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:

• 

  Not a car for the snow - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Mi - June 15 - 2:42 am

  If you drive in real snow conditions this is not a car you will want. My wife and I have owned 5 Subarus and this is an absolute disaster. Traffic was stopped on a slight incline on a mountain road as we moved forward the Subaru lost traction and slid all the way across the on coming lane into the snow bank. Tires in excellent condition but this Subaru will not grip the road as my others have. All kinds of other cars and trucks did not have the same problem. Fortunately the oncoming lane was clear as I slid across the road. It took 3 guys pushing to get us out of the snow bank. Car continued to slip and slide when others did not. AWD in this car has design flaw. Do not trust it except on flat roads it is ok.

• 

  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.

• 

  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

• 

  My wish list for the Crosstrek - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By doraflood - April 23 - 11:17 am

  Bought Crosstrek Feb2013 --wish I had waited for the 2014 Forrester. While an initial test drive MIGHT convince you to buy the Crosstrek -- you get bored and frustrated will quickly as you drive around your neighborhood. While you might enjoy the 8.7" ground clearance-try wearing a baseball cap and putting the visor down. If the seat is forward or up, it cant be done. Same goes for tall people. Taking the head rest off the passenger side - even with an open moonroof, cant be done. They need to add 3" to height - which might also help with cooling the car: the angle of the windshield causes higher heat from sun buildup-making AC less efficient.

• 

  Love my subaru - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By cgoodall - April 21 - 12:30 pm

  I bought my Crosstrek in January, 2013. Thus far, I have 16,000 miles of mostly highway driving (probably a 75/25 split) and am averaging 32-33 MPG with the automatic transmission. Though it doesnt have exceptional power or acceleration. what do you expect from a 4 cylinder motor? While the synthetic oil is certainly more expensive, you dont need to change oil except every 7,500 miles (some say 10,000 miles). This makes it roughly comparable to annual oil costs with regular oil. I have gone many places that a regular 2 WD sedan would never have taken me.

• 

  Poor Heat Ouptput - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By jagerhood - February 15 - 6:57 pm

  Ill start off my review with the cons, although I really do like my car. Im not a car expert, but thought I could give my feedback to real world drivers. Bought the car early Dec and driving through a Cold NJ winter! That being said I have not ever been warm enough in this car!! The fan is Loud but there is not a whole heck of a lot of heat coming out especially on the floor!! I hate the Radio, but my iPod music sounds Great! I also think there could be more storage compartments as well as an armrest for the driver. Finallly, not lovin the black on black on black interior. You see every speck!! The "ivory" was not an option - that would have been black in a week.

• 

  Cold Feet - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Carol Pastushok - January 12 - 5:12 am

  I bought my 2014 subaru a little over a year ago. This past winter I really noticed how poorly the heat works. My feet and legs get so cold Im tempted to put in a heating blanket. The service dept said..."Cant do anything...the heating system is weak" Also very noisy at highway speeds...cant listen easily to my audio books. Finally, some of these problems might be tolerable if the MPG was better than 23 using 87 octane. The service person said the computer says 26 MPG ??and its winter.

• 

  I thought they were supposed to be dependable - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Karen - December 17 - 3:34 am

  I bought this Subaru brand new. I liked it at first but found out quickly that it uses A LOT of oil! I was told its because of the light oil it uses. I put oil in this car more than any other car Ive ever owned!! I travel 80 miles to and from work 5 times a week. I took EXTREMELY good care of this car. Faithfully having the oil and filters changed at the dealership as per their suggestions. Having the tires changed or rotated/balanced at their suggestion as well as brakes checked frequently and replaced. Always took to a Subaru dealer and trusted them totally. Now, at 70, 000 miles, I was hearing noises in the front end when I made a turn. I bring it to the Subaru dealer only to find out the front axles are worn to the point they need to be replaced!! What?? This is unheard of in a 2013 car! I plan on taking this 1000.00 dollar fix to the Subaru corporate HQ!! Never buy this car.

• 

  two year anniversary - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Thomas Polich - December 17 - 2:49 am

  The interface with the electronics is not very good. The car handles well,, but the CVT transmission in conjunction with the hybrid makes the car baulk from start.

• 

  Absolutely Scary On Ice - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By rsw4 - December 8 - 10:04 am

  We bought this car based on its value and all we had heard about how great subaru cars are on snow and ice. Unfortunately, the Crosstrek disappoints. We recently made a trip in ny we encountered snowy roads and icy spots. This car fishtails every time you hit an icy spot to the point where you believe you will spin out and constantly makes you feel out of control. It has a floaty feeling like the car is unstable. It is unsafe to have to be doing 40 on thruway a with blinkers on when you are being passed by Camrys and all other SUVs which appear to be in perfect control. This car is just scary to drive on snowy roads! I dont know if it is the cvt or the tires. In any event we will trade