My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport

It’s not that I love the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek a lot to work on another one…

I actually do. The Premium we had less than a year ago was spunky, sprightly, and very nicely appointed for the price. The Wilderness model was exactly as advertised – tough, capable, and fun to drive.

Somewhere between these two trim levels is a Subaru Crosstrek that combines the best of all worlds – the Sport model. 

The Sport model is yet another personality Subaru created for its popular Crosstrek. Subaru loves creating personalities for each trim level of their lineup – to distinguish each one by the way they are trimmed to match your personality. In the case of the Crosstrek, you can tell that Subaru has made a huge effort to exactly execute this philosophy.

One thing to make sure that I’m on the right track with the 2024 Crosstrek Sport – this is not a compromise model. This is one way to have your Wilderness without all of the goodies. I say that because some Crosstrek Sport owners modified their rides into off-road rigs without putting in an order for a Wilderness model. 

The Sport’s personality starts with a set of 18-inch dark finished alloy wheels and yellow trim. More like a shinier hue of antique brass mixed with some neon thrown in. The rear diffuser looks aggressive and appropriate for this trim level. Perhaps more aggressive than the base, Premium, and Limited models. 

I already commented on the rest of the 2024 Crosstrek. This is a great package that defines a different type of crossover – one that could take you to the cabin well off the highway on a slightly challenging gravel road. 

About the interior, it is a cloth upholstery in light gray with that brass/yellow contrast. It is very comfortable and supportive. Throughout the year, this is the right interior you want – cloth is more temperate than leather or fauxleather. 

The cabin is very familiar – and that’s also a very good thing. I just love how the analog dials work, along with the center digital screen for additional information. The shifter works wonderfully, as does the Starlink 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. All controls are tactile and logical. 

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is a lovely environment to be in when you’re behind the wheel or riding along. However, I am trying very hard not to say which is better – the Premium, the Sport, or the Wilderness. Let me re-emphasize one of my points here: Each trim offers its own personality, which should match your personality. 

The Crosstrek already passed the Rollator Test. As long as the rollator is folded flat with all wheels tucked in behind the second row of seats, then it passes. As an added bonus, it never shuddered over cracks or any road imperfections. Just to remind you that you have 19.9 cubic feet behind the second row of seats and up to 54.7 cubic feet with those seats folded down. 

Did you know that the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is one a few vehicles left in production with a sun visor "holder"? It is a very great solution to have items, such as disabled parking placards, to be put away and available without folding and destroying them. A win for us disabled people!

Let’s talk about the 2.5-liter BOXER engine for a moment. You have 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque on tap. It runs through the improved continuously variable transmission to all four wheels via the Symmetrical all-wheel drive system. 

All told, it does send power down nicely. It is even more sprightly and punky than the 2.0-liter BOXER engine found on the Base and Premium models. Highway cruising in a cinch, but the CVT can wind up if you press the accelerator hard. It is neither slow not fast – just right for what you need to do. 

The good news is with the Crosstrek Sport’s fuel consumption. I averaged 29.3 MPG in my care. I’ll take that! 

Another I’ve enjoyed with all three examples of the 2024 Crosstrek is the overall driving experience. It all comes down to the trim level’s personality. The Sport does not have a firmer ride or flatter handling. It does have a very smooth ride and the suspension system absorbs rougher road surfaces very well. Maneuverability is also very good, which makes for good handling all around. 

You can attribute its maneuverability to its smaller size and tighter steering radius. Although, I did find the on-center feel is a bit light. Yet, there’s plenty of stability – and the Lane Departure, Sway and Keep Assist features – to let you not go astray. Brake pedal feel was fine – not too soft. Response to the wheels was very good and it turned in solid stops in normal, panic, and wet situations. 

Another significant piece to this 2024 Crosstrek Sport is where it is built. Until now, every Crosstrek I worked with was produced in Japan. This Sport model was assembled at Subaru’s plant in Lafayette, Indiana. This helps in production capacity at the manufacturer’s only North American facility. 

To review, you have a choice of five 2024 Subaru Crosstrek trim levels. Pricing starts at $25,195. This Sport tester came with a sticker price of $32,605. 

Imagine making a choice between five Crosstrek models – all with different personalities. It should be as easy as which Crosstrek matches your personality, lifestyle, and pursuits. 

Actually, it is not an easy choice. 

Yes, the Sport is the middle trim level in the 2024 Crosstrek lineup. It has the advantage of the larger engine and a few more features than the Premium. You could do all of the off-road upgrades to a Sport, as long as you are spending less than $4,000 worth of those upgrades. Otherwise, you might as well step up to the Wilderness. 

The Sport offers plenty of fun for its personality. That what those yellow/brass accents are all about. And those cloth seats for year-round comfort. 

You have choices. Choosing a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is a great start. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Subaru of America

All photos by Randy Stern