The Subaru Crosstrek Is On Fire

How high can the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek go? The smokin' hot Crosstrek just set another record. Is there a limit to the small SUV's success? I'll answer that question and more.

Hot and getting hotter.

Every month, the Crosstrek is the top story. In August, the Crosstrek set an all-time sales performance record, and the Crosstrek set another best-ever record in September. Here's what happened. 

Another best for Crosstrek 

The Subaru Crosstrek recorded its best September ever. The Crosstrek is the hottest model in America, and it's not a surprise. I wrote a story earlier this week that the Crosstrek is the hottest new car in America. It's not slowing down. Check out my report here. 

Subaru of America Senior Vice President of Sales Troy Poston says, "With Crosstrek's popularity steadily growing and Outback seeing continued success, both carlines closed out the month with very strong results, connecting with both first-time and returning Subaru owners."

Crosstrek continues its hot streak.

Subaru of America reports that last month, the Crosstrek subcompact SUV continued to outpace the rest of SOA's models and is the top-selling model again. Crosstrek achieved its best September ever with 16,633 vehicles sold (surpassing the record of 16,092 set in September 2022), a 24.7 percent increase compared to September 2023. 

Crosstrek is number one.

Subaru sold 131,847 Crosstrek models in the first nine months, compared with 114,632 models sold in the U.S. in the same period in 2023. Crosstrek is up 15 percent for the year. Crosstrek has now moved past the remodeled Forester compact SUV and is now the number-one-selling model for Subaru of America. 

There's a lot to like.

The remodeled 2024 Crosstrek is a hot pick for customers because of five reasons.

1. The Crosstrek is affordable.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Crosstrek is its affordability, making it an attractive option for many buyers.

With new car prices increasing, Crosstrek can still be purchased for under $30,000. The new Crosstrek pricing I've included here includes destination and delivery fees ($1,345). 

• The Base model starts at $26,540
• Premium $28,085 
• Sport $30,935
• Limited $32,440 
• Wilderness $33,540 

2. The Crosstrek fits an active lifestyle.

The Subaru Crosstrek is designed for the most active outdoor enthusiasts. Crosstrek will go just about anywhere you want to go. 

The small SUV has 8.7 inches of rock-clearing ground clearance, Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system for all-weather performance, X-Mode for severe weather performance, and dual-function X-Mode for all-terrain capability. 

3. Do you need to get further away from the city?

For the 2024 model change, Subaru now offers customers the rugged outdoor-themed Crosstrek Wilderness trim level. The Wilderness trim took the Crosstrek subcompact SUV to another level of off-road capability, perfect for the most active customers wanting to get further off the grid. The Wilderness trim can go anywhere now with its rugged upgrades. 

However, be careful because one Crosstrek owner received a notice from the National Park Service saying they went too far. Check out my report here.

Subaru also brings the Forester and Outback Wilderness models. Which one is the best? Read my Wilderness report here. 

4. Crosstrek has two engine options. 

Consumer Reports says the Crosstrek base and Premium trim levels lack power, saying,  "Acceleration from the standard 2.0-liter engine is leisurely." 

So, Subaru began offering the Crosstrek Sport, Limited, and now new Wilderness trim levels with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine. It produces 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. There is enough power to pull a fully loaded Crosstrek with your gear up a steep mountain pass. 

Consumer Reports says, "The optional 2.5-liter has more power and better acceleration. When full power is needed, engine noise is pronounced, but the sound isn't a deal breaker. Responsive handling, user-friendly controls, and a practical interior round out the package. Paddle shifters by the steering wheel allow convenient engine braking in mountainous environments." 

5. Crosstrek is fuel efficient.

The Crosstrek Base and Premium trim levels with the 2.0-liter Boxer engine get an EPA-estimated 27/34 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg.

The Crosstrek 2.5-liter Sport and Limited trim levels achieve an EPA-estimated 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg. 

The Crosstrek Wilderness trim level with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine gets an EPA-estimated 25/29 city/highway mpg and 27 combined mpg. 

The newly remodeled Subaru Crosstrek is now the top-selling model for Subaru of America, a title that it held in 2022. Now the Crosstrek gets the title back. Can it keep it? There are three months to go. Stay tuned. 

Is there a limit to the small SUV's success?

With the new Crosstrek Sport, Limited, and new Wilderness manufactured in the U.S., more models are available for North American customers. Inventory for the latest small SUV has increased, and customers no longer have to wait to get the desired color and options. The sky is the limit now.  

Are you considering the new Crosstrek, or have you already made a purchase this year? We want to hear your thoughts on the Crosstrek. Click the red Add New Comment link below and share your experience with us.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer 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