2024 Subaru Crosstrek gets redesign — and an assist from U.S. factory

An earlier version of this story referred to the Base and Premium trims being powered by an inline-boxer engine.

CHICAGO — When it arrives in U.S. showrooms this year, the redesigned 2024 Subaru Crosstrek will sport a number of new technologies, some improved driving dynamics, different styling and, at least for some models, a VIN indicating it was built in the U.S.

The Crosstrek was Subaru's top-selling nameplate in the U.S. in 2022, with 155,142 vehicles, a 22 percent increase over the previous year. The third-generation subcompact crossover, making its U.S. debut at this week's Chicago Auto Show, seeks to improve on the styling and handling that made it popular. It ups the ante with a standard driver-assistance package, an available 11.6-inch infotainment screen and a starting price that's the same as the 2023 Crosstrek with the same automatic transmission.

The 2024 Crosstrek will come in four trims: Base, Premium, Sport and Limited, each equipped with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. The Base and Premium trims are powered by a 2.0-liter boxer engine delivering 152 hp and 145 pound-feet of torque, while the Sport and Limited trims receive a 2.5-liter boxer engine rated at 182 hp and 178 pound-feet of torque.

For the first time since the vehicle's introduction more than a decade ago, some versions of the Crosstrek — the Sport and Limited trims — will be built at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive factory in Lafayette, Ind., while the remainder will be imported from Japan. The U.S.-made versions are expected to begin arriving at dealerships this summer.

To improve handling, the redesigned Crosstrek will be equipped with a version of the Subaru WRX's dual-pinion electronic power steering rack, and enhanced torsional rigidity.

Inside the cabin, Subaru installed more supportive front seats to minimize fatigue and increase comfort, and it says it focused on reducing noise. Rear dark-tint privacy glass is a standard feature.

The Crosstrek will receive the latest updated version of the brand's EyeSight driver-assistance technology, which includes a new electric brake booster to aid in stopping. Subaru says the system "can identify bicycles and pedestrians at intersections sooner and, when necessary, alerts the driver and applies braking to avoid collisions." Reverse automatic braking and blind-spot detection with lane-change assist are optional, as is rear cross-traffic alert.

Dual-zone climate control comes standard on the Crosstrek, which will now have its HVAC system focus on occupied seats instead of the whole cabin to improve efficiency, the brand says.

Subaru's Starlink infotainment system will come standard with dual 7-inch touch screens or an optional single 11.6-inch touch screen that is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Pricing for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek will start at $26,290, including shipping, the brand said.