By 
As a small crossover SUV the Subaru XV Crosstrek offers amazing ground clearance, the same amount as the Outback and more than a Jeep Grand Cherokee at 8.7 inches to allow it to be one of the best off road crossovers money can buy. Add a host of amazing safety features that have helped make Subaru a favorite and the standard all-wheel drive that allows this SUV to be one that can offer both excellent control on the roads during adverse weather and driving conditions as well as an SUV that is very comfortable on trails to a far off destination that can only be reached by leaving the paved road.
As an SUV that is built to model one of the cars from the same manufacturer, the Crosstrek is built on a similar platform as the Impreza giving the Crosstrek some great performance stylings in a larger size and shape. For 2015 the Crosstrek gains a new audio system with an improved control interface, the EyeSight heads up display, a standard rearview camera and a new base model the XV Crosstrek 2.0i to give those who want to experience this nice little SUV but have a limited budget to be able to do so.
With a very responsive suspension the XV Crosstrek soaks up bumps and road abrasions with ease and perfection to keep those inside nicely situated in their seats and enjoying the ride. Even with this softer suspension this SUV sticks to the road well and handles corners with ease to make this one of the easiest SUVs to take out for a drive on or off the road. The steering system is an electric-assist version that responds exceptionally well to be a great partner to the suspension and give any driver the control they need to handle this SUV on any terrain.
With two engine setups to choose from, one of which being a hybrid version the Crosstrek gives a very enjoyable fuel efficiency to go along with its great performance. The first engine is a 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine that brings in 148 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine can be attached to either a five-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission. In premium models the gearbox transfers the AWD power evenly to the four wheels while in the other models it is distributed most to the wheels with the most grip first. The fuel efficiency of this model shows up at 23 city/31 hwy mpg for the manual transmission and 26 city/34 hwy mpg for the automatic.
The second engine is a 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine with a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric drive motor. This addition gives the engine 160 horsepower and 163 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is attached to the continuously variable automatic transmission and even though it doesn’t give a large increase in fuel efficiency, coming in at 30 city/34 hwy mpg, the increase in power does help this model get going even better than the base model.
On the inside the Crosstrek offers a great control center that is full of intuitively placed knobs and dials as well as a center stack that features a vastly improved infotainment center. The seats are all very soft and comfortable to ride in along with being covered in excellent materials. The head and foot room is great for anyone that rides in any seat of the Crosstrek and the rear seats fold down flat to offer up to 52 cubic feet of cargo space that can be configured in a variety of ways to haul both people and stuff.
Put the Crosstrek and Impreza together and the family resemblance is uncanny. Maybe that is stretch because they are built to resemble each other, but the Crosstrek is the SUV model of the two giving good looking SUV style and an athletic stance to be a great looking and ready performer. The outside of the very nice small crossover offer an aerodynamic body shape some very interesting and looking wheels along with attractive views from any angle to ensure this vehicle is not mistaken for one that is limited to only riding on pavement.
The standard equipment found for the Crosstrek comes in on the all new base model 2.0i. This model includes a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power windows, locks and mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity, a multi-function display, a 6.0-inch Starlink infotainment system and a rearview camera. The midrange 2.0i Premium add the All Weather Package which adds heated seats and outside mirrors and a windshield de-icer. The top end 2.0i Limited adds a larger Starlink display that includes dual USB ports. The hybrid model gains keyless entry and push button starting. With a few very nice standard features to choose from owners of the Crosstrek might not feel it needs to be upgraded from this niche collection of features.
The optional features offered do give owners the opportunity to add to their Crosstrek by offering the automatic transmission, EyeSight head’s up display, a moonroof, touch screen navigation, a 7.0-inch Starlink system, keyless entry and push button starting. These optional features do require the movement up the ladder of model for example if the Hybrid is the model to upgrade the Touring model is required. Similarly to add the automatic transmission the Premium model must be chosen and the base model only comes with the manual transmission.
With a very affordable starting price the XV Crosstrek offers a great deal of off road capability to enjoy and take full advantage of at a great price. This starting base price for the 2.0i comes in at $22,500. The top of the line 2.0i Limited starts around $25,600 and can raise to $28,500 when all options are aboard. This price range really keeps this enticing small SUV very affordable and enjoyable for anyone who is looking for a great vehicle to make their everyday driver or to have an amazing vehicle for taking to a variety of locations off road.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.