2024 Subaru Crosstrek Review | A Smaller, Cheaper Subaru Outback

It might not look like it from every angle, but the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is almost entirely new. Seriously. The engines are basically recycled with some tweaks, but everything else on the 2024 Crosstrek is new from the big LCD in the dash to the Wilderness trim on sale later this year. Despite the newness, it’s basically the same Crosstrek that has set Subaru’s sales charts on fire, and the same formula that made the Outback such a success: lift a hatchy-station-wagon and add some extra cladding. The result is off road capability, a low roof height for easy loading and a more car-like personality on road.

[bradstoops]

Great overview of the Crosstrek. Thanks! One glaring omission from this review, however, is reliability. It is definitely worth mentioning that Consumer Reports' reliability ratings for 2024 have the Crosstrek blowing away not just every car in this class, but just about every car on the market. Granted, this is *expected* reliability, but the ratings are based on historical data. Unless you are someone who upgrades cars regularly, this is one of the most significant metrics to consider. It is also worth noting that while the Crosstrek uses the typical Subaru CVT transmission, it is one that Scott Kilmer actually says doesn't suck, and coming from him, that is saying an awful lot. Thanks again for the review. Very informative.

[stuntmonkey]

There's a simple reason why the Crosstrek has done so well: the auto industry stopped making small cars, but lo and behold, people still want to buy economical practical cars. Go back a decade ago when the smaller previous incarnations of the Civic and Corolla were the best selling small vehicles... the Impreza/Crosstrek still fits that bill. Just because the car industry wants to sell bigger and more expensive vehicles at higher margins does not mean that the market wants to buy them.

[ronniestump]

I just picked up my Subaru Crosstrek yesterday afternoon. Love it! I Have been driving 3/4 ton Ford trucks for 40 years, I’m amazed at all the things in the Crosstrek. It appears to be a solid vehicle. Time will tell. Thanks for the review 😊

[ericchin]

The Crosstrek DOES have rear vents.

They're under the front seats. You can turn them on and off with the controls on the screen.

[landofahhs_]

I truly appreciated your charts with comparisons, so easy to analyse. I also enjoy the consistent comparisons of features to other manufacturer's vehicles as opposed to vague stand alone statements. Now if I can find a Subaru dealer that hasn't jacked up the MSRP.

[ratamaq]

I HAVE HAD MANY YEARS WITH MANUEL TRANSMISSIONS I NO LONGER MISS OR NEED ONE. THIS CVT IS SMOOTH AND WITH THE PADDLE SHIFTERS I CAN USE DOWNSHIFTING TO AID IN BRAKING WITHOUT THE SHIFT LEVER. I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THIS ARRANGMENT.

[christopherwelch]

I bought one in 2014 and I am still driving it. It's the right size vehicle- small but seats 4. It has all-wheel drive I didn't have to pay 10k extra for. It has an 8-inch lift and skates over ice, mud, standing water, snow etc like it's nothing. I pay $40 for gas every 2 weeks and it only needs 2 oil changes a year. It's the perfect car. It's so popular that used ones cost more than new ones and it's turning into a pain to buy a new one.

[andrewbcaldwell]

Our first Subaru was a Crosstrek, practically perfect small car. Safe, solid handling with great driver communication, versatile space, amazing value. With a good set of tires, it could handle any weather. One reason why we’re on our third Subaru…they don’t skimp on safety and put the top safety features even on their most affordable cars.

[madlucio]

I love that you mentioned the PHEV! I have the 2023 Crosstrek PHEV and absolutely adore it! Last winter was difficult for us up here in Canada and the Trek drove like a dream in the crazy blizzards. From -35C degrees last winter to the +40's this summer with every type of crazy weather and road condition, and she drove like a dream no matter what.

[MistSoalar]

That opening statement is a gem🤣🤣 take my upvote

[colechapman]

I like the Crostrek as it is a small car but really practical. It is not compromised with low ground clearance, or FWD, or space issues. It is nice, small, and comfortable. The auto industry is gutting small cars, in favor of EVs and huge SUVs and pickups where they can jack up the prices. This is a great alternative, and it is surprisingly inexpensive compared to other brands. Not everyone wants to go into debt to buy a huge SUV, so this one is a great choice for people who are smart with their money

[_El_Miguelon]

I just bought mine 1 month ago, 2024 Subaru Premium and am liking it so far (kinda obvious if not I wouldn’t have bought it) no complaints yet. The speed is enough with the 2.0 engine. Like a lot of comments state, you’re not buying this to speed in it. Neither are you getting it to go rock climbing. It’s a subí :) enjoy it for what it is. A short video of mine on my page

[rickgarcia]

Exactly why we just bought a crosstrek sport.
Most roads are not smooth. Loved the drive of the crosstrek. Quiet inside, smooth ride. And my wife liked the size, not too big not too small. Having true all wheel drive. The dealers will work deals on the prices. We got a sport with many options under $32, 000 tax and tag included.

[glennhavinoviski]

For me the best thing about the Crosstrek is that, coming off a prior '21 Outback Onyx XT lease (I have a work vehicle allowance), you get the advantages of the smaller chassis (much better handling, easier to squeeze into tiny parking spaces) while still having basically the same ride, interior quality, front seat room and layout (I have the Sport edition), and only slightly smaller backseat room. Plus my model has the wireless phone charger and wireless CarPlay, which my Outback at the time did not have. The two things I miss the most coming from an Outback XT to a Crosstrek are the 2.4 T engine (the 2.5 is enough for the Xtrek but you can still feel its relative lack of punchiness) and the cavernous cargo hold of the Outback with that big heavy power liftgate that you can remotely both open AND close. For example, while the Xtrek will hold our dog crate, we'd pretty much have to put at least one of the seats down to get 3-4 days of luggage in there. With family who insist you pick people up right as you're getting to your destination (because they're too lazy to pick their local relatives up), this will make it a pretty good excuse to tell them to do it themselves.

[brenrob]

The competition is heating up but this is still an very solid, very well rounded vehicle. Kia Seltos / new Kona have more goodies but the fuel economy isn't good, Corolla Cross Hybrid very compelling but expect some price gouging and the rear seat is a bit tight

[Tonga]

Love my 2024 Crosstrek/Hate the 3 cameras that seem like there is a Sun visor down all the time taking away some forward vision.

[frankpoperowitzmusic]

I purchased a 24 Limited. I am coming out of a 4Runner and was sick of the poor fuel consumption paired with $4 a gallon gas. I am a Toyota guy and was looking at the Corolla Cross Hybrid but markups are horrible on Toyotas. I am very happy with my fancy little Subie getting 35 MPGs on the Highway.

[Qweasdzxc-qi]

As a 23 legacy owner, the headlight is useful on country roads. However, the straight distance it lights up is a bit closer than the competitor.

[danmagoo]

My wife has an Outback that I have driven many times. I recently got a Crosstrek, and I find your comparison to be on target. There are technical differences beyond price, but the "feel" of driving both cars js very much the same.

[sflscott]

In 2021, we crossed shopped the 2022 Crosstrek and the 2022 Seltos We chose the Seltos. No CVT, hot 1.6L Turbo, tons of bells and whistles, and, the warranty. We love it still 30, 000 miles later.