2013 and 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Review and Road Test

[@stanlysawicz9317]

Best car reviewer on the internet. Period. Extremely informative and detailed

[@BoopSnoot]

He wasn't always this good though. Look at the production quality and what not of his oldest videos. He gets better with every review.

[@greekgod200486]

i have an xv crosstrek in the orange color myself and i absolutely love it!! the cvt gives me enough power on the highway and it has plenty of room. I'm 6 feet tall as well and its the perfect size. i have just about 8000 miles on it already and its just fantastic. couldn't have picked a better car

[@ChipsA17]

Nice. I am looking to get a crosstrek as my next car once my 08 legacy eventually dies lol. Good to hear its roomy. Im 6 ft as well.

[@greekgod200486]

The 2013 Crosstrek had a known transmission issue but they extended the warrantee out to 100,000 miles for the drivetrain and I had my first issue at 103,000 miles. I ended up trading it in for a 2019 Crosstrek. I have almost 30,000 miles on it now.

[@HarukiYamamoto]

@@greekgod200486 Thank you for returning to provide a follow up. What issue was it? And did it have any other issues apart from that?

[@Masticas.]

Cvt transmission?

[@greekgod200486]

@@HarukiYamamoto hi. No I had no other issues. It was a great car. I have upgraded again from the 2019 crosstrek to a 2022 Outback Onyx Edition XT. Tons of power. Love it. I do miss my orange crosstrek though… I miss the color mainly haha but still fantastic car.

[@brucetanaka3138]

I have worked on cars for over 30 years and I find this review one of the best reviews ever!

[@Dark30Outdoors]

You didn’t say a whole lot about the handling. With its boxer engine it has a low center of gravity and absolutely no tip hazard. Impressive considering it’s ground clearance! Add in the symmetrical AWD and these things corner and zip through curves amazingly well. I have the cvt automatic and love it!!! These cars also really hold their value and not a lot of used ones on the market.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Thanks for the feedback Bob. This is something that bugs me when I review the video but proves harder to stop in mid thought. I'll keep trying.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Yes, I can recommend the XV, it is well priced, delivers good fuel economy and has a robust AWD system.

[@dylanluhowy]

Great review, Alex. You are definitely the best auto reviewer on KZbin. I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about cars and the industry but I learn something from every one of your videos. Thanks for covering the things that real people actually care about.

[@uhuraoogabuga8538]

Excellent review! You went into a lot of good, important details. I love the orange and plasma green colors for this car. I wish more cars had cool, bright colors like these.

[@tunafishjoe]

A great review packed with a lot of information. Very little fluff. I love it. Thank you!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I like the current crop of base Subarus because they deliver good fuel economy, a good combination of ride and handling and they are well priced. I personally would take Subaru's AWD "tall wagons" before a more traditional SUV shape. But that's just me.

[@Dark0blivion]

Alex, I just want to thank you for all your reviews. After many test drives and online research (including watching videos like yours) I went ahead and placed an order for an XV. I will try to send you pictures when I have it. :)

[@TheAboriginal1]

CVTs are sweet. I know they aren't fun or interesting but they get the job done most efficiently and effectively. Definitely the best option for this type of vehicle.

[@ztog]

I've had this car for about 15 months. It's excellent and sure-footed in Canadian snow and ice. Fuel efficiency is very good. No problems so far. But merging into highways is a little scary. You'd keep pressing on the gas but not much acceleration and the rear view mirror presents the scary image of cars closing in on you at 100 km/hour flashing their headlights. The 20000 km service by Subaru at CDN $399 is steep. Otherwise, satisfied with the car. Good car for active people.

[@benlee6509]

ztog ? Then get a manual like I did. You put your foot flat on the auto and it goes no where.

[@KiwiFXdude]

Very good review Alex, you went into some great detail that a lot of other reviewers miss. Nice job.

[@pixiegirl1492]

That has to be the best reply I have seen in a long while!

[@johnfinnell5463]

Great review/video. Much more informative than anything else I've watched so far. Thanks!

[@coffeekhan]

I understand. Once something like that becomes ingrained in your pattern of speech, it is hard to shake. Keep up the good work!

[@AliensRreal13]

the orange is the BEST color! i love mine 🥰

[@tbonemillz]

Great review man! Your reviews are always detailed and you always seem to have extra/surprise information that others do not. In this case I learned A. Toyota owns Subaru which I am not sure if I am happy about and B. I never heard someone say that Subaru's all wheel drive isn't much different then others. At first I was shocked but then the explanation you followed it up with totally made sense. I liked this car before the review and I think I like it even better now! Keep up the good reviews!!!

[@RollerCoasterLineProductions]

I loved these when they first came out, and someday I wanted to own one. I own a 19 Premium I bought brand new. I had no idea you were doing videos this far back.

[@senthuran82]

A very good and balanced review

[@ViveSemelBeneVivere]

Nice SUV. I love the orange colour. It's groovy. I also love copper and bronze colours on cars.

[@enriqueroman62]

The best review I've seen !!!!

[@PMC-Japan]

Toyota doesn't own subaru. --->Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru, is currently in a partial partnership with Toyota Motor Corporation, which owns 16.5% of FHI

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Tricky question. I don't care for the Juke's styling so I am probably biased here, but the Subie would be my choice between the two.

[@ThePratapnaidu]

Hi Alex, let me thank you for all of your reviews and hard-work, which helps lot of us to get our dream car, with respect to the current review of Subaru XV, i would like to know the typical road noise you had experienced and how it stacks up to the expectations of off-road capabilities

[@AntonyLD]

My 2012 model , at 65,000miles: all 4 wheel bearings, 70,000 miles, main drive shaft bearing so whole shaft replaced £2500, 72,000mls, both front wishbones/struts, 75,000 both rear struts. Entire under body rotten due to dirt trapped by the aero plastic trays. inc every brake pipe clamp . large areas of rotten steel due to poor rustproofing from the factory.

[@barbryll8596]

I live very rural and appteciate your feedback. I've had Toyotas and nissans....looking for a vehicle with more clearance this time. lots of folks in the kootneys have subaru. I might just join the carefree club. cheers from all ski bums

[@SabreWolf18]

Please do the 2018! i am getting one tomorrow. It is just the best value car and safe car on the market today.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The Forester is high on our list!

[@4N2IN0JA]

Great review!Thats amazing mpg for that vehicle! I hope you can review the hybrid version soon!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I hope so too, however Subaru has gone radio silent to new vehicle requests so I don't think I'll have anything on the hybrid or the new Legacy and Outback any time soon.

[@4N2IN0JA]

I bet the line is real long for the WRX! Im sad they didn't make a hatchback plus it doesn't look all that menacing for what it is capable of.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

That's tricky. We don't have the Qashqai in the USA so I have no experience in it. However, from Nissan's descriptions it would appear to be slightly more expensive/up-market vs the Subaru.

[@HankDCFC]

Best car reviewer on the internet. Well Done!

[@krisnadiimam4556]

I really like your review! Very descriptive. Please do the new forester 2.0 turbo with cvt. It kinda looks awesome.

[@AlternativeUses]

Ive been seeing a bunch of these on the road. They're a good option for "crossover" buyers who are mainly concerned with an increased ride height and awd but don't want to pay for poor fuel economy. I heard that the CVT's awd system is different than the manual version which would be an issue for me if i were shopping one.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I am trying my best but the Forester seems to be a hard car to get into.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Ooh, I'd particularly like to join! I love a particular vodka that would be particularly perfect.

[@andrewcooke6787]

Good review, I’ve watched loads.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Visibility is good for a car, but you don't get that "commanding" view you find in taller SUVs.

[@catnipyfy]

Great review - thanks

[@smellycat389]

I really appreciate such a good review!

[@pOpCoRn0531]

Fuji, which is Subaru's parent company, is 17% owned by Toyota.

[@coooldude13583]

Great review Alex. I am a fan now. Looking for mid to compact SUV for my wife. The contenders are : CX5, Encore, Crosstrek. My preference is CX5, Crosstrek, Encore. CX5 I felt was balanced all around. Crosstrek is pretty good but a lil low on power and encore is just subcompact with a luxury tag. What do you think. How do you think cabin quietness compares Alex. Thank you, sorry for the long question

[@TheMountainGarden]

Azif Safarulla The Encore is the quietest and the Crosstrek is the loudest. The CX-5 is a good balance and the changes for 2016 have solved my only complaint which was the terrible navigation system in the 2015 model.

[@coooldude13583]

The Mountain Garden Thanks again for replying to my query.

[@coooldude13583]

Hi again, with regards to safety, how do the Crosstrek, CX 5 and Encore compare. Thank you once again for the valuable input.

[@chadashton7029]

Not completely true. The XV is actually wider with a shorter wheel base than the Impreza. There are some other minor differences as well. I mean yeah, it's pretty much a jacked up Impreza but jacking up an Impreza won't give you a CrossTrek.

[@VeganMuffin]

I'm considering buying one of these. I have loved subarus since my first and I love the way the crosstrek looks. Can owners tell me how they like theirs?

[@a2r7n6]

Nice review. Thanks Alex.

[@ngzcaz]

that's kind of a dumb statement to make... there are no gears in a CVT trans. Its a constant flow of power.

[@aaronleang]

I have no idea why But before you even said "Madonna," I was already saying it in my head and I'm not even a Madonna fan.

[@sidsambrano1660]

Great Great review. Im trying to decide which Subaru to get, crosstrek, 2014 Forrester, or the Legacy.

[@ricautechui2299]

Strait to the point . but next time i wold to see the done in all conditions .

[@re60133]

maybe some off-road or snow driving to test the all wheel drive.

[@icemanroyal]

Toyota only ownes a 13% stake in Fuji Heavy Industries which is the company that makes Subaru, as well as many many other industrial things. Think of it as like when Ford had 20% of Mazda. They were still 2 different companies, but shared certain technologies.

[@pixiegirl1492]

What is the rear visibility like? I know suv's in particular can sometimes have issues with limited visiblity in the back because of their overall design and structure.

[@kilpatcatch]

Alex... I've got a 3 year old and another one on the way. I'm debating on the forester and the crosstrek. Any thoughts on what you would go with considering the kiddo situation. Thank you and great videos.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

You would probably be best served by the Forester as it has more rear legroom. In general the more rear legroom. the easier it is to fit rear facing child seats in the car.

[@kilpatcatch]

Thank you very much. I appreciate the speedy response. Test drove both earlier today and want them both. Stay safe and God bless.

[@shadowdance4666]

I've had both. Ask any mechanic the Impreza platform is definitely superior. The crosstrek is based on the Impreza platform. I realize this info might be tardy. Bad times with my forester. The Impreza did it's job well

[@venom5809]

Can't remember if you ever did an M5 or Range Rover review, but if not, you need to.

[@Vap3]

hope you guys review the hybrid version of this car

[@Klperformance68]

If they were to cheap to paint under the hood, I wonder how many other corners were cut?

[@dmaine10]

Can you do a review on the Mercedes cla 250 please.

[@buckjohnson]

I'm going to have friends over and we're going to play a game where we take a shot of vodka every time the word "particular" is mentioned. It will be a very short game as we'll all be on the floor very quickly.

[@davidjames4583]

Subaru is owned by Fuji Heavy Industries... Toyota owns 16.5 percent of FHI i think that's what he's talking about...

[@HaggardBacon]

ESSENTIALLY.

[@Hakltz]

Excellent. How about the Bmw 328i diesel wagon ?

[@fantomtuba]

When did Toyota buy Subaru? I know they worked together on the GT86, I don't know about owning them.

[@taraziemba2032]

Don't pull into a garage in your Crosstrek in Santa Ana, it may be rigged so you may crash into the wall.

[@OzBloke]

I don't think Toyota owns Subaru but has about a 24% interest?....good result to with the 86/BRZ.

[@taraziemba2032]

My Crosstrek was hit 3 times. Beware that if you have the word 'cross' in the name it will be seen as an invitation for a 'crash'.

[@tominthehills]

Alex, I'm not sure if you actually had a chance to test this vehicle extensively enough, but there is a one aspect that I couldn't find definitive answer to. How is the heather/ac performance for this car? Some of the user reviews that I read which mentioned heat to be slightly inadequate. Since engine is not that big I wonder how is it equipped in this matter. I remember my 2002 Corolla with 1.8 engine to have rather so so functioning ac, making me kind of sceptical of what this 2.0 has to offer. Thanks in advance.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The A/C was just fine but the heater was slower than an in-line engine of the same displacement. The reason is just down to surface area. A boxer engine simply has more surface area and more mass than an inline engine and therefore will require longer to heat up especially in cold weather. I don't think it makes that much difference however for most people unless you live in a very cold climate. But then again in a cold climate the permanent AWD would be of more use to me than a car that heated up quickly.

[@dzfarms8110]

i drove a suabru for years it was a great car but the heater and AC were not that great in it

[@JessR989]

Alex, Would you recommend this over the Nissan Juke? Which one do you think has a better interior quality?

[@the6cow6god6]

do you recommend this c.u.v. to anyone who has never owned a subaru or to anyone that is new to the c.u.v. / s.u.v. market?

[@JuCarlos-ex8ip]

The problem with this cars are the transmissions failure at 60 thousand miles

[@Alisters_Adventures]

How is the interior noise level ?

[@xihaxihaxihaxiha]

can you also do a review for 2014 subaru forester xt?

[@BinskAndSmackers]

What’s a good price point I should pay for a used one of these

[@HawkGTboy]

The tonneau cover isn't standard? That's pretty lame. It's standard on the Forester!

[@nmende00]

Will the frs engine ever find its way into this vehicle? Will they ever offer a 2.0 turbo?

[@FX3-UK]

Subaru is owned by Toyota? You didn't do your homework...

[@djclown7pb]

alex what do you think about the hybrid version of the subaru xv?

[@shadowdance4666]

I guess he'll only respond on newly made videos

[@djclown7pb]

+shadowdance4666 that sucks

[@Fernandocolon13]

How about some performance numbers ????

[@msabry2211]

OK but from your review on this car XV do you think it is good car to buy becuz i decide to buy it this week

[@DavidCrenshaw-q2d]

i love mine, except the CVT.... i will never buy another car with a CVT in my life.... always in the wrong "gear" even when you try to use the paddles it always picks an RPM too high or too low for the speed and throttle position. full throttle seems to make it always wanna choose a lower RPM... its terrible... and when you use the paddle to force it to "downshift" then it does "downshift" but then picks redline as the new RPM choice... which is just as bad aas too low of RPM when you want max acceleration... my next car will be a manual transmission. i hate automatics also but even an auto is better than this CVT... i was sold the CVT as "like a manual without a clutch".... welll it feels more like a rubber band twisted around a driveline... its the worst transmission ive ever used.. its on paar with an old mack truck manual with a blown out clutch and smoked syncros.... its that level of swearing about it while driving it....

[@coffeekhan]

Alex, I like the depth of your reviews, but you have got to get away from overusing "this particular vehicle," and "honestly." We understand that you are talking about the car you are reviewing, and that you are discussing the physical car you are driving. And, are you lying to us the rest of the time? I thought not . . . so, "honestly" is just redundant. Keep up the good work!

[@ZachTheTechie97]

I had a 2014 Crosstrek and after a year, it was returned for being a lemon. Now I'm looking at another car.

[@meecymice2212]

I had to get rid of my 2014 Legacy after the transmission failed on the highway. Thankfully it was still under warranty, but that should NEVER happen to a new Subaru. I'm put-off the brand now :/

[@krisrocks121]

There is no available power seats

[@evoblock43]

Toyota only owns 16.5% of Fuji Heavy Industries and has no part in designs or input in Subaru design or building. The guy needs to brush up on facts better. If Toyota messed with Subaru, the recalls would be through the roof for Subaru like they are for Toyota. I Love my 13 Forester.

[@supercooled]

How many Subarus are sold in their entire lineup of cars compared to Toyota/Lexus? Perspective. You should get some.

[@evoblock43]

supercooled I'm not speaking of total numbers. I know the numbers for Toyota are higher. I speaking the fact that Toyota has no part in design or use of parts between the manufacturers. That's the inaccuracy that was brought up in the review. There are statements out by Toyota and Subaru stating that fact. Toyota sought an investment opportunity in Fuji Heavy. Check out the link and perhaps a better understanding will be had. www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-05-08/toyotas-silent-subaru-stake-pays-off

[@nigahiga6400]

The sudden acceleration "problem" was mostly due to driver error, much like the Audi 5000. No car will accelerate uncontrollably unless a. floor mat holds the throttle down, b. driver error, or c. cable jam (on older cars). Yes, they claim they pressed the brake, but actually their foot was on the gas. Subaru would benefit from Toyota in the area of refinement. The 09-13 Forester was a sea of noise, and the 4 speed automatic was archaic. Otherwise it was a decent car.

[@benlee6509]

evoblock43 Does Toyota 86 or the BRZ ring a bell? What are you talking about?

[@simongeorge3557]

Soobroo?

[@justultrra3568]

Soob uwu

[@msabry2211]

pls advice ... this car or Qashqai

[@taraziemba2032]

Crossing an intersection with a Crosstrek you may get hit just based on the name.

[@simonpham6337]

7:13 Toyota own Subaru?

[@Darkyxoxo]

bla bla bla, the car looks gud az fuck

[@xsmith5561]

DO NOT BUY THE CVT ONLY MANUAL

[@workhardno1cares]

Should have hid the wire so it looks like hair hahahahaha

[@jackgibb16]

Toyota doesn’t own Subaru...

[@m1garandisthebest]

Says the guy who just said "get the across 4 as little effort as possible", what is this, amateur hour?

[@m1garandisthebest]

Your English is ATROCIOUS...