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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  Suprising - 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By bronco23bravo - July 6 - 10:03 am

  "Professional" reviews of the Crosstrek hint at the vehicles sluggish acceleration and mediocre drive quality. In my humble opinion, they are absolutly wrong. I just purchased a 2015 Crosstrek premium. I live in Northern ND and wanted a fun to drive AWD vehicle that gets decent MPG. My new Subie is exactly that. My prior vechicle was a 05 Nissan Maxima, this car hauled some serious butt. The crosstrek is of course slower but I was pleased at how fast the little car actully is. Very fun to drive, handles the snow drifts with ease and turns heads as I drive by. Love it so far. Will update with MPG and reliability.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By meandrew228 - June 12 - 7:37 am

  this is my third Subaru, I have been driving mostly German cars over the years but my last 3 cars which I usually keep no more than 18 months haveall been subies. love the german cars but quality over the years has gone down hill. not sure what it is but I love the control of the All wheel Drive it just sucks the road. I drove a 2011 outback for a little while with the cvt and was under powered. I choose the 5 speed crosstrek because of the lack of power on the cvt . I think if you stick with the 5 speed it really brings out the true car. it would be even better is there was a turbo version. the build quality is better than the outback probably because its made in japan.

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  Another Subaru Winner - 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By comiskeybum - October 10 - 3:00 am

  My wife went from a Chevy Equinox to this vehicle. We have only had the car for a week but will just leave some quick thoughts. -Easy to see everything around you and the backup camera is very nice. -Drives like a nimble and agile car with the height of an SUV. The turning radius is impressive. -Wife loves the easy to load kids and grocery heigh of the vehicle. -Plenty of cargo room and you can fold the seats flat for a lot lot more. -Vehicle does not have good 40-70 acceleration but that is to be expected with a CVT only being supplied with 148 horses. That being said the acceleration from a dead stop is impressive. -Build quality is top notch. -Back seat big enough for a 280 pound

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  Love my crosstrek - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Emily’ - September 7 - 9:44 am

  Love this car

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  Sporty in Tangerine - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Mike - May 31 - 10:17 am

  What a great small sporty SUV! Great handling and plenty of power in the 2.0 liter. The hill assist is great.

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  My Crosstrek - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Patrick J. Reilly - May 22 - 7:21 am

  Mostly "5 Star" satisfaction as far as owner of this vehicle. Only complaints have to do with interior comfort, road noise & ride. If you can set these aside everything else is a joy. I have 57,000 thousand miles so far and the car still looks great like the day I bought it. The road noise was somewhat corrected when I put new passenger tires on and got rid of those awful all terrain tires. Ride improved somewhat too. On average I get 26-28 mpg city and 32-34 hwy. Have gotten up to 41 mpg at steady 55 pace!😀 Great car! Unfortunitily sold car 7 months ago for a Lexus RX350 Loved the Car though! Needed more room

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  Subaru Crosstrek - A must have with Eyesight! - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Robert Dorsey II - November 29 - 12:05 am

  We were not in the market for a "new" vehicle. But we wound up with a 7500 mile Certified Pre-Owned 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek with their amazing Eyesight package (and this was why), which is essentially new. The car was a former service fleet loaner, so it was in great shape with low mileage with an attractive price. It and the two others they had were the only used Subarus in the entire Metro area that had the Eyesight package. I looked at over 300 different vehicles listed online as well as contacted about seven Subaru dealers, and none of them had any pre-owned with Eyesight. To find this package in a pre-owned, you will probably have to buy new unless you wait until 2017.
  
  The Crosstrek as a whole is a great vehicle (a little smaller than our former Kia Sportage), but I will focus this review on Eyesight, as there are a million generic reviews about the Crosstrek itself. So in short: It is all of the things you have heard about: good for small families, reliable, safe, and good for its symmetrical AWD. I cant speak about the electronics other than Eyesight (bluetooth, etc), because I dont really use them or care about them. The only minus is it lacks some acceleration, which I doubt will ever really matter to most drivers.
  
  Subaru Eyesight is a technology that they install on vehicles ($1,250 retail value, I think) that uses two front-facing cameras to help the driver in emergency situations as well as control the vehicles adaptive cruise control. Eyesight will help you both break and decelerate if you need it. It also will send audible alerts of various situations which are both convenient and a significant safety upgrade. Both my wife and I are new drivers and find this very reassuring, though I think anyone would appreciate it the same. I encourage anyone in the market for a new car to look into this technology: it is fantastic (and the 2016s have an upgraded version that includes blind-spot detection!)!
  
  While we have not had the car long enough to thoroughly test everything, the adaptive cruise control was a major plus, and only comes with the Eyesight package. It will intelligently cruise for you at any predetermined maximum speed, and slow down if the traffic in front of you gets too close/slow. It keeps a distance of 2, 1.5, or 1 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you, and informs you with tones when it has "locked in" on a vehicle. Imagine how strange it is to feel your vehicle brake, decelerate, and come to a full halt without touching the pedals (if it comes to a full stop, you get a tone, and about a seconds warning before the cruise control shuts off and the car will idle forward). The future is here!
  
  If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive SUV that will ride nicely, carry enough, and protect you, your family, and your dog, then the Crosstrek may be the right choice for you. The Special Edition that is coming out later in 2016 sounds very attractive with lane-change assist and some more advanced auto-driving technologies.

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  Great Car/Value - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By ronv171 - October 30 - 8:14 am

  Great vehicle, roomy, plenty of power on highway, rides nice, CVT trans is good. Fun to drive. Great value and features. Not a lot of road noise. Cargo room is great. I have had 3 weeks and so far avg 26-28 mpg. Very happy so far. My wife bought one also.

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  Disappointed with the radio - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By mitch79 - August 9 - 2:14 pm

  I bought my Subaru CrossTrek about a month ago. I fell in love with this car at first glance as I was already looking to buy a Subaru (possibly an Impreza). So when I saw an "Impreza on steroids", it was kind of a no-brainer. So far I like almost everything about the car. Im not too impressed with the gas mileage. I average 25 MPG but I figure thats not too bad for an AWD. My major complaint is that the radio seems to be outdated in this car as it is not compatible with any of the I-Phones (even my already outdated 4S). Ive rented 2012 and 2013 cars and have always been able to control my I-Phone through the USB port but its not gonna happen in this car. Very disappointed.

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  So far so good! - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Mr. Vic - May 26 - 1:24 am

  I wanted something a little less expensive and easy at the pump, this car did not disappoint. The seats could have a bit more support and the stock tires arent the best but after 25,000 miles those are my only complaints. I love the way it looks and it laughs at snow. I average around 26 around town and over 31 on the highway. No repairs as of yet.
  
  Im over 30,000 miles now and Im still very happy. The heated seats are awesome and my brakes are like new. Ive reached 39,000 miles with no problems. The front brakes pads are large and still original. I replaced the back brakes about a thousand miles ago. Other than routine maintenance there have been no problems. I still really like this car.