2013 Subaru Crosstrek: First Drive Review

By Kirk Bell of MSN Autos

What is a crossover?

Although there is no universally accepted definition of the word, most people would probably answer, "What you get when you combine a car with an SUV." And they'd essentially be right. Crossovers have the look, cargo capacity and raised ride height of a small SUV, and they handle, ride and consume fuel like a car.

All of these attributes are highly desired by the American consumer. Consequently, crossovers are extremely popular, especially with young, hip mommies and daddies that want to drive a big vehicle but appear like they aren't.

Subaru is staking claim to its piece of the enormous crossover pie with the all-new XV Crosstrek. The Crosstrek is essentially a lifted Impreza hatchback with new bumpers, some fender cladding and unique wheels to make it look more masculine.

But is it a crossover? By the above definition, the answer is yes. But then aren't all Subie wagons SUVs by that definition?

Model lineup
The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek lineup is quite simple, with only two trims: the base Premium and the Limited. Standard features on the $21,995 Premium include cloth upholstery, air conditioning, tilt/telescoping steering column, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with iPod and USB integration, Bluetooth streaming audio and cellphone connectivity, fog lights, and P225/55R17 tires on alloy wheels
.
The $24,495 Limited adds leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, display audio system with rearview camera, and automatic headlights. 

Options are limited to a continuously variable automatic transmission (for Premium trim only), a moon roof and a navigation system.

Under the hood
The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is basically an Impreza 5-door raised three inches, and it shares that vehicle's powertrain. The engine is a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder that makes 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The Premium trim comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable automatic is optional. The Limited comes only with the CVT. Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy estimates are 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway with the manual and 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the CVT.

All XV Crosstreks come with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. In models with the manual transmission, it features a center differential that always locks in a 50-50 front-rear torque split. Go with the CVT and it uses an electronically controlled center differential that usually runs with a front-drive bias but can send all of the torque to the axle with grip. All Crosstreks have a modest 1,500-pound towing capacity.

Inner space
Like other compact cars developed in the past couple of years, the Subaru Impreza features interior materials that are a cut above the traditional norm for the class. The XV Crosstrek gets the same interior, with the exception of different material for the cloth seats. The dash, armrests and door tops have soft-touch surfaces and the surrounding plastics are quite sturdy. It's pretty basic but it feels substantial.

The layout is refreshingly simple, with three dials set low for the climate controls and an information display set at the top of the dash that shows time, outside temperature and some trip computer data. In between is the radio, and buyers get a choice of three, all of which are easy to use. The step-up display audio system features a 4.3-inch screen with a rearview camera, and the top-end version adds navigation and a 6.1-inch touch screen. Our only complaint is the virtual buttons on the navigation screen are too small to hit easily while driving, especially if the road is bumpy. The navigation system is quite intuitive, though the look is cartoonish.

One of the major reasons Subaru has enjoyed five straight years of growth is the more competitive size of its vehicles, which translates to more usable passenger and cargo space. Despite its compact footprint, the XV Crosstrek has plenty of room for five passengers. Front seat occupants need not worry about space, and the Crosstrek will accommodate four adult passengers quite comfortably. Rear seat occupants will only complain about elbow room when they sit three across.

Likewise, the XV Crosstrek offers excellent cargo space for its size. There is 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and they fold flat quite easily to expand that to 51.9 cubic feet. While that is plenty of space, many of today's larger compact crossovers have at least 60 cubic feet of room.

On the road
Drivers will like this vehicle's spirited nature. The XV Crosstrek is lighter than most crossovers, even small ones like the Nissan Juke and MINI Countryman, and it has a lower center of gravity thanks to the horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine, which can sit lower in the chassis than an inline 4-cylinder. These features give it nimble handling, though the raised ride height allows some noticeable, albeit well-controlled body lean. The steering is light but direct, and the brakes are strong and progressive.
The XV Crosstrek offers some satisfying road feel, too, yet the ride is quite comfortable. The suspension is raised three inches from that of the Impreza, which means the shocks and struts have more travel. This lets the XV Crosstrek smooth out most bumps on the road. The 8.7 inches of ground clearance and all-wheel drive also help this vehicle plow through deep snow.

Engine performance isn't as rewarding, though. The 2.0-liter engine delivers excellent fuel economy but it can be frustratingly slow. Subaru isn't providing zero-to-60-mph numbers, but they are likely between nine and 10 seconds. The limited power is more accessible with the manual transmission, which offers a natural clutch feel and smooth but long shifts. Power delivery is slushier with the CVT, especially from a stop, which makes getting out ahead of traffic a risky proposition without enough space.

Right for you?
The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek will fit the bill for many buyers. It offers passenger and cargo space for small families; its standard all-wheel drive makes it ideal for active singles and couples; and the raised ride height means empty-nesters will find it easy to get in and out. It's more affordable than most compact crossovers, too, but buyers looking for power and pure luxury should look elsewhere.
While we don't think it's a crossover — it's more of a raised wagon — the XV Crosstrek is an excellent value nonetheless.



(As part of a sponsored press event, the automaker provided MSN with travel and accommodations to facilitate this report.)
Kirk Bell has served as the associate publisher for Consumer Guide Automotive and editor of Scale Auto Enthusiast magazine. A Midwest native, Bell brings 18 years of automotive journalism experience to MSN, and currently contributes to JDPower.com and Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.