It is common for car manufacturers to offer a choice of engines between their different models. Typically, the base engine provides less power and less fuel efficiency at a lower cost. However, in recent years, Subaru and other automakers have begun limiting engine options to specific trim levels, and the 2024 Crosstrek is a good example.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Engine Options
A JD Power review notes that the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek received a complete redesign from last year’s model. Subaru’s smallest SUV features new styling, an updated all-wheel drive system and five trim levels:
- base
- Premium
- sport
- limited
- Wilderness, available later in 2023
The base engine includes the two lowest trims and the top three have the upgraded engine option.
The $24,995 2024 Crosstrek Base and $26,145 Premium come with a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 145 pound-feet of torque. Engine power goes through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). That combination and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive return an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Higher trims feature a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 to 178 lb-ft of torque. The larger engine returns an EPA-estimated mpg of 27/34 city/highway. The Premium, Sport and Limited CVTs include paddle shifters and an eight-speed manual mode.
The Wilderness trim has a final CVT drive ratio designed for off-road use. In addition, the optimal gear ratio and transmission oil cooler increase its towing capacity to 3,500 pounds, 2,000 pounds more than its stablemates.
Is the more powerful engine in the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek worth the upgraded price?
JD Power reviewed two 2024 Crosstrek trims, one with each engine option, at different times. They found the base 2.0-liter engine “slow in some scenarios.”
Mainly, the lower-trim Crosstrek failed to impress with its acceleration from low speeds to 40 mph. Loud protests from the engine compartment marked the climb to 40 mph. However, the interior remained “surprisingly quiet” at higher speeds.
However, test driving the Crosstrek Limited with its 2.5-liter didn’t impress the reviewer either. The 2.5-liter equipped Crosstrek is “adequate for most driving situations,” but that’s where the accolades end. The only other positive comment in the review included the Limited’s SI (Sport) drive mode, which keeps the engine revs higher to improve throttle response.
To get a 2024 Crosstrek with the more powerful 2.5-liter, you’ll need to opt for one of three higher trim levels:
- Sport: $28,995
- Limited: $30,895
- Desert: $33,290, including a $1,295 destination charge
In addition to more power and torque, upgrading to the Limited trim level offers automatic reverse braking and blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert. Enhanced driver assistance features complement Subaru’s standard suite of driver assistance systems, called EyeSight.
If you prefer to support American-made products, you’ll be pleased to know that all models equipped with the 2.5-liter engine roll off a Subaru assembly line in Lafayette, Indiana. You’ll want to buy either of the 2.0-liter models if you’d rather buy a Crosstrek built exclusively in Japan.
Ultimately, for most people, the 30 horsepower gain alone isn’t worth the extra cost. However, when combined with the additional features of the higher trim level, extra power is always a good thing. Finally, the Wilderness tweak looks attractive if you’re willing to wait until later this year.
