some adventure credibility. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive, the Crosstrek can tackle any unmaintained forest road or light trail to a campsite. The lack of manual does mean you'll have less fun, but it also means that Subaru can include both X-Mode multi-function control for the all-wheel-drive system and the EyeSight driver assistance suite as standard equipment.
The two volume powertrain options are unchanged for 2023. The base Crosstrek is still powered by a modest 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer-four that makes 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Sport and Limited models get a larger, 2.5-liter four-banger. Output is unchanged at 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Both are exclusively paired to Subaru's mainstay continuously variable transmission. There is no mention of a 2024 Crosstrek Hybrid.
Inside, the Crosstrek adopts Subaru's newest interior design scheme, with an optional 11.6-inch portrait-style touch screen serving as the center point of the cabin. We don't love that system in the Outback or WRX, but we're hoping Subaru has done some back-end work to make it smoother and faster. Subaru hasn't turned its back on the Crosstrek's utilitarian mission, though. With 54.7 cubic ft of cargo area with the seats folded, the 2024 loses 0.6 cubic feet of space over the outgoing model, but still comes with roof rails from the factory.
Speaking of the factory, the 2024 model will be the first Crosstrek produced in the United States. Previous versions have been exported from a Subaru plant in Japan. As Impreza demand winds down and Crosstrek demand hits new records, Subaru is bringing Crosstrek production to its Lafayette, Indiana factory, which builds the American-market Ascent, Outback, Legacy, and Impreza.
The new model should reach dealers this summer.
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