The New Subaru Crosstrek Trim Level You'll Regret Buying

Why do Subaru dealers sell it? 

There is one 2024 Subaru Crosstrek trim level you must avoid. The next-generation Crosstrek is an excellent vehicle, but the Base trim level fails to meet the high standards you may have for this subcompact SUV. 

So, why do Subaru dealers sell the Base trim level? Let's delve into this question and why you should avoid it.

Before I explain why, I'll explain why Subaru Corporation offers it.

Subaru of America says, "The new 2024 Crosstrek Base offers outstanding value." 

It's all about the pricing structure.

The 2024 Crosstrek starts at $25,195 and seems like a great deal (not including destination and delivery). Subaru needs a cheap trim level, so the new next-generation Crosstrek has a starting price of around $25,000. 

However, when you add in the dealer destination and delivery fees ($1,345), which include handling and inland freight fees, the price jumps to $26,540. Those fees are non-negotiable. Customers must pay them; the costs may be higher in some states, like Alaska and Hawaii.

Even at $26,540, the 2024 Crosstrek Base trim level seems like a good value until you see what's missing. Don't get me wrong; the Base Crosstrek is not a stripped-down model. But it fails to come with many desirable features. Check out my 2024 Crosstrek model guide here. 

Before we look at the omissions, let's look at what it comes with. 

The Crosstrek Base Features

• Subaru's excellent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• 8.7 inches of ground clearance
• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
• Maximum towing capacity (1,500 lbs)
• X-Mode for severe-weather performance
• 4-wheel independent suspension
• 4-wheel disc brakes
• Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE)
• Hill Descent Control
• Vehicle Dynamics Control
• Active Torque Vectoring
• Traction Control System
• Auto Vehicle Hold

That's a long list of standard features. And I just listed the most prominent ones.

Now, let's look at what's missing from the Base, and then you can decide if you want the trim level.  

These comfort and convenience features are unavailable on the Crosstrek Base trim level. Take a seat because the list is long.

Twenty-three things are missing, which you'll find on other trims. 

• 17 and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, dark gray finish - Not Available
• 2.5-liter direct-injection aluminum-alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed 4-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine with Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS) - Not Available
• Lineartronic CVT with Adaptive Control, Incline Start Assist, and 8-speed manual mode with paddle shifters - Not Available
• Lineartronic CVT paddle shifters - Not Available
• Electric power-assisted, quick-ratio rack-and-dual-pinion steering (EPAS), turning circle: 34.78 feet - Not Available. The EPAS comes on Wilderness trims. 
• Dual-function X-MODE with Deep Snow/Mud setting. - Not Available Comes on Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims.
• 9.3 inches of ground clearance - Not Available - comes on Wilderness.
• LED fog lights - Not Available
• Dark gray-finish folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals - Not Available.
• Body-color door handles - Not Available.
• Windshield wiper de-icer and heated side mirrors (All-Weather Package) - Not Available
• Raised roof rails, black finish with 165 pounds dynamic maximum capacity, 700 pounds static maximum capacity - Not Available
• Power tilt/sliding moonroof - Not Available
• Power driver's seat with 10-way power adjustable driver's seat. 4-way manually adjustable front passenger's seat - Not Available
• Heated front seats (All-Weather Package) - Not Available
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle - Not Available
• Premium cloth, Sport cloth, Leather, and StarTex water-repellent upholstery - Not Available
• Blind-Spot Detection/Rear Cross-Traffic Alert - Not Available
• Reverse Automatic Braking - Not Available
• Subaru Starlink 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus - Not Available
• Subaru Starlink Safety and Security - Not Available
• Keyless Access with Push-Button Start - Not Available
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability - Not Available

That's a long list of omissions. Let me point out that the Base Crosstrek lacks Subaru's excellent dual-function X-Mode and why you'll want it. Check out my report here for more information. 

Sport, Limited, and Wilderness models include dual-function X-Mode with Deep Snow / Mud setting. Wilderness models also include Low Speed / Low Ratio Gradient Control," says Subaru.

You'll want it on your new Subaru Crosstrek if you experience snow, ice, mud, and slick wet conditions while driving on the road or traveling off-pavement, especially if you are active and will take your new vehicle off-road. 

You won't look stylish.

You can't get 17 or 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a dark gray finish, or a mat black finish on the Crosstrek Base trim. On other trims, you can get 18- or 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a dark metallic machine finish or bronze finish. They change the look of the small SUV.

LED fog lights are not available on the Base trim. No fog lights are available on the Base trim. In very low-lighted areas and dense fog, you'll want fog lights. It could be a safety issue. 

You're out in the cold with Base.

The windshield wiper de-icer and heated side mirrors (All-Weather Package) are unavailable on the Base trim. This leaves you out in the cold and prevents you from seeing the road. Heated seats are excellent in the winter but not available on the Base. 

Ok, so why would anyone buy the Crosstrek Base?

Subaru of America is offering special financing on all Base trims. To answer the question, it has an attractive price and leasing options. 

What is the Base lease deal? 

U.S. News says Base Crosstreks can be leased for $299 monthly for three years, with $2,549 due at signing. "This deal is good for the Base Crosstrek, which features cloth upholstery, a pair of 7-inch touch screens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 17-inch alloy wheels. It comes powered by a flat-four engine."

U.S. News says, "Subaru's Crosstrek is an affordable and practical compact crossover. The Crosstrek stands out from the crowd thanks to its standard all-wheel drive, unusual in this segment, and its outdoorsy styling."

In the end.

When it comes to the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, any trim level other than the Base offers a range of features and benefits that make it a worthwhile investment. Check out my report here for a detailed comparison of the different Crosstrek choices. 

Few buyers will want the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Base trim level unless it's about price. If it's all you can afford, it's better than nothing if you want the next-generation Crosstrek. I understand that affordability is a key factor in your decision, and I respect that. 

How about you? 

Are you looking to buy the new 2024 Crosstrek? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Tucson Subaru