The third car to be given the Wilderness badge is the Subaru Crosstrek for 2024, and it’s towing capacity has increased to a staggering 3,500 pounds. This is a significant improvement over the existing 1,500-pound towing capacity of the base Subaru Crosstrek. Interestingly, Subaru has managed to pull off this stunt without changing the engine, and its power and torque. So how did Subaru more than double the Crosstrek’s towing capacity for the Crosstrek Wilderness?
Aside from towing capacity, there are a few additional changes that make the Crosstrek Wilderness more suitable for off-roading. A shorter wheelbase, longer wheelbase and improved approach and departure angle are some of the other things that have been added to the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. Some of the other notable changes include the addition of a transmission oil cooler, a revised differential gear ratio and a retuned transmission for optimal traction on slippery surfaces at low speeds.
Related: 10 Reasons Why the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Will Be the Best Compact SUV Ever
The standard Subaru Crosstrek can tow 1,500 pounds
As mentioned above, the transmission has been retuned along with a revised differential gear ratio, and both of these changes change the Crosstrek’s character on surfaces where traction is minimal. But are these two changes enough to increase towing capacity by 2,000 pounds? Well, the answer is no. The main reason the Crosstrek Wilderness will stand out over a base Crosstrek is the addition of a transmission oil cooler. Most of the time, most wear on a gearbox is caused by overheating. The more weight a vehicle drags, the more stress it puts on the gearbox.
This problem can be solved by installing a transmission cooler (or transmission oil cooler as Subaru calls it). The operation of a transmission cooler is similar to that of a radiator. The hot transmission fluid in your car flows through a unit that consists of a series of layers or plates that result in heat dissipation and the cold fluid is returned to the transmission. This results in a gearbox that can perform in extreme situations such as towing heavy loads and extreme summer temperatures. This additional transmission oil cooler is the main reason the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness can tow up to 3,500 pounds of weight.
Related: Here’s how the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek just got easier to live with
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness uses the standard engine
Surprisingly, the engine in the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness remains the same as the current Crosstrek. It’s the same 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine found in the Crosstrek and other existing models. Even the power and torque figures remain the same at 182 HP and 178 lb-ft respectively. This may disappoint some, as the Wilderness family is expected to be more powerful than the regular models, but it speaks volumes for the potential of this engine. This engine’s horizontally opposed cylinders help lower the vehicle’s center of gravity, which is a good thing both on and off the road.
This engine design also results in a smoother ride as the pistons cancel out unwanted vibrations. Where inline and “v” engines have their fair share of vibration and need counterbalancers to cancel it out, boxer engines have no problem. All of these things together make the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness the perfect vehicle while venturing into the wild. A towing capacity of 3,500 pounds means you can tow a trailer without a second thought before disappearing into the wild with your family or friends for as long as you like.
The Crosstrek Wilderness does not have a manual transmission option
This is the unfortunate part. The current Subaru Crosstrek uses two different engines across its range: a 2-liter four-cylinder boxer engine and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer unit. Where the 2-liter boxer engine gives you a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a Lineartronic CVT, the 2.5-liter engine only comes with the CVT. Yes, the CVT has been re-tuned to emerge victorious in most situations, an optional manual transmission would have been nice for human intervention if and when needed. The revised differential gear ratio will certainly come in handy while crawling uphill, but it may not be suitable if you intend to go that extra mile.
But Crosstrek Wilderness doesn’t promise to do anything. It is a subcompact SUV, and for the category it belongs to, it has more than enough. It’s not meant for extreme off-roading, as you have far more capable vehicles for that. But these vehicles generally cost a lot to own and maintain. If you’re talking competition, the only one that comes close to the Crosstrek Wilderness is the Jeep Renegade with its 2,000-pound towing capacity. The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness packs a big punch for the price tag, and the added capabilities alone make it worth the wait.
