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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WARNING, DO NOT BUY CROSSTREK - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
By Steve - April 26 - 1:08 pmWARNING, DO NOT buy a Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid or a Crosstrek due to VERY POOR QUALITY. Subaru IS NOT building Hybrid models any longer because the hybrid system is faulty after 2016. What does this mean? Repair costs will be high. Parts will be expensive. Long wait times since technicians no longer need to be certified so there will be less technicians available to fix your car. There is a critical fault in the hybrid motor that will cost you $1,000s and these issues will persist Our car only has 56k miles and its been in the shop for 2 months. They also replaced the drivers seat because the metal frame was sticking thru the leather? Poor quality. We bought a new 2014 Crosstrek hybrid for $31k, 2.7 years ago. Today, 5 Dec 2016, Subaru offered $12,500 for the trade-in? This car depreciates fast. YOU WILL LOSE $12,000 if you buy new after the first year and $19,000 after (2) years. Meanwhile, they get rich. Subaru is not the Subaru we once knew. They are making cheap products that break more often and the car no longer holds the value it once did. PLEASE MAKE A SMART DECISION. Its your money. And they dont care about it.
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Wow, I Get To Be The First Reviewer - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
By the_craw - January 16 - 7:48 pmI 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 amI 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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xv crosstrex - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
By cory fouts - December 8 - 6:35 amId buy another one. Recommend buying if looking.
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Way better than standard impreza - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
By belchfire - November 25 - 11:20 pmWe 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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Great little car - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
By Lc - September 8 - 2:46 amIn/out easy hip height seats
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Love it - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
By Beth - August 13 - 10:16 pmI 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 amI 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 pmThis 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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Updated Review - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
By rivernsnow - May 25 - 3:10 am20 months in (review Feb 2013) Im loving my XV. The jittery steering calmed down after 1-2 months. Handles great in rain downpours. Driving onto beaches to launch kayaks has been easy when other cars spin wheels. Had enough power at altitude (8,000 Ft.) Front seats very comfortable. Mileage still not as advertised. 26+ MPG on 89 Octane. Minus are still that power locking automatically actives alarm and paint scratches much too easily. and rear seats need to be more comfortable
