Subaru XV Crosstrek

The Subaru XV is a crossover SUV or compact SUV, also called a CUV. It is based on the design of the Subaru Impreza.


History

The Subaru XV Crosstrek came out in 2013. In 2015, a new base model, the Crosstrek 2.0i, was released.

Design

The Subaru XV Crosstrek car uses the Subaru Impreza frame combined with a wagon-like body for more space and storage. The Subaru XV Crosstrek is more of a car with SUV features than an SUV with car-like features. The Subaru XV Crosstrek has a similar interior and cabin to the Impreza.
The Subaru XV Crosstrek comes with an electric assist power steering system for good maneuverability.
The Subaru XV Crosstrek has high ground clearance, roughly eight and a half inches, more than some off-road vehicles. The Subaru XV Crosstrek comes with better suspension than many of its rivals.
The Subaru XV Crosstrek has all wheel drive as a standard; Subaru calls it symmetrical all wheel drive that is permanently engaged. The Subaru XV Crosstrek comes with a four cylinder engine. The five speed manual transmission is standard, but you can request CVT (continuously variable transmission). The CVT provides more power but at the cost of noise level.
The standard “boxer” engine is a 2 liter, 148 horsepower engine.
The 2015 Crosstrek brought the cameras and sensors of the “EyeSight” suite to provide active cruise control, pro-collision braking and lane departure warnings.
The XV Crosstrek Premium, in contrast to its name, is the entry level version of the car, with features similar to the 2.0i. The Crosstrek Limited, the top of the line model, has climate control, leather seats, a better audio system and rearview camera.

Performance

The Subaru XV Crosstrek gets around 26 miles per gallon in the city, 34 on the highway per the manufacturer. For most drivers, it is closer to 23 in the city and 31 on the highway. The hybrid model of this car has better gas mileage, but not the boost many drivers expect for a hybrid car.
The Subaru XV Crosstrek is more suitable for off-road driving than the Subaru Impreza or Subaru Outback; it has higher clearance and body panels wrapped in plastic cladding.

Price

The 2015 version cost of the Subaru XV Crosstrek is around $25,000 new for the Premium edition with a mid-range package. The basic package for the entry level Subaru XV Cross Trek Premium edition costs $22,000 in 2015. The Crosstrek 2.0i costs $21, 750, not including tax, title, license and destination fees. The premium Limited edition costs $28,500 with all options.
The 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid costs around $27,000. The 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid Touring version, the premium version of the hybrid, is about $30,000.
You can pay extra to install a sun roof or touch screen navigation system.


Rivals

The major rivals to the Subaru XV Crosstrek are the Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Trax, Jeep Compass, GMC Terrain and Mazda CX-5.

Trivia

Many people consider the Impreza 5-door wagon, also by Subaru, to be a rival to the Crosstrek. The Impreza is a little cheaper, with its base model with no frills costing about $19,500 in 2015. However, the top of the line Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited with all features (like a sun roof and navigation system) is $30,000, tying with the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid Touring version on price.