Yahoo Autos 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport First Drive: Surprise! 2.5-liter is the engine to get again
WOODSTOCK, N.Y. — This one is pretty simple. The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder upgrade over the meek 2.0-liter is the one you want. In fact, it should probably just be the base engine in this little crossover.
We’ve already driven the redesigned 2024 model in its smaller-engine form — you can read all about the big changes and updates to the model in that Crosstrek first drive review. In this one, we’re going to focus specifically on the 2.5-liter. It would be easy to think the engine’s carried over unchanged with just a quick glance through the spec sheet. The only vital figure that stands out as different from 2023 is its torque rating of 178 pound-feet, which is 2 pound-feet more than before. Thrilling, right? The 2.5-liter even retains its same 182-horsepower rating. The torque curve, however, is slightly changed from before, as Subaru managed to move peak torque 700 rpm lower in the rev band to 3,700 rpm. This helps the engine provide a similar feeling of forward thrust as before without working as hard, which is nice considering this boxer really needs to get its revs up to get moving.
So, what changes did Subaru make? Subaru says the extra 2 pound-feet can be attributed to a new and more efficient intake design, along with final engine tuning. A number of other behind-the-scenes tweaks were made to improve the engine performance in general. A new rocker cover, camshaft design and engine mounts (aluminum instead of resin) all improve NVH. A new catalytic converter, alongside the new intake, improves efficiency. Plus, Subaru says it updated parts for longevity and reliability purposes, such as the piston rings and exhaust manifold. Don’t think of it as a new engine, but still far more changed than the specs would suggest.
