What’s the Difference Between the 2023 and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?
Subaru is a brand that embraces evolutionary updates opposed to revolutionary ones. The company is very conservative when it comes to model redesigns and some consumers have a hard time telling the new vehicle apart from the old one.
Case in point, the 2024 Crosstrek. All-new this year, it’s very similar in appearance to the previous generation model. Subaru has a loyal customer base, so the brand doesn’t want to alter the formula too much. But there are differences, and more importantly, improvements, in the new Crosstrek.
To highlight these changes, we grabbed a 2023 Crosstrek and put it side by side with the new model. Both are top of the line, fully loaded versions for a true apples-to-apples comparison.
Ride and Comfort
The biggest change to the 2024 Crosstrek is one that can’t be seen, but rather felt. We had both our staff, as well as a current owner of a 2023 Crosstrek, drive the new model. They all came away with the same observations.
Despite the same basic layout of components, there is an appreciable difference in the way the two generations drive. The 2024 is noticeably smoother on the road. Less road noise and vibrations make their way into the cabin, leading to a more pleasant driving experience. Handling and shock absorption seem to be very similar compared to the 2023 model, but we did find there to be less wind noise inside the new model.
Cladding and Lights
The headlights on the new 2024 Crosstrek are narrower than before, with a more aggressive squint. Equally new is the grill between them. None of the changes to these features are all that noticeable though.
A larger change occurs with the taillights. The new 2024 Crosstrek has a more pronounced C-shape design, like other Subaru SUVs. The lower body cladding is unique on the new vehicle as well, with more angular shapes and vents compared to the 2023 model.
New Technology
With a new generation of a vehicle usually comes new technology, and the Crosstrek is no exception. On a connectivity front, the 2024 Crosstrek now has a wireless smartphone charging pad and is capable of wireless connection to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Those who prefer hardwiring devices, there are more USB-c ports in the dash.
The top-of-line model has two additional speakers for the Harman Kardon audio system, now totaling 10.
Safety has been increased on the 2024 model as well with Subaru’s Eyesight system now incorporating the third, wide-angle mono camera. Also available on the Limited trim is the DriverFocus distraction mitigation system.
New Screens
Inside, the most notable change has occurred in the center stack. Gone is the old 8.0-inch horizontal infotainment system found in the 2023 model. In its place is Subaru’s new, 11.6-inch tablet-style screen. It’s so much larger, the secondary small screen found on top of the dash in the 2023 Crosstrek is no more.
The driver information center is similar between the 2023 and 2024 models. Both do have dual gauges with a small screen in-between. But the 2024 model’s screen is more customizable now and features more information compared to the 2023 Crosstrek.
Upgraded Seats
It takes a close look to see that the 2024 Crosstrek's seat design is different from the 2023 model. Sitting in the seats, there's more of a difference, as multiple testers found the 2024 Crosstrek to be a more comfortable place to be.
The biggest and most welcome change is the power driver’s seat. The six-way adjustable seat in the 2023 model has been replaced by a 10-way adjustable seat in the 2024 Crosstrek. This means the front and rear cushion of the seat can now be raised or lowered independently of one another. It also means there is now adjustable lumbar support.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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You missed that they have the gas indicator pointing to the wrong side. I drove a crosstreck and outback for over 3 weeks while my 2015 Forester was getting worked on, and both have the gas indicator arrow and pump point to the driver's side yet the tank is on the passenger side. I wasn't happy when I pulled up to the pump going by the indicators.
Is there an improvement in the headlight coverage of the road? This is more important than how the headlights look.