“Subaru Crosstrek for CA trails”
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is a trail-proof marvel from the Japanese car maker. I had the opportunity to drive the Wilderness Edition, which comes prepared to tackle most trails in Southern California. I decided to drive it through Cloudland Truck Trail, an excellent dirt road that goes up from Devil Canyon near the 215 FWY. The compact crossover is powered by the reliable flat 4-cylinder 2.5L engine, generating 182 horsepower. The AWD system ensures that all wheels hold a grip on loose surfaces without much effort. You don’t need more power when the car feels well-planted. The special wheels, all-terrain tires, and 9.3 inches of ground clearance let you drive without worry on this dirt road. .
The Crosstrek Wilderness is designed for outdoor enthusiasts and targets a diverse age demographic group that shares a love for adventure-seeking and camping at national parks. You don’t need a complete 4×4 vehicle to enjoy nature after all. I explored some iconic forest roads around San Bernardino County without issues with the Crosstrek. I recommend you take routes like Rim of the World Scenic Byway, a trail that showcases this car’s off-road prowess. Camping sites like Barton Flats offer the perfect backdrop for Crosstrek owners to enjoy nature and fresh air.
But there is more.
The Crosstrek’s adaptability extends beyond city limits, making it a good companion for those seeking to venture off the beaten path. The Crosstrek also comes in a more mellow form that is more apt for city driving. With a smaller 2.0L engine, it becomes a perfect everyday commuter as well. I hear rumors that a Hybrid version is on the way. I hope they put that motor in the Wilderness version because that would be fitting.
Subaru is one of the most dependable cars today. A bit utilitarian, but many people want a car they don’t have to worry about, especially when out on the trails. At that point, there are only a few better options for much more money. The Wilderness Edition is about $32,000. The “civilized” version starts at $26,000. That is excellent value in today’s market. If you are into weekend nature trips, stop by a dealer and try one for size.
