Subaru's XV Crosstrek is the mini-SUV (pictures)
CNET reviews Subaru's latest offering, a mini-SUV with practical interior space, all-wheel drive, and very good fuel economy.
Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
The XV Crosstrek is an all-new model for Subaru, a mini-SUV that slots in below the Outlander.
The XV Crosstrek's styling comes off as very modern, without a hard corner in sight.
Subaru equips the XV Crosstrek with its 2-liter four-cylinder engine, making 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque.
Up close, the XV Crosstrek seems more hatchback than SUV. Most people can look right over the top of the car, but it remains roomy inside.
As with every model except the BRZ, the XV Crosstrek comes standard with Subaru's all-wheel-drive system.
The XV Crosstrek is a very practical design, with plenty of cargo space behind the rear seats.
Fold the rear seats down, and the cargo space increases substantially.
In the Premium trim, the XV Crosstrek gets manually adjustable cloth seats. The Limited trim gets leather.
The curve of the front seat backs allows extra knee room for the passengers in the rear seats.
There are very few options available on the XV Crosstrek. In Premium trim, you can add navigation and a sunroof. There are many dealer accessories available as well.
Like most modern cars, the XV Crosstrek uses an electric power steering system.
The buttons on the steering wheel spokes let you control the stereo, phone, and voice command systems.
An instant fuel economy gauge at the bottom of the tachometer can coach you to more efficient driving.
The home screen of the optional navigation head unit combines the audio and map screens on the 6.1-inch touch screen.
The navigation system's maps show in 2D or perspective views.
The navigation system uses live traffic data to help you avoid traffic jams.
One odd little feature is this world time map.
The phone system not only integrates with a paired phone's contact list, but it can receive text messages from a few types of phones.
The head unit includes an HD Radio tuner.
You can play music from a USB drive with this system.
The XV Crosstrek's stereo lacks simple bass and treble controls, but offers this seven-band graphic equalizer with five presets.
The rear-view camera does not show distance or trajectory lines, but will still help when parking.
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