2024 Subaru Crosstrek Review | A Smaller, Cheaper Subaru Outback 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

America wants easy to park vehicles. The classic sedan trunk is a pain. They want to put the back seats down for their luggage and pets. You can even sleep in the back of the hatch haha. My only complaint is the lack of buttons because that huge screen will be a dinosaur in 10 years. Most of us can afford to replace our phones and laptops many times but replacing a $26,000 car will be expensive.

Honestly, if you carry more than 2 people more than occasionally, most buyers would probably be happier with the Forester at that price point. $2k more for the Forester for much more room in both rows AND in the cargo area makes the Forester just that much more of a smarter choice. Unless you're seriously pinching pennies or want the car-like driving experience, I don't see any reason to get the Crosstrek over the Forester. Save yourself the trouble and just get the Forester if you're looking at the Crosstrek segment.

Driving a 2021 Ascent limited. 45,000 miles, zero issues

A- is a very generous score on cabin noise. Subaru needs to step up this in their product lineup.

The MSRP of 27,096 is the true MSRP for the base model Subaru Crosstrek. It’s the Subaru factory that is lying, saying the MSRP is 25,095. Dealers would never lie.

Alex, Can we really call this lifted Impreza hatch a 'wagon' when Subaru actually make an Impreza wagon called the Levorg? 🤔 In day to day driving, the outstanding efficiency of the Corolla Cross Hybrid makes it the top competitor in this field.🤩

I just drove a new CX-30 around Iceland including the West Fjords snd it aas surprisingly good. I grew to appreciate it and never found it rough. Even on Icelandic gravel nail-biters!!

Not to mention more attractive. I have always found the Outback design to be a bit homely.

Dude your reviews are so awesome! Keep it up!

Really disappointed that the Premium trim no longer comes with a leather steering wheel. The plastic one is cheap and nasty.

I have a 2019 Crosstrek and recently drove it across county! I bought this vehicle originally because of the AWD system, visibility, fuel economy, and drive comfort. Biggest complaint is it’s slow acceleration. Am looking at trading it in for a vehicle with larger cargo capacity.

Regarding your assertion that the AWD power distribution is FWD biased 60/40, you're dead wrong. All 4 wheels get the exact same power load. This is why it's called 'symmetrical' AWD. Other than that glaring errors, good job on the review. 👍

One day.. I will buy a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek.

Alex ive posted this on other cross trek videos. you would be surprised at how my Physicians/doctors own these too as 2nd car.

Thank you,sir. This THE BEST car review I have ever seen. I think I lean to Corolla Cross, but I haven't test driven either new one yet.

This is gonna sound weird but I never thought of Subarus as SUV's or Crossovers. To me they all mostly looked like wagons. I am actually fond of a good wagon but the Subaru brand just never appealed to me. I went on their website and they do indeed list nearly every vehicle they sell as an SUV. Now that I look at them I can see how they really aren't much different then any other branded crossover out there. But in my mind they still just look like a wagon. The Ascent still reminds me of an old Ford Freestyle. I am sure today's demographics are much different then 25 years ago though.

You realize you're standing in front of the limited and quoting the price for the base model right? Limited will go for 35K if you're very lucky, and an expert negotiator.

Is your price statement true? Google says crosstrek "starting at" just under $25,000 while the Chevrolet Trax (AWD not available so there is that) "starting under" $20,500 ... And it's slightly larger. Now to point 2. In fog, which is superior among auto design - cameras or radar? Point 3 The Crosstrek has a CVT. While this may be controversial to some CVT advocates, a CVT can be lighter weight and easier to optimise MPG. At the same time, much like the Wankel - it's proven to be better on paper than in the real world. If we discount the people who just want to feel gears shift (something that CVTs can actually mimic), they - across several brands and manufacturers - are proven less dependable. That's just an automotive fact. I myself, as an engineer, am not a CVT fan. Imagine my surprise to discover the Prius IV I had for 7-8 years, allegedly, had a CVT with no known issues throughout its life until its untimely death. Supporting the no CVT, while picking out a bed system for aging G'ma, a sales person asked specifically about the Prius' replacement I was driving. He had a family and the Crosstrek, while a fun little crossover (I stress "little"). The replacement for the Prius was not an Xtra Small (as Edmunds describes the subcompact class but a compact. It is a Mazda CX-50 (longer, wider and slightly shorter than the RAV 4, CRV and CX-5). Rear seating and mounting a baby seat as well as general space (especially rear storage) seemed to be of interest. He spoke very poorly of his experience with the Crosstrek mainly because he was (his words) "on its third transmission. In my state - if the third gives him trouble, he can force a take-back if it has issues. Nissan had a CVT that damaged their reputation. Others likewise, have had designs with high reports of failure. I'm not a car guy since we stopped making cars. Now we make highly sophisticated vehicles. While I do like the new safety items and systems, we have lost much of the allure of motorcars. I'm not totally enamoured with the first year CX-50, I personally will never buy a casket on wheels (a subcompact) mostly because my Prius tried to MuRdEr me. Well, not really, but I have a major shoulder surgery in 2 weeks and a C-spine injury (also with surgical solution). So respect to every manufacturer who adds these current safety systems. Will they stop a clown from rear ending you at speed? Probably not. But something larger may give more safety from being pinballed into the B pillar or door. Space for cabin collapse can be significant. And like a parachute or fire extinguisher --- it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. -- jmo The Crosstrek is a cute little car. But I prefer to save an injury than save a buck. Subcompacts are off my list from now on. (And if you want or need to "$ave a buck" there are cheaper options.

Would be nice if Subaru throw 2.4 turbo in it

Hippie college professors rock!

Negotiate online first, get all numbers settled before you go to a dealership. We have to get dealers use to this practice. They are called dealers for a reason, they want to talk you into the highest numbers. They want you to sign based on emotion and put you in debt prison. The dealership is the auto mafia’s turf, the internet and cash is our turf.

I can see the time on the console but i can't see the day/month. How can I access that feature?

Way overpriced. Great car, better than the competition, but cost almost the same as the Outback or Forester.

Go Slugs!

this car good in philippines too much broken roads and dirts

Is it really a small outback or it's a slightly rised impreza?

Is that a new color?? I don't care for the panoramic roof anyway.

the only thing keeping me from a subaru is the interior. they look awful. they look very outdated

You forgot the lesbians, subaru used to be the official car of girls who love girls.

What did they do, speed up the monologue? Very irritating. Thumbs Down!

They make this model look super ugly. The best model ever made by them was 08-11. Its aged well and still looks modern

⚫☄️⚫ 🌬️ Crosstrek ⚫☄️⚫ . 🏴 👁️🗿👁️ ✴️ . . 🕺🏻 👄 🕳️ . .🖤🧤🖤🇯🇵 Subaru✨🖤🧤🖤

The engines are gutless, that’s why I hated mine.

For your venn diagram reference, because I respect lesbians, you forgot lesbians.

Subaru is the new buick for boomers. That is why I wouldn't buy it.

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.

That opening statement is a gem🤣🤣 take my upvote

So spouse and I just bought a 2025 outback limited, while at the dealership I noticed a bunch of cars off to the side in a field basically. I asked the salesman what was up with all the cars not in the lot. He said that over 150 new cars got ruined by a hailstorm. I asked what will happen to all those cars, he said they will end up wholesaled to a large dealership out in the Midwest. Anyway I ended up also purchasing a new 2024 Crosstrek sport for 18 k. Yes there is damage on the roof and hood, but I couldn't pass up on the deal. The only thing is it was a cash only deal, which was fine because I paid cash for the 2025 outback also. Not sure if I am going to try and get some of the hail damage repaired or not.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

It's funny, I have ex-hippie college professors in my family, and they all drive Ford and GM, while I, the ultraconservative, flag waving, business owning meritocrat your professors warned you about, drive a Subaru. I mean, Subaru makes a decent car, so why wouldn't I?

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.

I love the design and look and other things about that little critter-- if they'd make it TURBO-- I'd buy one in a heartbeat... but it's TOO underpowered-- no matter what their "excuses" are..

Oh do I like when these "reviewers" start talking about the car like it is a fashion show, sliding their fingers over the contours of the car what we all can see even without their explanation. Just talk about the specs of the car and abilities of the vehicle which most of the people are interested in.

One thing to mention of Subaru over competition, interest rate about half of what others offer, 3.99 in Canada vs almost 8% for Toyota. Big difference.

I love your reviews and insights, but can you add some length measurements on the scale when comparing a vehicle to its competition? Based on the way the scale is displayed, I would have thought the Crosstrek is much more than 4 inches longer than the seltos. Thank you!

It is funny, car review people are complaining about 7,5s 0-100km/h … Comon! 12s 0-100km/h is perfectly fine. Turbo is not good for fuel economy. Free breathing engine is superior and also more durable. This car is good for slow driving and bad routes in forest/field.

What was that trim on crosstrek you reviewed? You kept saying " on this trim" but, I didn't hear you mention what it was.

Alex, do you drive cars at night during the week you have it? I ask because I was lighting up SUV interiors when I got the '24 Crosstrek with its low beams on and had brights flashed at me all the time. Lowered the lights myself but wondering if this is a Subaru thing or a modern car thing.

This is lesbian erasure. They carried Subaru on their backs.

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 😊

Ha! I love it! I'm a college professor and 2 of my colleagues and I drive Subarus! 😄

I'd get the Crosstrek or the HR-V AWD. I'm beyond caring about high speed acceleration, but do like to pair AWD with good MPG. And for me, good reliability and a good ride count too.

To me this is like the original Foresters, small, slow and utilitarian. I have a retired friend and she loves hers because it had a great color, the interior is much more attractively styled than the competition, and the front goes over curbs and parking lot stops without damage. LOL. She never pushes the gas to the floor because the noise to her means she is breaking it.

We own a 2023 Crosstrek Sport with the 2.5L, in black-on-black. The 2023 is, in my opinion, a better aesthetic design than the 2024. The interior of the Sport trim is somewhat similar in style and durability to their Wilderness series (without the overwrought-ness of the Wilderness trim). Comfortable front and rear seats. The rear seating space is adequate, even for adults. The 2.5 engine is adequate, even at altitude. This car is our affordable, go-to gas sipper. It is also a do-it-all appliance. Easy to park in the city. Easy to blast up to the ski resorts, or for local adventures. Modern infotainment screen, with Apple CarPlay. Our kids love the vehicle. We will most likely (eventually) pass it down to the kids. My only critiques are 1.) it lacks rear heating / cooling controls and vents, and 2.) the rear lacks USB chargers. However the car punches above its weight, regarding value and functionality. It even cleans up well for occasional work meetings... Granted, we live in Colorado. We've added a Thule roof-top box, a hitch with a 2" adaptor, and an aftermarket skid-plate from Primitive Racing. All told, this vehicle (with the 2.5L) is a recommended buy. Especially in snow / at altitude. Or as a second vehicle, if you have a larger family.

Your comment about cabin noise is contradicted by most other reviewers. The 2.4 engine provides plenty of power for average drivers. Turbos are unnecessary.

Very good overview and comparison. 👍

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.

They just need a 6-speed manual

The first time I saw one of these, I loved it. Guess Im a hippie.... Im cool with that😁

Does the passenger seat have adjustable lumbar support?

The ride Quality is amazing. Nothing in a compact care or crossover comes close to the 24+ Crosstrek imho. It is was sold me on it. The stereo should be mentioned too, as this is important for me: the stereo systems are terrible across the Crosstrek lneup, but respond well to speaker upgrades, or an inline amp and sub if you really want it. The front doors fit 6x9 which is pretty great for audio potential. I just installed new speakers today and it is already a night and day change. Ordered a plug and play inline amp to install soon too.

Actually sounds like the description of a SAAB owner in the sixties. Don’t forget the elbow patch on the jacket 😅.

Maybe it’s a Seattle thing, but hippie college professors always drove Volvo wagons or Saabs, Subarus were for the students!

Hello Alex, my partner and I are in search of a compact car that is as comfortable and quiet as the Grand Cherokee. We plan to embark on several lengthy road trips throughout North America. We'll be staying in hotels for the majority of our journey, so we won't require a lot of cargo space, but I am very sensitive to noise on the highway. You've reviewed a great number of cars, so we're hoping you could suggest some options for us. Thank you kindly in advance.

I can't understand the hybrid. You don't get much fur much more complexity. Haven't had an issue with power. I like the looks but not don't like the sport and wildebeest look.

Subaru claims they did improve the seats and the insulation to reduce noise and borrowed some steering components from the WRX?

One thing that I am interested in that often isn't covered in reviews is do the back seats fold flat and how much cargo area is there with the seats folded. Why is this information often skipped in these reviews?

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.

I drive a '15 Crosstrek, still love the ride after all these years.

yup subaru crosstrek cheaper must be the usa in canada starting close to the 40 thousand dollar range up her

Stealth rally car with amazing handling.

I own 2024crosstrek 2.5 I love everything (very comfy)except city MPg,wish it was a hybrid

I'm even happier now that I 'went for it' and bought a 6 speed 2023 Crosstrek.

I am a hippy college professor and I am buying this car. 😂

The front of it is weird-looking.

dear master I would like to ask you which car has a high grade of cabin noise silent with a mid-range price? thanks in advance

I love our 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness

I'm 6' 2" so the Crosstrek is just too small. I have the Forester Wilderness and it fits me perfectly.

You are way too nit-picky. It must be hard for you when buying a new car. The reliability and the bulletproof all wheel drive system of Subaru is what sells them. For the price, it's a heck of a deal.

Love my 2024 Crosstrek Onyx 2.5

Very helpful! I'm on the search for a car for my daily commute that can also get me out on forest service roads for hiking on the weekends.

My Ouback 2019 costs 51,000 euro. The Crosstrek. Costs now 56,000 euro. Cheaper?😢

As a loyal Toyota customer I was considering making a switch until I heard I would be amongst woke college profs Rethinking this

I live in New York I have a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek limited it has no heated steering wheel I don't understand that

😅 more power. I'm in the market for a daily don't know what I'm going to get. Really want a 4Runner. But we'll see.

You appear to be promoting KIA. I tried to buy a KIA but kept getting intimidated by their sales manager. He finally hit a nerve and I walked out. KIA is not Subaru. I am glad I bought a Crosstrek. It's been flawless in three years.

HI, MISTER and dear viewers, i have a question here: for my 2022 Forester/base , just wonder steel rim (7Jx17 ET42)(see BSR , X45755 or IKON: STW17-X--7705454056 ) will be used as 7Jx17ET48, THE HUB HOLE IS 56.1mm. appreciate any comments.

I guess i'm the minority but "big lcd" is a "big negative" to me.

Best review I've found yet, although you not laughing at pointless things like stitching color and heated seats has me questioning your critical thinking. And comparing Kia....isn't the point of Subaru reliability? Is Kia also reliable? You need to say that it is or isn't.