2024 Subaru Crosstrek | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports

[@Mcphlee]

From my understanding, the cladding is put in high impact areas to prevent corrosion and reduce road noise.

[@rickgarcia8481]

I like the cladding as well.

[@planr5572]

Am I the only one that likes the cladding? Gives Subaru a signature look. Plus they do add some functionality, especially on unpaved roads.

[@Billybobthor]

I think they serve the purpose of looking better than scratches on the paint. So I’m ok with them.

[@m-cw7er]

Nope

[@lash9400]

I love the cladding on my WRX. I’ve seen the cladding color matched and in my opinion the un painted looks far better

[@AbleMable]

@@lash9400 I also have a 2022 WRX. I love the cladding, but not the rear bumper. The rear bumper needs a bit of a rework, which I suspect will happen with the 2024 model year.

[@michaelmorrissey5631]

No, most definitely not! These guys are dweebs. Subaru has ALWAYS marched to their own drum and I would not have any other way!

[@tah6746]

Bring back Physical Buttons for Controlling features in a car. I would rather have a Physical dedicated button or switch that have to navigate through a Screen. Manual Transmission Option would be another item to bring back or make available.

[@randomgrinn]

No idea what the advantage of manual transmission is, but totally agree with having physical buttons.

[@DavGreg]

Subaru has a voice command but these "experts" seem not to realize that. I own an Outback which uses essentially the same screen - the things you control from the scene are things you generally do not do while driving.

[@TokyoOlympics2020]

My 2016 Impreza CVT went bad, now I have a manual 23 Crosstrek. One of final ones . . . Keep it forever

[@trainiax]

The manual transmission is pretty solid - and if it ever does need repairs, it's a lot cheaper than the CVT. I retired my last car (an '05 Legacy) at 375,000 km, and while age and rust made for quite a few repairs, the transmission was flawless. Currently have a '15 Impreza and planning on replacing it with a '23 Impreza or Crosstrek in a few years since it's the last year with a manual.

[@edsmith9855]

Visibility is really excellent for the Crosstrek though (at least the previous model) so I dont really mind the lack of BSM. The new screen and lack of physical buttons really bothers me though. Have to wonder how the screen would work in Minn winters, with gloves on. Edit: really hope you buy one with the 2.5L engine for your full test.

[@markjwil]

The Crosstrek is now Subaru's best selling model. A great, inexpensive, practical and reliable value for a Subaru. It outsells everything in this crowded class, including the Honda HRV.

[@m-cw7er]

Yup

[@chrispapas303]

Amen to that ☺️

[@paulhunter6652]

Chose it over the CRV and RAV 4

[@kenhoward3512]

We'll conveniently overlook the fact that Subaru produced engines with widespread, catastrophic head gasket failures for at least *12* consecutive years, with no recalls. But Subaru is "Love!" (and cute children and puppy dogs). They know their buyers very well.

[@paulhunter6652]

@@kenhoward3512 Sorry about your luck lol.

[@propertyguru22]

Value for money. This is what the Crosstrek offers. If you are picky about 0 to 60 performance, please run to the BMW or Porsche dealer and test drive. Make sure you have an additional ~$60,000 in your pocket. It is very annoying when folks leave comments regarding acceleration/performance for this vehicle.

[@brocklanders6969]

Actually, you can go to Mazda and get turbo engines, AWD and luxury interiors.

[@martyyoung9791]

I love my 2023 Crosstrek. One problem. Every time it snows hard or rains my Eye sight goes off.Have they fixed this for 2024?

[@TrojanRabbit521]

Precipitation will affect any vehicles detectors not just eyesight. For Subaru systems literally works like eyes and you definitely can’t see as far in those conditions and we have tens of thousands of years of evolution to help us adapt to those conditions.

[@michaelmorrissey5631]

Hey Subaru, don’t listen to these dweebs. Keep it weird, keep it Subaru. As an artist I appreciate your unique appearance and approach. The fender cladding is perfect…. And it looks awesome on the Crosstrek and the Wrx, (you just need to make it a hatch!)

[@louislopez55]

I just test drove one yesterday. (07/01/24) It was a Crosstrek Limited. I was impressed with the interior, the seats were a little firm compared to my ‘22 Camry SE, but still comfortable. They had lots of power adjustments, including lumbar. The ride quality was amazing! I don’t remember driving a vehicle that rode so smoothly, even on a bumpy road, but even still the handling was very responsive and quick. The acceleration wasn’t at the same level as my Camry, but I was fine with it. (It was the 2.5L engine) I have no problems with CVT’s, I like how when going up hills they don’t have to “downshift”, they just adjust the ratio for the conditions. The sun visor won’t flip forward (downward) all the way to the windshield because it’s blocked by the “eyesight” hardware, but the visibility is so good it didn’t matter. The back seat was roomy with plenty of headroom, and I love how the oil filter sits on top of the engine. Just unscrew it, toss it and install another, couldn’t be easier for DIY types. I don’t think I’ll be getting one right now, but my wife might!

[@kwokmanchung]

Honestly, I don't care for the soft touch plastic or leather wrapped steering wheels as long as they're not shiny. They're easier to clean and they don't crack or become greasy and disgusting over time. I remember hard plastic used to be the norm and you can wrap your own steeling wheels if you want. I don't remember when all these soft touch talks became a thing.

[@m-cw7er]

Perhaps when you spend over 30k

[@kenhoward3512]

@@m-cw7er He likely also prefers roll-down windows and vinyl seat covers. Yeah, I'd imagine leather wrapped steering wheels *could* get "disgusting" if you eat in the car and/or don't wash your hands occasionally.

[@kwokmanchung]

@@kenhoward3512 Everyone is free to express their opinion. There's no need to assume or insult other people.

[@PH-md8xp]

Subaru makes excellent products overall and the Crosstrek is extremely popular for a reason. Value for money, a well engineered product, and their all wheel drive system is very capable. The only knocks on it in my opinion are the very underpowered base engine and the CVT. But many people can afford the 2.5 L engine, so there’s that and then it’s a practical fun car to drive.

[@philricci2012]

It should start with the 2.5 engine then add the 2.4 turbo as an option.

[@A_A_J.]

One solution to the screen is to just use voice commands where possible. And the audio controls on the steering wheel. Will be interesting to see how well those work.

[@donaldwilson2620]

For Luke, another good suggestion is a 2019-2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback or a 2020-2022 Corolla sedan in SE or XSE trim. The Toyota may not be as fun to drive as a Honda Civic or Mazda3, but the Corolla Hatchback and SE/XSE sedan come with the more powerful 2.0L engine, is available with a 6 speed manual(the manual option was unfortunately dropped for 2023 exept for the high performance GR), has Toyota Safety Sence, good fuel efficiency, and most importantly, Toyota's legendary reliability.

[@tsizzle]

Plus it has automatic downshift rev matching!

[@Hallowsaw]

Corollas are really only usable if you are 1-2 people. Their back seat and trucks are not very practical.

[@Soul2burn]

well, I'm 72 and I'm thoroughly impressed with my 2014 crosstrek

[@quixomega]

Is that why the 2024 Impreza doesn't have the squared off tire look.

[@tsizzle]

19:00 Another recommendation for Luke for his first car! Go try to find a 2018 Honda Fit EX with a manual transmission. That year, they still made a Fit EX manual which has adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, collision mitigation and all the safety bells and whistles! And it cost less than an accord or civic. Furthermore, the magic seats are really great!

[@AbleMable]

Honda fit is the way!

[@hunterphan5506]

Good choice!

[@williamquemuel7824]

Is it true that the eye sight control module is unreliable?

[@cargueone1971]

Love my 2024 Crosstrek. Quieter and more refined than the last generation. Gas mileage in the real world is better. Happy with it for the price I paid for it. Most of your criticism is fair, and is for the broad scope of buyers. I'm impressed with the quality.

[@m-cw7er]

I love my 2014 limited but moved up to Outback

[@chrispapas303]

Thanks for your thoughts. I have a 2024 arriving next month convenience trim in offshore blue. Very excited!!! I have been with Toyota firm several years and heard the reliability is great too! Plus Toyota owns 20% of Subaru. So very happy to hear that as well.

[@cargueone1971]

@@chrispapas303 that's the color I got too.

[@creakid]

15:53 A new Mazda3 manual? That's “hatchback only” with dangerously narrow rear visibility, which is too clumsy for changing lane to the right safely/quickly.

[@ronpulido743]

At about 1:05 plug-in hybrid was mentioned for the cosstrek. If true, wold be interesting if it can get 30+ ev miles.

[@xienon]

2019+ Jetta or GLI manual comes with AEB standard

[@m-cw7er]

Keep it no one wants

[@toufuelo]

I was really hoping there would be a review of the 2.5L engine for the Crosstrek.

[@larryruzich659]

I have a 2021 Crosstrek Sport with the 2.5L. with about 20k on it so far. No complaints. More than enough power for freeway entrance ramps! I'm also glad the 2021 still had the physical climate control buttons. The Info screen is a little smaller than I'd like but I can adjust climate issues without even looking since the knobs for fan and temp are different sizes. In 5 years that huge screen is going to look really dated!

[@JI77469]

No discussion about the TCV failures!? That's my make or break issue in getting a 2024 Crosstrek... Has anyone heard of them failing closed (i.e. car overheats), or do they ALL so far fail open? Any word on an extended warranty for vehicles not covered by Subaru's 15 yr/150k extended warranty on I think 19-22 models? Also how long can you drive if they fail open before doing damage to the engine? If I understand correctly, open failure just practically means the engine doesn't get to operating temperature? Here in Albany, NY it is not uncommon to get 10-20F so is this an issue if it happens in winter?

[@geraldodearrudajunior2484]

I live in Brazil and I dream of owning a Subaru Crosstrek Limited. Here we only have 4 stores and the models sold are Forester and XV 2.0 Gasoline and hybrid. What do they say, is it worth it? I prefer the XV 2.0 gasoline

[@JG90984]

Will the 2024 be as reliable? And what’s a better buy this or a CX30?

[@Jose_hernandez970]

Just depends on your preferences. The Mazda will have a nicer interior, better fit and finish, and be more reliable long term. The Subaru is comfortable, more cushy suspension, and cheaper.

[@AbleMable]

@@Jose_hernandez970 Don't know why you think the Subaru will be less reliable.... Have you seen the Crosstrek reliability numbers? There's a reason why resale value is so strong, and a much better seller than the CX-30.

[@journeymancellist9247]

Wish you guys had told how tall you are. Helps with dimension decisions

[@ltkwok]

I always liked the Crosstrek. Probably would have bough the manual if it was still being offered. But I understand why they stopped offering it.

[@creatxrcreatxr8635]

if the crosstrek 2024's cargo could hold in 4 tires without putting down the seats?

[@dennisgill3459]

I don't like the looks of the plastic fender flares but they serve a purpose when off roading and gravel roads as they keep rocks and gravel from chipping the paint around the wheels..you should know that

[@Billybobthor]

2020 Subaru Outback owner. Small scratches in the plastic cladding look better than on body paint. I’ve run my car through the local aggressive/abrasive car wash that I am an unlimited member at 300+ times so far and the black plastic still looks great.

[@m-cw7er]

Hand wash mine. Looks a beaut.

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

I just spent about 1300 miles in a base model rental agency spec Kia Forte. It's got good active safety features, the lane-keep-assist works really well for long stretches of boring roads, good brakes, great fuel economy (43 mpg; mostly drove 70-80 on desert highways) For the 16-y-o, who wants a little pep, the GT model is available with a manual transmission a nice sounding exhaust and over 200hp. Long warranty too. I think it's an underrated car.

[@AbleMable]

The Forte GT is a Civic SI killer without a doubt!

[@michaelmorrissey5631]

Yeah I leased a Kia Seltos S awd and I can’t get rid of it soon enough. It ain’t no Subaru though you can see it wishes it was.

[@scraps0233]

I have a 2020 forte Gt manual with an intake, tune, catback, bov. It’s such a fun little car! 43,000 miles tuned

[@lorenschwiderski]

Before buying a car, I check-out the website for Death Rates in Cars and the Insurance payout ratings to get an idea of true safety of cars. Subaru is very good, and the Outback is outstanding. Safety features and crash tests are one thing --- real life is another.

[@TrojanRabbit521]

Look into Kia/Hyundai engine reliability. There’s a reason they had to extend the warranty. The tech is great for price and driving dynamics are good but need the engine to get you there. A co worker is fighting to get hers replaced. Independent mechanic say rods are bend & drinks 3 quarts of oil a month. Kia say it’s normal and even though it sounds like crap it’s running so won’t replace it

[@billyrock8305]

It’s a beauty. Awesome value for the money. #1. ✅

[@kenhoward3512]

The pitch of a Subaru salesman.

[@gs98999]

Subaru has now changed the menu again where heated seat controls are on all the time and outside of the hvac menu. Slow but steady improvements to the 11.6” system

[@randomgrinn]

Lol, someone cares about heated seats. Next you'll tell me that heated steering wheels matter in some mysterious way! LOL! And I am in Colorado at 7200 feet.... never once wished I had heated crap. My butt warms the seat in 3 seconds...why would I need a heated seat? Humans are bizarre and alien to me.

[@KarenHara-t6g]

I’m a senior so I would value more comments on the ease of getting in and out of cars, the comfort of the ride, more comments on the fit and safety for short people, and which model has the 360 view mirrors. I looked for blind spot feature when I bought my 2012 hybrid Camry, now the feature I’m looking for is the 360 mirrors.

[@randomgrinn]

As a 58 year old I don't know what, "360 mirrors" means, but I can tell you for $5 you can stick a round mirror on your side mirror to remove the blind spot. I do that, and it's fine.

[@wesgrooms1215]

I bought a 2024 Crosstrek premium. First drive I was pleasantly surprised how well it rode. I sprung for the $2,200 package to get blindspot even tho it should be standard and that package is robbery; to be fair while I didn’t want a sunroof or heated seats having both is nice and they also come in that package. The cladding is a bit over the top but I like it. I sprung for the cladding on the doors and it actually makes it all seem more purposeful and less drastic. Two months in and I’m loving it. And, yes, the screen is laggy and I wish they’d kept physical knobs.

[@hereigoagain5050]

If you don't need black cladding or the ground clearance, but you like to save about $2K, cross-shop the Impreza. My son loves his Impreza.

[@trainiax]

As an owner of a '15 Impreza, sad (but not surprised) to see the manual transmission go, and strongly opposed to the touch-screen controls. But other than that, happy to see Subaru sticking with a practical formula that works.

[@randomgrinn]

As a 58 year old who has driven several hundred thousand miles on manuals, I have no idea why someone would want a manual. It used to be gas mileage. Now that autos are good mileage also....there is literally no reason to want a manual. But yeah, the touch screen does not impress me. I'd rather have knobs that work and aren't confusing.

[@toyota420xp]

The chassis was stiffened so they could make the shocks softer. Leather steering wheels can get messed up nicks and scratches

[@jimthompson2836]

Moved from a 2020 Crosstrek to a 2024 Crosstrek Onyx. Only one negative from me, the wheel lug pattern has changed requiring buying new wheels with snow tires. Much quieter than the 2020. Much better displays. Like the blind spot monitoring. Overall, practical improvements. A bit disappointed with your review….like it more than you folks do. Reliable, well constructed. Good value for the money in my opinion.

[@stevebier710]

Really? You’re going to cry over a steering wheel not having a leather cover? C’mon, guys.

[@Jefferson2005]

First world problems.

[@kenhoward3512]

The steering wheel is *the* primary interface that you use continuously while driving, and will be reminded of its plastic-cheapness every time you touch it (especially when the car has been sitting in the sun on a hot summer day). "First world problems" - Yes, like spending $25,000+ on a new car while having certain minimal expectations.

[@danielfair4675]

@@kenhoward3512 wear gloves

[@QuietOC]

It is fairly easy to replace steering wheels. I swapped the one on my Crosstrek.

[@Offensively-normal]

I would not buy a car that did not have a leather wrapped wheel. If you take care of it. They just get better over time. No so with polyurethane.

[@neoamaru]

Both stylish & rugged, practical, comfy & nimble, it has it's drawbacks, but it gets the job done, i know, that screen is big, would have wished for a more BRZ like dash, but i'm OK with that.. that's my brand new Crosstrek 😃

[@creakid]

As a stick driver, I want a notchback, not just for better “rear-speakers sound quality”, but also “wide rear visibility (convenient/safe for passing)” like in the latest Corolla/Avalon. But FWD Toyota's don't come with steering feel. How about a Civic 2.0 sedan manual? Looks like I have to surgically find a doner hatchback manual & transfer the drivetrain over to the sedan?

[@toyota420xp]

Its 10 percent stiffer chasis so that the shocks can be softer. 10 percent stiffer is a lot

[@donaldmcleod7494]

We got the ‘23 Crosstrek with the 6mt because we didn’t want all the nuisance technology that comes with the cvt. Plus it was cheaper and has a reputation for fewer problems. We love it.

[@stevecolley5990]

It always surprises me that reviewers never seem to discuss the sound of the audio system or the value of an audio upgrade option when/if it exists.

[@qwincyq6412]

I can’t believe that Subaru did away with individual buttons for seat heaters and climate control. As a passenger I wouldn’t intuitively know how the screen works and where to push. Also if the car hits a bump while I’m trying to do this who knows what result i will get, if any. What a way to turn away your traditional Subaru buyers. It’s bad enough in our current Forester with its black hole in the dashboard that always shows fingerprint smudges and needed expensive repairs. Change for its own sake is not good in this instance.

[@tpolerex7282]

There are ‘90s style seat heater switches down on the center console as they always have and front/rear defrost as well as individual temperature control are all hard buttons.

[@qwincyq6412]

@@tpolerex7282 according to this CR review those switches are no longer on the Crosstrek. Everything is in the touchscreen.

[@ZeGermanHam]

The 2024 still has physical buttons for the seat heaters located on the center console near the cupholders.

[@AbleMable]

@@qwincyq6412 the seat heater buttons are still clicky switches, the temperature control is still buttons, and There's still a volume and tune knob. On the Outback legacy WRX, the seat heater controls are baked into the infotainment screen, but not the new Crosstrek.

[@ericcarawan1308]

I love the black plastic fender flares and I think the Subaru design team is knocking it out of the park with their new designs and I say this as a 57 year old man. I will be buying one this summer when the limited trim comes out.

[@Soul2burn]

well i bought one and after 3000miles I'm in love

[@GayleAselta]

Any one else have a problem with the headlights at night? Black spots show up like floaters in your eyes and the lights are too low and doesn't illuminate the road there is a line between the light and the dark above. When you drive and hit even a small bump you can see the line move up and down. Very distracting.

[@Tijuanabill]

This was my 4th test drive in this class, and I immediately cancelled the rest of them. This car just feels like a whole different level of quality, when you drive it. I might regret the center console scree, but TBH I don't use any of that in my current car anyway.

[@lilymae4131]

I agree about the climate controls should be off screen, what no one seems to mention though you can't get heated mirrors on the base model even as an option. I live near Lake Erie and in the winter the spray from other vehicles freezes on the side mirrors in winter driving and don't think you should have to move up to a premium trim just to get the safety of mirrors which are useful for winter driving.

[@MrEricmopar]

What is the definition of practical? I mean the Crosstrek gets quite a bit better mileage and is a bit lower and can get into some tighter areas.

[@TomTom-gn9mp]

The new model with the 2.5L starts over $30,000.00 I decided to get a $32,000.00 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX that offers more features, up to 40 Mpg and a 1.6T engine.

[@PH-md8xp]

Only problem is it’s a Kia.

[@rallysauruswrex]

In Canada, the Premium trim gets a heated leather wrapped steering wheel standard. Strange the U.S. does not get that

[@m-cw7er]

US has money so all manufacturers try to nickel and dime us

[@tsizzle]

It’s colder in the winter up in Canada 🇨🇦 🥶

[@rallysauruswrex]

@@tsizzle atleast give us standard leather steering wheel like the previous gen 😭

[@m-cw7er]

Love my Subarus but they need to improve that side impact test.

[@daweed980]

The '24 Crosstrek redesign should fix that hopefully

[@elementkx]

Im not a fan either, but I assume its to keep the fenders from rusting due to rock chips and water in teh cracks.

[@toronado455]

Wrapped steering wheels have all that stitching around them which makes the surface less smooth than a urethane wheel. I just prefer the urethane wheel and wish that more trim levels from more auto makers would allow you do have the urethane.

[@m-cw7er]

Buy Kia then

[@UncleYohta]

the back end keeps raising any higher and it might as well be a mini RAV4-lite.

[@jason_]

I placed an order for a 2024 Crosstrek Sport today and I'm supposed to receive it at the end of June.

[@toronado455]

I like the new podcast room. Much nicer than the garage.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

There is a new "Wilderness" version coming in 2024 which they did not mention. I went to the car show in NY and it was almost the only thing Subaru could talk about besides the new Crosstrek. They are expanding the Wilderness line to more cars which gives you a lifted car with a slightly more heavy duty CVT and some underbody protection. They are right, the fender flares are used on the cars with the raised suspension - it is the only way to tell they are different visibly besides the name. Sticking with my old Subaru Legacy (2013) with 135,000 miles and the 5 speed auto. I know from even CR's durability surveys these new CVTs don't last as long with valve body failures (80,000 miles costing $1500) and full tranny failures before 150,000 (costing $9000).

[@JTR253]

Wouldn’t the surveys be for the Foresters early on in 2014 or so to have such mileage now? I thought that Subaru had fixed the CVT issue in later years. I hope that some of Toyota’s Kaizen DNA has rubbed off on Subaru since Toyota has increased ownership stakes in the company

[@m-cw7er]

Subaru been using cvt since the justy. I admit not better than regular automatic but Subaru cvt among best hands down.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

@@JTR253 I wish it was true but when you see the more recent cars age it seems after 7-8 years it declines into red. By all indications they still fail about 150,000. Toyota has a better CVT because their engineering realized the stress from take off is too great for a CVT. So their CVT has a first gear then moves into CVT mode. Their CVTs are now over 100,000 and still have no problems (the Toyota Corolla has had it for years now). My parents have a 2014 and 2015 Outback and both lost their transmissions after going over 100,000. I am pretty sure the 2016-2022 will suffer the same fate for many Subaru owners. If CR's survey improves on their reliably only then will I buy another Subaru.

[@Jose_hernandez970]

@@m-cw7er false information. Subaru Justy used a cvt made by DAF. It was discontinued because it was junk. In 2003 Subaru saw cvt’s as the future and spent nearly half a billion dollars investing in Jatco to make cvt’s. Nothing about Subaru’s cvt is better than anyone else’s. Subaru uses a Jatco designed cvt modified for boxer engines. Subaru refuses to update their service manuals to require cvt fluid changes. They instead push false information to their dealer network to claim cvt fluid is “lifetime” fluid. Because of this nonsense Subaru cvt’s varnish and burn up solenoids and valve body’s because the fluid inside the cvt has lost all protection properties due to age and heat. Subaru is the only manufacturer in the world to claim cvt fluid is lifetime. Spreading misinformation claiming Subaru cvt’s are the better ones is completely untrue because of this data.

[@danielfair4675]

​@@Jose_hernandez970 that's why you have your dealership change the fluid at 40,000 miles.

[@TokyoOlympics2020]

Like the new set, and love the intro, but kinda echo there

[@toyota420xp]

The chassis was stiffened so they could make the shocks softer

[@DinSC]

the dude in the black tshirt's lisp is on point! lol

[@paulmalbeuf9213]

My sister just got one and she loves it.

[@concernedcitizen2898]

I bought a manual 21’ Crosstrek this year. Boo on Subaru.

[@hereigoagain5050]

Luke needs a pre-1980 Ford Econoline van to carry the band's gear to gigs and to camp while touring & road trips. Your only young once and there is plenty of time to become responsible.

[@welcometofreddysplace]

Waiting on the Toyota Cross Hybrid.😁

[@m-cw7er]

You can have it

[@Cathy-e1s]

Got the XSE and love it. Loaded with options, and happy with it for mostly city driving, never anything more rural than a 2-lane road in Greenwich! Way more power on NYC highways, and cheaper to maintain. Amazing MPGs and no need for backseat room; just me. Those Subi prices for parts and options killed me with my Forester. Cannot beat Toyota for hybrids.

[@scottvickery2057]

That kid needs a 1979 impala with a 6 cyl..lol

[@jpnorth3557]

Subaru almost never changes the exterior form factor of any of their vehicles when they do “full redesigns.” I would like to see them do more. They’re the polar opposite of Kia/Hyundai.

[@m-cw7er]

They don’t have to. They sell regardless.

[@danielfair4675]

If it's not broke, don't fix it.

[@ZeGermanHam]

Love the Crosstrek. That said, I ran out and bought a 2023 Crosstrek Limited in January after I saw photos of the refreshed 2024. The 2018-23 looks better outside, and I will not own a car that doesn't have physical buttons and knobs for the HVAC. They also got rid of a bunch of physical buttons for other features and placed them in the touchscreen (X-Mode, lane departure, auto start-stop, etc.). Not good. Ultimately, I view the 2024 as a very mild refresh. Same chassis, only 10% stiffer. Same engines & transmissions. The interior door panels actually got a little more low-rent on the 2024 compared to the 2023, suggestive of cost-cutting. Still a good car, just not as appealing as the one it replaces.

[@Guacamole44479]

Good points. Big difference in safety features though (another camera, and all front interior cameras isolated from dust - an underrated feature I suspect); also much improved seats. I despite the HVAC buttons being on and off the screen as well.

[@caclavijo]

Akward is great! Subaru 🥇

[@berthaadamson1225]

Interesting that the plastic steering wheel is such an issue in several reviews. I don’t care and actually don’t like how leather feels. (Must be the only person on the planet who feels this way?) I am glad the Crosstrek Premium comes with cloth seats. Hopefully getting one soon to replace my 23 year old Outback and glad reviews are consistently positive.

[@toronado455]

The 2024 changes the parking brake from manual to electronic.

[@acemacgruber6593]

Kudos for talking about the over use of black plastic. It’s a deal breaker for me. It ruins the car.

[@hughmichaelhiggs6423]

Love this and the Crosstrek. Ford really missed the mark on the Focus and then the Escape and then the Bronco Sport. The Focus should have evolved into an AWD and the Escape should have been what the Bronco Sport is. Subaru has taken a really good stance here while remaining tru to naming, focus, capability and performance. LOVE what Subaru puts out (minus the Forrester which is dog ugly).

[@davidm5707]

I know it's a nitpick, but the small round table couldn't handle the new mikes. The longer table works perfectly. Now you don't look like you're about to be eaten by aliens. Unless you come across a book called To Serve Man.

[@cusebike5391]

Yes, I hated the excessive plastic cladding when we bought the 2021 Mazda CX-30. I got the dark mica blue color to lessen the effect of the cladding. As pepeshopping stated, keeping the cladding looking new is relatively easy. I'm 6'2" and found the 2021 Crosstrek interior uncomfortable and boring. Good to see Subaru is addressing those issues. Physical controls are a must if you plan to keep the vehicle long term. I'm not convinced that touch screens are going to age well.

[@m-cw7er]

Madza 😂

[@georgeh6856]

The second to the lowest trim level is now called "Premium". I would like to see a car maker with the guts to call their trim levels from highest to lowest, "Overpriced", "Bad", "Terrible", and "Shitty".

[@trainiax]

My Impreza is a "Base" model. With names like Premium, Sport, Limited etc. for the other trims, every time I go on a parts or accessories list, it's like "sorry, your version is too cheap to get a name."

[@DavGreg]

You guys - the center stack has been around since 2020 in the Outback - it did not start with the WRX. I hear a lot of whining and nitpicking. The screen is plenty responsive enough and was designed primarily to give a good CarPlay experience - especially for navigation. Suggesting you buy a higher level of trim just to get a wrapped steering when when you can buy one at any car parts store is kinds strange. And please do not compare a real car like a Subaru to anything made by Hyundai or Kia.

[@tobylopez445]

the extras cost too much compared to a Toyota Rav4 XLE Premium which has all the bells and whistles at a much lower price tag.

[@hagenherrmann8204]

6:48 I can assure you that tires up here in Canada are most definitely square. Perhaps Subaru designed these fender flairs with us in mind

[@patrickgagnon9662]

You don't mention the bigger engine ...184 hp...not important?

[@Tijuanabill]

It doesn't really matter what is on or not on the base model, because you can barely even buy that trim. The dealers don't buy it, so you can't buy it from them.

[@senorbautista6143]

Luke is on a class of his own 👊🏽. A 16 year old wanting to buy a manual fun to drive car. I am also curious about what his choice is/was.

[@randomgrinn]

As a 58 year old who has driven several hundred thousand miles on manuals, I have no idea why someone would want a manual. It used to be gas mileage. Now that autos are good mileage also....there is literally no reason to want a manual.

[@roguedogx]

0:25 please let it be quicker.

[@roguedogx]

15:10 my first thought jumps to a basic Mini, depending upon budget.

[@Cathy-e1s]

The reason why I bought the Corolla Crose XSE. I need a car that can get out of its own way. This one cannot.

[@randomgrinn]

First thing every car with a screen says when you start the car..."Don't look at this screen while driving!". LOL.... so why do you give me a screen I am not supposed to look at? Just because you can do it, does not mean you SHOULD do it!!

[@tominftlthomasp3559]

I don’t like how they don’t put power seats on most of the Subarus passenger seat! I got rid of mine because of that!

[@m-cw7er]

Stop being cheap

[@danielfair4675]

The passenger doesn't drive the car

[@jeffrey3498]

The 2023 Premium Crosstrek has a leather wrapped steering wheel.

[@nickolastiguan]

6:40 Mike, your job as the host is not to jump in and cut people off 😂

[@tuanh_duong]

Again for those who complain about the cladding just look at the Mazda CX-30

[@mattkemper2376]

All the (car guys) want manual transmission but nobody buys them. I have driven manual for all of adult life. I prefer auto for commuting in 25 miles of heavy traffic.

[@davidwayne9982]

Does it have any more PEP off the line etc.?? I feel like it's going to fly apart trying to get on the freeway... and it sounds like it-- sounds like cheap JUNK-- (not saying it is- said it SOUNDS like it)... I love these little buggers- but its' UNDERPOWERED-- or at least with capabilities getting off the line and ONTO the freeway without getting run over. I also found out from several master mechanics that the AWD is NOT as good as it use to be-- with the 60/40 front wheel bias and you CAN get a locker for the back- but SHOULDN"T HAVE TO..

[@diraziz396]

Love that Car. Had 3 of them - The New Digital Controls is Not for me. I wish Subaru will give us a Base Spec. Trim. All analog. I will pay for that the Same price!

[@Soul2burn]

i agree fully being 73 years old and buying a 2024 crosstrec I don't like all the high tech gadgetry that will eventually fail and be very expensive to fix h

[@tvted6160]

Love my 2017 crosstrek ❤

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

Edmonds just put out cars that are going for under MSRP and over MSRP. Number 3 on the over list - Honda! Surprised CR is recommending one of the most expensive new and used cars out there. Mazda is at the other end of the scale under MSRP. Figuring price in Luke's question stick with Mazda as they suggested.

[@m-cw7er]

Madza don’t hold a candle. The new Suzuki.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

@@m-cw7er The Mazda CX-5 is one of the most reliable cars out there according to CR. Where are you getting your information?

[@Minusroot8]

#BringBackTheButtons all these touch controls are not user friendly!!!

[@toyota420xp]

You're not car people if you say it looks exactly the same

[@dw8555]

There is such a thing as an aftermarket leather steering wheel cover...

[@Steve_in_NJ]

Over the years, I felt that Subaru "went cheap" and even though I've driven Subaru from 1981 to 2013, I switched to Hyundai and got more "bang for the buck". Now, I'm on my 2nd Hyundai Kona and when I compared the Crosstrek to Kona, felt that Hyundai did a better job with the interior design. And yes, Kona has those dark plastic cladding around the sides and wheels, but on the Kona, it has a "cool" look to it.