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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  Great Little Crossover - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By AJ - May 6 - 2:44 pm

  My wife and I bought this new in 2014 and have put about 38,000 miles on the car. Ive driven this car in the rain, snow and gravel roads and it has not let me down. We have the limited trim with leather seats which are comfortable. We have taken it on several road trips and have no gripes on comfort. Ours came with the six speakers sound system and the sound is great. Another plus is the cargo in the rear and theres lots of it with the seats down. MPG wise our Crosstrek has averaged around 27-28 MPG of mostly mixed driving. The car is very reliable, maintenance wise, costs are low and we have only taken it in for scheduled maintenance. The cons of this car would be the transmission and acceleration. The CVT is loud and noisy. The car feels slow and sounds like its struggling when accelerating on the on ramp but I realize that this is not a performance car and therefore it does not bother me as much. Another con would have to be the noisy interior. You can hear a lot of road noise in the car. Overall though I love the car. Especially in bad weather, it will never let you down.

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  Wow, I Get To Be The First Reviewer - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By the_craw - January 16 - 7:48 pm

  I purchased the Hybrid Touring about a month ago, and have over 1,400 miles on it. For context, I live in the Northeast, and the weather has been brutal pretty much each day since Ive owned it. The car drives really nicely. It is quiet, and the steering has good feedback without being overly stiff. It also has a nice exterior look. Traction has been great. As far as the mileage, it has been disappointing. It has averaged about 27 MPG. Like I said, the weather has been really cold, and it is only 1,400 miles, so that might be holding it back. Even with highway only trips I have not been able to average over 29MPG, and Im not a super fast driver.

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  I love most things about this car - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By cdough - January 5 - 12:05 am

  I do love everything about this car, except it burned oil so badly starting with the first 6000 miles! After almost 40k miles, Subaru FINALLY replaced the short block, but it only changed my oil consumption from 1qt. every ~1800 miles to 1qt. every ~4000-4500 miles. :/ I also had to have both of my rear wheel bearings replaced before 75k miles! Although I dont live on the best of roads, they should last a lot longer than that! Otherwise, everything else about the car is AWESOME and I would purchase a Subaru again knowing that my husbands 2016 Crosstrek has had NO issues with oil, etc.

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  Way better than standard impreza - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By belchfire - November 25 - 11:20 pm

  We were in the market for a new car. We own a 2000 impreza and have been very pleased with it. 230K miles and very few problems. I saw that the 2012 impreza with the 2.0 engine and CVT transmission was rated @36 MPG. This is super mileage for an AWD vehicle. I test drove one and wasnt completely sold on it. I trashed the shocks, brakes and the fact that the base model doesnt have cruise control. There must have been a hidden microphone because not long after the crosstrek was introduced. They fixed everything. Better suspension, huge killer brakes, bigger gas tank & radiator and a lower gear ratio. Nice 17" wheels and a more ridged body structure. Much, much better car 30+ mpg so far.

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  Love it - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Beth - August 13 - 10:16 pm

  I really love my car, sharp looking, great in the snow, 31 mpg. Lots of room to haul stuff (hay, riding gear, etc). What is dont like is acceleration from a stop but the engine is not really that big for all wheel drive. Dont like the seat heaters. They dont work well, they run off ambient temperature which is annoying. I wish I had a beeper warning with the back up camera. Other than those things Im very pleased with the car. I would definitely buy another one. I had to buy new tires, I got Coopers. Disappointed that Ive lost 4 mpg, but if they last longer than the factory tires Ill be happy. Still very happy with my car after 26 months. Cooper tires were a big waste of hundreds of dollars. I’ve had them 14 months. Totally useless to in snow, no traction.

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  Disappointed with CrossTrek - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By flyguy12 - July 28 - 8:37 am

  I have owned Subarus since the early 1980s. My basis for choosing a 2013 CrossTrek was its size, my previous history, and the better gas mileage. Initially I was very pleased after coming from a 2005 Legacy. However, at 7500 miles I noticed that I was 1.5 quarts low on oil. I was told that this is normal and I would have to "top off" the oil between changes. I also have been quoted $75.00 for 7,500 mile oil changes from 2 different dealers. I am very disappointed with Subaru. I will not change my oil through the dealer, and I would not recommend this model due to what may be excessive service costs.

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  Really Disappointed in MPG - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By seattlexv - June 6 - 7:18 pm

  This is my first Subaru. I was very excited about the Crosstrek as it had all of the great features of the Outback with better gas mileage and a bit smaller. Perfect I thought. I am pleased with the car except for the gas mileage. I purchased this car over the Honda CRV because of the mpg ratings. At first the gas mileage was about 28mgg which is advertised. But since then and with 8,000 miles on the car, I am getting 23mpg and it continues to drop with each tank of gas. I took it to the dealer and they cant find anything wrong with it and said to contact Subaru America which has been frustrating. Have others experienced this type of problem? tks

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  After 9 months review - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By rivernsnow - January 1 - 7:18 am

  Nice Little SUV. Cool looking! Sufficiant power, but not a sports car. Steady pedal application versus jamming it down, eliminates most of the comments about droning or response. Very comfortable front seats, Great road hugging performance! Rides rougher than expected. Its small so with two adults and a toddler on a road trip its really packed to the max. Like Edmunds review said, does not get advertised mileage. Expect 25.5- 26 MPG average Using 89 octane brings it up to 27- 28 Bad - cant power or remote entry lock without arming alarm. If you use a sub key/non remote entry key, alarm wakes neighbors at 5 AM. Manual locking not available on rear hatch!!! No air vents for rear passengers

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  Love the XV Crosstrek, Limited nav/moonroof - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By cooknation - December 28 - 2:06 am

  When looking for a car I needed a CUV with decent gas mileage. Main reason was for carrying my dog and for future family family vehicle. I tested the equinox, mazda cx-5, and nissan rogue. When i went to drive the cx-5 i saw the crosstrek (Mixed dealer). So i took a shot at the crosstrek, right away the looks of the car can make you fall in love. And i know plenty of my friends with wrxs and stis and they praise subaru. I have to say the car has been living up to the hype sofar. I got the limited CVT with nav and moonroof. The car is great and i average 31 MPG! Do not gun the car and you will find the mileage is great. Ease into acceleration, and keep an eye on the mpg needle.

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  happy overall... - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By connie1016 - September 15 - 9:32 am

  I happy with the purchase of my new Crosstrek so far but at just over 5,000 miles Im starting to notice things Im not thrilled about. Im only getting 27MPG avg. I thought Id do better. Sometimes when I put it in drive it takes 15 seconds or more to actually Go. When I first start it (even when its not cold) its rather loud and rattles. The stereo is not user friendly at all. I wish I had up graded but I didnt want to spend another $1000 for a navigation system I didnt want. The standard speakers just dont sound good. Ive got a list for the dealer when I go back for my oil change. Ill come back w an update later.