The Subaru Crosstrek is simple and cheap, even if most things are not: video review

The Subaru Crosstrek feels like a forever part of our lives. It’s a car that people buy for functionality and affordability – not to outdo everyone else on the road – and that’s what many of us need.

We recently drove a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport. The crossover starts at $26,540 these days, which is just over its original starting price of around $22,000 in 2013. The base Crostrek has a 152-horsepower engine, while my Crosstrek Sport loaner had a 2.5-liter flat-four engine that made 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Every engine option comes with a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive (yes, even for $26,540).

During my week of driving, the Crosstrek Sport was as normal as transportation could get. It wasn’t fast or flashy, and despite its low mileage, there were already stains on the cloth passenger seat (from the person who drove it before me). But it felt practical, and I can’t say that about many modern cars in America.

So many modern cars are $80,000 luxury boats with a four-figure monthly payment, while the Crosstrek Sport is just an inexpensive new car with a warranty, all-wheel drive, and heated seats. It’s enough, and in a world where everything is too much, that’s refreshing.

Click the video above to watch Motor1’s full 2024 Crosstrek Sport review with history, features, pricing and driving impressions.