What is the difference between the 2024 and 2023 Crosstrek?
The 2024 Crosstrek largely carries over the 2023’s core powertrain and capability, but it introduces a styling refresh and updated tech features. In short, you’ll notice a sharper look and nicer interior tech in 2024, with the mechanical side staying largely the same.
The following analysis breaks down the key differences across exterior styling, interior technology, powertrain, safety equipment, and trim availability to help readers compare the two model years.
Exterior styling and design updates
What changed visually
For 2024, Subaru refreshed the Crosstrek’s front and rear styling cues, giving the SUV a more contemporary look while preserving its rugged personality. The changes typically include updated grille geometry, revised headlight and taillight treatments, and refreshed bumpers. Wheel designs and some exterior color options also received updates.
Before the list: Exterior tweaks are designed to modernize the Crosstrek’s presence on the road and help distinguish the 2024 model from the 2023 version across trims.
- New front fascia with a redesigned grille and updated LED lighting.
- Revised rear lighting and bumper treatment, plus new wheel designs.
- Additional exterior color options available for 2024.
Overall, the 2024 Crosstrek presents a more contemporary silhouette while maintaining the model’s recognizable compact-SUV character.
Interior and technology improvements
Smarter cabin and better connectivity
The 2024 model emphasizes an updated interior experience and richer tech integration. Expect improvements to the infotainment system’s responsiveness, a more modern Starlink interface, and broader access to smartphone integration across more trims. Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and upgraded audio options are common themes in the 2024 refresh, along with enhanced cabin materials and seating finishes in higher trims.
Before the list: Interior tech updates focus on easier access to information, more convenient connectivity, and a more refined feel inside the cabin.
- Updated infotainment system with faster response and improved user experience.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on more trims.
- Enhanced interior material quality and color choices in select trims.
- Improved driver-assistance visibility and display layouts in the gauge cluster where equipped.
In short, the 2024 Crosstrek’s cabin aims to feel more premium and better connected without a wholesale redesign of the interior footprint.
Powertrain and driving dynamics
Are there mechanical changes?
The 2024 Crosstrek keeps the same fundamental powertrain setup that most buyers know from 2023. Subaru continues to offer the familiar 2.0-liter flat-four engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in most configurations, and all-wheel drive remains a core capability of the Crosstrek family. There were no widely announced engine or new transmission options for the 2024 model year, so performance figures and driving dynamics stay in line with the 2023 model’s expectations.
Before the list: For buyers focused on performance or efficiency, the key takeaway is that the drive feel and power output remain essentially consistent with 2023, with the 2024 refresh largely preserving the established balance of capability and economy.
- 2.0-liter horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder engine carries over, delivering around 152 horsepower.
- CVT remains the standard transmission on most trims; AWD is standard or widely available across the lineup.
- No major engine upgrade or new drivetrain announced for 2024.
Overall, the 2024 Crosstrek offers the same practical performance envelope as the 2023 model, with the refresh leaning toward styling and tech rather than powertrain shifts.
Safety and driver-assistance features
Updates to safety tech
Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist suite continues to be a centerpiece for the Crosstrek, and the 2024 model adds refinements to this technology. Expect better integration with the updated infotainment and some improvements to how the system engages with lane-keeping, adaptive cruise, and collision avoidance, depending on trim. While EyeSight remains a key selling point, the 2024 refresh typically aligns feature availability with the updated hardware and software in the cabin.
Before the list: The list highlights how safety technology in 2024 builds on 2023, with enhancements that improve visibility, response, and convenience without altering the fundamental safety framework.
- Continued EyeSight driver-assistance suite (pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise, lane-keeping assist).
- Updated sensor calibration and software to improve detection and response in some trims.
- Some trims feature expanded standard safety features or enhanced access to safety tech through the updated infotainment system.
In summary, 2024 emphasizes refined safety software and better integration rather than a complete rebuild of the safety framework.
Trims, pricing, and general positioning
What to expect in the lineup
The Crosstrek lineup carries over its familiar structure with possible realignment of trims and standard features for 2024. Expect the same broad range of trims, with the refresh pushing some features into standard equipment on more models and slightly adjusted option packages. Price changes between model years are typical, reflecting the new styling and tech enhancements, though exact MSRPs vary by region and dealer.
Before the list: This section helps readers understand how the 2024 model sits within Subaru’s overall Crosstrek strategy and what you might pay if you’re shopping between model years.
- Similar trim ladder (base, Premium, Sport, Limited, plus a Hybrid option in some years).
- Shifts in standard features across trims, with some tech upgrades becoming more widely available in 2024.
- Pricing adjustments typical of a mid-cycle refresh; check local pricing for specific numbers.
Overall, while the core lineup remains familiar, the 2024 Crosstrek often aims to deliver more value per trim through updated features rather than a wholesale price restructure.
Bottom line and takeaways
The 2024 Crosstrek advances the model year by refreshing the exterior look and boosting interior tech, while preserving the core powertrain and all-wheel-drive capability that define the Crosstrek. For buyers who value a sharper appearance and more modern tech in the cabin, the 2024 model presents a clear upgrade path from 2023. For those focused on a new engine or dramatic mechanical changes, the 2024 Crosstrek keeps its established formula intact.
Summary
In revisiting the Crosstrek for 2024, Subaru prioritized styling updates and enhanced in-cabin tech, while keeping the proven 2.0-liter engine and CVT-driven performance. Exterior refreshes help the 2024 model stand out, and the tech upgrades aim to improve everyday usability and safety. If you own a 2023 Crosstrek and are weighing an upgrade, the 2024 model offers a noticeable visual and tech bump with minimal disruption to the driving experience you already know.
