Hey guys! Thinking about snagging a new Subaru Crosstrek? Awesome choice! But now you're probably scratching your head trying to figure out which trim level is the best fit for you: the Premium or the Wilderness. Don't sweat it, we're here to break it all down in a way that's super easy to understand. We'll dive into the nitty-gritty of both models, looking at everything from price and features to performance and off-road capabilities. By the end of this article, you'll be armed with all the info you need to make the perfect decision for your lifestyle and budget. Let's get started!

Crosstrek Premium: The Sweet Spot for Value and Everyday Comfort

The Crosstrek Premium is often seen as the sweet spot in the Crosstrek lineup, and for good reason! It takes the already appealing base model and adds a bunch of features that make it a whole lot more comfortable and convenient for daily driving. We will cover the Engine and Performance of the Crosstrek Premium, Interior and Technology Features, Safety and Driver-Assistance Features, Price and Value, and who should buy this car.

Engine and Performance of the Crosstrek Premium

Let's dive into what makes the Crosstrek Premium tick under the hood. You're looking at a 2.0-liter four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine. This engine delivers a solid 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Now, while it's not going to win any drag races, it's got enough pep to handle everyday driving situations with ease. Think merging onto the highway, navigating city streets, and even tackling some mild off-road trails. The engine is paired with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which prioritizes fuel efficiency. Speaking of fuel efficiency, the Crosstrek Premium shines here. You can expect to get around 28 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, which is pretty darn good for an SUV. This makes it a great choice if you're looking to save some money at the pump. Of course, the Crosstrek Premium comes standard with Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This system constantly monitors traction and distributes power to the wheels that need it most, giving you enhanced stability and control in all kinds of weather conditions. Whether you're dealing with rain, snow, or even a bit of mud, you can count on the Crosstrek Premium to keep you planted and confident. While the engine is the same as the base model, the Premium trim offers some additional features that enhance the driving experience. For example, it comes with Subaru's SI-DRIVE system, which allows you to choose between two different driving modes: Intelligent and Sport. Intelligent mode prioritizes fuel efficiency, while Sport mode sharpens throttle response for a more engaging driving experience. So, whether you're looking to save gas or have a little fun behind the wheel, the Crosstrek Premium has you covered.

Interior and Technology Features

Stepping inside the Crosstrek Premium, you'll immediately notice a step up in comfort and convenience compared to the base model. The seats are upholstered in a higher-quality cloth material that feels more comfortable and durable. Plus, the Premium trim adds heated front seats, which are a lifesaver on those cold winter mornings. The Crosstrek Premium also gets a larger 8-inch touchscreen display, which is a significant upgrade over the base model's 6.5-inch screen. The larger screen makes it easier to see and use the various infotainment features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These smartphone integration systems allow you to seamlessly connect your smartphone to the car's infotainment system, giving you access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation. Another cool tech feature that comes standard on the Crosstrek Premium is SiriusXM satellite radio. This gives you access to a wide variety of music, sports, news, and talk channels, all without the need for an internet connection. The Crosstrek Premium also comes with a few extra USB ports, so you can keep your devices charged on the go. And for those who like to listen to their music loud, the Premium trim also includes an upgraded sound system with six speakers. Overall, the interior and technology features of the Crosstrek Premium make it a much more comfortable and convenient place to spend time. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip, you'll appreciate the extra features and amenities that this trim level offers. It's a great balance of value and features, making it a popular choice among Crosstrek buyers.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

When it comes to safety, the Crosstrek Premium doesn't skimp. It comes standard with a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance features that can help you avoid accidents and stay safe on the road. One of the most notable safety features is Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This system uses two cameras mounted near the rearview mirror to monitor traffic movement and alert you to potential hazards. EyeSight includes features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Automatic emergency braking can automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision, helping you to avoid or mitigate the impact. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, while adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. In addition to EyeSight, the Crosstrek Premium also comes standard with other safety features like a rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, and stability control. The rearview camera makes it easier to back up and park, while the anti-lock brakes and stability control help you maintain control of the car in slippery conditions. Overall, the Crosstrek Premium offers a comprehensive suite of safety features that can give you peace of mind on the road. These features can help you avoid accidents, protect you in the event of a collision, and make driving more enjoyable and less stressful. If safety is a top priority for you, the Crosstrek Premium is definitely worth considering.

Price and Value

Now, let's talk about the bottom line: price and value. The Crosstrek Premium typically starts at a few thousand dollars more than the base model. However, for that extra money, you get a significant upgrade in features and amenities. You get heated front seats, a larger touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and more. When you compare the Crosstrek Premium to other SUVs in its class, it offers excellent value for the money. It's one of the most affordable SUVs on the market, and it comes standard with features that you often have to pay extra for on other vehicles. Plus, with its excellent fuel economy and Subaru's reputation for reliability, the Crosstrek Premium can save you money in the long run. Of course, value is subjective and depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're on a tight budget and don't need all the extra features, the base model might be a better choice for you. However, if you're looking for a well-equipped SUV that offers excellent value for the money, the Crosstrek Premium is definitely worth considering. It's a great balance of price, features, and performance, making it a popular choice among SUV buyers.

Who Should Buy This Car

The Crosstrek Premium is a great choice for a wide range of drivers. It's perfect for those who want a comfortable and capable SUV that's also affordable and fuel-efficient. It's also a good choice for those who live in areas with harsh weather conditions, as it comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. If you're looking for a daily driver that can handle anything you throw at it, the Crosstrek Premium is definitely worth considering. It's also a good choice for those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping. While it's not as off-road capable as the Wilderness trim, it can still handle some light trails and gravel roads. The Crosstrek Premium is also a good choice for those who value safety. It comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features that can help you avoid accidents and stay safe on the road. Overall, the Crosstrek Premium is a versatile and well-rounded SUV that can meet the needs of many different drivers. Whether you're a young professional, a small family, or an empty nester, the Crosstrek Premium is worth checking out.

Crosstrek Wilderness: Unleash Your Adventurous Side

For those of you who crave adventure and want to explore beyond the paved roads, the Crosstrek Wilderness is calling your name! This trim level takes the Crosstrek's already impressive off-road capabilities to the next level, adding a host of features that make it a true trail-taming machine. We will cover the Enhanced Off-Road Capabilities, Rugged Exterior Design, Interior and Technology Features, Engine and Performance, and who should buy this car.

Enhanced Off-Road Capabilities

The Crosstrek Wilderness is all about going off the beaten path, and it's packed with features that make it incredibly capable in rugged terrain. First up, it boasts a significant increase in ground clearance compared to the standard Crosstrek. This extra height allows you to clear obstacles like rocks and logs without scraping the undercarriage. The Wilderness also gets a revised suspension with longer travel, which improves articulation and allows the wheels to stay in contact with the ground even on uneven surfaces. This is crucial for maintaining traction and control in challenging situations. Another key upgrade is the addition of Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires. These tires provide excellent grip on a variety of surfaces, including dirt, gravel, mud, and snow. They also have reinforced sidewalls that are more resistant to punctures and tears. The Crosstrek Wilderness also features a dual-function X-MODE system with specific settings for snow/dirt and deep snow/mud. This system optimizes the all-wheel-drive system, traction control, and other vehicle systems to provide maximum traction in these conditions. The Wilderness also gets a front skid plate to protect the engine and transmission from damage when driving over rocks and other obstacles. And for those really tough situations, it also comes with a recovery hook in the rear. Overall, the Crosstrek Wilderness is designed to handle just about anything you can throw at it. Whether you're exploring forest roads, traversing rocky trails, or navigating snowy passes, this SUV will get you there with confidence.

Rugged Exterior Design

The Crosstrek Wilderness isn't just about off-road performance; it also looks the part. It features a rugged exterior design that sets it apart from the rest of the Crosstrek lineup. The most noticeable difference is the unique front fascia with a bolder grille, hexagonal LED fog lights, and a more aggressive front bumper. These changes not only enhance the appearance of the vehicle but also improve its approach angle, allowing you to tackle steeper obstacles without scraping the front end. The Crosstrek Wilderness also gets unique matte black wheels with a rugged design. These wheels are not only stylish but also more durable than the standard wheels. The Wilderness also features exclusive badging and decals that further set it apart from the other Crosstrek models. The roof rails on the Crosstrek Wilderness are also beefed up, allowing you to carry more gear on the roof. And to protect the body from scratches and dents, the Wilderness also gets additional cladding on the sides and wheel arches. Overall, the exterior design of the Crosstrek Wilderness is both functional and stylish. It's a vehicle that looks like it's ready for anything, and it is.

Interior and Technology Features

While the Crosstrek Wilderness is built for adventure, it doesn't skimp on comfort and technology. The interior is designed to be both functional and comfortable, with durable materials that can withstand the rigors of off-road use. The seats are upholstered in a water-resistant StarTex material that's easy to clean and maintain. And to add a touch of style, the seats also feature unique Wilderness badging and stitching. The Crosstrek Wilderness also comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This allows you to seamlessly connect your smartphone to the car's infotainment system and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The Wilderness also gets a premium audio system with six speakers, providing excellent sound quality. Other notable interior features include automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a rearview camera. Overall, the interior of the Crosstrek Wilderness is designed to be both comfortable and functional, with all the features you need for a great driving experience.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the Crosstrek Wilderness packs a punch with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine. This engine delivers a healthy 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, which is a significant upgrade over the 2.0-liter engine in the standard Crosstrek. The extra power makes a big difference when you're climbing hills, navigating rocky terrain, or accelerating on the highway. The engine is paired with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that's been specifically tuned for off-road use. The CVT features a lower final drive ratio, which provides more torque at low speeds, making it easier to crawl over obstacles. The Crosstrek Wilderness also comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides excellent traction in all kinds of conditions. And with its enhanced off-road capabilities, the Crosstrek Wilderness can tackle just about any trail you throw at it. Overall, the engine and performance of the Crosstrek Wilderness are perfectly matched to its off-road mission.

Who Should Buy This Car

The Crosstrek Wilderness is the perfect choice for those who want a capable and rugged SUV that can handle anything. It's ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities like hiking, camping, and off-roading. It's also a good choice for those who live in areas with harsh weather conditions, as it comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a host of other features that make it incredibly capable in snow, ice, and mud. If you're looking for a vehicle that can take you anywhere, the Crosstrek Wilderness is definitely worth considering.

Key Differences Between the Premium and Wilderness

Okay, so we've gone over the details of each trim. The Premium is the more sensible daily driver, while the Wilderness is the rugged adventurer. Here's a quick rundown of the key differences to help you make your decision:

• Off-Road Prowess: Wilderness wins hands down with its increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and enhanced X-MODE.
• Engine: Wilderness boasts a more powerful 2.5-liter engine.
• Exterior: Wilderness has a more aggressive and rugged look.
• Price: Premium is the more affordable option.
• Interior: Both offer comfortable interiors, but Wilderness has water-resistant seats.

Making Your Choice: Which Crosstrek is Right for You?

Alright, time to make a decision! If you're primarily looking for a comfortable, reliable, and fuel-efficient daily driver with some light off-road capability, the Crosstrek Premium is an excellent choice. It offers a great balance of features and value. However, if you're a serious outdoor enthusiast who wants to tackle challenging trails and explore the wilderness, the Crosstrek Wilderness is the way to go. Its enhanced off-road capabilities and rugged design make it a true adventure machine.

No matter which Crosstrek you choose, you're getting a fantastic SUV that's sure to provide years of enjoyment. Happy driving!