2018 Subaru Crosstrek

Date: May 2018
Mileage: 1,725

This just redesigned 2018 Subaru Crosstrek arrived on our long-term lot with just 25-miles on the odometer. In the month since, we’ve added 1,700 more, and mileage is off to a good start, averaging 33.5 miles-per-gallon.

We do expect that to drop as we continue to rack up miles. But before we do that, let’s get to know the Crosstrek a little more.

All new for ’18, our 2.0-liter 4-cylinder long-termer is outfitted in Limited trim; which means a back-up camera, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED steering responsive headlights, and automatic climate control are all standard; not to mention a CVT and of course, X-Mode all-wheel-drive.

To that we’ve added a moonroof, EyeSight Driver-Assist System, Reverse Automatic Braking, High Beam Assist, Navigation for the 8.0-inch Starlink touchscreen, and a 432-watt Harmon-Kardon Sound System. If nothing else, we’ll be rockin’ out for the next 11-months.

Date: June 2018

The warm weather has finally settled in here at MotorWeek HQ, and another 11-hundred miles have passed by in the redesigned 2018 Subaru Crosstrek.

It sure is Subaru solid, and standard all-wheel-drive provides great contact with any and all roads. The back-up camera has a higher vantage point than before, for a better view of what’s happening behind you, with a crystal clear image on the Starlink multi-media screen.

Engineers added 4-more horses to the now 152-horsepower 2.0-liter flat 4 matched with an updated CVT. It’s adequate with decent acceleration, but there’s no adrenaline rush. As we’ve mentioned before, they could improve noise control too.

So far we’re averaging 29.2 MPG of regular, right on the mark with the government’s numbers. And it is clear sailing for the summer roads ahead in our 2018 Subaru Crosstrek.

Date: August 2018
Mileage: 6,500

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek seems to be the right vehicle for any season. 65-hundred miles have passed by in this rugged raised hatchback.

Now, we drove the 2017 model for a year, and we are noticing the differences. This ’18 is more refined, the ride is tauter, and overall has a more solid feel. The 152-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder works with an updated CVT. They’re a capable team… but we’d like more thrill from the throttle.

Our long term fuel economy average is 32-point-4 miles-per-gallon of regular. While all-wheel drive is not as critical during summer months, the Crosstrek’s usefulness… has us forecasting a long and enjoyable road ahead.

Date: September 2018
Mileage: 8,500

The Subaru Crosstrek is a stalwart in the MotorWeek fleet. So far we’ve driven the 2018 model 8500-miles after spending a year with the 2017 edition. This raised hatchback continues to have the right amount of utility and ruggedness for all roads and weather conditions.

Subaru’s all-wheel drive system is readily up to the challenge everywhere we’ve gone so far.

The 152-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is paired with an updated CVT. They work well together, and while there’s decent low end torque… we’d like even more throttle response. Compared to our ’17, this ’18 Crosstrek drives more refined, solid, and secure.

Fuel economy is now 30-point-3-miles-per-gallon on regular… which is slightly better than the government’s Combined rating. Now, as the summer slips away, we’ll see how the Crosstrek handles our Autumn adventures.

Date: November 2018
Mileage: 12,000

We passed the summer season quickly in our 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. And after 7-months total, we’ve put 12-thousand-miles on the odometer.

When we took delivery of this 2018 Crosstrek, we had just spent a year in the previous generation, but even if we hadn't the changes would still be obvious. The ride is much more refined thanks to the new global platform and technology, both for safety and convenience is top notch in this segment. We could still use some more horsepower, but to be fair, we say that a lot.

However, most buyers will find the 152-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with CVT powertrain more than adequate. Plus, we’re bettering the government’s combine rating at 30-point-1-miles-per-gallon on regular.

This raised hatchback has the right amount of room, utility and ruggedness. We’ll see how it handles the more frigid months that loom ahead.

Date: February 2019
Mileage: 16,000 Miles

Our 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is designed to thrive in winter. But, so far, it hasn’t had much taste of snow and ice… as our Mid-Atlantic winter has been mostly devoid of the white stuff. But the cold has been a constant.

Regardless of temps, and the growing number of potholes, the refinement of the new global platformreally shined. The 152-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with CVT is still up to every task we throw at it."The Crosstrek has been a steady workhorse in the MotorWeek long term test fleet. Our staff loves agood hatchback and this is certainly a good hatchback. Plenty of space, enough ground clearance toconfidently tackle bumpy gravel roads and a comfortable, upscale inrerior."

Our overall fuel economy average is 29-point-6 miles-per-gallon on regular… which is right in line withthe government’s combined rating.

Hopefully we’ll see the Crosstrek’s all-wheel drive in action during the snowy months to come.

Date: April 2019
Mileage: 19,000 Miles

One year and around 19-thousand miles have passed in our Subaru Crosstrek. It’s just back from a road trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. And all that seat time made it obvious how much more solid and refined this redesigned model is thanks in part to the new global platform.

"The Crosstrek is proving to be a pretty decent road trip car. There's enough space to pack larger gear in the back, the wide opening hatch makes it easy to access and it doesn't drink a lot of gas. Some road and wind noise creeps in, but that's only highlighted by the fact that no one in the car wants to talk to me."

The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and CVT are more than adequate. And no complaints when we fill up. We’re averaging 29.2 miles-per-gallon on regular… right in line with the government’s numbers… all while being a versatile member of our long term fleet.

Date: May 2019
Mileage: 19,748 Miles

It’s time to say good-bye to the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. We spent a year in this rugged-ute after testing the previous generation for the prior twelve months, so we’ve really gotten a feel for how versatile this raised hatchback can be… whether tooling around town doing chores… or taking long road trips. The new global platform stepped up the refinement, while Subaru’s symetrical all-wheel drive never let us down.

The 152-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and CVT powertrain were well matched all along the way. 19,748-miles was our final tally, with an average 29.6 miles-per-gallon… just a hair better than the EPA’s combined calculations. So the Subaru Crosstrek proved to be up to the task of whatever we asked…. no matter how the forecast turned out.

Specifications

Engine: 2.0 liter
Trim: Limited

Back to list Next Story

2024 Nissan Sentra

Episode 4403

Specifications

As Tested

Engine: 2.0-liter I-4
Transmission: CVT
EPA: 30 City | 38 Highway | 33 Combined

Horsepower: 149
Torque: 145 lb-ft.
Price: $29,320

Long Term Updates

Date: August 2024

Nissan introduced the 8th generation Sentra back in 2020 and for 2024 it received a mid-cycle refresh, which is why we just gave this Sentra SR a full road test. Well now we’ve decided to hang on to it for a little longer and see how it handles our daily driving duties. So, let’s dive a little deeper into what exactly we’ll be living with.

As mentioned in our Road Test, the 2024 Sentra receives an updated front fascia, which continues to feature Nissan’s V-Motion grille design. This SR-grade Sentra receives a rear makeover and these wheels are a new design measuring 18-inches. The Monarch Orange Metallic Paint is considered premium and costs an extra $645. It’s contrasted by a black roof, RED SR badges and dark chrome trim.

This car has the $2,500 Premium SR package, which means inside there are features like a moon-roof, leatherette seats, 8-speaker Bose sound system and a heated steering wheel.

The SR uses the same 2-liter 4-cylinder as other Sentras with 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque going to the front wheels through an updated CVT.

All told, this 2024 Sentra SR stickers for $29,320 after destination.

The Sentra has officially moved over to our Long Term test lot, but we’ll need to put on a few more miles before our first official update. Until then, if you have any questions or comments, reach out to us at MotorWeek!

Date: September 2024Mileage: 500

This 2024 Nissan Sentra may look familiar, as we just tested it at the end of our 43rd season. Well, Nissan said we could keep it for a little longer and we gladly accepted.

We certainly have some plans to roll up the odometer from the just 500 MotorWeek test miles on it so far. And because of that, our fuel economy picture is still being painted. So far, we’ve observed 28.4 mpg. We fully expect that number to climb close to the EPA-estimated 33 Combined rating now that our Road Test crew is done flogging it for performance numbers.

And those numbers were gathered from this 2.0-liter inline-four, sending 149 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels through a now quite refined CVT automatic.

While not the peppiest powertrain, it, combined with the sport-tuned multi-link rear suspension, makes this Sentra a very enjoyable partner on the daily grind.

So far, driving this Sentra has been quite pleasant. The steering is light, the ride is comfortable, yet confident, but for me it’s these seats that Nissan does so well. They’re supportive in all the right places and they hold up really well on long trips. It’s a nice touch of class in this segment of sedan.

In all fairness, the Sentra is meant to be an affordable, practical daily driver. Not only does it accomplish that, it goes well beyond thanks to an interior that one of our testers say “punches well above its class.” And the eight-speaker Bose sound system is an audible cherry on top of this compact sedan shortcake.

We look forward to living with this bona fide daily driver.

Date: November 2024Mileage: 3,000

We’re back with the second update on our 2024 Nissan Sentra. Despite winter closing in fast, this bright orange compact sedan is staving off our seasonal depression.

And that starts with a pleasant, but not totally-unexpected surprise. Remember in our first update when we said we’d aim for that EPA-estimated 33 Combined miles-per-gallon rating? Well, at 33.5 MPG of Regular, we’ve exceeded it. And that’s after nearly 3,000 miles added in about six weeks’ time.

Also exceeding expectations is the drive itself. One log book comment harps on just how fun it is to drive, even commuting, with great reserve power and, while a tad light, a precise steering setup. The comment concludes with, quote, “20 years ago, most sport sedans didn’t behave this well.”

Considering how long some of our staffers have been MotorWeek reviewers… it’s safe to take their word for it. And in the driver’s seat, it’s readily apparent.

“This Sentra is pegged as a commuter car, but we’ve taken a number of long trips with it recently and it’s surprisingly fit for the open road. The increased dimensions compared to previous Sentras keep it from feeling cramped inside and its road manners at highway speeds are improved as well.”

In and out, our 2024 Nissan Sentra has been an excellent compact for whatever we’ve asked it to do, and so far no glaring faults. We’ll keep you in the loop if anything comes to mind.

Back to list Next Story

2023 Cadillac Lyriq

Long Term Updates

Date: July 2024

General Motors has made a massive investment in battery-electric vehicles. And Cadillac went out on the furthest limb when it vowed to ditch internal combustion engines for all new models, starting with this Lyriq, which just rolled onto our long term test lot. So, let’s dive into the details.

This Cadillac Lyriq belongs to one of our associates who has generously allowed us to test it for one year. Painted Argent Silver Metallic, the Lyriq clearly follows the “long, low and wide” design mantra. Overall length is just shorter than the midsize XT6, but wheelbase is actually longer than the full-size Escalade. Wheels are 20-inchers wrapped in 265/50 all-season rubber.

Inside, there’s a 33-inch curved glass screen displaying info from the left side of the steering wheel all the way over to the far end of the center console. It is a touchscreen but the infotainment can also be controlled remotely. Speaking of control, this Lyriq comes equipped with GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance. A 19-Speaker AKG sound system can make things loud and even quiet with Cadillac’s Active Noise Canceling system aimed at mitigating road noise.

The second row is split 60/40, and when in their upright position, cargo capacity is a great 28 cubic feet.

The Lyriq is available with two electric motors for all-wheel drive, but this one is rear-wheel drive with just a single motor spinning up 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. A 102-kWh battery pack provides the juice for 312 miles and DC fast charging can replenish as much as 76 miles in just 10 minutes.

After we get a few charges under our belt we’ll have our first official update. Until then, if you have any questions or comments about this Cadillac Lyriq, reach out to us at MotorWeek!

Date: September 2024Mileage: 1,000

It’s time for the first Long Term update on this full battery-electric 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ, owned by one of our associates. With about 1,000 miles on the odometer, the results so far are music to our ears.

The initial high note is the powertrain itself. The rear-wheel-drive single electric motor quietly hums to the tune of 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque; not as extreme as some other EVs, but extremely pleasant and plenty for daily workouts.

Driving this LYRIQ on a daily basis, the first thing we notice is, ironically, something we barely notice at all: road noise. It’s really quiet in here. In addition to sound deadening materials, Cadillac uses active noise cancellation. So, they fight sound with sound and it does a really nice job of adapting to various frequencies to keep road noise consistently low.

Also low is our range anxiety, reaching the advertised 312 miles of range from the 102-kWh battery. The onboard Super Cruise suite takes even more stress out of commuting, and the bliss of electric propulsion lives up to the ethos of luxury motoring, as do the exceptional materials and 33-inch curved screen, adding to the inviting atmosphere. That screen is home to just about all vehicle functions, and above it is a crystal-clear rear camera mirror. Digitally, this cabin is top rate; and like Baltimore’s own Lyric Opera House, the Cadillac LYRIQ is built like a work of art inside and out.

Date: November 2024Mileage: 8,500

It’s been a couple months since we last brought you an update on our long-term 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ. But that’s not because we’ve been shy behind the wheel.

Quite the contrary actually: Our digital odometer reads 8,500 miles, about 7,500 more since our last plug. We did take it to the dealership about a thousand miles ago for a tire rotation and a software update; but beyond that, we haven’t had to do a thing maintenance-wise.

We’re still finding the 340-mile range to be accurate, but one piece of kit we recently picked up was a charging adapter, converting the LYRIQ’s CCS plug to a Tesla-style NACS port. With the proper software update, this adapter opens up a world of Superchargers for us to enjoy, even further cutting down on any range anxiety.

Not that we feel much behind the wheel…

“The LYRIQ continues to be very pleasant to live with. This is the single motor, rear drive version so we’re not exactly getting thrill-ride-acceleration when we get into that right pedal, but it’s more than enough for this upscale daily driver. Admittedly we still haven’t come around on having to go through the center touch screen for some of the basic functions, but we can’t deny that it does add a certain level of futurism to the cockpit.”

An example of a “basic function” hidden by menu diving is the garage door opener. Things like that may be better left to physical controls, or at least less digital navigation, but that’s about the extent of our complaints so far. Needless to say, we’re rather happy with the LYRIQ.

Back to list Next Story