2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Full Test

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2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Road Test

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Full Test

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek SUV

(2.0L 4-cyl. AWD CVT Automatic)

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The Frumpy Solution to Eccentric Problems

Published: 04/02/2013 - by Josh Jacquot, Senior Editor

Subaru's 2013 XV Crosstrek rides a very fine line. It is, most certainly, a Swiss army knife of the automotive world: a jack of all trades. But being a jack of all trades runs the obvious risk of being master of none. This may or may not be the case with the XV Crosstrek.

The Crosstrek, after all, does solve some eccentric problems.

For example, should you be in the perilous circumstance of finding conventional crossover SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 or Ford Escape too macho and the standard Subaru Impreza too vanilla, it's possible that the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is, in fact, your ideal car.

What Is It?
The Crosstrek replaces the Outback Sport in Subaru's lineup of pumped-up spin-offs. It is, however, a more capable off-roader than the Outback Sport, which died with the last-generation Impreza. The XV sits some 4.1 inches taller than the standard 2013 Impreza thanks to a lifted suspension and taller tires. Combined with genuinely fat fender flares and a big fender gap, the look is a combination of bravado and utility, with a little Birkenstock thrown in for balance. Also, it doesn't hurt that the wheels match the body color on our black test car.

Though Subaru does a better job concealing the platform's roots than in past examples, the XV Crosstrek is all Impreza hatchback underneath. Its powertrain options are the same, too. There's one engine available: a 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder good for 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Limited models like our tester come only with the continuously variable transmission (CVT), but a five-speed manual is available on Premium trims. The CVT, however, affords the all-wheel-drive system a clutch-type center differential, which can bias torque heavily to either the front or rear.

A survey of the XV's specs reveals the full extent of its utility. There's a significant 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which might not mean much until one realizes that the 3.5-inch-taller 2013 Toyota RAV4 offers only 6.3 inches. Departure angle, too, is a full 5 degrees more aggressive than the Toyota, thereby saving you the opportunity to call on your dealer's body repairmen.

So, in one sense, the notion that the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is less manly than a RAV4 is, well, just that.

All-Wheel Confidence
With this knowledge we headed for our local Subaru proving grounds in the Santa Monica Mountains to test whether the XV's hardware could deliver. Indeed, its torque distribution paid off with a unique ability to extricate the hatchback from wheel-lift scenarios that would strand many of its cute-ute competitors. Turning ESC off allowed wheelspin when needed, and leaving it on redirected torque in creative ways that made stopping the XV more difficult than we imagined.

Otherwise, its height is a liability as it creates pitch, roll and dive — all of which are far less pronounced in the less, uh, enhanced Impreza. Also, there's no denying that you're driving a CVT, as there's pronounced engine drone when accelerating to freeway speed. There are paddle shifters that provide engine braking on demand and yield effective overall control of the powertrain.

Steering, though electrically assisted, isn't utterly numb nor is it particularly good at transmitting road feel. We can't help but miss the more connected responses of past Imprezas. Mainstreaming, though it adds practicality, has stolen some of the Impreza's soul. And whatever numbing was effected in that move is only amplified in the Crosstrek's tall, soft character.

By the Numbers
Acceleration is relaxed by the standards of the segment but not embarrassing. Sixty miles per hour is achieved in 9.9 seconds (9.6 seconds with a 1-foot rollout like on a drag strip), and the quarter-mile disappears in 17.3 seconds at 79.6 mph. This is not fast. Honda's relatively slow CR-V, which is known to win Edmunds comparison tests, requires 9.4 and 16.8 seconds, respectively, to hit the same milestones.

Being both car-based and carrying its mass low, however, pays off in rapid transitions like our slalom test, where the XV beats the CR-V, Ford Escape and RAV4 with a 64.7-mph performance. It sticks pretty well, too. With a skid-pad performance of 0.79g, the XV holds its own. Among these rivals, only the Escape is better.

Most contenders in this segment require between 125 and 130 feet to stop from 60 mph. The XV is no exception, recording a 126-foot performance with a straight and true attitude and a medium-soft pedal.

Perhaps the most important bit of our measured data is fuel economy. The XV produced a 26.5-mpg average during more than 1,000 test miles. With EPA ratings of 25 city/33 highway and 28 combined mpg, our numbers are marginally off the mark. Measured against its rivals in the real world, however, the XV can easily compete. Our past tests of the 2013 RAV4 and 2012 CR-V produced 23.6 and 27.7 mpg, respectively.

Interior Like Its Brother
By utilizing the same design and materials, the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is all Impreza inside. There are heated leather seats and automatic climate control on Limited models like our tester. The 4.3-inch LCD screen displays navigation and audio information as well as the rearview camera display.

Nobody will accuse the XV of being luxurious, but it's also not cheap. Materials and controls feel decent and (on our long-term Subaru Impreza, at least) seem to last. The 60/40-split rear seats fold nearly flat, though cargo space is considerably less than full-fledged crossovers. At 51.9 cubic feet, the XV's total cargo area can't measure up to the RAV4's class-leading 73.4 cubes. Still, it is no less useful than other compact five-doors from Japan or Korea.

Rear passenger space is sufficient for large adults, and it's possible to comfortably fit rear-facing child seats in the rear while front-seat passengers remain comfortable: if they're under 6 feet tall, that is.

Final Tally
The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek's biggest strength is its pricing. Our fully loaded Limited test car tallied $27,290, including the $2,000 Navigation and Moonroof package and $795 destination fee. This is thousands less than its comparably equipped rivals, which are hard-pressed to come in below $30 grand when fully loaded.

Whether the Impreza-based XV will sufficiently substitute for a RAV4 or CR-V depends on two factors: how badly you need the extra space they provide, and how badly you want the added visibility their height provides. Because in every other way (including off-road ability) this funky Subaru gets the job done.

It's not hard to be more interesting than a standard Impreza. And it's not a big ask to be more macho than a RAV4 or CR-V. So even though the XV finds itself in the largely unoccupied space between compact five-doors and crossover SUVs, it will, no doubt, be the perfect solution for many.

The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.

Comments

tdh5 Posts:

Apr 02

You think the RAV4 is manly?????

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redgeminipa Posts:

Apr 02

I've been seeing these little guys popping up everywhere lately. The orange really stands out. I think I kinda like them, but I'd want a little more power. Hey Subaru... is a turbo in the works?

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bankerdanny Posts:

Apr 02

I really like the look of this vehicle. I've seen several on the road. BUT, if I were looking for a new car it wouldn't be on my shopping list. My 2007 Forester, which had a more powerful engine, was painfully, dangerously, slow. I can only imagine how bad the even weaker Crosstrek would be. I don't understand what it is that Subaru has against reasonable horsepower. I don't need the 300hp STi motor, 180-200 would be plenty.

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jpnpower Posts:

Apr 02

You'd think that a turbo would fit this car well, without the "go fast WRX" parts. In high elevation places turbos work, and can easily manage about 200 hp from the FB Impreza motor. But this car has a different demographic which I will rant about in another comment 'cause Edmunds hates paragraphs.

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jpnpower Posts:

Apr 02

I'm surprised by the sales of this pathetically underpowered, small car that has virtually nothing over the standard Impreza. It baffles me how some Americans really feel about size, and image. for one, many stupid American think that "Subarus ain't kool", but my main point is that the normal Impreza hatch sells decently, but a jacked up version with kool looking wheels, and paint sells like hot cakes. I mean this is just crazy. What the heck? why can't everybody be friendly to hatches like at InsideLIne.

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vrooomf1 Posts:

Apr 02

put in the flat 4 2.0l turbo (250hp), awd with MT, I'm in!

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ed124c Posts:

Apr 02

Subaru doesn't need to put a costly turbo in the XV. All they need do is to use the BR-Z 200hp engine. And they should have done it from the start. I agree with bankerdanny: Subaru needs to get more hp (and more torque) out of their engines, even if it means larger NA engines or turbos. Sure, that wouldn't allow their cars to have the EPA numbers that FWD cars get. On the other hand, Subaru is doing quite well, so... What do we know?

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nitrous683 Posts:

Apr 02

where did all the comments go?

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fotoflame Posts:

Apr 03

I agree with ed124c. It doesn't need the 2.0 turbo to make me interested in getting this car, but it needs just a tad more power. Even the 2.5L would be good. The BRZ engine would be great! But I feel Subaru made this move to tout being the most fuel efficient SUV in its class. I hope they offer a optional, more powerful engine for the Crosstrek soon.

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ttbuyer Posts:

Apr 03

I like the styling and thought about getting one, but when I test drove it I found the angle of the A-pillar to impede my sight line considerably. I am moderately tall at 6' 2"

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darthbimmer Posts:

Apr 04

The only engine makes less than 150hp and takes 9.6 seconds for 0-60? Ridiculous. Give us a step-up option, even if it's just in the 190-200hp range.

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usa1fan_ Posts:

Apr 05

LOL. Edmunds, you mention the Escape in passing, but in every reference to a purchase, make statements as to why the buyer might pick the CrossTrek over a CR-V or RAV4, with no mention of the Escape, as if those are the logical contenders for sales. It sure seems to me that you're ignoring the fact that, in the real world at least, most are currently buying the Ford, regardless of authors' preferences or biases. Maybe you want to include class-selling leaders in comments about which vehicle someone might buy, at least once in awhile?

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mastover Posts:

Apr 30

We bought one of these this weekend for our son. It's a nice car but the engine is WAY under powered. It's also very loud when trying to go up any kind of hill. The transmission screams as if you are killing it when pushed. They also tried to add in a nice touch by putting a plastic piece on the back side of the rear seats so that when they are folded down you have a plastic floor. Unfortunately it's got a funky fold on the bottom that velcros to the carpet. It has to be tucked back in every time you put the seat back up. As it's velcro, I figure it will never last. Also, since this car has to work so hard it MUST use synthetic oil...expect to pay nearly $90 for an oil change and Subaru still recommends here in Colorado that you do it every 3750 miles. One last note, if you elect to not get GPS, your screen size for the radio/on board camera shrinks by over an inch. That being said, the car looks great and in town drives very nice. Just don't expect to pass anything on the highway or pull away quick from a light. Getting good gas mileage has one large drawback...driving fun is gone. Good car for an 18 year old though...hard to race anyone but a bicycle...although the bike may win. Did I mention it's REALLY slow?

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doctoro1 Posts:

May 04

I heard in some off road tests this baby performed as good and better than the Land Rover

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