Subaru Introduces Crosstrek Wilderness Package at New York Auto Show

Subaru has introduced the new Crosstrek Wilderness package, which includes performance and appearance upgrades.

The Crosstrek Wilderness is powered by a 2.5-liter direct-injection Subaru Boxer engine, with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. Subaru engineered the Crosstrek Wilderness drivetrain for better off-road performance by installing a revised differential gear ratio and retuned Lineartronic CVT, Subaru engineers said. The 4.111 final drive ratio (vs. 3.700) improves the SUV’s climbing ability and the new tuning for the CVT optimizes traction at low speeds and on slippery surfaces. Additionally, maximum towing capacity more than doubles to 3,500 lb. thanks to the addition of a transmission oil cooler.

Like all 2024 Crosstrek models, the Wilderness is equipped with the brand’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.

Visually, the Crosstrek Wilderness adds exclusive styling with all-new front and rear bumpers, hexagonal front grille, larger wheel arch cladding, metal front skid plate, unique hex-design LED fog lights and an anti-glare hood decal in matte-black finish.

Subaru Wilderness badges are emblazoned on the front doors and rear gate. A body-color roof spoiler and black side mirrors with integrated turn signals complement round out the package. Among the exterior colors offered, the Crosstrek Wilderness is available in Geyser Blue, which is exclusive to the Wilderness family.

The Crosstrek Wilderness features a versatile ladder-type roof rack system, with a 176 lb. dynamic load capacity and a 700-lb. static load limit, allowing safe use of larger roof-top tents, Subaru said.

Exclusive suspension components give the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness 9.3-inch ground clearance, more than a half-inch increase over the other Crosstrek models, Subaru engineers said. Longer coil springs and shock absorbers provide the added ground clearance, while special tuning helps maintain dynamic performance.

Longer travel strokes for the front and rear shock absorbers help keep the tires in contact with rough surfaces, increasing vehicle stability. In addition, a longer dampening compression stroke helps increase absorption on rough road surfaces, providing a smoother ride.

The approach angle is increased from 18.0 degrees in other Crosstrek models to 20.0 degrees on the Wilderness; the angle of departure increases from 30.1 to 33.0 degrees, and ramp breakover angle moves up from 19.7 to 21.1 degrees.

The Crosstrek Wilderness comes equipped with Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires mounted on exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels in matte-black finish, the tires are embossed with raised white letters.

The Crosstrek Wilderness is equipped with Subaru’s driver-selectable dual-function X-MODE. The system offers Snow, Dirt and Deep Snow, and Mud modes and Low Speed/Low Ratio Gradient Control is automatically put on standby to sense when the vehicle is traveling on a steep incline at low speed. Standard Hill Descent Control will automatically engage individual wheel braking control on downgrades when the vehicle is driven under 12 mph with the accelerator pedal pressed less than about 10 percent. Active Torque Vectoring, standard on all 2024 Crosstrek models, enhances handling stability on road or trail.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in water-resistant Subaru StarTex material that features the Subaru Wilderness logo embossed in the front headrests. Copper-colored contrast stitching accents the interior, complementing the anodized copper-finish accents on the shifter, gauge meter rings and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Black pillar trim, assist grips, overhead console, and headliner pairs well with the Gunmetal Grey trim used on the dash, doors, and shifter plate. Standard all-weather floor mats feature a unique Wilderness design. In the cargo area, a removable water-resistant rear cargo tray protects the load floor from wet, muddy gear tossed in the back. The rear gate comes equipped with an LED light for better nighttime visibility.

The Wilderness comes standard with the Subaru Starlink 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system. The 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto with full screen display. Additional features include Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity; AM/FM stereo; rear vision camera; SiriusXM All-Access Radio and SiriusXM Travel Link (4-month free Platinum Plan); HD Radio; and over-the-air updates.

The multimedia system also works as a center information display with combination meter integration and on-screen controls for audio, climate, and vehicle functions. The Wilderness is also equipped with a wireless phone charger in the center console.