2018 Subaru Crosstrek

2018 Subaru Crosstrek

Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

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
2023 Cadillac Lyriq 1

2023 Cadillac Lyriq

Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

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.

2024 Honda Accord Hybrid 1

2024 Honda Accord Hybrid

Episode 4352
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

Specifications

  • Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 204
  • EPA: 46 City | 41 Highway | 44 Combined
  • Transmission: eCVT
  • Torque: 247 lb.-ft

Long Term Updates

Date: July 2024


The Honda Accord has been America’s best selling car for over 50 years. If that doesn’t make you feel old, this will – the Accord Hybrid has been on sale for almost 20 years. Now, we have this 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid here for a long-term road test. So, let’s dive into the details!

This Accord Hybrid comes to us in top-of-the-line Touring Trim, outside we have 19-inch alloy wheels and this Radiant Red Metallic paint job costs an extra $455. All Touring trimmed Accords are Hybrids using the 4th generation two-motor system. The engine is a 2-liter four-cylinder. The transmission, an eCVT. And total system output is 204 horsepower and 247 lb.-ft of torque. With an EPA rating of 46 miles per gallon City, 41 highway and 44 combined, total range for the Accord Hybrid is up to 563 miles..

For the interior, the Touring comes with gray perforated leather upholstery, a heated leather steering wheel, heated and ventilated seats for the front while rear passengers get seat heat as well. For infotainment, there’s a 12.3-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Included only with the Touring model is a Premium Bose surround sound system and a head-up display for the driver. As for safety, we have blind spot monitoring, collision braking and road departure systems, lane keep assist, multi-view rearview camera, and adaptive cruise control.

All told, this Honda Accord Hybrid stickers for just over 40-thousand dollars.

We’re excited to have another sedan on our long term test lot so we’ll put on enough miles on it for a full update soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments about our Honda Accord Touring Hybrid, reach out to us on your favorite social site at MotorWeek!

Date: August 2024


Time to get to know the newest member of our long-term fleet, this 2024 Honda Accord.

The Accord was redesigned last year, kicking off its 11th generation here in the U.S., and we’ve had quite a few of those generations for extended tests over the years here at MotorWeek. No surprise as it is America’s best-selling car over the last 50 years.

Our Accord is sporting Touring Hybrid trim, which is the top trim available, and as you can gather comes with a hybrid powertrain, the fourth generation of Honda’s two-motor system which adds a pair of electric motors to an updated naturally aspirated 2.0-liter I4 for a combined output of 204 horsepower. It’s an upgrade over the standard Accord’s 192-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo and should deliver us a Combined 44 mpg.

This Radiant Red stunner has already made quite an impression on our drivers.

We’re at the point where we take hybrid powertrains for granted, forgetting they’re complicated, synchronized systems. But you would never know that driving this Accord Hybrid where the two electric motors work seamlessly with the gas engine. We also like being able to dial in more or less regenerative braking with these steering wheel paddles.

Inside, the new Accord is somewhat simplistic in design, but we’ve found it to be highly functional too, and the materials both look and feel great.

Date: September 2024Mileage: 1,000


We’ve driven this 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid for exactly one month so far, and have been impressed with the solid, composed, and smooth ride it’s provided over the first 1,000 miles that we’ve added to its odometer.

It’s a good thing there’s an “EV” indicator in the gauge display to let you know when you’re driving on battery power, because unless you’re full-throttling it, you really have no idea if the 2.0-liter I4 engine is actually running or not. Fuel economy from the 204-horsepower setup is off to a good start at 45.1 mpg.

“If you are a skeptic like me, you’re probably thinking there has to be some major trade-off with this Accord Hybrid’s fuel efficiency. But so far, we haven’t found ourselves making any notable sacrifices for it. There’s plenty of power. It’s delivered smoothly. And the extra weight does seemingly nothing to hurt the ride and handling in daily driving scenarios.”

These light-colored leather seats may be a challenge to keep clean, but they’re plenty comfortable. Some people love the truss-style dash trim that integrates the vents, finding it’s architectural-inspired design both modern and appealing; others think it doesn’t quite fit in with the overall upscale feel of the space.

But perhaps this new Accord has impressed us most just by sitting still, as its low profile and dynamic lines easily make it the best-looking Accord sedan ever.

Date: October 2024Mileage: 4,500

The Honda Accord is one mid-size sedan that needs very little introduction. Just about everyone has had some type of interaction with one over its 50 years on American roads. So far, our interactions with this 2024 Accord Hybrid have been highly positive.

If this is your first experience with the 11th-gen Accord, the biggest change you’ll likely notice is the wide 12-inch touchscreen display with Google built in. It looks impressive, works very well, and is a focal point of an interior that feels far roomier than its mid-size status.

Nothing exotic to the suspension, but tuning is a spot-on blend of comfort and agility, and after driving 4,500 miles in our first two months, our fuel economy average is a great 44.5 mpg; down a bit from last report, but still well above the 41.3 average in our original Accord Hybrid Road Test.

This 204-horsepower 2.0-liter I4-based hybrid is willing and able, with a surprising amount of time spent driving strictly on battery power, and an almost EV-like driving experience even when the gas engine kicks in.

Just about everything in this Accord Hybrid is silky smooth. The powertrain, the suspension, and even the infotainment. There’s really only one not-so-smooth operation: braking in stop-and-go traffic. We’re still trying to develop a feel for the handoff from regen to mechanical braking. But that’s really just a small nitpick in an otherwise excellent drive experience.