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:

• 

  Love is what subaru is about is right! - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By mlevato - December 8 - 4:09 pm

  Never had a Subaru before. Son & daughter in law have had a few. Live in Michigan where winter is rough. Son convinced me to lease new Crosstrek. I love it!!! I get super great gas mileage. In fact one time I went 20 days between fill ups. I usually get anywhere from 25-29 miles per gallon, in the city. I dont drive freeway often. I cant wait to see how it handles in the winter. When lease is up I am considering going to an Outback or Forrester. Son drives Forrester, says ride isnt as smooth as CrossTrek. Outlback is. So may be that one. I have no complaints what so ever. I love love my CrossTrek.

• 

  Awesome car for the price - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By merliech1 - December 2 - 12:12 am

  I bought my XV Crosstrek in November of last year and have now driven it over 5400 miles. I am averaging 28.8 mpg currently and drive about 1/2 and 1/2 on city roads and highways. I love how comfortable the car is, love the cvt transmission which is nice and smooth, love the overall style of the car and love how it handles in the snow. I also upgraded the speakers and added the subwoofer. Absolutely amazing sound. Paid about $25k for the car and definitely feel I got my moneys worth. I previously owned a 2003 Forester. Purchased the XV Crosstrek for the improved gas mileage. I honestly believe that I will be a life-long Subaru owner.

• 

  Just what I was looking for - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By antiquity - September 3 - 2:59 pm

  Lots of "compact" SUVs out there, and almost all of them are boring and bland. While no drag racer, this car is fun to drive, has exciting styling, and is just the right size. Also, it has a unique look and size that isnt quite an SUV, more like a sports wagon/SUV cross. You get a lot for the money - heated leather seats, Navigation, moonroof, backup camera - compared to other cars. Plus, the raised clearance, cool wheels, and great gas mileage (at at 27 MPG mostly on short trips and city driving). The drive feels very secure, and the shift paddles are fun to use. The engine does rev high and wont get you 0 - 60 in a record time, but the car feels punchy, spry, and turns on a dime.

• 

  Big (Pleasant) Surprise In A Small Package - 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By argus4 - April 30 - 3:03 pm

  Ive only had my 2015 Limited since Dec. 31 and 600 miles but to date it appears to be even more of a "find" and "value" than I hoped. A very practical vehicle with legendary AWD and durability, the Crosstrek also has thoughtful design, comfort and overall appearance. Great handling, relative quiet, impressive and still improving economy (+/- 30 mpg), excellent braking and more-than-adequate power/acceleration for real-world situations are all in this compact package. (Somewhat smaller than a Forester, CRV or the rest of that herd, its the right size for me.) In short, as of now, Im surprised, delighted and looking forward to a long "vehicular friendship"!

• 

  XV Hybrid Gulf Coast - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By ts45 - April 7 - 7:29 pm

  XV Hybrid since 12/28/2013, Satin White Pearl, St.trim. Our first Subaru, had several Hondas in the past..My wife is main driver, have taken plenty of opportunity to drive myself. We are really happy with our purchase, test drove the 2014 Forester and 2014 non hybrid XV, both nice but were sold on the Hybrids ride and refinement. The base Audio system has been nice, a good quality CD recording sounds fine, a bad CD one, bad… Blue tooth is working well, takes a little time to Pair.This is our first CVT Transmission, very impressed, love it. Hill climbs are really smooth and quiet, no sudden gear change, plenty of torque, love the CVT. Have observed Gas MPG 33+, about 50/50 City/HGWY.

• 

  Excellent Performer in Colorado Mountain Snow - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By rockymntnguy - March 18 - 10:22 pm

  Bought my Limited 8 months ago. Already 21K on Colorado highways, mountain roads & Denver city streets. Commute from my cabin near Bailey in mountains an hour to downtown Denver. That drive is on Highway 285 up & down from 5,280 to 11,000 ft. Lots of passing. Then on 2 lane county asphalt road for 3 miles from highway. Then county maintained gravel road to my cabin. Have also made many drives on I-70 to for summer hiking & winter skiing areas. Traded a Jeep Commander V-8. Big change. Yes, a 4 cylinder CVT takes some finesse but accelerates and passes just fine. I drive it hard & minimum MPG is 27. Get 31 on easier mountain highway trips. AWD performs well. Very satisfied.

• 

  Crosstrek Premium Review - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By subitrek - January 11 - 10:28 pm

  Bought the Premium Crosstrek CVT one week ago.I have been very impressed with the quality of the vehicle build, very solid and responsive. The exterior which I bought in dark gray is really sporty but sophisticated looking. The interior is very comfortable and has a very simple and useful layout. Plenty of room in the back seats with a 60/40 fold down for extra storage. Love that daytime running lights, fog lights, and heated seats are standard with the premium model. Interior lighting is very need with a calm red. MPG has been as advertised. Trade-in a pickup truck that got half of the MPG.

• 

  LOVE my New XV Crosstreck - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By coolpool50 - January 10 - 9:03 pm

  I bought this so I would have a crossover with good gas mileage, comfortable to drive and be great in the snow and on dirt roads. Prevoulsy owned a 2006 Toyo Higlander which I loved, but gas mileage was killing me. Have owned toyota since "86" So far I have not been disapionted ! I drive 60 miles per day for work on a highway that can be very nasty in bad wheather. I got hit with a couple of snow storms right after buying this. Very nice! handled like a dream. Used the heated seats very comfortable. Getting around 27.6 combinded and 30-32 straight highway. I get allot of complements on the look (white pearl ext. w/ivory/black int.) Pick up is fine, very peppy, handles great on corners.

• 

  First Subaru - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By ron_in_dg - November 8 - 11:52 am

  I bought my Crosstrek through Edmunds web site; this required me to go pretty far afield - I live in IL but the dealer is located in WI. It was worth the trip to save the money. None of the local dealers would negotiate price at all. I got pretty much exactly what I wanted (plus the optional fancy rear view mirror and the all season floor mats) the first week the vehicle was available. LOVE the car. It is a lot peppier than I was expecting based on the reviews I had read. It is great in the snow. Ive got about 4400 miles on it so far. Ask me again in 10 years how its doing.

• 

  Best car ever! - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Julie Jones - September 18 - 5:00 am

  This is my 14th car. My second Subaru. I just traded in my 2005 Forester for a Crosstrek. I dont understand the comment about the audio speakers. My Forester had a VERY upgraded Jensen system and the factory Crosstrek speakers beat that to infinity. I love everything about this car. I chose the Crosstrek because Subaru keeps making the models larger. The new Forester is the same size as the old Outback. The new Outback is a behemoth to me. Anyway . . .the interior is great, the ammenities are great, the styling is great. My only two downs are: the turning radius is a bit less and the visibility is a bit less (the Forester had virtually NO blind spots). I highly recomment this car. Highly.