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7 Reasons Why I Traded My Subaru Crosstrek For A Ford Maverick

Jason Fenske of Engineering Explained has traded his beloved 2016 Subaru Crosstrek for a Ford Maverick, Gasp. How could he do it? 
2016 Subaru Crosstrek

Move Over Subaru Crosstrek 

You've been replaced by a 2024 Ford Maverick pickup. Jason Fenske, renowned for his expertise in his Engineering Explained YouTube videos, had a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek that was his pride and joy for many years. But all good things have to come to an end. Was it a good choice, or did he fall in love with someone prettier? 

Read my 2016 Subaru Crosstrek report here. 

Say It Ain't So

Jason Fenske says, "I have purchased a 2024 Ford Maverick to replace my 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. I bought the AWD Lariat with a 2.0L Turbo I4 engine producing 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It features adaptive cruise control, an upgraded sound system, contrasting leather interior, and a 4.5' bed with a tri-fold hard top cover." 

How Could You Do It, Jason?

"There are many reasons this (Ford Maverick) is better than my Crosstrek - it's a long list! However, there is one major downside - no manual transmission! I will truly miss the Crosstrek (who am I kidding, I won't), but I am excited for my new ride," Jason says. 

Why Did You Do It?

Here are the seven reasons Jason gives and my explanations for whether it was the right move.

Power 

Okay, I get this one. Remember how everyone was excited when the Crosstrek got the 2.5-liter engine with 30 additional horsepower? Read my report here.

It's no contest. The Ford Maverick's 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 produces 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, while the Subaru Crosstrek's 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Boxer produces 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. 

Even Subaru's newest Crosstrek Wilderness (read my report here), with a 2.5-liter Boxer engine, only has 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Crosstrek, you can't compete with Maverick's turbo engine. 

Practicality 

I'm not so sure about this one. 

The Crosstrek is a practical subcompact SUV. It gets better fuel mileage than the Maverick. Crosstrek gets 29 mpg combined vs. 25 combined mpg for the Maverick with AWD. Or so they say. 

The Crosstrek is easy to live with. The Crosstrek has the best resale value, and is rated one of the most reliable subcompact SUVs. These are undeniable strengths of the Crosstrek that cannot be overlooked. 

Impressive real-world MPG

Jason says, "My Maverick gets 30 mpg, 435 miles driven, and over 50 miles indicated remaining. That's with a 2.0 turbo, AWD, 4K tow (higher final drive ratio), bed completely full, two people, and a cat." 

Jason says, "If you don't need AWD, get the hybrid. This drive with the (Maverick) hybrid model would likely be in the 50+ mpg range." 

"But 30 mpg in an AWD pickup is rad!" 

He drove from Portland, Oregon, to Texas, which is all downhill. Right? Still, it's impressive. 

You'd be right if your'e thinking the Crosstrek is easier and cheaper to maintain than the Maverick. Let's ask Jason how easy it is to change the oil in his new Maverick pickup. 

Not so easy. 

Jason says, "Break-in oil change on the Maverick. Okay, Crosstrek wins this one easily! The Maverick has a skid plate to remove (though an off-road perk) and a bottom-mount filter—messy!" 

The Crosstrek has no skid plate, a top-mount filter (so easy, so clean!), and doesn't even require ramps. It's way quicker." 

Interior quality 

Okay, I agree here. Subaru interiors could be better, especially in 2016. Subaru has improved its new cabins—look at the new 2024 Crosstrek. You can read my report here. Still, I get it. 

Sound system 

Subaru sound systems are like their interiors. They're not the best—see the interior comment above—and you'll get the same result. 

Functionality 

Can you carry eight tires in the back of a Crosstrek? No way, Jose. 

Jason, "Eight tires in the back of the Mav, no problem; yo, this whole bed concept is pretty neat."

Towing capability 

Okay, Maverick, you win this one easily too.

The Crosstrek can only two 1,500 lbs max. The Maverick will tow 4,000 lbs. It requires the 2.0L EcoBoost AWD and the available 4K Towing package. 

The new Crosstrek Wilderness can tow up to 3,500 lbs—still, it's no match for the Maverick. 

Cargo capacity

The Crosstrek Is No Pickup 

That's why anyone buys a pickup truck, right? You can haul a ton of cargo in a pickup even though the Maverick only has a four-and-a-half-foot bed. You can add a bed extender if you are carrying longer cargo. And that flip-up whole bed concept is pretty slick.  

Overall, Jason Fenske makes a compelling argument for the Ford Maverick. Who's to argue?

You Know Where I'm Going Now

Now, Subaru, you need to design and sell a small pickup like the Maverick in the U.S., and when you do that, it will be a different conversation. How about a Subaru Baja Wilderness? 

Now It's Your Turn

Who wants a new Subaru Baja pickup with a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine? I'll be first in line. Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Jason Fenske, Engineering Explained

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Comments

Fluffy (not verified)    June 12, 2024 - 2:03PM

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I recently sold my truck so we could have a decent down payment on my wife's new Outback Wilderness. I've been driving her old 2012 Outback 3.6R ever since. The versatility of my truck is definitely missed. Something Maverick-like would be perfect for us. And while I'd love to add a Subaru truck to my driveway when we pay off the Wilderness, it doesn't seem like it's going to be a possibility any time in the foreseeable future given Subaru's absence from that corner of the market for quite some time.

Karl (not verified)    June 12, 2024 - 5:11PM

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I own a 2006 Subaru Baja, manual transmission, the last year they were produced. I am about to trade it in and I've gotten tired of waiting for a new hybrid Baja to come out, so. I just found a 2020 6-speed manual Crosstrek that will have to do as a replacement. I looked at the Ford Maverick hybrid, but not having it available in AWD was a deal killer. Plus my mechanic advised staying away from the Ford. The only other contender is a new Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid, AWD, nightshade trim. That one hits everything. If you really need a truck for something, just rent one for the day, I say. Buy something you'll love for everything else.