Overview & Reviews

The Subaru XV Crosstrek might be marketed as crossover, but that usually implies some sort of SUV with carlike attributes. In actuality, the Crosstrek is more like a car with SUV-like attributes. Much like Subaru has done in the past with its Outback model, the smaller XV Crosstrek hatchback features an elevated ride height, a more off-road-ready suspension and rugged looks.

As it's based on the regular Impreza hatchback, the XV comes with a four-cylinder "boxer" engine mated to an available continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). That combo delivers decent acceleration and above-average fuel economy. Add a nicely equipped passenger cabin and ample cargo capacity and you have a go-anywhere vehicle that should appeal to active outdoorsy types who might find Subaru's other offerings too pricey or thirsty.

Current Subaru XV Crosstrek Specs
The Subaru XV Crosstrek is an all-new model for 2013. While Subaru's all-wheel-drive lineup has developed a reputation for being unflappable in the face of some truly nasty driving conditions, this variation of the Impreza takes things to another level in dicey situations both on- and off-road.

The XV Crosstrek is offered in two trim levels, the entry-level Premium and top-of-the-line Limited. The base model comes standard with a number of desirable features including 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rack side rails, heated front seats, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an iPod interface. The Limited adds automatic climate control, leather upholstery, rearview camera and a premium audio system with an upgraded touchscreen interface. Major options include a sunroof and a touchscreen navigation system.

Under the hood, the Subaru Crosstrek gets a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual and a CVT. All-wheel drive is standard.

The interior is pretty minimalist in terms of design, but the overall quality of the materials is high. Front and rear passengers enjoy a good amount of head- and legroom, and the standard heated seats are a nice touch given Subaru's popularity in cold-weather states. Folding down both sides of the 60/40-split rear seatbacks creates a flat load floor and 51.9 cubic feet of cargo space, a number that's on par with compact hatchbacks rather than small SUVs.

On the road, the Crosstrek's 2.0-liter engine delivers decent acceleration both around town and on the highway. When equipped with the CVT, however, the engine suffers from a noisy, droning tone that gets tiresome, especially when climbing hills. The CVT's true benefit shows up at the gas pump in the form of excellent fuel economy.

Despite the Crosstrek's increased ride height compared to the regular Impreza, handling is still fairly respectable on the pavement. And when the going gets tough, that extra amount of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive makes it possible to handle light-duty trails without issue. Overall, we like the Subaru XV Crosstrek and think it's a solid pick for someone wanting a hatchback that can serve as a daily driver but also make it easy to access outdoor recreational activities.

User Reviews:

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  Fun and stylish with flaws - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By kydriver4 - August 16 - 8:22 pm

  Fun to drive XV Crosstrek with smooth shifting manual. Needs 6th gear badly! Revs are way too high above about 65 mph. Needs about 40 to 50 hp, then it would be even more fun. But the looks alone sold me.

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  Not For Big People - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By connrailfan - August 4 - 12:32 am

  I bought my Subaru XV Crosstrek in August of 2013. It was peppy and fun to drive. They are nice looking cars and have a nice feel for the road. Compared with other cars I test drove, the Crosstrek had less modern, and not thought out dashboard. For example: The main gauges are red, which is great at night, but there are two glaring blue panels in the dash too that compete. There arent as many gauges as other cars too, mostly warning lights. The dash bezels also squeeked on bumps. Im a 5 10" man. I had the seat all the way back. Three months with the car I started have back issues from the seats that grew worse. By this spring it was difficult for me to drive for any length of time.

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  Safest Car On the Road - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By spenza253 - July 20 - 5:43 pm

  A few nights ago I hit a deer with my 2013 Subaru Crosstrek, unfortunately she might be totaled. The most amazing thing about this car? How safe it is! I hit the deer going about 55 mph, both the steering wheel airbag and, to my surprise because I did not know it existed, an airbag at knee - calf level. Upon hitting the deer the car felt solid, and in the drivers seat I felt completely secure, I was not going anywhere. My Subaru provided me with the ultimate protection from the accident and I will forever rant about how safe and amazing this car is. I am 17 years old and this was my first car, and I recommend this car for worried parents who want the safest car on the road.

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  winter heat - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By rumely - January 14 - 4:19 pm

  for the most part I was happy with the XV till winter came. it dives fine but there is very low heat out put at the floor. it feels like the AC is on. the dealer pulled it in a heated shop to check it. ? and did not drive it out the back roads like i do to and from work. The heater stays set on high and i never get warm. they said it was working fine. My old VW Bugs had way better heat.

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  Great Value & Fun To Drive - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By hudsonvalleyny - December 8 - 6:09 pm

  The 5 speed Crosstrek rides smooth and handles well on rough roads. Its easy to maneuver, easy to park, has a very tight turning radius and zips around town handily. On the highway it feels solid and holds its own at high speeds. AWD is amazing in snow. Stated gas mileage is accurate, but I can do better: 26-30 in mixed, 32-34 hwy. Interior is comfortable but spartan.You have the basic features you need and theyre all standard. Acceleration is surprisingly quick especially if you wind out the gears. Hills need a downshift. Gas pedal is more responsive than the rubbery CVT pedal. Its not as solid and spacious as our 2014 Forester but gets way better gas mileage. Wheels get attention!

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  Such a love/hate relationship - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Cameron - July 18 - 7:51 pm

  First off, we love our subie. She gets us where we need to go. Never complains and never fails to do so. Ill admit, I graduated from the Subaru class of the early 2000s when the engines were crap and I wanted to drive the car off a cliff for the insurance money. I was hesitant to get anther but my wife insisted that we get something safe and reliable. Alas, we settled on a 2013 certified pre-owned and have been more than pleased. Sure, it has its quirks. MPG is not the greatest but we live in the city. On the highway she purrs like a kitten and gets us roughly 30-32 MPG. Bear in mind that we use non-ethanol gas. We had a funky issue with a brake light sensor going out and it totally confused the brain of the car and wouldnt let us shift out of park. However, I took it to the dealership and they knew right away what the issue was and resolved quickly. There could definitely be more legroom for a 61" 250lb dude but my wife fits in perfectly. It does blow my mind there is no cargo light in the trunk. The hate part is that their expensive to maintain. Will be buy another crosstrek? bet your [non-permissible content removed] we will. The 2018s are good lookin. For now, were not ready to retire 2013. Shes got 75,000 miles and still runnin like a champ.

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  Fits the Bill! - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By tinycadon - July 6 - 8:39 am

  bought the cvt premium with moonroof 12/22/12, waited until Mayan apocalypse was over! Im 64" and have plenty of legroom & even with the moonroof still had enough headroom. not the fastest vehicle on the road, but plenty of power to get it moving, merging or passing on the highway, just need to punch it. road noise isnt as bad as consumer reports describes, not sure what theyre comparing it to? gas mileage pretty good right out the gate, 28mpgs on 380mi trip doing 70-80 with fully loaded car and only 100 miles on it at start. pretty impressed so far.

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  I love my Crosstrek, but it needs more power - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By noah_early - March 24 - 5:53 am

  I work in DC, but we own a cabin in Lexington, VA and live in Northern VA. It handles gravel roads as well as the interstate and gets very close to the EPA ratings. If you are disappointed with yours try comparing your odometer with mile markers or GPS. Mine reads almost 2% slow, which means we are actually getting .6 MPG better than the car calculates. The ground clearance is perfect, our 80+ pound lab mix can get in and out of it without the struggle he has with our Jeeps and it has not bottomed out on several rutted, gravel roads. Also check visibility before buying. The high belt line and low roof make rear visibility poor for shorter drivers.

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  disappointed - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By sholescurtis - March 16 - 2:34 am

  Since this is my first Subaru, I feel I may not have a good understanding of what to expect. I am quite disappointed by the car after only having it about six weeks. I am barely getting 20 mpg, far less than advertised, and one of the major reasons I purchased this car. I do find the engine extremely loud and bothersome but again, this may be characteristic of a Subaru? I feel it definitely lacks power but I was willing to sacrifice that for decent mpg, which is why I am frustrated beyond belief. I would seriously reconsider purchasing another and yet I realize that anyone I know thats owned a Subaru, loves them.

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  not very hybridy (so far) - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By fried003 - January 23 - 3:33 am

  Not getting the suggested MPGs so far during a cold winter; hoping it improves. Car rarely runs in "green" power based on the indicator. Otherwise its decent enough/comfortable. I got the touring model, which has all the bells & whistles, some of which I dont understand, such as the entertainment system. But it has everything Id ever want in a vehicle + other stuff. But, so far, its not fulling the primary expectation.