Subaru Could Axe 2.0L Engine In Next-Gen Crosstrek - You'll Like Its Replacement

The one complaint against the Subaru Crosstrek was that it was underpowered. Subaru answered and gave the Sport and Limited trim levels the larger 2.5-liter engine upgrade. But the Base Premium and new Special Edition still have the smaller 2.0-liter Boxer engine.

According to a report from Planet Subaru, because the Crosstrek sales are so hot, Subaru didn't have to give the other trims a new engine upgrade. Planet Subaru says, "It's not like it was hurting for an update; the current Crosstrek is so good we can't keep the Crosstrek on the lot for more than a few days, and most are sold before they arrive."

But there could be significant changes for the next-generation 2024 Subaru Crosstrek's drivetrain. Planet Subaru says they expect Subaru of America to drop the smaller 2.0-liter engine (with 152 horsepower), and it will "ride off into the sunset." They say all next-generation Crosstrek trim levels will get the 2.5-liter engine now offered in the Sport and Limited trims.

Planet says most Crosstrek buyers find the power from the smaller engine sufficient. Still, the larger engine satisfies those who want the extra power, including customers who tow or live in mountainous terrain.

Subaru gave the 2.5-liter engine 30 more horsepower than the 2.0-liter engine without sacrificing fuel mileage. The 2.5-liter engine comes with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. There is 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque from the 2022 Crosstrek's 2.0-liter engine.

The extra power will make the most significant difference if you live at altitude and you are hauling extra gear up the mountain, carrying mountain bikes on the roof, or hailing four people with snowboards to the ski resort.

What about fuel mileage?

The 2.5-liter is fuel-efficient. The EPA estimated fuel mileage for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is 27/34 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg. The 2023 Crosstrek with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine gets an EPA-estimated 28/33 mpg and 30 combined mpg. The 2.5-liter engine receives a one mpg improvement highway over the 2.0-liter engine.

Subaru did not reveal how they pulled off the improved one mpg highway fuel mileage. According to the Japanese automaker, the 2.5-liter Boxer engine comes with an "enhanced" direct-injection system. It also has higher compression and an active valve control system (AVCS) on the exhaust side.

Planet says the 2.5-liter engine is more expensive for Subaru to produce. Still, they expect Subaru will want to maintain the dominance of its number one selling SUV "by upping its powertrain game."

Keep in mind Subaru has yet to confirm this engine change for the next-generation Crosstrek models. Planet says Subaru is famously tight-lipped with the release of specifications and photos until they're ready to introduce a new model. There have yet to be any official announcements about the North American version.

When will Subaru of America announce the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?

Subaru will wait until after the Los Angeles Auto Show and the new 2024 Impreza debut. Since the 2024 Crosstrek has already made its global debut in Japan, Subaru of America could use a live reveal on its social media pages.

When will the next-generation 2024 Subaru Crosstrek be available for U.S. customers? Planet expects to deliver the first 2024 Crosstrek to its customers in the late spring of 2023.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

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