2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Review

Tiny SUVs are an emerging market segment, and Subaru wants to join the party. But rather than build a new bantam utility vehicle from the ground up, Subaru hiked up and retrofitted its Impreza hatchback, rebadging it the XV Crosstrek to give it some off-road credibility.

As is typical of Subaru, all-wheel drive is standard, but what lets the Crosstrek pose convincingly as a miniature SUV is that raised ride height, which provides 8 inches of ground clearance—on par with "real" SUVs—and makes the Crosstrek more than a match for deeply rutted muddy roads.

Fuel economy is impressive at 26 mpg overall, but the Crosstrek with the CVT feels a little sluggish when it first gets underway, and the engine sounds raucous when revving, which it has to do a lot. Road noise adds more racket. The jacked-up chassis height and stiffened suspension also take a toll on agility and ride comfort. Many buyers would do better sticking with the higher-scoring Impreza Sport that costs $2,000 less.

The suspension tuning results in a stiff and nervous ride. Body motions are quick and taut on many road surfaces, and impacts from bumps are pronounced. Noise suppression is so-so, as the gruff engine is joined by wind rush and tire hiss at highway speeds.

Steering is responsive and well weighted. Body lean isn't excessive for a vehicle with a raised ride height. The AWD system is unobtrusive. At our track, the Crosstrek performed relatively well, leaving drivers feeling confident in our avoidance maneuver. Despite its ground clearance, the XV  lacks low-range gearing and underbody cladding for hardcore off-roading. But it's plenty capable on muddy, snowy, or rutted roads.

The 148-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine performs adequately, but the XV is no speed demon. The CVT transmission can be slow to engage Drive when shifting from Reverse, doing so with a thump. A five-speed manual is available in Premium trim, ridding the XV of the CVT's frustrations.

The Crosstrek seems built for the cold, with standard heated seats and side mirrors, and a windshield deicer. The cabin is generally well trimmed but not plush.

Drivers should find plenty of space all around, with a tilt and telescopic steering wheel to help get situated. The front seats are comfortable, with adequate lower-back support even without a lumbar adjustment. Rear seating is generous and can comfortably fit three adults.

Radio and climate controls are simple and mounted high. Satellite radio is available only if you opt for the navigation system. Setting up a Bluetooth phone can be cumbersome, and stopping and restarting streaming audio through the system can be a nuisance. Phone voice controls respond only to very specific and sometimes awkward commands and don't control digital audio players.

The rear cargo area can hold two large suitcases and two duffel bags. Folding down the 60/40-split rear seatbacks frees up even more room.