2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness revealed

As expected, the new-generation Subaru Crosstrek has emerged at the New York auto show as the third model to be offered under the Japanese car-maker’s rugged Wilderness sub-brand.

Joining the Subaru Outback and Forester Wilderness, both of which are under consideration for Australia, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is now also under study for launch here, with the small SUV (previously known as the XV) featuring similar rugged and capability-boosting upgrades to its larger siblings.

Finished in the signature Wilderness blue and orange colourway, the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness rides 21mm higher than the standard Crosstrek, boasting 236mm of ground clearance via upgraded suspension and chunky Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tyres.

More than just a lift kit, the Wilderness features longer springs and shock absorbers for improved suspension travel as well as the extra ride height, with each new component receiving bespoke off-road tuning.

Redesigned bumpers front and rear combine with the chassis modifications to improve the approach, ramp-over and departure angles to 20, 33 and 21.1 degrees respectively (up from 18, 19.7 and 31 degrees), while a steel bash plate and extra body cladding have also been fitted – just in case the Crosstrek can’t quite match a Suzuki Jimny off-road…

Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive, X-Mode terrain management and hill descent control systems carry over.

However, the Crosstrek adds further appeal with a bigger 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (136kW/239Nm) and revised continuously variable transmission with shortened final drive ratio (4.111) for better off-road performance.

Non-Wilderness models, which launch in Australia this month, rely on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder (115kW/196Nm) or a 2.0-litre hybrid (110kW) powertrain.

The toughened-up look for the Crosstrek Wilderness is enhanced by black 17-inch alloy wheels, a redesigned grille, matte black anti-glare bonnet, hexagonal fog lights, unique badges and a roof spoiler.

It also turned up in New York with a ladder-type roof rack system offering an 80kg dynamic load capacity and 318kg static load limit.

Inside, you’ll find the familiar 11.6-inch portrait infotainment interface along with water-resistant Subaru StarTex seats adorned with an orange Wilderness logo, copper contrast stitching and trim highlights, a black headliner, gunmetal grey panelling, all-weather floor mats, waterproof cargo tray and extra LED tailgate lighting.

The Crosstrek Wilderness will enter North American showrooms in the final quarter of this year, and while a local introduction is yet to be locked in, Subaru Australia has confirmed the rugged compact SUV is on its wish list along with the bigger Forester and Outback Wilderness.

“We are always working to deliver on our customers’ requests and we understand the Wilderness editions make their way onto the wish lists of many Australians, with the Crosstrek Wilderness likely to be no exception,” a spokesperson told carsales.

“However, there is no new information to share on Wilderness offerings in Australia currently.”

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