Whereas Zac Palmer was busy reviewing the extra highly effective 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport in New York, I used to be in California with a decidedly slower Crosstrek Premium stuffing it with baggage. Enjoyable enjoyable!
I baggage examined the previous-generation Crosstrek, making this solely the second time I will have generation-to-generation comparisons to make (the primary was the Civic Hatchback). On paper, the 2024 Crosstrek has misplaced 0.9 cubic-foot of house, which might be important once we’re solely speaking 19.9 cubes. The final one was in a position to maintain greater than its quantity determine would recommend, although, due to a usefully huge cargo space freed from any odd areas.
Let’s have a look at how the brand new one does. Oh, however another factor: you may think about this a baggage take a look at for the 2024 Subaru Impreza … trigger relating to the cargo space, it is the identical automotive.
The outgoing Crosstrek is on the best. It is laborious to inform with the lighting and physique shade, however does not it appear to be the brand new fashions’ liftgate has a barely steeper angle? That might actually clarify the cubic-foot distinction.
Additionally, since we’re doing that side-by-side: Word this take a look at car didn’t have a cargo cowl. Fortunately, for the reason that two generations are so related and I may clearly see the place the quilt cartridge mounting factors could be, I may simply guestimate the quantity of luggage in a position to match with out eradicating the quilt cartridge.
As with each baggage take a look at, I exploit two midsize curler suitcases that will must be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 huge, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that simply barely match within the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that matches simply (23L x 15W x 10D). I additionally embrace my spouse’s fancy in a single day bag simply to spruce issues up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).
And this is your distinction!
See how the bag is propped up on the best aspect (zoomed in under left), however not within the last-generation? It subsequently would NOT match below the cargo cowl within the 2024. This implies the brand new mannequin is a fraction of an inch narrower between the wheel wells. I do know this as a result of my smaller blue bag is a fraction of an inch narrower than the medimum-sized black ones and does match (under proper)
Additionally, in case you are questioning, the flowery bag was too lengthy to suit between the cargo cowl and tailgate initially. That is not going to alter this time round.
OK, let’s take away the imaginary cargo cowl and discuss cargo space size. The massive blue bag is just too huge to slot in the outboard parts of the cargo space standing up on its aspect, however does match when positioned within the center.
Regardless of the ever-so-slightly narrower cargo flooring, the identical variety of luggage match within the 2024 Crosstrek as match within the previous-generation mannequin. The baggage are simply swapped round a bit.
BUT! Word the flowery bag. Whereas it should nonetheless match with the liftgate closed, observe that it’s kind of extra squished now. If full, it would not slot in that location. This most likely confirms my suspicion concerning the liftgate angle being the offender for that lacking dice.
Now, observe that I stated it would not slot in THAT location. It is going to nonetheless match, however with a compromise.
Put the 2 medium-sized luggage up prime within the center and there is greater than sufficient house for an unsquished fancy bag and almost-as-much leftover house because the previous Crosstrek managed with almost-the-same formation.
However this is the issue.
First, buh-bye rear visibility. This goes towards baggage take a look at protocol, so the unique Tetris would be the official placement/quantity/no matter. Sure, official. I’ve these notarized and all the pieces.
Second, the baggage are simply kissing the glass. One other fraction of an inch and that is completely no bueno.
OK, shifting on to another Crosstrek cargo-related issues.
The brand new Crosstrek has bottle holders! On each side!!! My cash is on them passing Snyder’s Nalgene Check with flying colours.
There are three attachment factors on both sides of the cargo space. They’re nearly actually supposed for cargo nets and such, however they might be helpful in different methods.
Right here is the cargo space gentle. Its placement on the aspect is much less helpful than within the liftgate as a result of stuff will block it, however observe the operated by hand change. This is able to allow you to depart the liftgate open with out draining the battery with a lightweight unnecessarily on.
There’s not a lot under-floor storage in addition to these tiny trays adjoining to the bottle holders, nor does the Crosstrek have the type of dual-level cargo flooring that is prevalent. It does have a compact spare, nevertheless, which it undoubtedly would not have if there was a dual-level flooring.
For those who’re doing out of doors adventuring, I might most likely need the spare over the additional house. Particularly since …
A Crosstrek with no roof field or one thing else strapped to the roof is an uncommon sight — at the least after I lived in Oregon. As such, let’s speak about its roof rails! These are redesigned for 2024.
They had been beforehand rounded on each ends, whereas the brand new ones characteristic a extra angled, upright bracket on every finish. These additionally comply with the contour of the roof extra intently, main me to imagine the brand new Crosstrek’s roof is straighter and fewer arched.
Both means, the Crosstrek’s customary roof rails proceed to be of the raised selection that makes it simpler to maneuver racks from automotive to automotive, versus needing new ft that clasp onto flush roof rails or, worse, expensive OEM-made crossbars that have to be bolted into mounted mounting factors inside fake rails. Briefly: these are higher.
By the way in which, the Crosstrek’s cargo space could also be ever-so-slightly smaller than earlier than, however it stays a median quantity in comparison with subcompact crossovers.
