2024 Subaru Crosstrek review | AWD small SUV replaces XV (inc hybrid)!

[@johnrumley7642]

I was prepared to purchase a Crosstreck but after extensive searching of the internet road test, every one was critical of the engine performance even with the 2.5Liter which was disappointing and we only get the 2 liter. Likewise the transmission came in for comment as a poor part of the engine/trans. package. I will either look again at the Mazda CX3 or wait to see what Subaru does about the performance situation. This was a good road test and I shall watch in the future.

[@therightcar]

Thank you mate. It is disappointing that Subaru hasn’t figured out the “downsized turbo” route… or downsized electrified. Maybe they’ll dip deeper into their relationship with Toyota and fit a (better) hybrid!

[@Tech-49]

The most common complaint about the XV was that it was gutless/underpowered. The answer to that criticism is already there in the US 2.5L models, I can't believe Subaru Australia has not addressed this model's single biggest flaw.

[@therightcar]

Yep, I concur. It needs more. Actually it deserves more.

[@batulaut]

Actually if you look at the engine design, particularly the intake piping, it does not have a variable intake system unlike most inline 4 engine that have it which addresses the low end grunt issue. Even some V6 engine also comes with variable intake design. Subaru increasing the displacement only solve half of the power band issue, they should redesign the intake system to incorporate variable intake design to fully address the problem.

[@declanlee6512]

Hi Matt, I've been a fan of your reviews since the CarAdvice days. Great review of the Crosstrek. However I own a 2022 Subaru XV 2.0i-S and I'm actually a little bit disappointed in this new model compared to mine. I've test driven an outback with the larger screen and I actually prefer the smaller screen. For some reason its faster and more intuitive, yes the sat nav isn't amazing but I use Carplay, the reversing camera seems to be better quality on the smaller screen. I happen to like the physical buttons, I also prefer the sedate look in comparison to the aggressive squintiness and overuse of the black plastic cladding. Whats really glaring is that my version came with 310 litres of boot space whereas this one only has 291 litres. 20 litres may not seem like much but if you back a lot of gear in to them for the weekend like I do, it makes all the difference. Its also shame that Subaru have removed the orange stitching! its makes my car just that little bit more interesting! I'll probably hang on to mine until I can afford the next gen outback in 5 years time.

[@anthabr]

Hi Matt. Thanks for the review. I have checked out the new Subaru Crosstrek and there is definitely a rear passenger armrest across all three trim levels. We have a Subaru Outback purchased new 6 years ago. While it is not the quickest or sportiest drive around, it is a very practical car and extremely well put together. Not a squeak or rattle after 6 years. Very easy to live with.

[@arad907]

Great review! Is it possible for you to review older cars as well? I know they are harder to find, but They could bring viewers as well, since they Re not lots of channels covering them in Australia.

[@therightcar]

Thank you. I’d suggest you check out Redriven, it’s a used car review channel my friends run. It’s excellent!!

[@brianhoward9217]

Great review Matt - thank you. I agree with your final conclusions (I'm in the market currently) For my money, they'll definitely need to 1) update to the 2.5L NA or the 2.4Turbo 2) enlarge the boot to at least being competitive with others in the segment and 3) rear armrest - this is unbelievable they've ditched this and the air vents in the rear. What on earth were they thinking? Those 3 combined, especially the motor, are showstoppers for me. Very odd they didn't update at least the motor for the 'Crosstrek' launch. So much for them being an engineering led company as we all thought! I really want to buy one of these and I will . . . AFTER they make it a 2.5L or 2.4Turbo. Definitely NOT with the embarrassing 2.0L asthmatic donk!

[@chris_s01]

Great review Matt, but no digital instrument cluster and electric tailgate on a 2023 “MY24” Top Spec vehicle is in my opinion unacceptable with the asking price for a small “suv”

[@therightcar]

I hear you. Some notable shortfalls.

[@checho00]

it as cup holders, and arm rest in the back !!!

[@victoryh67]

Would love to watch a review on the Suzuki Vitara

[@MrYou76tube]

Great review. I’ll be waiting for a more powerful engine.

[@lespecsman]

Ok we just bought a new Aus top spec demo Non Hybrid* Crosstrek with 5000ks on the clock A very good bang for the buck with some extras too, Personally i like the low profile of the Subaru compared to practically all other SUV's the 2Ltr engine is perfectly satisfactory in my opinion it was never intended to be a hoon car anyway. Everything works well and the safety features and premium sound system are great.The interior is very comfortable and has a much nicer feel than the likes of some smaller competitors out there EG Kia's which we looked at. I was surprised to see a lot of hard plastic surfaces which they seem to have adopted maybe to keep costs down . Few cars in this price category have AWD all of the time like the Subaru and most turbo engines will require Premium Petrol . The Crosstrek will run on Regular 91 oct Fuel . Another reason for buying the Subaru is there are no lengthy delivery times , Subaru make a much smaller range of cars and are able to supply much faster say compared with Toyota that have long delays like so many others .Remember no car is perfect * I understand Subaru will be using much better Toyota Hybrid technology in future models

[@rbalse]

Nice review. However, you forgot to mention road noise. I still driving my 2013 XV (because it refuses to die or get old). However, it's major shortcomings are its overly firm ride and the intrusion of road noise on coarse chipped roads (Hello Hume Highway...I am looking at you). So many reviewewers overlook commenting on this. Oh. it might just be a fetish of mine,, but I hate open cup holders in the console. Any car that provides a cover, gets big brownie points from me).

[@therightcar]

Thanks. I’m hoping to get a Crosstrek hybrid soon to sample, and I will see if I concur. I’m a bit of a road-noise-noticer myself. I drive on the M4 and there are some rough bits near me.

[@Waheeda-kl8lt]

Hi Bro. Thanks for your review. Your review videos are very helpful.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Im totally baffled by Subaru. Im in the UK and it looks like they have reduced the power on this new model from about 150ps down to 136ps. What on earth are they doing ? It needed more not less. I think over here, Subaru are trying to sell as few as possible which gives them a reason to pull out the UK. Not joking either.

[@therightcar]

It is confounding that they haven’t boosted this with a downsized turbo. Maybe in time we’ll see some crossover with Toyota as they’re bedfellows now. Would be great to see the Corolla hybrid 4-cylinder in this! And the GR Yaris / Corolla 3-pot turbo!

[@djt1106]

Hi Matt - I'm now the proud owner of my 3rd Subaru Crosstrek / XV in the last 5 years. My latest vehicle is the 2024 S and I love it!. If there was an option to upgrade to the turbo or Wilderness version then sure I would have considered that. However, there wasn't and if it was a deal breaker then I would have looked to other manufacturers. Anyways, sorry buy I think your comments are way too harsh and haven't factored in the commercial reality that we live in.

[@therightcar]

Hi mate. You’re entitled to your opinion, but with respect I’ve driven every other small SUV, so I know what I’m on about.

[@antonilavin2488]

Matt , really like your reviews. Just found your channel and subscribed. Keep up the great work!

[@oscarsusan3834]

Undoubtedly the XV/Crosstrek is a historical success but is it a compelling reason to upgrade the car to the new Crosstrek? -nope. 2.5 ltr upgrade to standard for Australia was a missed opportunity. Regards to boot space, it’s a marketing ploy to upgrade to the next model.

[@therightcar]

Fair. But it works for couples, in terms of boot space. Apparently.

[@oscarsusan3834]

@@therightcar Works for me too.XViS 2018 owner.

[@AmberKwow]

Keep up the good work 👌👌👌

[@generector8583]

Base model Subaru Crosstrek: Factory MSRP 25,095 All dealers MSRP is over 27,000 Someone is lying. Must be the Manufacturer all dealers stand together and all are over 27,000. Dealers would never lie about a single one of their numbers.

[@ChKashifRasheed]

Great Review ... Thanx❤

[@JamesMackay95]

The grey interior plastics are unforgivable! Leave them in the 90s where they belong.

[@stuartkennedy4202]

The U.K. doesn’t get a 2.5L nor an ‘S’ model we get either the SE or the SE Premium and that’s it hence I haven’t bought one yet.

[@therightcar]

Does a 2.5L make sense in the UK?

[@ssg8335]

how did u get this pricing when msrp is 39k? for base

[@sw2092]

Thanks for doing your very best to keep me interested in what seems to be yet another underwhelming Subaru, Matt. To be honest though, I think that I could hear the disappointment in your voice. If I remember correctly, Toyota upped their interest in Subaru in recent years, and it now seems to be that Subaru are becoming more meh as years go by, yet Toyota is going from strength to strength. Subaru even stuffed up the hybrids. Where is the advancement here from what was once one of the most innovative Japanese car manufacturers? The glory days of the mid 2000's Liberty are long gone. I'm not anti-Subaru - I just thing that they could do so much better. On a personal note - that side cladding looks bizarre. And for me, cloth seats all the way. It's ironic how back in the 70s and 80s, base spec cars had vinyl seats and the posh ones had cloth. Now it's the other way around with the cheapies having cloth and the top specs having vinyl (faux leather). And despite the negative tone, I still enjoyed your review, Matt!

[@therightcar]

Thanks. I was underwhelmed. I hope the midlife update in 2025 (likely with Toyota hybrid tech!!) will make me find the joy in this car.

[@M8YM8]

Damn I wish my 6 month old Forester had a 360 camera

[@therightcar]

Would be nice!! Next gen will get it.

[@tinker1148]

US specs have rear seat fold down armrests/cup holders. Strange that you don’t.

[@thabodlamini36]

It does come with center armrest in a back seat

[@therightcar]

Not the car I had…

[@johngregory9221]

@@therightcar you need to lift the centre headrest!

[@thehuonpine]

I just don't understand why Subaru cannot offer the 2.5L engine, it will boost the sales figure!!

[@niborrandoacho]

Dude I can see the flip down armrest move when you hit it on 7:54 which I’m sure has the cup holders there.

[@therightcar]

Yep. I think I screwed up hahah

[@Tech-49]

Can any of the cameras in this model record their footage onto a SD card or would you need to buy a separate dashcam ?

[@therightcar]

You’ll need a dash cam.

[@iqraahmad86]

Good video

[@therightcar]

Thanks

[@ColdSplash]

Great review. Very informitive. I struggle to see the value proposition of the Crosstrek, however. For a car that targets the mass market and one of the most fiercely battled segement, it is not nice looking enough, not priced well enough (especially consider the feature and equipment); offers underwhelming performance, mediocre running cost and warranty, then further borgged down by its sub par practicality and not-too-brilliant track record on the CVT reliability. I really don't see the point of this car.

[@therightcar]

Thanks!! Yep, it has limited appeal on paper but for a lot of people it’s just the right size and the appeal of AWD is real, too. There are about a dozen near my place.

[@trajanaugustus8783]

Nice review. Here in Germany, I bought one of the last XV's which was loaded with everything and am loving it. The only option the German market has for the CrossTrek is a Hybrid 2.0L with 136ps/134hp due to the German's leftist government's green insanity. The CrossTrek needs a turbo to give it a good boost and lose its underpowered reputation behind.

[@peterhughes8699]

Hi Mat - I'm a single retired male with only a Dog, bike and surfboard to carry. Don't care about boor space, back seat leg room or high performance and I'm 90% in urban area. Currently own a 2007 Outback and want to downsize a little to Crosstrek. 2.0R looks perfect for me. 2 Litre engine = higher fuel economy than a 2.5, or my old Outback, and don't mind being a touch underpowered on hills. You talked me out of a Hydrid. The Toyota Cross looks great also but is much more exy

[@richardharker2775]

A lot of people hang crap on the little Subie but there are a lot of owners that have stuck by them without any care of so called negatives. I'm on the fence with one of the Crosstrek's possibly the R version or a Mazda CX 30 with similar spec but I've red comments that although both have safety technology the Subie implements it much better. Have you experieced this yourself?

[@therightcar]

Thanks for commenting. The R seems the sweet spot to me if you are going for a Crosstrek. I wouldn’t say the Mazda implements it’s safety tech badly. But I would say that the Crosstrek feels a bit more like it’s own thing when it comes to Subaru’s safety systems. And it feels more like a little SUV than a jacked up hatch.

[@richardharker2775]

Thanks Matt. I appreciate your views.

[@MarthaMansbridge]

Subaru’s 2.0 and 2.5 engines are gutless. The entire range sold in Europe and Australia for some reason get Subaru’s worst engines. They all need the 2.4turbo to make them liveable.

[@henryhenrywang5333]

I am an OZ, l paid deposit for 2024 crosstrek hybrid, is that Subaru hybrid is pretty weak as others said?

[@markuc]

@@henryhenrywang5333 what a choice to be regretted! 🤡 Let's check back after 3 years

[@larpy]

Don’t know why they don’t just add a turbo to it. Too slow

[@ZeryusXD]

I'd love to see the 2.5L option soon!

[@z1az285]

i hope the 2024 US Subaru hybrid doesn't have the half @$$ed (excuse me) eBoxer engine. and i do hope they have the full hybrid system from toyota

[@Ali-w3s1h]

Really good ❤

[@JeanetteMirabito-yy9if]

Hi, I drove the new cross track too. I agree I found the driving a little better than the previous model which I own in the 2020 version premium XV. I’m disappointed they have cut out the premium as I think it’s a lot of money to go to the top of the line just to get a sunroof. It would be nice if Subaru can join Toyota with coming out with a real great hybrid which Toyota are so good at doing. I’m waiting to see what comes next. Like many other comments I prefer the orange stitching and a little bit more jazz in the cockpit area. They seem to have gone quite bland here even though America still doing orange and yellow and lime stitching. I do you think it’s important to think about the quality though and I believe the car made in Japan is still far superior than the stuff coming out of Korea, just my thoughts. 😀

[@ANMS_Family]

Beautiful

[@sanath.narayan]

i still remember driving this car in NFS MOST WANTED 2005

[@MasterMind-io6bp]

Really Good

[@maryamnawaz22]

Beautiful ❤❤

[@therightcar]

Thank you! 😊

[@AlizaAzam-zm9ch]

Very nice ❤ 🎉

[@shakeelqureshi6771]

Beautiful car

[@AmeerBuxBhayo-y1c]

Great full

[@GlowingTube]

Underwhelming especially at the new higher prices.

[@therightcar]

Yeah, it still fills its niche though.

[@GlowingTube]

@@therightcar It does and a popular one at that. If you needed AWD and reasonable off-road capability but wanted a car like driving experience this works.

[@hareemdilawaizkhan9237]

Nice car

[@mixupchannel643]

What a nice car 🚗

[@YZJB]

It’s taken me way too long to work out that your logo is a giant question mark 😂

[@therightcar]

Hahaha. It’s a mix of design elements including a question mark, a helmet, a race track, a steering wheel …

[@imranjaved9673]

Nice suv❤❤

[@stendecstretcher5678]

Maybe the fact that Toyota are part owners is going to have a negative effect on Subarus from now on.

[@Richard-sl8we]

Hi Matt, Off topic, but your thoughts please. Corolla SX Hybrid, Skoda Scala 110 TSI Signature or a VW T-Roc 110 TSI Style? My heart says T-Roc and my head says Corolla.

[@therightcar]

I think we will see some BIG positives as a result of this soon.

[@therightcar]

Hey Richard - if it’s me buying it, then it’s the Scala. Longer warranty and a lovely car.

[@AtifKhan-fw5jd]

Fantastic red ca

[@MirzaZahid-q4x]

Super Great Subaru car❤

[@smlines9836]

😻😻😻

[@sadiaiftikhar7459]

👏

[@rokana9641]

Outback Junior..

[@therightcar]

Very very Junior. Haha.

[@anakinskywalker4113]

Desperately needs a turbo engine. The weedy 2.0l engine is a deal breaker for me. You are making similar mistakes to almost every other car reviewer. Stop focusing on all the morning journalist mumbo jumbo. Who cares about an electric boot! Please talk about what the average person who buys these cars will be looking for. A lot of that stuff is just gimmicks.

[@therightcar]

Ask a parent who always has their arms full of kid stuff (me!!) and they’ll tell you that no electric boot is a PAIN. It’s a valid criticism not mumbo jumbo.

[@anakinskywalker4113]

@@therightcar I can sort of see your point on that one. However the stuff I was referencing is the other boring stuff that all motoring journalists carry on about. The average person has no clue what your talking about when it comes certain things. I am a mechanic & I know from experience most people just want it nice & simple. Most car reviews in my personal opinion go over the top with stuff such as touch screens etc. the average person sometimes just wants to know is it a good car for going to the shops & back. It is not all about the gizmos & gadgets.

[@SickocrowAU]

For some reason we got passed over for the 2.5L version. I'll stick with my 12yo Forester.

[@leonmumford179]

I have a 22 xv. Other than being slightly underpowered it's a great car can't fault it

[@declanlee6512]

@@leonmumford179 I have the 22 XV in 2.0i-S spec and yes its not quick but I've never found it underpowered. I will agree that if they fitted the 2.5 engine or perhaps even the 2.4 turbo from the WRX, I would buy one today!

[@kashifsajjad-u7p]

Good car

[@SajjadAli-xx5fk]

The University

[@AmirZaib-rx7ov]

Nice economically car

[@RanaFaisal-mk9yb]

Good

[@peterhughes8699]

So I saw this KZbin video criticise the allegedly under powered engine on this Crosstrek. I then wrote the comment below. Later I drove 2 of these cars. A friends, and then a demo car at a Dealer. I literally laughed and came to conclusion ALL of these car reviewers are petrol heads who want a racing car and routinely speed on Aussie roads. While this car is no petrol gussling racer it has more than adequate power and acceleration for the average driver. You never have to floor it unless you're speeding like an idiot. It doesn't need a 2.5L engine and that will only be less fuel efficient. I wouldn't recommend this car for a family of 4 but it's great as is for a single person or couple. Contrary to this review it's also quiet, doesn't whine and has excellent boot space. After laughing at this review I bought the 2.0R Crosstrek :)

[@therightcar]

I’m glad you’re happy with yourself. Enjoy your slow car.

[@peterhughes8699]

@@therightcar Thanks - and please stop speeding on aussie roads :) Take notice of speed limits

[@buncha5651]

The name change doesn't make a silk purse out of a pigs ear. The interior is 50 shades of grey. To top it off, CVT, no thanks.

[@therightcar]

Ha! Knew it.

[@zulfiqarghaffari5326]

yes it is right car

[@therightcar]

You have a lot of Right Car choices!

[@muhammadnawaz5411]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤

[@LightingComposition]

It’s getting uglier in terms of its design