Gear Patrol Enthusiastically Endorses the 2024 CrossTrek

The Subaru CrossTrek received a decidedly positive review from Gear Patrol this summer. The site, which looks at a wide variety of consumer items from hiking boots, to noise-canceling headphones to patio furniture, did a full review of the 2024 CrossTrek, honing in on the changes from the 2023 model and how well it positions itself in the marketplace. Centennial Subaru is passing along their thoughts.

Gear Patrol’s opinion of the CrossTrek can be summed up by its sub-headings, the first one declaring it to be “the best compact car for anyone with an adventurous spirit”.  Other headings include “The Crosstrek blends SUV and car to near-perfection” and “The Crosstrek can do all the off-roading you’ll actually do”

The Honest Crossover

In discussing the concept behind the CrossTrek, the site discussed when set against crossovers that all want to portray their off-road toughness above all else, what Subaru did with the CrossTrek and first did was a more honest approach: Simply take a car with a hatch and give it all the mechanicals to make it adept on the non-paved terrain people are likely to take them on.

They cite the Crosstrek’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance and short overhangs. The X-Mode system’s ability to help you through specific types of terrain is deemed so helpful that it “might as well be called E-Z Off-Roading” 

Kudos to the 2.5-liter Engine

Gear Patrol spent most of their time driving the Sport and Limited trims, both of which have the 2.5-liter boxer-4 under the hood, which at 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, they point out as having 20% more horsepower and 25% more torque than the base engine.  They even throw in that the larger engined models are built in Indiana while the 2.0-liter trims are brought over from Japan. 

Meaningful Improvements for 2024

Already familiar with the SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system, Gear Patrol praised the system’s updates, pointing out that frequently used features such as the on-off control for the Automatic start-stop system are now readily at hand rather than within sub-menus. They were very much in appreciation of the CrossTrek’s physical controls. 

The steering was lauded for its accuracy and directness, and they found the CVT lacking the sponginess often found on this transmission type.  That said, they found using the paddle shifter’s distinct set of rations particularly effective. How the CrossTrek drives is where they found the biggest improvements for 2024, stating: “Not only is it more fun to drive, but it’s quieter — thanks to improved aerodynamics and added sound deadening — and rides wonderfully, soaking up potholes and even speed bumps without compromising handling.”

Gear Patrol preferred the Sport model the best, particularly when equipped with the “cleverly named ‘Optional Package’” that adds blind spot assist with rear cross-traffic alert, a power driver’s seat, and a moonroof. They preferred this set of features to that of the Limited’s leather seats, navigation, and Harman Kardon stereo, though that certainly is a personal choice. If you are considering a small crossover, the 2024 Subaru CrossTrek should be topping the list. Review one yourself with a visit to Centennial Subaru.