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:
Showing 91 through 100 of 125.00-
2014 XV CrossTrek Premium Review - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
By Charles Marcino - January 15 - 3:55 ampurchased in October of 2014 and have 7800 miles on the vehicle. So far so good. Had a very challenging trip to Syracuse NY in heavy snow and the little SUV took all of the heavy snow covered hilly roads within the city with no issues in addition to the 250 miles of snow covered highways. I have a bad back but the seats are comfortable and supportive. I am used to driving small 4 cylinder sedans so the pickup on the Crosstrek is no problem. The engine is a bit noisy when cold but seems to diminish as the engine warms.
-
Good car.. poor warrantee service from Subaru - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
By Evelyn - December 14 - 5:37 amFun ride. After 2 years this car handles well in winter. Too small for 2 kids. Fits as much luggage as a midsize car. Subaru service departments fight hard to avoid covering anything that is covered under the extended Subaru Care warrantee. I am getting rid of it soon while mileage is low for that reason alone.
-
Return of the rough rider - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
By rivernsnow - December 6 - 10:17 pm3 or 4 stars, but am giving it the benefit of the doubt. Only had it a couple weeks. The engine has plenty of zip. The CVT noise is only noticable if you floor it, which isnt needed to get quick acceloration. Corners and holds the road really well. Getting 26 MPG all around which is low for my 40 mile RT city/hwy commute. Ill wait till its broken to see if it gets the advertised 28 MPG all around. Styling inside and out is nice. Front seats are quite comfy. The back seats not so much which accent the abrupt or jerky ride. Thats my biggest issue. Annoying even over modestly rough surfaces. Rougher than most of the other small/ midsize SUVs I drove. Subaru needs to work on this .
-
Subaru Bluetooth is garbage! - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
By Larry Belcastro - November 20 - 11:49 pmWhen we upgraded our cell phone to a Samsung S6, we lost the ability to automatically reconnect each time we use the car. This is time consuming and has to be done BEFORE we move the car, delaying our travel. We cannot connect the bluetooth when driving, even though the driver is not pushing the buttons. Subaru Customer Support says that they cannot keep up with all the new cell phones and carriers, and have a list available with the ones that work. GET MORE HELP THEN! This is a poor excuse why they cannot get the autoconnect feature to work, but as a consumer its a good excuse to never buy another Subaru if they cannot keep current with technology.
-
Great car, great value. Money well spent. - 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek
By damayberry - November 4 - 5:38 pmIve only had my Crosstrek for two days but so far I am highly impressed with everything. Its no fire breathing V8 but its powerful enough. Cabin is very spacious, seats are wonderful, the ride to me is quiet and pleasant. As soon as I bought the car, it started snowing. Even after driving through almost a foot of snow and ice, I have absolute confidence I can go anywhere I need to go! Gas mileage is incredible. Reliability? Purchased the 7 year extended warranty and lifetime powertrain.
-
Subaru Crosstrek XV - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
By Erin Wallace - October 17 - 10:44 amI love this car. Its more handleable than the 2005 Subaru Outback Legacy it replaced for us. Its solid and quick. Acceleration is a little hesitant, surprisingly, but it has been really cold here since we purchased it. The only truly disappointing thing has been that the heater is noisy enough that we have to raise our voices to hear each other and/or the radio when it is on high. That seems like a ridiculous problem that could have been engineered differently. Otherwise, we are in love.
-
works great - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
By l c - August 1 - 1:37 pmgood small car with super price
-
I Love THIS car! - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
By holderad - July 2 - 7:16 pmI love my 2014 Plasma Green Crosstrek Hybrid. My one word description: Awesome! The hybrid system works significantly better than any hybrid I test drove. It is used for power / torque augmentation more than fully powering the car most of the time. I think Subaru under-reported their MPG figures on purpose. The car is not even broken in, and Im getting almost 38 MPG highway and so far about 31.7 MPG with downtown driving. The car does some kinda magic with the CVT and that electric motor. It is seamless. The car has "the pull" at all speeds that its all gas brother just doesnt. I mean, you can feel the surge at highway speeds when you stand on it to pass. The symmetrical AWD is fantastic!
-
Better than Impreza - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
By fracker - May 22 - 8:29 pmTraded a 2012 Impreza for a Crosstrek. Impreza was WAY too low for backroads in the mountains I live in. The Crosstrek will tow 1500lbs & has nice ground clearance & much better suspension for nasty forest dirt roads.I drove it on forest roads Id never take the Impreza on & it did great. I can tow a motorcycle over rocks with this thing. Handles great,more truck-like. The heated seats are height adjustable which allows me to sit lower & not have the Imprezas mirror block vision on right curves(was dangerous on the Impreza). This auto transmission doesnt have near the "holdback" going down hills the Imprezas had(I had to gas that the Impreza going down hills--hated it).
-
Great Little Crossover - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
By AJ - May 6 - 2:44 pmMy 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.
