Exterior Design: Do You Love Bold Styling?
The Crosstrek Wilderness's design sparks varied opinions. Its black plastic cladding and copper accents look rugged and functional, though not everyone loves the aesthetic. That said, this off-road-inspired look sets the Crosstrek apart in traffic. If pure style is your priority, something like the Mazda CX-30 might appeal more. But the Crosstrek stands out with its genuine authenticity: it looks ready for trails, not just pretending to be.
Interior Comfort: Minimalist Yet Practical
Inside, the Crosstrek Wilderness feels welcoming. The front seats are supportive, controls are intuitive, and the mix of physical buttons with a large touchscreen strikes a great balance between classic and modern. The only downside is the center rear seat, which isn't ideal for longer trips.
Cargo space is modest at 20 cubic feet with the seats up, lagging behind some rivals. For instance, the Toyota Corolla Cross offers about 5 more cubic feet. If you rarely haul big loads, this won't be an issue, but for growing families, it could feel limiting.
On the Road: Worry-Free Daily Driving
The Crosstrek Wilderness isn't built to thrill with speed. Its 0-60 mph time around 8.6 seconds won't excite performance enthusiasts. But it excels at its core mission: getting you from point A to B comfortably. It's safe, quiet on the highway, and perfect for long drives.
Off the pavement, the Crosstrek shines in its class. Whether tackling snowy backroads or rugged trails, it handles impressively well. It's no hardcore off-roader, but for most daily needs or weekend adventures, its capabilities are more than enough.
Ownership Costs: Reasonable, But Not the Cheapest
Over a year and about 14,000 miles, the Crosstrek Wilderness typically requires just one service visit, often costing around $400 for oil changes, filters, and tire rotation. By comparison, some rivals like the Toyota Corolla Cross may have lower or even complimentary maintenance in initial years, while the Mazda CX-30 runs similar costs over multiple visits. Fuel-wise, expect around 27 mpg combined on regular unleaded, making it efficient though slightly behind the Corolla Cross.
Bottom Line: Who Is the Crosstrek For?
If you're a solo driver or young couple seeking a versatile ride that handles most tasks with ease, the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness is a strong contender. It's comfortable in the city, reliable on highways, and surprisingly capable off-road. However, if your needs include more passengers or gear, the limited space might start to feel restrictive.
Ultimately, the Crosstrek isn't just a vehicle—it's a dependable daily companion that doesn't force compromises on life's essentials. But if you need extra room or more power, exploring larger models might make sense.
