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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  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.

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  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.

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  Interior options - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By carscientious - January 20 - 3:03 pm

  The Crosstrek "limited" offers only two stereo head units-the standard unit w/o Satellite capability and the NAV system with SAT. As satellite users for several years, we made a dreadful mistake in buying this SUV without making sure the "Limited" version had SAT. Adding a mobile car unit is "cheesy" and takes up more room especially if you have a "Garmin" on the dash. An aftermarket unit can be quite pricey and can range $500-$1800 including installation. Our local Subaru dealer quoted $4500 for a new Subaru factory NAV system if available and requiring a new antenna if wiring is possible. Would have given up leather seats for cloth in order to get SAT. :-(

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  winter heat - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By rumely - January 14 - 4:19 pm

  for the most part I was happy with the XV till winter came. it dives fine but there is very low heat out put at the floor. it feels like the AC is on. the dealer pulled it in a heated shop to check it. ? and did not drive it out the back roads like i do to and from work. The heater stays set on high and i never get warm. they said it was working fine. My old VW Bugs had way better heat.

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  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.

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  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.

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  Great Value & Fun To Drive - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By hudsonvalleyny - December 8 - 6:09 pm

  The 5 speed Crosstrek rides smooth and handles well on rough roads. Its easy to maneuver, easy to park, has a very tight turning radius and zips around town handily. On the highway it feels solid and holds its own at high speeds. AWD is amazing in snow. Stated gas mileage is accurate, but I can do better: 26-30 in mixed, 32-34 hwy. Interior is comfortable but spartan.You have the basic features you need and theyre all standard. Acceleration is surprisingly quick especially if you wind out the gears. Hills need a downshift. Gas pedal is more responsive than the rubbery CVT pedal. Its not as solid and spacious as our 2014 Forester but gets way better gas mileage. Wheels get attention!

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  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.

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  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.

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  Great little car - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By northerner3 - July 25 - 12:35 am

  I have had mine for 6 months now having bought it in the midst of an upper Michigan blizzard. This is a really decent suv. Nice looking exterior. The lifted suspension and larger tires make a difference over the typical Impreza. Very good in snow, deep or packed. The interior is somewhat plain, but to be expected at this price point. Great solid seats with plenty of room for my 62" frame even in the backseat. Common sense controls work well. Limited cargo with the back seat up but a roof rack helps. Others complain about the power. This car is not slow. Its not a race car, but quick enough for traffic. Gas mileage has been great. I am averaging 27 city/highway and 37 highway which is great.