What do you think of when you hear the Nissan Juke or Scion xB? Most likely you think of them as funky city SUVs that lack the off road capability you may want in your SUV. The new Subaru XV Crosstrek offers more ground clearance than the older version and still carries the build and size of a compact car that can offer you the ride you want and the efficiency you need. Whoever said you couldn’t have the best of both worlds in off road capability and fuel mileage did not think of the Crosstrek when making that statement.
Why do we love these smaller crossover SUVs? Because they are easier to park than the older models and offer some of the space we need. Even though the XV Crosstrek is not abundant in size it does have more interior space behind the front seats than most compact hatchbacks to offer you a place to take some of the gear you need. For 2016 this SUV add a style update, LED lighting to the interior, PIN code access for the push button start models and the addition of Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alerts for the Limited trim level.
When you are the market for a smaller SUV like this one you expect to pay a price that will fit nicely in your budget. The XV Crosstrek starts out at $22,500 for the base model. The 2.0i Limited, the top model, starts around $26,000 to give you an idea of the range. The Limited can reach as high as $28,500 with all options checked, but still give you the fully loaded model and stay well under the $30,000 mark. There is a midlevel 2.0i Premium that starts out at just above the $24,000 price and the Hybrid does begin a little over $27,000 ant tops out at $30,000 but after tax breaks will be much less.
From the outside the XV Crosstrek is an attractive little SUV. It does have some similarities in its looks, especially across the front end to the Impreza. One thing you will notice right away is the ride height which does give you 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making this a great off road SUV or one that you can have run through snow or mud with ease. Although this is a rugged little SUV it also has some great style features to make it a handsome choice for daily driving that you won’t ever stop loving.
The equipment you can expect to find on the XV Crosstrek include a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power windows, locks and mirrors, a Bluetooth connectivity, a multi-function display with fuel economy information, a 6.0-ich Starlink infotainment system and a rearview camera are all standard on the base model. The 2.0i Premium adds an All Weather Package to include heated seats and outside mirrors and a windshield de-icer. The top line 2.0i Limited includes a larger Starlink display screen, two USB ports and satellite radio. The Hybrid model adds keyless entry and push button starting, rounding out a complete list of standard features for you to enjoy.
When looking to the options we find the inclusion of EyeSight for the Premium and Limited models, a moonroof, touch screen navigation, an upgraded 7.0-inch Starlink system, keyless entry and push button starting. Having these features requires some of the packaging for the models, for instance, if you want the moonroof or the EyeSight you have to select the CVT and if you want to add to the Hybrid model you have to move up to the Touring edition which has more equipment than any of the gasoline-only versions.
Looking inside the XV Crosstrek you will see the use of some comfortable materials that you won’t mind enjoying on any ride. All models have some version of the Starlink system aboard them to give you the connectivity you want and a rearview camera. When you fold the rear seats down you get the benefit of close to 52 cubic feet of cargo space to be one of the best places for you to enjoy bringing home items you need. There is space enough for adults to enjoy the rear seat and some cargo space along with the roof rack to allow the family to be comfortable inside this beautiful little SUV.
What do we find powering the Subaru XV Crosstrek? There is only one engine, but its set up two different ways to handle the chore of being a hybrid model as well. The base engine is a 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder engine that shows up with 148 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. This power is routed through either a five-speed manual or a CVT to give you fuel mileage of 23 city/31 hwy for the manual and 26 city/34 hwy mpg for the CVT. The AWD system for the manual has a 50/50 power distribution front to rear and those with the CVT have an adaptive system that put the most power to the wheels with the most grip.
The second setup of this engine is the hybrid version. This adds an AC synchronous electric drive motor to the engine to bring the horsepower up to 160 and the torque to 163 lb.-ft. Using the CVT with this model gives you a fuel mileage of 30 city/34 hwy mpg which is not a significant increase over the gasoline-only version, but this setup certainly gives you a bit more power to be better for pushing through trails and snow.
When you get in and drive the XV Crosstrek you can easily forget this is an SUV. This little vehicle drives and feels much like a compact car and handles the road with precision and control. With the higher ride height and a suspension made for off road the bumps and bruises on the pavement are easily dispelled for a smooth and comfortable ride. The XV Crosstrek is a great choice when you don’t want a compact car and would love some off road capabilities; check one out at your Subaru dealer today.
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