The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
won't win any beauty contests. It probably won't even come in second,
which would net you 50 bucks from each player. But as far as utility
goes, for the money, it's near the top of the heap.
Competitors to the XV include the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape
and other similar crossovers. All the base models fall right in the
$20,000-$22,000 range. The Outlander Sport delivers exactly the same hp
and torque as the XV, at 148 hp and 145 lb-ft. The Rogue and Escape are
both up from that, at about 170 for both power and twist.
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| The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek gets a 2.0-liter Boxer four. |
The
five-speed manual, which our tester enjoyed, combined with the boxer
four doesn't make for spirited driving, but the Crosstrek is quick
enough to get out of its own way. Getting on to the highway takes a
nice, one-two-three shift to get up to 65 mph, and you're cruising after
that. We're glad Subaru stuck with a five-speed in this crossover; the
additional shifting needed with a six-speed would have made it feel
slower.
The clutch pedal is nice and easy -- it would be good for
a learner, but the shifter is a bit lackadaisical. It has some flex in
it, and it's also pretty tall, leading to long throws. The brakes feel
smooth and linear, but on this car they sink low, too far below the gas
pedal if you're trying to heel-toe brake. Let's be honest, though: The
Subaru-buyer proficient in heel-toe driving is likely shopping the WRX.
The
XV uses MacPherson struts in front, with lower L-arms, coil springs and
a stabilizer bar. The rear has double wishbones. It's sprung more
softly than most other Subies, but that helps the Crosstrek travel in
light off-road situations like grassy fields without bottoming either
the car or the suspension.
The steering -- and steering wheel --
are a little rubbery, but the feeling has a little bit to do with the
suspension setup. Around faster turns there's a good amount of lean, and
some tire squeal, but it's all extremely predictable. A driver would
have to get pretty wild in the Crosstrek to get into any real trouble,
an apex-carver it is not.
Now, about that mug. Potential buyers
need to be fans of Aztek-style dark body cladding, along with boy-racer
type touches such as the dark rims against light paint and black
lower-mirror caps.
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| A five-speed manual is standard. |
Once you're inside, though, the XV Crosstrek is
plain, but comfortable, in standard Subaru tradition. Front passengers
sit high, while the back seats have a decent amount of room and fold
flat, leaving tons of cargo space for plants, bags of soil or bricks
(ask us how we know). It also has a plastic floor, which makes for easy
cleaning.
Spending a few days in the XV Crosstrek has us better
understanding its mission in life. If you can look past the ugly mug,
this is a crossover with solid light off-road cred, decent gas mileage
-- I averaged about 25 mpg -- and lots of utility, all for a fair price.
For you Subaru brand fans or buyers who need the utility of a crossover
but don't mind sitting a little lower -- and paying a little less, the
Subaru Crosstrek should be on your shopping list.
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| Rear with seats folded up. |
vehicle: 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek 2.0i Premium
base price: $21,995
as-tested: $22,790
engine: 2.0-liter DOHC H4
hp: 148 @ 6,200 rpm
torque: 145 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm
drivetrain: all-wheel drive, five-speed manual
curb weight: 3,087 lbs.
epa (city/highway/combined): 23/30/26
date in AW fleet: 5/28
date out AW fleet: 6/11
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