Is Subaru’s 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness a Pocket-Sized Overlander?

Overlanding has become a popular activity for people wanting to get off the beaten path, but the heavy, often large vehicles aren’t always practical for daily driving. Overlanding enthusiasts can add several hundred pounds to their trucks and SUVs, making them way less fuel-efficient and uncomfortable to drive in town. The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness could be an excellent alternative to those vehicles, so let’s dive in to learn more about the new model.

What is an Overlanding Vehicle?

Overlanding differs from traditional off-roading in that people tend to focus less on tackling hardcore obstacles and more on making a comfortable trek and enjoying the journey. While people might take a day-long trip rock crawling in a normal off-road vehicle, overlanders tend to take longer trips that can extend days or even weeks in some cases. That means the vehicle must function as a home-away-from-home, carrying supplies and offering sleeping accommodations for passengers. Some people have figured out how to install bathroom fixtures, including a shower and toilet. 

That said, overlanding vehicles still need to be capable, even if they’re not used for the most challenging terrain. Many overlanding routes cover on- and off-road scenarios, so ground clearance, tire sizes, power, and torque are important factors to consider. The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness meets many of these requirements, which could make it an excellent pocket-sized overlander.

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Overview

Subaru gave the Crosstrek the Wilderness treatment for the 2024 model year. Upgrades over the standard model include more ground clearance to 9.3 inches, rugged body cladding, and all-terrain tires. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, making 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Power reaches all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission with a tweaked final drive ratio for better off-road performance. Subaru also promises a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds with the Wilderness’ exclusive oil cooler system.

Inside, the Wilderness gets synthetic leather upholstery with a water-resistant finish. Subaru’s Wilderness logo is stitched into the headrests, and the cabin has bronze accents throughout. An 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen comes standard, bringing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other standard tech features include SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth, HD radio, and over-the-air updates.

If you have questions about the new Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness or want to learn more about any other new Subaru, come see us. Our knowledgeable staff can help schedule a test drive, cover features and capabilities, and give you a thorough overview of the Crosstrek Wilderness.