For the longest time, Subaru, with its storied rally legacy, always held a spot on my list of dream car brands. This aspiration was solely through the lens of its high-performance models—the WRXs and the STIs. Their siblings, however, I relegated to the back of my mind, dismissing them as mundane, practical choices that lacked the spirit I was after. Or so I thought, until the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek dared me to rethink my biases, inviting me on a journey from skepticism to admiration, from overlooking to genuinely considering.
Exterior Design
Never did I imagine a day when a Subaru subcompact SUV would capture my gaze and hold it, yet, here we are. It’s the Sapphire Blue Pearl paint job that first catches the eye—a hue so deep, so vibrant, it seems to redefine blue itself. The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek’s design, with its generous ground clearance, strikes a perfect balance between sportiness and off-road readiness, embodying a sense of versatility that’s as much about aesthetics as it is about function. The bold lines, the restyled lighting elements, and the bolder plastic cladding come together in a harmony of form and function, making the Crosstrek not just seen but remembered.
Interior Design
Stepping into the 2024 Crosstrek feels like a cozy blend of yesterday and tomorrow. You’re met with a steering wheel that’s refreshingly round and decked out with buttons that let you control pretty much everything without taking your hands off the wheel. And those analog gauges? They’re like a nod to the past that somehow never feels out of style, even if they make the tech-savvy among us raise an eyebrow.
The transition from the exterior’s promise to the interior’s reality was a journey of mixed emotions. At first glance, the cabin’s simplicity speaks volumes of Subaru’s dedication to functional elegance. The minimalist approach is refreshing, steering clear of unnecessary details to focus on what truly matters for the driver and passengers alike.
Features
But as I looked closer, the Crosstrek’s technology showed a contradiction. The centerpiece, an 11.6-inch infotainment system, loomed large with its promise of connectivity and control but initially felt like a maze of menus and options. The learning curve was steeper than expected, a challenge to my tech-savvy ego. But, persistence pays off, and as I became more familiar with the system, it transformed into an intuitive interface. The lack of buttons for the AC might have you missing the tactile joy of clicking and turning, but hey, it’s all part of the charm.
People on the front seat will find all the nooks for their snacks and gadgets, with USB ports and a wireless charging pad which I always see as a huge win. The center console could do with a bit of padding (no one likes a rattle on a road trip), and the dash’s attempt at sporty fake carbon fiber might not win everyone over. But it’s the little quirks that make it feel like home.
Other features worth mentioning include wireless charging, the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and soon to debut in an upcoming update of the Crosstrek, a 360-degree camera and a powered tailgate. This comes on top of Subaru’s latest EyeSight 4.0 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which includes the usual automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and perhaps one of the best implementations of lane keeping assist in the industry.
Driving Experience
Behind the wheel of the Crosstrek, every preconceived notion I had about Subaru’s larger vehicles dissolved into the rearview mirror. The Crosstrek was amazing in how it tackled both perfectly cemented as well as unpaved dirt roads. When this new generation Crosstrek came out, it inherited some of the WRX’s tricks, namely the added chassis rigidity to the Subaru Global Platform it uses along with the highly responsive and telepathic electric power steering rack. As a result, it was more fun and lively to drive than it looked. Curvy roads, usually best for sporty cars, became fun spots for the Crosstrek to show off its smooth yet eager driving, making every ride exciting.
Off-road, the Crosstrek was just as impressive. Its all-wheel drive combined with its high ground clearance handled rough ground easily, showing you can have adventure without sacrificing comfort. Plus, it was quiet inside, though it has a bit more road noise than say a Corolla Cross hybrid or Mazda CX-30. Nevertheless, it was still a peaceful interior, even when going really fast, all I really heard was the engine’s happy hum.
The long travel suspension and high ground clearance also enabled the Crosstrek to have an excellent ride—even through something as bad as the truck lane of C5. The rigid platform also makes the Crosstrek feel rock solid, with vibrations from road imperfections already absorbed by the structure before it even reaches you. This is a sporty crossover SUV that doesn’t compromise on ride comfort—one that makes it so perfectly suited to Philippine roads more than any other subcompact crossover SUV.
Fuel economy, often a deal-breaker, was a pleasant surprise. My Crosstrek, on a mix of highway runs and city traffic, delivered an impressive 10.2 km/l, striking a balance between the thrill of driving and the practicalities of daily use.
Verdict
Reflecting on my journey with the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, it’s clear that this vehicle is a testament to Subaru’s ability to blend form, function, and fun. While its price point is a huge consideration, considering the array of features and capabilities it offers, the Crosstrek finds itself in a competitive position, akin to my experiences with the Chevy Trax.
If affordability were less of an obstacle, the Crosstrek would easily clinch a perfect score. Yet, even with its premium price tag, it stands as a testament to what makes Subaru a beloved brand among those who value reliability, performance, and a touch of adventure in their daily drives. It’s a vehicle that challenges norms, redefines expectations, and ultimately, wins over hearts.
Rating
Design: 4.5/5
Features: 4.7/5
Safety: 5/5
Acceleration: 4.3/5
Handling: 4.7/5
Fuel Efficiency: 4/5
Value for Money: 3.5/5
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