Subaru Shines At The Chicago Auto Show 2024 Crosstrek Reveal, EVs, and Puppies!

You can’t go wrong with a Subaru. Just ask the millions of Subaru owners, I being one of them.

Most people are looking for reliability, good gas mileage and versatility. Subaru checks those boxes.

I always look forward to the Subie corner of the Chicago Auto Show. It always succeeds in producing the wow factor and this year was no different.

First up was a scheduled reveal of the all new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. Having reviewed a Crosstrek previously, I was all in. (click here to read my review) The ceilings are high at McCormick Place and Subaru made full use of them with majestic log cabin shell and even a catwalk positioned over the Crosstrek reveal. Media friends and I decided to head upward to that catwalk and grab a bird’s eye view of the process.

As we anxiously awaited the start, the venue filled with eager journalists, cameramen, and Subaru officials. Shoulder to shoulder on the elevated bridge, I positioned my camera for just the right shot. Great, I could get a good view just over the shoulder of the cameraman in front of me. Considering the moment, the realization of how far I’d come started to sink in.

Cancer causes one to reflect. Laying near death just two years prior, I wasn’t sure if I’d survive. Those days were long and daunting and life changing. Small things I used to enjoy were fading and sickness overcame me. Starting chemo was the big event then and now it was traded for this.

Concentrating on the present day is a skill that a cancer survivor must practice, so there I stood, an over comer. This moment was a true milestone and here’s the view…

Tom Doll, CEO of Subaru, is a 40 year veteran of the company and pride was evident as he talked about the hugely successful Crosstrek that has surpassed sales of other leading models for the brand. A major bragging point on the new 2024 Crosstrek is the fact that the starting price will not change for the new model year. Staying at $24,995, its in a super competitive compact crossover SUV market. That price will keep it in the lead.

After the reveal there was some time to cruise the other Subaru models at the Chicago Auto Show. Below you’ll see the largest of the Subaru models, the Ascent. EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard across all models and the SUBARU STARLINK multimedia Plus system is as well with varying sizes of screens available. These features attract the safety conscious consumer.

Below you’ll see the debut of the Onyx Edition Limited trim level. The mid-size crossover SUV Ascent competes with the Kia Telluride, Ford Bronco, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander, and the Honda Pilot in its class.

Starting at $26,495 the ever popular Forester’s classic lines and AWD capabilities make it an easy choice. It’s Wilderness Edition is an off-road haven. The award winning Forester is pictured below…could it be on your new car list?

Subaru’s partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association is evident in each twist and turn of their corner of the Chicago Auto Show floor. Large signage like the one below encourage travel with your Subaru to the National Parks by displaying a mini entrance and faux stonework that one might see at an actual park.

“Long Live Our National Parks.” moniker reads “Subaru is the National Park Foundation’s largest corporate supporter and has provided over $68 million to organizations working to preserve our parks and the adventure we find there.”

Subaru is one of the nation’s leaders in zero-landfill strategies. Starting in 2015 Grand Teton, Denali and Yosemite National Parks served as pilots for the partnership program. For more information click here to explore the National Parks Conservation Association.

Live plants dot the landscape and will be donated at the end of the show to the Kilburn Park organic greenhouse where they will distribute them to Community Gardens in the Parks Program and also to the USO Naval Station Great Lakes.

The Subaru Outback is pictured below in a strong athletic stance. Made for adventure, grab your bikes, tents, furry friends and head out for an AWD journey.

Notice the orientation of the STARLINK infotainment system!

I promised puppies, so here they are. Subaru partnered with Anderson Humane who brought adoptable puppies to the show. 51 dogs found their forever homes over the 10-day event. Read one of the adoption stories here.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Subaru’s new EV the Solterra. An EV range of over 220 miles is added to all of the standard features mentioned above. Solterra’s name is a combination of two Latin terms “sun” and “earth”. Subaru StarDRIVE Technology powers this EV with an all new Symmetrical AWD system. Built on a new e-Subaru Global Platform, put this one on your list if or when you consider opting out of gasoline.

Thanks Subaru for all the responsible things you do as a company. The National Parks thank you and so do the PUPPIES!