Riding high through the polar vortex

With most of the nation dealing with the polar vortex and the frigid, unforgiving weather that goes with it, the idea of having the new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness in your driveway seems like a wise choice in automotive transportation — to an extent.

For the Crosstrek’s donor is the Subaru Impreza, albeit one that’s been jacked up an additional 4.2 inches and wearing all-terrain tires. This might not seem like a big deal. But given there are parts of the South that rarely, if ever see snow, let alone a snow plow, this past week’s glacial weather makes a vehicle with 9.3 inches of ground clearance appealing, even if some have a pickup jacked up far more than that.

For the Crosstrek Wilderness is a subcompact all-wheel-drive beastie that can tackle dirt, rocks or unplowed stretches of macadam with equal aplomb. So too can the Impreza; it just doesn’t have the height, mechanical upgrades or presence that its off-road sibling does.

So yes, the Crosstrek Wilderness is powered by the same 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission with all-wheel drive used in the Impreza. But there are some important differences beyond ground clearance.

It starts with a wardrobe update. The front and rear bumpers have been reworked alongside larger wheel arch cladding. Subaru’s trademark hexagonal grille wears a more assertive demeanor, nestled between LED fog lights and an anti-glare, matte-black hood decal, a body-color roof spoiler and black side mirrors with integrated turn signals. There’s even a front aluminum skid plate to protect undercarriage components.

Like the best outdoor winter gear, it signals the proper intention. But it’s not attractive. Subarus rarely are. But is it functional? Yes, and that’s what makes it beautiful.

The Wilderness isn’t all power and paint. It functions like the off-road nugget that it is, with a roof rack that can handle 165 pounds at speed and 700 pounds when stationary, making it perfect for car-top camping. And should you wonder about the greasy bits, you’ll find that engineers have tinkered there as well. There’s a revised 4.111 final drive differential ratio for climbing steep slopes along with a retuned transmission that helps provide superior grip at low speeds. And it boasts higher capabilities than any Crosstrek, with a 20-degree approach angle, 33-degree departure angle and a 21.1-degree ramp breakover angle.

Subaru’s dual-function X-Mode is incorporated into the all-wheel-drive system, and provides a number of modes that adjusts the engine and transmission response. They include the ones you’d expect, like Snow, Dirt and Deep Snow and Mud common to all Crosstreks. But the Crosstrek Wilderness also has a Low Speed / Low Ratio Gradient Control mode that activates on inclines at low speeds, while shifting the transmission to its lowest ratio, 4.066:1. This makes it an epic tool for off-road work.

Then there’s the usual blizzard of standard driver-assistance technologies, including blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert, sway warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency steering, reverse automatic braking, pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, and lead vehicle start alert.

Like many buyers of this vehicle, I didn’t venture off-road for my test drive. The Crosstrek Wilderness didn’t even make it into the snow. It did traverse biblical downpours, where it proves to be secure, solid and steadfast. And as you’d expect with any true off-road warrior, the vehicle’s off-road articulation translates into softer handling and a comfy ride on-road. Its tires don’t seem intrusive as they do on other mudslingers, providing a sense of civilization to the proceedings, although you might wish for sharper steering feel.

Yet as far off the beaten path you may travel, the Crosstrek Wilderness’ 11.6-inch touchscreen, USB ports, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will keep you in touch.

So, no matter what Old Man Winter may throw at you, you’ll get through. After all, it’s a Subaru; a car that laughs at polar vortexes.

NUTS & BOLTS

Base price: $32,195

Engine: 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine

Horsepower/Torque: 182/178 pound-feet

EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 26/33 mpg

Length/Width/Height: 176.4/70.9/63 inches

Ground clearance: 9.3 inches

Payload: 1,448 pounds

Cargo capacity: 20-54.7 cubic feet

Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds