Third-generation 2024 Crosstree joins Subaru Wilderness off-roaders. Crosstree Wilderness, like Outback and Forester, has slight cosmetic and practical improvements. Wilderness can tow 3500 pounds. Buyers and makers love Raptor and TRD badges. I love showing off how particular curated sub brands are their vehicle. The 2024 Crosstrees Wilderness is Subaru’s third off-road-themed Wilderness variant. Subaru aficionados may explore nature more ruggedly with the Outback and Forester Wilderness versions. Wild Things The Crosstree Wilderness, like the others, ruggedized the Subaru formula. Drivers will benefit from the special edition’s enhanced drivetrain, higher suspension, and the front aluminum skid plate—extra confidence—and the all-important outward appearance of ruggedness—for reaching other campgrounds and harder trailheads. A 0.6-inch suspension lift gives 9.3 inches of ground clearance. Height enhances approach and departure angles. Wilderness Crosstree’s have a 20.0-degree approach angle. In comparison, the departure angle increases from 30.0 to 33.0 degrees, and the breaker tip moves from 19.7 to 21.1 degrees. The Wilderness’ 2.5-liter flat-four engine still produces 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The new transmission oil cooler doubles the maximum tow rating from 1500 to 3500 lbs. 4.11:1 replaces the Crosstree’s 3.70:1 final-drive ratio. Unfortunately, manual transmission All Crosstrees, including the Wilderness, have CVTs. Driver selectable Snow/dirt and deep snow/mud X-Modes tune throttle and gearbox. Steep inclines immediately activate low-ratio gradient control. Standard Hill Descent Control applies automatically. To brake on descents under 12 mph. Controlled Descent Rooftop tents are possible with redesigned roof racks that allow 176-pound dynamic load and 700-pound static load. Visual changes make the Wilderness stand out. Road—Yokohama Matte-black 17-inch alloy wheels carry raised white-letter Gelande A/T tires. Copper accents contrast the black bodywork coating. The Crosstree has a Wilderness logo on the headrests, floor mats, and Geyser Blue paint like the other Wilderness vehicles. When it arrives in the fall, the Wilderness, like the other 2.5-liter Crosstree’s, will start at $33,290 and be constructed in Lafayette, Indiana.
