Subaru's Best Seller Is Better With The Bigger Engine | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek 2.5L First Drive

[@kolt9051]

Wow, finally a reviewer that mentions how pleasant Subaru exteriors smell!! I've been saying this for years, I tell everyone "I don't wash my subaru more than once a month, it naturally smells good. Washing your Subaru once a week is a waste of time and can actually cause more harm than good."

[@MistSoalar]

Yes! This car really belongs to the nature. Less capable than wranglers, but definitely smells like nature than tire shine spray or deodorants

[@manoz6194]

haha that was funny

[@luminaire7085]

Haven’t washed mine since Nov’22 when I got the 2023 OB Touring.

[@rightlanehog3151]

👏👏👏👏

[@BlackBruceLeeTheGreatDekuTree]

@@davevolz6138😂 gotta ceramic coat it

[@pfink70]

5:26 - Note that if you never use the rear center seat for passengers the center seatbelt can be detached and retracted so it doesn't interfere with seat folding.

[@TimBeaumont-c3w]

Bought a 2021 white Crosstrek Limited (includes 2.5 litre, swivel headlights) for my daughter for a year on the Big Island Hawaii. $32,000 brand new from dealer. Lots of power on mountains, good AWD function, safe, spacious, very quiet driving even at speed, mpg high 30s. Parked outside, and even with bird poop which ate through clear coat one spot, despite regular monthly washing; vog, tree leaves, tropical moisture, and 'minor' parking lot scratch into clear coat on driver side fender, front and rear door the month before sale (body shop said cosmetic but $5000, ? Hawaii price), sold for $28,000 to local Honda dealer. Not bad, $4000 for a safe good car for a year in Hawaii, Very pleased. No other way, no rentals, no leases. I thought about bringing it back to Kansas, but that cost about $4000 all in. Only thing I would have liked was a turbo. Highly recommend.

[@godwhomismike]

I really don't understand why the Limited doesn't have a steering wheel warmer. The 2024 Crosstrek Limited in Canada has it standard, yet in the US - it isn't even an option. Plenty of Subaru owners in the US live in colder climates.

[@alex310110]

As well as Honda in U.S.... Uh...

[@richardb.5691]

Wear gloves 😂😂😂

[@alex310110]

@@richardb.5691 Yeah, I wear my karting gloves in this kind of weather... But hey! Competing top-trim Camry and Sonata have heated steering wheels! Even Focus RS!

[@Desmo25]

Well Toyota and Kia’s got you covered.

[@faheemabbas3965]

Buy in Canada, import into the US. This is what happened to 276,000 cars in 2021 according to the US government.

[@quercus5398]

I just traded down from a 2.5 Forester to a 2.0 Crosstrek it wasted more fuel,not a lot but enough to convince me. Mind you the Forester is 180 lbs heavier than the Crosstrek,I’d rather have 500$ per year in pocket,than the extra 30 horses.

[@cormacsage7126]

I always love Subaru and this 2024 is awesome

[@bruddahmanmatt]

FYI you can get a power driver's seat in the Sport and the Premium as part of the available option package on each trim.

[@bryan1480]

And still no heated steering wheel in the top trim....

[@jdrules23]

Love this new design. Can't wait for the wilderness edition review.

[@JakeRoot]

“The lifted hatch styling continues OUT BACK” What you did there…I see it ;)

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

Thanks Alex .... Have a beautiful Monday everyone ✌️

[@edwil111]

they should offer the 2.5 L engine with a 5-6 speed manual. They'd sell tons!

[@Unchainedmaple888]

The 2.5L definitely needs to be the base engine with a turbo and competent hybrid as optional upgrades. The Crosstrek is Subaru's best selling car so I wish they'd put a little more effort into providing options. On a side note, Subaru hasn't even made a good hybrid Crosstrek readily available yet but they want to get into the full-blown EV game...same with Mazda. I don't believe them when they basically have zero hybrid options.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

So you may be asking why Subaru has limited engine options? It is because they rely on Toyota for their hybrid option. The hybrid they offer is the first gen Toyota system. Toyota gives them that because they don't want to give them their latest third generation system. Subaru is too small to develop either electric or hybrid solutions, so right now they are relying on Toyota for all of that - with limited access to the hybrid technology.

[@dougmanck4149]

​@@Buc_Stops_Here And sadly the same with Mazda

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

@@dougmanck4149 You are right Doug. Mazda is in the same boat - too small to develop it either. Mazda is trying however as the new CX-90 will have a hybrid model leveraging the existing base gas engine as well as a new 3.3 liter 6 liter engine with an electric motor as well. So Mazda is at least big enough to attempt to build its own hybrid model (I think they have larger global sales than Subaru which puts everything into America and Japan).

[@stuntmonkey00]

No it doesn't, and this is why internet commenters would make terrible business people. You make the base engine a 2.5l turbo and you are basically making a more expensive car that fewer people can afford. If you added those things in and kept it at the same price then Subaru wouldn't make any money, because they standard AWD takes up some of that cost budget.

[@Unchainedmaple888]

@@stuntmonkey00 Can you read? I said make the 2.5L engine the base, not the turbo. The turbo would be the upgrade option.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, At this price, the Crosstrek reigns supreme off road and the Corolla Cross Hybrid rules on the road. 😁

[@brocklanders6969]

Mazda CX-30 rules the road and with standard AWD, will still be very capable off road and comparably equipped will still be about $3500 less.

[@keisi1574]

Mazda>

[@naveenthemachine]

On the road no way. Cx30 is the king

[@Hallowsaw]

Wish toyota would make a corolla wagon... i mean tge corolla cross is dang near that but they uglified it

[@chezzyperson3339]

@@Hallowsaw they do in Europe

[@AllStars2525]

Lowest sticker cost, lowest cost of ownership, highest resale value, AWD, etc., so what's not to like?? Great review and I was skeptical about the powertrain, but you and your fellow journalists all give it high scores, so I think this is what I need.

[@5610winston]

NO CLUTCH, NO SALE!

[@peterandrewj]

At $29K for the 2.5, I might as well get the Forester. And if I were buying a car to go offroad I would not get one with a CVT, but the Crosstrek is cute.

[@Unchainedmaple888]

WRX Crosstrek, cmon Subaru you know we want it. Stop playing hard to get :P

[@karltang9590]

Crosstrek STI!!!

[@Han-ks7yz]

Ufffff Exito de ventas

[@br4nd0nh347]

It's nice to see him actually drive a trail. Maybe I haven't seen his previous videos, so it's a first for me.

[@RetroKingOG]

Yes I own Crosstrek limited, good car. Good engine with good torque, just wish it was offered as hybrid too. The 2.5L is just not fuel efficient at all. Best I can average in city is like 26 mpg And highway is 34

[@godwhomismike]

I would love to know if Alex tested the upgraded Harman Kardon audio system in the Limited he had as his tester. I am curious how good, bad, or ok-ish it is, as that it an $1800 option package.

[@davewilson7602]

If it’s the same as other Subaru Harman Kardon systems, it’s good for almost anybody unless you’re a total audiophile. The base system is a bit sucky imo so if you like bass I’d get the upgrade

[@luminaire7085]

@@davewilson7602 You bet, got the 2023 OB Touring Canadian edition with 6 speakers and it sucks compared to the 12 speaker HK in the demo/test unit. If I wanted the upgraded kit I would have needed to acquire the Touring XT with the 2.4L turbo for $6K (loonies) more, total nonsense. Wanted better sound and not run it on the Autobahn.

[@davidmadrid6126]

The intro is gold 😂 👌

[@bigstorejdh7032]

Subaru Crosstrek vs Mitsubishi RVR vs Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs Toyota RAV4 which one to buy and why

[@kubi0461]

I personally think I’d consider the RAV4 adventure or Limited trims a better value. More features, 200+ hp, more cargo capacity, a torque vectoring awd system, a step up in reliability and resale value, vented seats, led taillights, etc.

[@kevinstarski1598]

Rougher ride though...and despite more horse power, it's likely about the same 0-60

[@jeffreyhoch]

Rac4 has a very rough ride and the awd is awful in snow. Rav4 ia also very noisy in the cabin.

[@m-cw7er]

The Corolla cross competes in this segment. The rav competes with Outback.

[@jeffreyhoch]

@M the corolla cross really is no competition for the Crosstrek. It is very underpowered so the Rav 4 is the only comparable from Toyota.

[@m-cw7er]

@@jeffreyhoch I agree but rav4 competes with Outback which I own and is better than any rav 4 including that tin box overpriced prime.

[@eriknephrongfr8847]

You look great in that modified Pea Coat!

[@shawnbl2048]

How reliable is the crosstrek I do 60k miles per year. I want to switch from Toyota but I get 230k bullet proof reliability so far

[@clevelog]

Thank you for the detailed review. During regular driving on paved roads, is interior noise subdued? Will there ever be a heated steering wheel in a USA Crosstrek (Canadian Crosstreks can get heated steering wheels).Thank you.

[@fighter835]

Subaru is going to sell tons of these, they're great at pretty much everything. As an Outback owner, if I needed something smaller this would be it.

[@silver33]

CX 30 or this?

[@FantomLightning]

Price and reliability is exactly what kept me away from the Bronco Sport. I refuse to pay 40K+ for something that small. If they had sized it more in line with CR-V/Rav4/Rogue I could justify it a bit more. I also really wouldn't want the 2.0 for reliability, would much prefer to see the 2.5 hybrid "tractor" engine offered for better economy and reliability. As it sits I'll probably just end up with another Rogue and invest in a decent set of ATs.

[@patricklim909]

I see one every stop light in Seattle. Everywhere in Denver 😂

[@lorenschwiderski]

Cost about the same as the Outback, when talking 2.5 engine models. If you want the CrossTrek for other reason, then fine, but cost equipped the same, is about the same between.

[@midnightexpress1567]

Why didn't you mention the All wheel drive Chevy Trailblazer as a competitor? Just asking.

[@cbatiau2528]

Subaru should be offering this in PHEV form with 50 miles of all-electric range … as is, Subaru isn’t something I’ll consider…

[@rolandcharriez7631]

Welcome to my neck of the woods. Enjoy your videos. Please enjoy the Catskills. I know it's not NoCal but it does have it's beauty and charm. Thanks for this video.

[@i_am_o_o9506]

I hate led lights as they are blinding when you see them on the cars around you 🤨

[@madlucio70]

Oh...I am going to use that! My Crosstrek is the best smelling SUV in Montréal 🤣

[@mominth]

I will stick with my volvo xc70...its old but still gets the job done with more room and hp.

[@diydad9303]

Slick jacket Alex!

[@lawrenceralph7481]

Will it last? CVT and Sunny boxer. Not the best reputations. My nephew had both replaced in under 20kmiles.

[@m-cw7er]

No issues with 3 of my Subaru but I maintain properly

[@luminaire7085]

On my second Subie, First a 2019 Crosstrek Sport with 90K Kms , no mechanical issues at all. We have rough snow and cold winters and took it on light off-roading, solid as a rock. Now a 2023 OB Touring with the 2.5L engine , six months in and solid, except the Infotainment that sucks.

[@yo.adrian]

Car shoppers: "We like buttons!" Subaru: "Okay, we'll put them in our cars. **shoves all of the buttons onto the steering wheel**

[@eskieman3948]

Yawn.

[@garynapoli3042]

How’s the size comparison to the HRV?

[@thomaslam6821]

Great video Alex! 👍👍👍

[@dystopia-usa]

If you want one built in Japan then you will have to get the Base or Premium trim with the smaller 2.0L engine & less frills. The 2.5L trims (Sport & Limited) are all built in the USA.

[@SwollenGoat68]

The Canadian version of the Sport trim is called Onyx and its built in Japan

[@sublunacy]

the front hood sound damper is awesome. soccer moms everywhere love it but they still complain about the dipstick

[@krisp.1593]

Geeezzz- the only thing that I hear is optional optional optional optional optional$$$$$$

[@NjItCs]

Alex going for the hitman theme !

[@mirwaisrahin3831]

How about the CVT issues?

[@dillonh321]

What CVT issues? Subaru CVTs are fairly reliable other than the first gen ones from 2010-2014.

[@m-cw7er]

No issues with CVT own 3 Subarus. One of the better CVT options out there.

[@stuntmonkey00]

Not really a thing anymore. All brands had more issues with early CVT's. Right now with later model cars, the issues seem to be mostly with the valve bodies, but those go after high high mileage, so interval and cost-wise it's like replacing a clutch on a manual transmission.

[@hereigoagain5050]

Glad that the Crosstrek offers a stronger engine, though I prefer a hybrid. BTW. I'm not into retro styling, but the Bronco Sport Heritage Edition grabs my attention.

[@yoink7806]

considering the last gen had a hybrid option im sure this gen will too

[@gpalmerify]

Yikes on that Price! My wife will have to wait for the new car market to return to sanity levels. My 2017 Legacy 3.6R fully loaded was 15% Below MSRP. That ended up being much less than 30K. Subaru hasn't been as nasty as Ford and GM on their pricing yet after more competitive models enter into this segment, we'll revisit this nice car.

[@georgeh6856]

I was not able to smell it from my browser. Not sure why.

[@Aimsport-video]

Maybe they’ll remember to weld all the frame components like they didn’t with the Ascent.

[@sflscott11]

Our $6k less Seltos SX and better warranty was our choice over this in 2022. It would likely still be.

[@m-cw7er]

Yeah but it’s a kia😂

[@frankb5603]

Bet it has the dreaded stop/start. I didn't hear Alex mention that.

[@kevinb2844]

@@jonthompson1068 thank you for mentioning that. Is that true for all Subaru models was looking at a Forester and wondered about that

[@Soul2burn]

so easy to disable

[@brooklynbummer]

The larger engine will please a lot of people.

[@bird271828]

Does the passenger side seat have lumbar support?

[@m-cw7er]

Outback or forester

[@bird271828]

@@m-cw7er either one.

[@m-cw7er]

@@bird271828 they both have crosstrek does mot.

[@sentiencepsn2714]

Holy thumbnails Batman.

[@Ben-bs4od]

Overall this car would be in my top 3. I might rather have the Corolla Cross hybrid or upcoming Toyota products. This car is really nice. But the side safety when hit by a suv was "poor". Wondering your thoughts. I imagine Mazda and Honda were "good". I still feel this car is better than those in every other way though. Is this car reliabie? I hear reports of the Subaru CVTs going out multiple times with some blogs in a few years time. Is the SUbaru CVT as reliable as Honda and Toyota?

[@th3m3du54]

My uninformed opinion: nothing will ever be as reliable as the planetary gear split system in Toyota hybrids (they are not CVTs, even though called eCVT). It has no belts, no clutches. The planetary gear set is simple but genius at the same time. Wonderful piece of engineering. The simplicity is what makes it last virtually forever. Obviously it’s not made for the racetrack, but same goes for comparable systems.

[@yegscaper6444]

Thank you for such a thorough review!

[@jaidevnitc]

This is the Alpine Green Color?

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan]

Incredible job with my dream Subaru Alex.

[@LBjell]

😂 great bloopers!

[@mjbucar]

Would have preferred category ratings that you normally provide (e.g, acceleration, ride, noise, etc., etc.) as opposed to this type of review.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The issue is that we can’t test them in the same way at a first drive event.

[@ronpulido743]

Suby please make a CT Plug-in Hybrid with 40+ EV, ventilated seats, and spare tire. I don’t want to have to get a RAV4 Prime…

[@garrettw99]

More bloopers please 😂

[@petes_CE]

Mazda and Subaru going at it.

[@elizabethvanvliet2380]

So disappointing that they haven’t added rear AC vents.

[@Aimsport-video]

Maybe the puddle lights won’t ignite like my Tribeca.

[@swingkat]

Nothing like Alex in a suit jacket standing in the mud. Ha :)

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It was a raincoat actually 😅

[@brianklamer3328]

My wife and I would consider a Subaru if they didn't have their lineartronic CVT transmission.

[@5610winston]

NO CLUTCH, NO SALE! I got one of the last manual Crosstreks. I drove a CVT and ordered the six-speed even though it was a three-month wait.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Good looking and quite capable off road car that I would think Subaru should do well with. I would have a hard time not paying a few dollars more and getting a Forester Premium with the nice panoramic moon roof and the other features you get with it.

[@myname5410]

Were the factory all season tires on the model that you drove? I'm curious about the capability off road without all terrain tires.

[@5610winston]

I don't know about the '24 models, but the Geolandar G91s that came on my '23 model are about as loud as a provate jet flying over on final approach.

[@Shishizurui]

I wonder how many people buy a crosstrek and never consider or look at an impreza

[@stuntmonkey00]

Sales was about 3:1 Crosstrek to Impreza. Mind you, Subaru wants to sell you a Crosstrek because there's higher margin in it, same car but more expensive at each trim level.

[@Hallowsaw]

The base engine is way more reliable people. It is a proven engine. The 2.5 gets cam cover leaks. I know i have an outback with the same engine and when you research, it is a common issue

[@eskieman3948]

Nope.

[@brocklanders6969]

No, it isn't. No only does the 2.0L burn oil they have faulty engine valve springs.

[@m-cw7er]

No issues with either of my 2.5

[@stuntmonkey00]

@@brocklanders6969 No, the value springs were the FB20's from the 1st gen, there was no such recall on the FB20D engines.

[@brocklanders6969]

@@stuntmonkey00 So, it only affected FOUR years of Crosstreks. That sounds faulty and unreliable to me.

[@Ichibuns]

AWD systems can do some crazy things most people would never dream of. Sadly, there isn't a standardized rating system. There're a LOT of bad AWD systems around. I'm hoping the great systems like the ones in the Maverick, Bronco Sport, Pilot Trailsport, Subaru in general, etc get people's attention. 4WD isn't the perfect system. For most people, a good AWD system is far superior. 4WD are the bee's knees when in serious off-road conditions if you have lockers. I wouldn't touch an open diff 4WD

[@linzyvalencia4886]

The first video to show the real alpine green color.

[@ACSFernalld]

And on a Limited, too! Looks good

[@keytothegate68]

Its still one of the slowest cars for sale and it has cvt. Subaru let everyone down by not offering turbos. Subaru mechanics will probably hate to work on 2.5 in the Crosstrek due to cramped engine bay. I don't know why Subaru is even offering this model given that the Forester is a far better choice.The wilderness trim will fool many and take extra bucks for Subaru.

[@ouch1011]

The 2.0 and 2.5 have the same exterior dimensions, so the 2.5 is no more difficult to work on.

[@gregp.7148]

It is so untrue that it won’t cost you at the pump. Maybe according to the EPA. I had two similarity sized Mazda 3s, one with the 2L (sedan and manual) and the other with the 2.5 litre (hatchback and automatic) engines and the 2.5s fuel consumption was 20% more. I had the cars back to back.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

This isn’t a Mazda3 however…

[@dillonh321]

This a Subaru my guy.

[@gregp.7148]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide, still very similar vehicles (size, shape) and Mazdas are known for their efficient engines (FWD Skyactive technology :)). Either way, I had 23.5 mpg for the 2.0L and 20.0 mpg for the 2.5L. And I wasn’t pushing either vehicles and 85% was city driving.

[@gregp.7148]

@@dillonh321, still very similar vehicles. Mazda is higher quality as well.

[@gregp.7148]

EPA is overly optimistic.

[@ouch1011]

Crosstrek isn’t on my radar but I still wish Subaru would ditch the continuously crappy transmission. I’m willing to bet that there would be no mpg penalty if they went with an 8spd traditional automatic transmission instead, but it would probably accelerate faster and do better off-road. The only reasons they stick with the CVT is 1) they’re cheap and 2) Subaru doesn’t like change. The second one was good back when they were using good engines and transmissions, but now… I’ve owned 4 Subarus, but the newest one was 2006 (still have my 98 Legacy GT). Nothing they make now interests me.

[@stuntmonkey00]

You can't put a 8spd auto into a Subaru without a packaging penalty. The CVT fits in the same space as the old 4-spd auto; if you dump an 8-speed it would push the engine further forward which is already a downside for the Subaru layout, or you would have to redesign the firewall to let the transmission intrude more into the passenger cabin.

[@markhamer5112]

@@stuntmonkey00 You said it better than I would have. It is nothing to do with Subaru being cheap or disliking change.

[@mark_u]

Would pick a Bronco Sport before a Crosstrek if I was looking for an offroady subcompact CUV though I'd take the Subaru over the Jeep Compass. If I wasn't taking my subcompact CUV offroad, I would choose the Corolla Cross Hybrid, Mazda CX-30, and Kia Seltos over the Crosstrek.

[@MrBacchus18]

Why the gotta make the sport trim so ugly?

[@craigsanders6925]

No manual transmission, how sad..... ford bronco already breaking down with minimal effort off road.

[@DanJosef-i1q]

because its Ford, their engines suck. Subaru transmissions have been getting better and better every year. Their CVT's outperform competition as well. I wouldnt worry about it

[@craigsanders6925]

@@DanJosef-i1q It isn't the engines, it's suspension on the broncos. I don't like automatics in little cars. No chance I'll buy it with a CVT in it. There have been more than a few issues with subie cvt's

[@oi32df]

11:44 fun fact, the less capable Seltos offer a central locker

[@tophlovr]

**SNIFF**

[@eskieman3948]

That you, Mr. President?

[@Jackman66666666]

The female- sized trench coat is distracting

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Since females of our species come in a variety of sizes I’m not sure what that means 🤔

[@BBlackmen]

I would love to see a comparison video between the Jeep Compass Trailhawk and the Crosstrek wilderness and see who wins in the off-road competition