Can the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Take On Jeeps?

• Subaru is modifying its most popular model, the Crosstrek, into an off-road-ready, camping-equipped adventure mobile known as the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness.

• Joining Subaru's Wilderness lineup, prospective Crosstrek Wilderness buyers can expect upgraded suspension, an easy-clean interior, and improved approach/departure angles.

• Starting at $33,290, the company expects a 20% take-rate for the Wilderness version, as the model goes into Indiana-based production later this year.

If Subarus are known as tough, adventure-ready machines, then Jeeps are practically bomb-proof, at least in theory. Both manufacturers are renowned for their off-road prowess, largely due to their respective all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive constructions. However, Subarus and Jeeps aren't typically trail partners in the US, as the customer bases and intended uses of each manufacturer's models differ.

But that may not be the case anymore. Subaru knows its customers seek out adventure and that many of them even take their vehicles deep into the woods or desert. And it has rolled out a lineup of Wilderness Edition models to commemorate these adventuring owners, with the Forester and Outback receiving the Wilderness treatment.

Now, Subaru has applied this badging to its most popular model, in releasing the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness at The New York International Auto Show. But Wilderness edition models receive more than just extra body cladding and flashy badging. Each Crosstrek Wilderness starts its life out as a 2.5-liter flat-four-engined Crosstrek, pumping 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque through its 8-speed Lineartronic continuously variable transmission.

Though its power levels remain stock, the Wilderness version features a revised differential gear ratio (4.11 versus 3.70) and re-tuned CVT programming, creating a crawl "gear" and allowing for more power modulation on slippery surfaces. The addition of a transmission oil cooler makes extended off-roading possible while also allowing for a nearly doubled towing capacity of 3500 pounds.

Subaru has also fitted the Crosstrek Wilderness with model-specific suspension components, giving it a 9.3-inch ground clearance thanks to longer coil springs and shock absorbers. Subaru says that longer travel strokes for the front and rear shock absorbers help keep the tires in contact with rough surfaces, while a longer dampening compression stroke helps increase absorption on rough road surfaces. Altogether, this setup balances capability with a road-smooth ride quality. Having seen the Crosstrek Wilderness in person, the new suspension gives it an aftermarket lift look while remaining factory functional.

It's clear that Subaru expects owners to drive the Crosstrek Wilderness hard, especially considering it added margins for error on the departure and approach ends. Compared to the 18.0 degrees in other Crosstrek models, the Wilderness features an approach angle of 20.0 degrees.

The angle of departure increases by 2.9 degrees to 33.0 degrees, while the ramp breakover angle moves up from 19.7 to 21.1 degrees. While these aren't exactly Jeep Wrangler numbers, they are comparable to 21st-century Jeep Cherokees or Toyota's Highlander, emphasizing its road-based roots.