New-Car Review: 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek

Vehicle Highlights

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek: What is it?

XV Crosstrek is an all-wheel-drive compact sport-utility vehicle that is essentially a new variant of the Subaru Impreza hatchback. XV Crosstrek is similar in concept to the Impreza Outback Sport model that Subaru last offered in 2011.

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek: What’s New

The main differences between the XV Crosstrek and the Impreza hatchback are raised ride height, increased ground clearance, and some SUV-like styling touches.

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek: Model Lineup Features and Options

Subaru offers the XV Crosstrek in 2.0i Premium and 2.0i Limited versions.

The base 2.0i Premium comes standard with all-wheel-drive, 17-inch alloy wheels, 5-speed manual transmission, and many popular features including air conditioning and power windows/locks/mirrors. Cruise control, heated front seats, remote keyless entry, wireless cell-phone link, and audio streaming are also standard.

The uplevel 2.0i Limited comes standard with Subaru’s “Lineartronic” continuously variable transmission (CVT) that behaves much like an automatic. Other added equipment includes leather-trimmed upholstery, upgraded stereo system with a 4.3-inch LCD display screen, rearview camera, automatic climate control, and automatic on-off headlamps.

Subaru offers only a handful of options for the XV Crosstrek. The CVT, a power sunroof, and a navigation system with rearview camera are optional on the 2.0i Premium. The only extra for 2.0i Limited is a package that pairs the power sunroof and a navigation system.

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek: Engines, Transmissions, and Drive Wheels

The XV Crosstrek’s only engine is a 148-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. It uses Subaru’s traditional horizontally opposed “boxer” design. The 2.0i Premium comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission. The “Lineartronic” continuously variable transmission (CVT) that acts much like an automatic is optional on 2.0i Premium and standard on 2.0i Limited.

All XV Crosstrek models are all-wheel drive.

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek: Fuel Economy

The EPA estimates that the XV Crosstrek with the CVT automatic will return 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. With the 5-speed manual transmission, the estimates are 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. In each case, the estimates are down 2-3 mpg compared to the Impreza hatchback.

All XV Crosstrek models use regular-grade gas.

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek: Safety features

XV Crosstreks come standard with all expected safety features. A rearview camera is standard on 2.0i Limited and optional on 2.0i Premium.

Note, this evaluation is based on preview test drives.

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