I had an '18 with the 2.0L and now '21 with the 2.5L. Big reason I went to '21 was the engine. That should answer the 1st question. Scotty Kilmer is worthless. Check out MrSubaru1387. Never heard any issues about not using gaskets. I'm sure other car makers do the same. My son has a CX-30. IMHO the interior space is much small than the Crosstrek - especially the back seat and cargo area.

 

Being that your son has a cx-30, would you say that the roof is shorter or taller than the Crosstrek? I’m short; so having the lower roofline is important.

Thanks!

 

Define " a lot better " ?

The FB25 has more bore (it's oversquare), more displacement, 0.5 less compression, more torque, more horsepower. Same engine block, same cylinder wall thickness, same pretty much everything else. 2.0 uses a conventional thermostat, 2.5 uses a thermo control valve. From a purely thermal perspective, the 2.0 will be less prone to overheating (same cooling system for 20% smaller displacement), however none of them are known to overheat... so it's a moot point. Head gaskets are not an issue on the FB2xD series, neither there are any concerns about engine reliability for either variiants. The FB series has been used since 2011, it's proven.

 

I test drove both, and I honestly didn’t notice much difference. Off the line for the most part both engines seem the same. Not sure if the slightly larger engine is worth it. Thoughts?

Also, I wouldn’t want to go to the Limited trim because I don’t want leather. That leaves the sport trim; with the yellow accents. I don’t like them; so I would have them covered or buy all new plastic trim pieces from a Premium and install those.

I’m considering a base model Mazda cx-30. More standard features, and I think better looks; but the Crosstrek looks cool in a different way. I don’t intend to off-road at all; so the AWD system isn’t a big concern for me. I do live on a dirt/stone road; so the extra ground clearance of both is appreciated over a sedan. I live with snowy winters, as well. I really liked the outward visibility of the Crosstrek! If I go with a sport trim, I lose out on the option of the Offshore metallic or sun blaze colors.

I’m also concerned about Subaru reliability. It was either Scotty Kilmer or Car Care Nut on YouTube that said Subaru uses silicone sealer instead of gaskets in the engine. The silicone sealer will fail; just a question of when. I do plan on keeping whatever car I choose long term.

Has anyone had major reliability issues with their Crosstrek?

Thoughts? Thanks!

I too had concerns on jumping on the Subie bandwagon. But seems the last five years or so, Subaru, along with partner Toyota, have done a lot of tweaking for the better as far as quality issues with regards to the engines and transmissions. Know of a few people with older CT and they have yet to have any major issues, and they don't maintain their vehicles as well as I do So that being said, I also test drove our friend's/relative's 2.0 CT, and the 2.5. The 2.5 does have a bit more pep. Being an engine already in use with other subie models for years, means it's been out for a while and doing well. The slightly larger displacement just means your CT won't be working as hard as the smaller 2.0, which is a good thing. Add the fact it is not turboed is a bonus as well.
We have only had our 24 CTW for a several months, but we are enjoying it. Good luck in your decision.

 

My wife bought a 2024 2.0 Convenience model and I found the engine more than adequate. I test drove the Limited with a 2.5L and did not notice much of a difference. I bought a 2024 Touring for myself with the 2.0L. In the rare occasion that I want more power/speed I switch into Sports Mode. I fine the 2.0L has almost as much power as my trade in did (2016 Outback 3.6L). I am pleased with my 2.0L Touring and am coming up to 9,000 kms.

 

Subaru gets better reliability ratings than Mazda. I would be wary of YouTubers that have some reason that something unexpected should be true, especially in the face of public data like this. They like to poopoo on the CVT too, but look at those reliability ratings....

That said, I probably wouldn't buy a Subaru if you don't need/want the AWD. It has added costs up front, and added lifetime costs in terms of lower MPGs, increased complexity, and tires (you can't replace just one, have to replace all in four at a time).

The standard Eyesight is really nice tho. Adaptive cruise control is a game changer, it makes driving a car without it seem like a huge step down. You should try it in a test drive if you haven't already.

If I was car shopping right now and didn't mean to go off-road, I'd be looking at the new Prius and the RAV4 hybrid. The Prius is zippy now.

 

That said, I probably wouldn't buy a Subaru if you don't need/want the AWD. It has added costs up front, and added lifetime costs in terms of lower MPGs, increased complexity, and tires (you can't replace just one, have to replace all in four at a time).

this

 

I've said in the past that a Mazda is like the pretty but shallow blonde girl in high school ... you'll want to go to the prom with her, but you'd end up hating it if you actually settled down with her permanently.

Even if you don't go off-road, I think there are valid reasons for wanting the Subaru AWD system ... better stability all around, and especially if you are in snow country.

I drove a Crosstrek with the 2.0 for seven years, and it was fine, but after I upgraded to the 2.5 I found it to be quite a bit better, and I'd never go back. I can actually pass cars on two-lane roads without breaking out in a sweat now!

 

I've said in the past that a Mazda is like the pretty but shallow blonde girl in high school ... you'll want to go to the prom with her, but you'd end up hating it if you actually settled down with her permanently.

Even if you don't go off-road, I think there are valid reasons for wanting the Subaru AWD system ... better stability all around, and especially if you are in snow country.

I drove a Crosstrek with the 2.0 for seven years, and it was fine, but after I upgraded to the 2.5 I found it to be quite a bit better, and I'd never go back. I can actually pass cars on two-lane roads without breaking out in a sweat now!

Takes all the fun and planning out of driving!!!!

 

Y'all think way too much. Just buy what you wanna buy.

 

I get your point, but to me, what I want is something that’s the best bang for my buck, so researching and asking questions is what leads to me to what I want. I don’t know what I want till I learn what’s objectively best for my current needs in a vehicle.

 

Honestly, it kind of amazes me how many people happily drop $35k on a new vehicle without researching or thinking at all.

 

does not shock me at all

 

i have driven 110k miles in a 2016 with 2.0L and 55k miles in a 21 sport which of course has the 2.5L. i have driven both extensively in extreme conditions. the 2.5L is a lot better. it is afterall a 20% increase in hp from one of the weakest 4-bangers on the market

 

My wife had a Mazda 3, nice peppy car, has a good reputation for its engine and transmission. Weird electronics with the controls behind the shift lever, as well an absolute cave in the back seat. She thought about the CX30 until I tested how easy/hard ti get into the rear seat, which is really no better than on the smaller 3. It sucked. The Crosstrek is a far better car if you ever need to carry somebody in the rear seat.

 

The small back seat in the Mazda isn’t a factor for me, as I rarely have passengers. I was actually thinking about a 3 instead of the cx-30; but the road I live on is more conducive to the slightly higher ground clearance of the cx-30. The 3 hatchback has really bad blind spots; so that’s out.

 

The small back seat in the Mazda isn’t a factor for me, as I rarely have passengers. I was actually thinking about a 3 instead of the cx-30; but the road I live on is more conducive to the slightly higher ground clearance of the 30 over the 3

 

The stock tune on the 2.0i is horrible. And is prone to LSPI issues due to poor tuning. Other than that it's a fine engine.

 

Honestly, it kind of amazes me how many people happily drop $35k on a new vehicle without researching or thinking at all.

does not shock me at all

Hence, the power of mindless persuasion.

"A fool and his money are soon parted." ~ Thomas Tusser

 

Reply to Post #11.
I resemble that remark. Subaru was the last car brand I was thinking about for off road. Sometimes dumb luck happens.

 

I always thought it went "A fool and his money are some party!"

 

Define " a lot better " ?

The FB25 has more bore (it's oversquare), more displacement, 0.5 less compression, more torque, more horsepower. Same engine block, same cylinder wall thickness, same pretty much everything else. 2.0 uses a conventional thermostat, 2.5 uses a thermo control valve. From a purely thermal perspective, the 2.0 will be less prone to overheating (same cooling system for 20% smaller displacement), however none of them are known to overheat... so it's a moot point. Head gaskets are not an issue on the FB2xD series, neither there are any concerns about engine reliability for either variiants. The FB series has been used since 2011, it's proven.

What about oil blow by past the cylinders on the more recent (late year) FB series engines? Don't know if I'd call it "proven". The tolerances are not as tight as they used to be to increase fuel economy so my question is whether these engines will pull 300k or more because of the changing oil consumption. Seems like everyone getting a short block done after 150k.

i have driven 110k miles in a 2016 with 2.0L and 55k miles in a 21 sport which of course has the 2.5L. i have driven both extensively in extreme conditions. the 2.5L is a lot better. it is afterall a 20% increase in hp from one of the weakest 4-bangers on the market

What's the real-world fuel economy difference of the 2.5L vs. the 2.0L? Specially with colder climates and warm up?

 

What about oil blow by past the cylinders on the more recent (late year) FB series engines? Don't know if I'd call it "proven". The tolerances are not as tight as they used to be to increase fuel economy so my question is whether these engines will pull 300k or more because of the changing oil consumption. Seems like everyone getting a short block done after 150k.



What's the real-world fuel economy difference of the 2.5L vs. the 2.0L? Specially with colder climates and warm up?

very little difference, if any. i noticed no difference. peruse fuelly for an idea what others get 2021 Subaru Crosstrek MPG - Actual MPG from 238 2021 Subaru Crosstrek owners

 

I wouldn't write the Mazda off, I really like them. The reason I chose the Crosstrek over a Mazda was the AWD system, and I really like the rugged low maintenance interior of the Sport. I use mine to access a lot of off road areas and often have my dog or other dirty gear on the back. The capability of the AWD and ease of cleaning the interior were my selling points. If those aren't important to you I would look hard at the CX30. I honestly think it is more comfortable, feels more refined, and handles great! In my experience other than their rotaries Mazda's have been very reliable.

 

"I chose the Crosstrek over a Mazda was the AWD system" many of us choose crosstrek because of AWD. that's why i can't understand why other brands like mazda, BMW, chevy, lotus are often interjected in non offtopic posts

 

OT

A brief comparison by a passionate hunter from Europe between the Crosstrek and the Mazda CX-30.
Both are only available as hybrids in Europe.
The CX-30 is not suitable for me for two reasons:
1) The Mazda has a ground clearance of only 17.5 cm (6.89 inches) compared to 22 cm (8.66 inches) for the Crosstrek.
2) The Crosstrek's all-wheel drive is known for its great reliability and good capabilities even on very muddy or snowy surfaces.

 

I had a 2018 MT with the 2.0. I never had any issues with traffic or passing. It did occasionally get pushed to its limits. I now have a 2024 Limited with the 2.5 and feel like I can achieve similar performance without reaching the engine’s potential. I believe the 2.5 is a worthwhile investment. MPG has been similar. I enjoyed the MT, but I prefer the drive ability of the 2.5.

Doug

 

I had the '19 2.0. I got rid of it bc the vehicle was to small and I went back to the Forester. People complain about the lack of power for the 2.o and very very few (I would guess) have ever let it shift on its own at 6K rpms. I did it all the time. Lots of HP up there beyond 4K rpm. I had the 2,5 Forester after that and letting it shift the same way I would have been hard pressed..lol.

I now have the FA 24 unturboed. I would have loved to see the FA20 instead of the FB20 in the XV but that is a pipe dream. That had 200HP

 

I test drove both, and I honestly didn’t notice much difference. Off the line for the most part both engines seem the same. Not sure if the slightly larger engine is worth it. Thoughts?

Also, I wouldn’t want to go to the Limited trim because I don’t want leather. That leaves the sport trim; with the yellow accents. I don’t like them; so I would have them covered or buy all new plastic trim pieces from a Premium and install those.

I’m considering a base model Mazda cx-30. More standard features, and I think better looks; but the Crosstrek looks cool in a different way. I don’t intend to off-road at all; so the AWD system isn’t a big concern for me. I do live on a dirt/stone road; so the extra ground clearance of both is appreciated over a sedan. I live with snowy winters, as well. I really liked the outward visibility of the Crosstrek! If I go with a sport trim, I lose out on the option of the Offshore metallic or sun blaze colors.

I’m also concerned about Subaru reliability. It was either Scotty Kilmer or Car Care Nut on YouTube that said Subaru uses silicone sealer instead of gaskets in the engine. The silicone sealer will fail; just a question of when. I do plan on keeping whatever car I choose long term.

Has anyone had major reliability issues with their Crosstrek?

Thoughts? Thanks!

1) When my 2019 Limited was in for scheduled maintenance one time, they let me borrow a loaner that had the 2.5: WAY BETTER. I don't understand how you couldn't have felt the difference, even under moderate driving. I'd buy one but I don't have the money to upgrade and I've only got <17,000 miles on mine.

2) Uh, the leather seats are awesome and not uncomfortable. That's a bad reason to not get all of the extra features that come on the Limited.

3) Don't like the Sport's trim color? Don't buy it. Don't like that you can't get the Sport in offshore metallic or sun blaze? Don't buy it or learn to love another color

4) Don't care about AWD???? Then do NOT buy an AWD car! You're not going to get as good mileage as you do with a FWD (not "4WD") and you'll have a more complicate drivetrain. But, oh! It snows where you live? And is your home under a rock? THEN GET AWD!!!!

5) Modern Subarus don't have reliability issues; in fact, they are highly rated. I don't know where you're getting your info but you need more reliable sources like C&D, R&T and even JD Power.

 

I didn’t get any of the reliability information from C&D or any of the others you mentioned.

In other Subaru forums people have discussed oil leaks from the silicone sealer used that may have broken down. Real owner issues. People having oil leaks at 84k miles. It's important to question things before making a large purchase.

 

Test drove both engines on the 2024 Crosstrek, went up to the 2.5l tier for a reason. At the very least, I felt a difference... it just felt more "confident" on the highway entrance ramp, when passing the guy going 5 under (who was towing a boat three sizes too big for his luxury SUV), etc...

Also looked at the CX-30, the only aspect on it that really I preferred over the Crosstrek was the non-touch controls for the infotainment center.

E: it does seem a bit odd that the one trim with reduced paint options is the Sport... and I get not liking the leather seats, IME experience, leather or pleather or leatherette seats are very sweaty... on the plus side they tend to be easier to keep clean as long as you take care of them.

 

OP, to answer your question the 2.5 makes a noticeable difference. We test drove a 2.0 and felt very underpowered when trying pass other cars on the interstate.

I REALLY liked the CX-30 and it felt more refined, but the smaller backseat was a dealbreaker for me.

 

 

Says "video not available any more", but I was able to find it.
https: //youtu.be/ qA1PWbcnqoM
(How the heck do I post a link without the forum embedding/thumbnailing it? For now I added spaces after the : and the third /.

 

My 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk was a lot better off road than even the Crosstrek.
Now all of that has changed. The Cherokee is 'toast', literally. The 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness with 9.3 inches of ground clearance is great.
That test trail was a 'piece of cake' compared to my Fire Trail which is a lot rougher and steeper. 18 degrees at the steepest place.
Now that I have discovered I need higher octane fuel the engine has better low end torque and I can reduce momentum speed which reduces bottoming out.
I think the Yokohama tires are going to be ok. Traction is pretty good and I haven't ripped a sidewall, yet.

 

There's a general trend, isn't there?
For the "traditional" SUVs to sacrifice their functional, tough, and/or offroad features for more family or luxury lean?
The "rugged" vibe to be a veneer or just a nameplate aspect, while the inside and finish become more and more things that one might hesitate to take into a work site or a muddy trail?
To market the trucks and SUVs to people who will never use them as anything other than "cars"?