Subaru Crosstrek 2024: Wilderness edition revealed with upgraded AWD and suspension

Subaru has announced today that its Crosstrek small SUV will be the third model to be offered with an off-road Wilderness edition variant.

As seen previously with the Forester midsize SUV and Outback wagon variants, the Crosstrek Wilderness edition scores beefier looks but also genuine performance upgrades such as raised off-road suspension and chunky tyres.

While the Crosstrek Wilderness has only been confirmed for North America for now, Subaru Australia has previously expressed strong interest in bringing the rugged variants to our market.

For those catching up, the XV model name has been retired in Australia and will be known as the Crosstrek when the third-generation arrives, to better align the small SUV with other global markets. 

The new-generation Crosstrek will launch here in Australia this April offering buyers five grades and two hybrid options.

While direct rivals are hard to come by for a niche off-roader like this one, the Suzuki Jimny has shown for years how popular small 4x4s can be, though of course that model benefits from a proper low-range transfer case and a ladder frame chassis.

What’s included with the Wilderness edition and will it come to Australia?

The biggest changes for the Wilderness over a standard Crosstrek include an increased ride height (236mm total, or an additional 12.7mm) thanks to taller coil springs and all-terrain Yokohama tyres mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels. There’s also increased departure and approach angles to help with off-roading. 

A revised differential ratio and unique tune for the CVT automatic transmission has also been incorporated into the Crosstrek. 

However, the Crosstrek won’t get any added engine performance, as it sticks to the 2.5-litre flat-four boxer engine as before. It produces 135kW/238Nm. 

Braked towing capacity has been increased however, with the US model able to pull up to 3500lb (1587kg) thanks to the addition of a transmission cooler. Though the standard Crosstrek offered in Australia can still pull 1400kg braked.

What about the styling changes?

The Crosstrek gains all-new front and rear bumpers, larger wheel cladding, a metal front skid plate and unique hex-design LED fog lights. 

Also included is a ladder-type roof rack system that can hold up to a 80kg dynamic load limit or a 317kg static load limit.