2024 Subaru Crosstrek: The Differences Between USA and Canada Trims

The American and Canadian automotive markets are very similar. The vehicles sold in both countries are near identical, but there are a few differences, usually dictated by climate and geography.

There are, however, other variations between the two countries which is more manufacturer specific. Some brands do sell basically the same vehicles in both countries, using the same trim names and more or less, the same features. Other manufacturers, like Subaru, allow each country to specify their own model lineup.

This can lead to different trim names at equivalent price points containing different features, such is the case with the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. To help consumers who may be cross-shopping between countries, or just curious about the differences, we have broken down how the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek lines up head-to-head between Canada and the United States.

It's worth noting as well that the Sport and Limited trims sold in the United States are built at the plant in Indiana, while the Base and Premium are built in Japan. The Convenience, Touring, Onyx, and Limited trims for Canadian Crosstreks are built in Japan. All Wilderness models for both countries are built in Indiana. Confused yet?

As the entry-level vehicles for each region, the American Base and the Canadian Convenience offer the least amount of equipment. Both come standard with a 2.0-liter four cylinder making 152 horsepower and 144 pound feet of torque, mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission driving all four wheels.

Both vehicles also come with 17-inch alloy wheels in a dark gray or black finish depending on which county is asked. Neither vehicle comes with painted side mirrors or door handles, and both lack fog lights. Where things differ is the Canadian Convenience includes roof rails and a wiper de-icer while the American base does not.

Inside there is no difference as both vehicles include manually adjustable front seats and do not include a rear center arm rest or push button start. The entry level Crosstreks also have a 7.0-inch infotainment system.

Stepping a level and there’s more that separates the two countries. The American Premium and Canadian Touring are the volume sellers for the brand. Mechanically, they are no different than the entry-level models, but do have two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels.

With the exterior, the Premium now has roof rails, but the wiper de-icer is still only optional. Both vehicles have LED fog lights and dark grey painted side mirrors. Only American buyers are able to add a sunroof at an additional cost on the Premium.

Inside, both countries now include push-button start, a rear center armrest, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 11.6-inch infotainment screen. American Premium models can now include WIFI and can be optioned with heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, and a sunroof.

Canadian Touring models have heated seats standard, but do not offer WIFI, a sunroof, or power seats. The Touring does have a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather wrapped gear selector not found in the Premium though. In fact, a heated steering wheel is never available in American Crosstrek models. The American Premium counters by including illuminated vanity mirrors on the visors—a feature not included at this trim level in Canadian Crosstreks.

The American Sport and Canadian Onyx are the adventure-lifestyle editions of the latest Crosstrek. Both upgrade the engine to the 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 182 hp and 178 lb-ft. Like the other Crosstrek models, these use a CVT that drives all four wheels.

On the exterior, the wheels are upgraded for both models to 18-inches in dark gray/black. The side mirrors, rear spoiler, and various other trim bits are finished in gloss black. There are noticeable differences, as the Sport has yellow accents on the front bumper and side cladding. The Onyx does away with this cladding but includes yellow fog light surrounds not included with the American vehicle.

Inside, the driver’s power seat and sunroof are standard on the Canadian Onyx but remain as extra cost options on the American Sport. The Sport does now have front heated seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel, and windshield wiper de-icers as standard equipment like the Onyx. But the Sport still does not have a heated steering wheel.

Both vehicles have cloth seats with yellow stitching. Other yellow accents are found within the interior as well as wireless phone charging. Finally, the Canadian Onyx now includes the illuminated vanity mirrors.

The Wilderness is a new trim for both countries. This is an off-road specific Crosstrek, with unique exterior styling including hexagonal fog lights, integrated tow hooks, a small front skid plate, and larger roof rails. To excel off-road, it has added ride height, increased towing capacity, and all-terrain tires.

Inside the vehicle uses easy to clean synthetic seats along with exclusive trim bits and badging. Like the Limited, a power driver’s seat, sunroof, and Harman Kardon audio system are extra cost items in American vehicles, but standard equipment in Canadian versions.

Like the Sport, Onyx, and Limited, the Wilderness uses the larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

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