6 Nifty New Next-Gen Subaru Crosstrek Upgrades You Want, One You’re Still Waiting For

Subaru of America says that Crosstrek owners are all-important to the new upgrades the next-generation model received. A report from Automotive News (by subscription) says that while planning the third-generation Crosstrek, Subaru turned once again to existing owners, who are more likely to use a roof rack, own mountain bikes, go hiking and camping, and take their all-wheel-drive vehicle off-road, than owners of other subcompact utility vehicles.

"Our customers are not looking to show off," said Garrick Goh, planning manager for the Crosstrek. The Automotive News report says Goh wanted engineers and designers to have fun with the 2024 Crosstrek, from adding new colors and a bolder and frameless hexagonal grille to the wheel design, which resembles bicycle sprockets.

Six nifty new next-gen 2024 Crosstrek upgrades

1. With the help of medical experts at Gunma University near Tokyo, the front seats were redesigned and bolted to the floor rather than to rails to avoid excessive sway, increase overall comfort and mitigate occupant fatigue.

Subaru started a joint course and enlisted the cooperation of a professor from the Faculty of Medicine, who advised that if they could reduce the movement of the occupants' pelvis, the automaker could minimize body sway and improve ride comfort.

2. A version of the Subaru WRX's dual-pinion electronic power steering rack provides a more direct, natural steering feel and greater responsiveness.

3. Aiming to enhance aerodynamics and the Crosstrek's handling and stability, outlets at the trailing edge of the front wheel openings allow air to exit from the wheel well more freely, contributing to reduced lift on the front tires. And new air outlets at each side of the rear bumper further reduce body sway from air trapped behind the bumper.

4. A step pad with embossed mountain peaks at the base of the rear seat improves access to the roof rack.

5. The strike pad features decorative embossed mountains at the edge of the rear cargo area. In addition, the back of the rear seats are embossed with more mountain peaks and, when paired with an optional cargo pad, appear to lead to a river and a bed of river rocks.

6. Subaru says staying hydrated is a priority for Crosstrek owners, so the 2024 model features secure storage for 35 cups of liquid.

The one next-gen Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness upgrade you are still waiting for

The Crosstrek Wilderness comes standard with the all-weather cold climate package with heated front seats, heated windshield with de-icer, and heated exterior mirrors, but no heated steering wheel.

The most rugged and trail-capable Crosstrek has an upgraded suspension, all-terrain tires, more prominent wheel arch cladding, a metal front skid plate, unique hex-design LED fog lights, and an anti-glare hood decal in a matte-black finish. It has everything you want in an off-road-ready small SUV except a heated steering wheel.

What is the price of the 2024 Crosstrek?

The 2024 Crosstrek Base has a starting price of $26,290 (the same MSRP as the 2023 Base model equipped with the Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission).
The 2024 Crosstrek Premium has a starting price of $27,440, Sport ($30,290), and Limited ($32,190). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,225).

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness will be the most expensive Crosstrek trim level. The all-new Crosstrek Wilderness costs $33,290, including dealer destination and delivery fees. So, where is the heated steering wheel?

What additional upgrades would you like to see on the next-generation 2024 Crosstrek? Let us know in the comments below.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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