2024 Subaru Crosstrek / Calling The Shots

[@uniformsixfour]

Just wanted to plug the channel. Your videos have really helped me in my quest for a brand new Subaru. Vehicles are a big expense and you helped me feel great rather than just good about my decision. Cheers to some well deserved success in your KZbin endeavor. Ps. The 10-20 minute videos are the perfect length to keep me watching even though I'm no longer in the market. I think a lot of people watch because they like you so I think you can afford to experiment with your content periodically if you feel the need to scratch that creative itch.

[@Realistick]

Thank you, I'm currently working on a different approach of review for the GR Corolla that I will probably release in December, I want to introduce more personal take videos (more cool shots/audio, more thoughts, less feature focused) on cars that I've already done full reviews on!

[@Unchainedmaple888]

Subaru, the 2.5L NA engine needs to be the base engine with the 2.4L turbo engine as the upgrade engine available starting with the sport trim. C'mon, so many of us want a WRX Crosstrek and you know it. It's all the car most of us would ever need. A Made In Japan WRX Crosstrek would be next level. Also just take the L and admit that everyone hates the laggy touchscreen climate controls. Bring back physical climate controls and you can still include a big screen as the climate controls don't take up a huge amount of space.

[@janoycresnova9156]

Agreed 100%. Give Imprezza, Crosstrek and Forester a turbo engine on higher trims. C'mon Subaru.

[@Realistick]

I can’t say that it would be a giant success (or that it is actually needed as they are thriving without a turbo) but it would be an amazing gift to fans before they start electrifying everything!

[@matthewviti2241]

Turbo, electronic liftgate, night panel (ala Saab), acoustic glass all around would be nice options :)

[@Unchainedmaple888]

@@Realistick I just think with the Crosstrek being their best selling model, they could afford to give us more options and axe the anemic 2.0L engine

[@Realistick]

That's a good point, I hope Subaru opens things up here soon, but it seems like they are dialing it back a little when it comes to enthusiast stuff (no more STI, MT gone from Impreza and Crosstrek). Thankfully, you can still buy a WRX and that comes with some body cladding too😂

[@Xynudu]

One area where the later Crosstreks excell but rarely gets mentioned in reviews is it's almost neutral steering balance. Most 4x4 understeer on slippery surfaces. With the Crosstrek you can really have some fun and push it hard on dirt roads as understeer is a non event, provided you enter corners on a trailing throttle. The Forester in comparison heavily understeers. Big difference,

[@edsmith9855]

I have an Impreza, and even with stock all seasons with 40k+ miles, it is still a beast in the snow. You can definitely hang the tail out with some throttle in the corners in snowy conditions.

[@casiolane1196]

bought the 2022 crosstrek premium 6 speed manual partially based on your insightful review of that vehicle. the manual, even with the 2.0, made the car a little special. thank you

[@Realistick]

Glad I could help and thank you for watching!

[@jeffrey3498]

I think the “cup holders” in the cargo area are actually for dog bowls.

[@Realistick]

That would make a lot of sense now that you mention it

[@patrickgile320]

I wouldn't mourn the loss of the 6MT. I owned one of those and there was so much rev hang it made me wish I had the CVT. If you live at altitude, buy nothing less than the 2.5L. The 2.0L was so terrifyingly slow climbing over Loveland pass with 4 people and their stuff (12k feet) it was enough to make me sell the car. Subaru really ought to be making the 2.5L standard with the 2.4L turbo as an option.

[@berthaadamson1225]

Yeah, I wish I could spring for the Limited or Wilderness trim (don’t like some features of the Sport) to get that engine. Fortunately I don’t like driving on passes like Loveland and I’m a like-things-my-way introvert who rarely travels with more than one additional person, so hopefully I will be just pokey but okay. 😉

[@josetomasoyarzun895]

Just got mine a couple of days ago and is such a nice and comfy ride for a daily, I think Subaru nailed it with this gen

[@blackdan0259]

Did you get premium model? I just order a base model crosstrek and can't wait for it to arrive.

[@josetomasoyarzun895]

@@blackdan0259 got the limited with the 2.0L engine (in my country we don’t get the 2.5 and I believe it’s unnecessary the bigger engine)

[@KuyaPow626]

Great review! Entertaining transition there when you went offroad lol

[@Lessontobe]

My dream car even though I had a 2011 Legacy that blue a head gasket. I purchased a new car (out of absolute necessity)in October 2022 and I am very satisficed with my purchase. I am just one of those Subaru freaks!

[@craigster1234]

Even happier now that I decided to buy one of the last 6 speed 2023 models.

[@Smegma_pirate]

Me too, I think we got a better car for less money

[@sammyt3514]

Thanks for the informative review; I've watched other reviews of this vehicle but none mentioned that the Wilderness edition has a transmission cooling feature that doesn't exist in other versions, which automatically makes it the version to get for me even if I won't take the car anywhere close to the 'wilderness'. CVTs are more fragile/shorter lived transmissions compared to conventional automatics and heat is one of the key factors impacting the transmission' service life, so any feature that cools the transmission, especially if it's a CVT, is worth getting imo. Kudos for doing a thorough job covering those cars in your reviews!

[@fp5495]

A lot of the YT reviewers should really consider that there are people that live in highly condensed urban/city center areas with high-speed highway and byway traffic, and that having a more powerful engine is not about being a speed demon. It's literally to have a safe amount of power to be able to merge without getting careened from behind, or being able to make the next exit safely. I hate when almost every reviewer says "this isn't fast, but, this isn't the car's mission". What the hell is that supposed to mean, that every car is measured against a BMW M4's power band? Ample power isn't a luxury, it's a necessity for many and shouldn't have excuses made for it. The Japaneses brands are lagging behind the Germans, Koreans and even the American brands when it comes to offering engines and transmission combos, that provide the proper dose of off-the-line grunt to just keep up with traffic. If they insist on using cheaply made CVTs, then start using small turbos dedicated to high-end torque, where people actually use most of the power of an engine, and don't make it your premium engine like Mazda, and charge a ridiculous amount for a very basic engine. The Japanese brands are truly stuck in a time warp.

[@tcj226]

I really wouldn't consider the interior "bargain bin." It's simple and utilitarian and simply has no need to be flashy. We have a 2017 Forester and its interior has proven really durable and somehow has remained largely rattle-free despite being just shy of 100,000 miles, something no other car I've owned could claim. It's just about as quiet inside as it was the day I bought it, which is why I'm buying a new Crosstrek to replace it.

[@WOOF95]

Great review!!

[@scottz3755]

What is your shoe size? It helps to know when dealing with back seat room. Thanks!

[@MasterDedalius]

Is your 2.5l also crippled to 163hp because of emission in the us? Here in europe it is… was around 200hp before.

[@Unchainedmaple888]

When you get the chance to try out the 2.5L Crosstrek, please compare it to the CX-30 if you can when it comes to it's handling, power delivery, and AWD behavior. Can't wait :)

[@Realistick]

Will do!

[@edsmith9855]

I currently have an Impreza, and am a fan of the Crosstrek. Sadly, I am disappointed with the "redesign". The 2.0L is not as bad as some make it out to be, but they should have made the 2.5L standard for both the Impreza and Crosstrek. Unfortunately, to get the more powerful engine, you have to spend nearly 30k. At that price, or a couple thousand more, you can get a Kona/Seltos with a 195 hp turbo, 8 speed auto, navigation and Bose stereo. As to the base and premium, for close to the same price you can get the CX-30 with the 2.5L across the board. Despite the Mazda fanboys who defend it, I am not a fan of the non-touch infotainment system on the Mazda, but I fear Subaru screwed the pooch as well with the new, huge touchscreen that eliminates physical buttons for climate control.

[@joelthorne7434]

Are the wheels falling off this Subaru?

[@Darthvolvo]

Enjoy your reviews. Do you ever get to review any Subarus or any other cars as long-term cars? Keep up the good work!

[@Realistick]

Thank you for watching, I do get some cars for a week, others are service loaners, used, but many are new inventory. I'm trying to get some Subarus for week long testing but the goal is to begin to buy test cars so we can really find out what's what!

[@sushmag4297]

The laggy touchscreen is such a turn off for this vehicle. I love the way the crosstrek looks from the outside but it seems they can never nail the inside.

[@ItsTheSidJ]

Such an underrated channel. Leaving a comment for the algo 😉

[@Realistick]

🫶

[@armodudegiantfan]

I feel like Subaru has lost its way. Dropping the STI, hatchback only for the Impreza but no hatch for the WRX, cutting nearly all the manuals, ergonomically unfriendly interiors, CVTs on WRXs and "offroad" vehicles, etc. Subaru used to be a brand with character, but with practicality. It was the perfect blend for enthusiasts and average consumers. Money talks, I guess.

[@Realistick]

It’s sad, but the WRX and BR-Z existing makes me feel okay about it

[@godwhomismike]

The Crosstrek basically has its roots going all the way back to the 1978 Subaru Hatchback and the 1985 Subaru Justy. Just like them, it is a (somewhat) inexpensive small raised AWD hatchback, which isn't very powerful or fast, but will handle the foulest weather and be able to traverse very narrow dirt/fire roads. I will admit, the loss of the manual is sad.

[@frafraplanner9277]

​@@godwhomismike I thought it reminded me of the Justy too! Subaru just needs to make a turbocharged manual Crosstrek and then it'll be perfect

[@zacharyreynolds4303]

@frafraplanner9277 the sad part is how even though by modern standards this is a subcompact or compact car, compared to a justy this thing is a hulk. I remember my first car, a first generation Forester, this is larger than that in every dimension and yet still has worse visibility, smaller windows, feels the same size inside and only gets like 5 mpg better than my old Fozzy did.

[@zacharyreynolds4303]

like my point is when you compare to European cars it really sucks we don't have more tiny options. no more Ford Focus, no more Toyota Yaris. If Subaru of any brand though, were to make a car lifted like this and the same size as those ACTUALLY tiny cars, like a Crosstrek only a little smaller I'd be the first in line

[@osmirod1]

Subaru really just Cntrl + C and Cntrl + V this so called “all-new” 2024!!!

[@car24dude]

It’s 2024 still no Crosstrek WRX ! ! 😢😢

[@godwhomismike]

In my opinion, the Crosstrek basically has its roots going all the way back to the 1978 Subaru Hatchback and the 1985 Subaru Justy. Just like them, it is a (somewhat) inexpensive small raised AWD hatchback, which isn't very powerful or fast, but will handle the foulest weather and be able to traverse very narrow dirt/fire roads. I will admit, the loss of the manual is sad. Still, I am planning on ordering a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Limiited this week with the HK audio, the protective accessories - body side molding, rear bumper cover, seat back protector, and mud flap (they have full sized mud flaps as an accessory now), and the dealer said they would also install a set of wheels/tires for me at the time of sale (I might go with the 17" LP Adventure wheels in black) with a set of 225/60-17 Falken Wildpeak Trails. That would give me an extra inch of sidewall, I can still use the spare tire (tire size less than 1mm difference in dimensions from stock 18s), they are lightweight for AT tires, three peak snow flake rated for better snow handling (obviously not as good as a dedicated snow tire - but saves me two trips to the mechanic each year for the swap and reprogram the TPMS), and they are rated/warrantied for 65K miles. My driveway is part dirt and part gravel, is snow covered all winter and a muddy mess all spring - should work a lot better than the stock tires. I would have gotten the Wilderness, but my current Nissan lease ends in less than 3 months, and the Wilderness is basically expected in November/December.

[@Xynudu]

I first saw Subaru 4x4 in action in the early 70's at a motocross meet where most cars parked at the bottom of a grassy hill. Come time to leave and it rained. The only two vehicles that got up that hill were the Subarus. I never forgot that moment and 40+ years later after owning several large tray top 4x4's for work I finally bought a Crosstrek when I retired. It absolutely excells in slippery conditions. Great vehicle. Total confidence in it's ability.

[@johnnytuinals9046]

Hi I am selling my 2020 Challenger ScatPack that I paid 3 years ago New for $36,000.And if the WORLD was good it would sell for $26,000 today butttt The World have a Chip Shortage stilllll.And Caravan is giving me $45,000 for it so I feel $30,000 will go towards a New car and will bank the $15,000....I am leaning towards the Subaru and hoping some dealers might get the car in stock because all dealers in Pa. have them in Transit....Myself this will be a great car to drive around for the next few years....But hoping for under $30,000 I can get something with a Moonroof and a few upgrades butttt upgrades really don't count since they are all over priced......Myself I will miss the 485HP that I get from the Challenger but this 67 year old dude can care less to impress people lol..........

[@khanhquoc8277]

Bao giờ về vn nhỉ

[@MissJharLeeTalks]

Algo comment 🎉

[@Realistick]

Much obliged

[@fjg2896]

Good video. Hit all the important points.

[@Realistick]

I appreciate the feedback!

[@In-obscurity-n7j]

Do you lose the Data/credit when you reload?

[@Realistick]

Yes, it's like it is a whole new video and the algorithm bases recommendations on how well it does with your regular viewers. I wouldn't expect most people to watch again (thank you for watching), so that will likely hurt its ability to be recommended in the short term. I'm hoping it won't hurt too much long term.

[@In-obscurity-n7j]

That's too bad. But glad I ask.

[@theamazinggoldfish8713]

At my age I'll probably just keep my 21 Impreza manual for the rest of my remaining life unless,...... Subaru decides to bring the WRX wagon in 6 speed manual to the US....😅

[@jeffrey3498]

I think the premium 2024 interior has been downgraded from the 2023 premium. The 2023 has nice red stitching, leather wrapped steering wheel with red stitching, better looking interior parts on the doors, plus the secondary display and physical climate control knobs and buttons.

[@ZeGermanHam]

The 2024 Premium was definitely downgraded compared to the 2023 Premium. As mentioned, no more leather steering wheel or accent stitching, and to get heated seats, mirrors, and wipers, you now can only get them by paying $2245 extra for the OP14 package. Absolutely agree with you about the door panels and controls. Subaru kept the 2024 base prices somewhat close to what they were for 2023, but it appears the achieved that by cheapening up the interior in a number of key ways.

[@jeffrey3498]

@@ZeGermanHam Yes, the cold weather package was removed from the 2024 premium unless you get the expensive moonroof etc. package. I still think the 2024 Crosstrek premium is a good value though, just not as good as the 2023.

[@alengreen589]

good review 👍👍👍

[@Realistick]

Thank you

[@brz757]

Subaru should kill the 2.0 and 2.5 and just roll with the FA24 NA from the BRZ as base and the FA24 turbo as the sport. 228 hp, just blow everyone else tfo. Save money and parts and put those in everything, from Crosstrek to Ascent.

[@Unchainedmaple888]

Problem is that the BRZ FA24 needs premium gas and most people won't be willing to shell out the extra money

[@zacharyreynolds4303]

​@@Unchainedmaple888you could probably de tune it to take regular and still get 30 hp more than old 2.5

[@brz757]

@@zacharyreynolds4303 Probably would, the Ascent uses regular gas even though it's a turbo. Bet the NA would still make 200hp detuned.

[@Doc1855]

Well Subaru as well as every other automobile manufacturer didn’t listen to the Whole planet that EVERYONE is sick and tired of the 1990 , 33+ years of the Depressing Grey and Death Black interior colors.

[@godwhomismike]

I miss how the 80s, interiors came in blue (dash, doors, seats), red, brown, plaid, etc...

[@Doc1855]

@@godwhomismike Everyone does

[@danielfair4675]

​@David Smith ummmm, no they don't.

[@Doc1855]

@@danielfair4675 I’m a retired psychologist. It is a proven fact that when economies , wars, rumors of war, civil unrest, etc people flock to dark drab colors such as grey, black, you know, gloomy colors. But when our economy is stable, we have civil rest and our future looks bright, people run to cheerful uplifting colors. Sorry but you’re showing signs of depression and an unhealthy outlook on life. Enjoy your day !

[@palmfishing]

​@@Doc1855glad you're retired.😂

[@whoawoahh]

Hello

[@zackarystewart9214]

Problem is the cvt transmission. We've seen so many fail in the last couple of years

[@Realistick]

Source? I’ve only seen notable problems with early lineartronics, later ones seem to be much better. Especially since they’ve started recommending fluid changes! This is what I’ve gathered from forums, carcomplaints.com and Consumer Reports.

[@dennislambert4467]

Is it just in general or only on the crosstrek

[@zackarystewart9214]

@@dennislambert4467 just about every Subaru. Our small local Vo-tech just got 15 transmissions donated to them from the dealership. They're failing at a high rate and I'm shocked it's not being published. They should have used the 8 speed the Toyota rav4 and Volkswagen Tiguan use.

[@fjg2896]

​@@zackarystewart9214 Probably older models.

[@zackarystewart9214]

@@fjg2896 nope 2023

[@michaelflinn7784]

Horrible gearbox and tiny boot with a space saver spare wheel????

[@Realistick]

Dawg any spare tire is a W today.

[@topofthegreen]

It’s the high oil consumption I can’t live with.

[@Realistick]

Neither could I, that was a big problem with the first gen Crosstrek but hasn’t been one for awhile!

[@100M2B]

At this point, all Subaru models' both exterior and interior look old and a decade behind compared to competition. And, the Subaru's renowned Symmetrical AWD alone won't attract today's younger buyers. There are just too many good choices other than Subaru nowadays.

[@Realistick]

I hear you, they do feel dated, though the trend lately has been outdoorsy models and Subaru does that, along with handling and comfort, very well or best-in-class in some cases.

[@honda116969]

I think it's good they stick with the roots sometimes the old skool is just better than the newer stuff

[@PizzaTheHutt8281]

As a younger buyer, the interior may not be the best, but the exterior at least has some distinct personality, so many new cars are ugly wind tunnel eggs that the Subaru looking a bit different made me spring for it over the competition.

[@arnaldoim]

@@PizzaTheHutt8281Agreed, so many crossovers and small SUVs in this class look like boxes or eggs. This looks aggressive and sporty but still ergonomic with space when necessary

[@mss627]

Never understood the appeal of these cars. They're not fast. There not fuel efficient. There not even reliable. They're just overpriced snowmobiles.

[@arnaldoim]

Anything made in Japan is going to be leaps and bounds more reliable than anything else and you can count on the car manufacturers that still make their parts or cars in Japan on one hand. They’re also pretty fuel efficient considering it’s not a hybrid engine like how many newer cars are becoming. So hard disagree, but this car is a lot more popular in the northern US states where weather gets fishier. Probably would be a hard sell to buy one in the south though

[@berthaadamson1225]

My first Subaru was 12 years old when I bought it, 14 years when I gave it to my mother who kept it until she stopped driving because I bought an 8 year old one that I’ve now had for 15 years. Still runs but needs a repair for emissions so getting a new one. Go to shopping center here will see multiple generations of various Subaru models still in use. Depending on where you live, a snowmobile is nothing to disparage.

[@RajaRaja-xs1he]

way over priced. get cx-5

[@danielfair4675]

Lol. Nope

[@economiccrisis9267]

Hell no