2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium: Real-World Review

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium. If you're looking for a versatile, compact SUV that's ready for both city streets and weekend adventures, the Crosstrek has probably popped up on your radar. But is the Premium trim really worth your hard-earned cash? Let's break it down and see what this model year brings to the table. We'll cover everything from its performance and interior features to its safety tech and overall value. Get ready for a no-nonsense, real-world review.

First Impressions: Exterior and Design

When you first set eyes on the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium, you'll notice it carries forward Subaru's distinctive design language. The Crosstrek isn't trying to be something it's not; it embraces its rugged, outdoorsy personality. The Premium trim adds a touch more refinement over the base model with its upgraded alloy wheels and body-colored side mirrors, giving it a slightly more polished look without sacrificing its adventurous vibe. The front fascia maintains that familiar Subaru grille, flanked by sleek headlights that integrate well with the overall design. Ground clearance is a notable feature, sitting at a generous 8.7 inches, which hints at its off-road capabilities. This is a big plus if you plan on tackling unpaved roads or snowy conditions. Around the back, the design is clean and functional, with Subaru’s logo prominently displayed. While it's not the most groundbreaking design on the market, the Crosstrek Premium has a certain charm. It's practical, robust, and visually appealing in a way that suggests it's ready for anything you throw at it. The color options available for the 2024 model year are also thoughtfully curated, ranging from subdued earth tones to bolder, more eye-catching hues. Ultimately, the exterior design of the Crosstrek Premium strikes a balance between form and function, making it an attractive option for those who appreciate a blend of everyday usability and adventurous spirit. The roof rails are standard on the Premium trim, adding to its utility and signaling its readiness for outdoor gear. Overall, the exterior design is a solid starting point, setting the stage for what the Crosstrek Premium offers beneath the surface.

Under the Hood: Performance and Handling

Let's talk about what's under the hood of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium. You'll find a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Now, let's be real – this isn't a powerhouse. It's adequate for daily driving and city commutes, but you might find yourself wanting a bit more oomph when merging onto the highway or tackling steep hills. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while generally smooth, can sometimes feel a bit drone-y under hard acceleration. However, it does contribute to decent fuel economy. Speaking of which, the Crosstrek Premium boasts an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, making it a reasonably efficient choice for your daily drives. One of the Crosstrek's standout features is its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive. This provides excellent traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. Whether it's rain, snow, or even light off-roading, the Crosstrek feels confident and composed. The handling is also commendable. The steering is responsive and provides good feedback, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The suspension does a decent job of soaking up bumps and road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. Off-road, the Crosstrek performs surprisingly well, thanks to its aforementioned ground clearance and all-wheel-drive system. It's not a rock crawler by any means, but it can handle well-maintained trails and gravel roads with ease. If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle a variety of driving conditions and provide a sense of security, the Crosstrek Premium delivers. Just keep in mind that its engine performance is more geared towards efficiency and reliability than outright power. For those craving more power, the higher trims offer a more potent engine option.

Inside the Cabin: Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium, you'll find a cabin that prioritizes functionality and comfort. The design is straightforward and uncluttered, with durable materials that feel like they can withstand daily wear and tear. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making them suitable for long drives. The Premium trim adds some nice touches, such as upgraded cloth upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, which elevates the overall feel of the interior. The dashboard layout is intuitive, with logically placed controls that are easy to reach and operate. The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is a welcome upgrade over the base model's smaller screen. The system is responsive and easy to navigate, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as standard. This allows you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. In terms of technology, the Crosstrek Premium comes with a decent array of features. You'll find a rearview camera, automatic climate control, and a six-speaker audio system. Optional upgrades include a sunroof, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Space-wise, the Crosstrek offers adequate room for both front and rear passengers. However, the rear cargo area is a bit on the smaller side, with only 20.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. This can be a limiting factor if you frequently haul large items. However, the rear seats can be folded down to expand the cargo area to 55.3 cubic feet, providing more flexibility when needed. Overall, the interior of the Crosstrek Premium is a comfortable and functional space. It's not the most luxurious cabin on the market, but it's well-designed and equipped with the essential features you need for a comfortable and connected driving experience. The focus is on practicality and durability, making it a great choice for those who value functionality over frills.

Safety Features: Keeping You Protected

When it comes to safety, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium aims to provide peace of mind with a comprehensive suite of features. Standard on all Crosstrek models is Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. These systems work together to help prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road. The automatic emergency braking system can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes if you don't react in time. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front of you, automatically adjusting your speed to match the flow of traffic. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, while lane-keeping assist can gently steer you back into your lane. In addition to EyeSight, the Crosstrek Premium also comes with a rearview camera, which makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier. Optional safety features include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which can help you detect vehicles in your blind spots and when backing out of parking spaces. The Crosstrek has also performed well in crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has given the Crosstrek its Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest rating possible. This demonstrates Subaru's commitment to safety and provides further reassurance to buyers. Overall, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium offers a strong package of safety features that can help protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision. The combination of advanced driver-assist technologies and a robust structural design makes it a safe and reliable choice for families and individuals alike. Subaru's dedication to safety is evident in the Crosstrek's design and features, making it a standout in its class.

The Verdict: Is the Crosstrek Premium Worth It?

So, after taking a good look at the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium, the big question remains: is it worth the investment? The answer, as with most things, depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're looking for a compact SUV that offers a blend of versatility, practicality, and safety, the Crosstrek Premium is definitely worth considering. Its standard all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction and stability in all weather conditions, while its generous ground clearance makes it capable of handling light off-roading. The interior is comfortable and well-equipped, with a user-friendly infotainment system and plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The available safety features provide peace of mind, and the Crosstrek's strong crash-test scores further enhance its appeal. However, the Crosstrek Premium isn't without its drawbacks. Its engine performance is adequate but not thrilling, and the CVT transmission can sometimes feel a bit sluggish. The rear cargo area is also relatively small, which may be a limiting factor for some buyers. If you prioritize performance and cargo space, you may want to consider other options. But if you value safety, reliability, and all-weather capability, the Crosstrek Premium is a compelling choice. It's a well-rounded vehicle that offers a lot of value for the money. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the Crosstrek Premium is right for you is to take it for a test drive. See how it feels behind the wheel, and evaluate whether its strengths align with your needs and preferences. If it does, you'll likely find that the Crosstrek Premium is a great choice for your next vehicle. And, guys, that's a wrap on our review of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium. Hope you found it helpful! Safe driving out there!