2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Review - City Size, Off-Road Style

Decades ago, in the white space between the sedan and the SUV, the crossover was born. Now Subaru believes there's room to dig further, with a new segment between the car and the crossover, and they're filling it with a new model named the XV Crosstrek.
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[@TheLeesto]

This guy is one of the best car reviewers I've ever seen. Very smooth and not obnoxiously internet or wannabe TopGear presenter.

[@mfnd502]

I have to say, this fellow is probably the best automotive reviewer I have ever watched. Excluding maybe James May and Chris Harris, but those guys are celebrities in the automotive world. There was absolutely nothing annoying about him! All business.

[@citizen1981]

I was thinking the same thing. He sounds so natural.

[@angelmc747]

very much agreed.

[@nmxterra]

I'm ready for this, I'm ready for this, I'm ready for this...

[@NicChristie]

This is by FAR the greatest looking review I have seen online. I would be really interested in learning about the production company who puts these together. Thanks

[@NeutralGenericUser]

I really really really really enjoy watching this guy's reviews. Great job this time, as usual. Thank you! Oh, and I really like this car. It looks beautiful, and is very functional. Great job, Subaru :)

[@ou82kitkats]

Thanks!! You did the best job on reviews of this vehicle. Thanks to you my Mother bought a Limited XV and loves it!! She lives near Buffalo, NY and needs it in the snow and on back roads. You sold us and being an Outback owner you describe subaru vehicles to a T........

[@mrmrswhitehawk92]

Your right Jeff awesome vehicles

[@kelumzi]

Awesome reviewer. And well done on the video very engaging. Thumb up!

[@terencelai7]

Keep up the good view. Excellent Preview!!! I am getting this beast!!!

[@nneisler]

Did you get one?

[@redmusichouse]

Great review!

[@wocketman1629]

Great review, Thank you!

[@mrlim282]

Great review. Host was awesome.

[@JanMichaelFranklin]

Good Review!

[@sophisticated]

Is it possible to have a high seating position (truck like) with enough headroom to be comfortable?

[@ercalhomeoptions]

may I know this car model from 2014/2015 if how was it so far now that its 2023 already?

[@Tardisius]

I've had my 2014 for 6 months I changed the wheels to a more standard 5 spoke and I like the 6 speed CVT the only drawback is the smaller storage than my Outback had=)

[@thewinesmith]

I have a crosstrek. Got to test it in 2 ft. of snow going up a mountain in the sierras. I thought I was going to get stuck considering snow was over the bumper, and I couldn't keep the wheels spinning. I came to a almost complete stop on a 10 % grade, the only reason I turned around is because I was getting lost, and started sliding a bit sideways into the door panels, and I didn't want any damage.

[@Liruzhen]

Thank you for this review. The Subaru Crosstrek is very appealing.

[@seinsmeld13]

In response to Russell Cramer. The reason for my comment is the use of mpg and US pricing. We are metric they should be referring to litres per 100 km and Canadian pricing. They do excellent reviews I have no issue with that.

[@Flatfourdetailing]

love the color hopefully they can offer that color to the next wrx, sti, brz, brz sti

[@alexaccent]

Good review! Now do one on the new 2013 2.5i Outback Please :)

[@moglijp]

this is a very good review

[@itr0863]

i'm debating on this or the impreza sport wagon. the prices seem to be similar between the 2 models, no?

[@srotagadirolf]

Need a turbo version and I'm down wit it!

[@rustlesee]

Why would you say they are pretending to do or be anything? They are reviewing a vehicle, and that they do a great job at.

[@JessiesPhoenix]

What's with dissing the CVT? I know it isn't for everyone, but it is a brilliant idea. Infinite gear ratios allow you to accelerate in the car's peak power band, and they give better fuel economy. Okay, they _feel_ weird to drive if you aren't used to them, but pretty soon you don't even notice that.

[@dleetrini]

fyi- the Crosstrek is an Impreza, but raised and has added moldings and larger wheel. So it is not any roomier on the inside. Because of the higher ground clearance it is more capable off road.

[@The-Warrior-Optimist]

actually it does have a larger interior from what I've read.

[@gerardgoucher5821]

0:43. Yes! What could be so suprising about a car review.

[@PETSH0PB0YS1]

Nice comments at the end about Subaru......!!

[@staryoshi]

The cargo space is slightly smaller than that of the Impreza (51.9 cubic feet instead of 52.4) due to the larger gas tank and to get the price anywhere near $33,000 you'd have to get nearly every single accessory they offer...

[@nova12332]

this the first guy that did a review on a subaru and liked the interior design lol all the other reviews hates the interior and idky. its not bad

[@Flatfourdetailing]

i love subaru they're all about going places and the journey even the sti not sure about the brz though.

[@WRX4moi]

You confused me with your prices - at times you showed CDN prices, but then showed US $? Also - look up CVT (continuously variable TRANSMISSION); it is not a "CVT Engine" as you said more than once. (I know - details, details) Very well shot video and lots of information and insight.

[@leahm92]

If had to decide between the 2014 xv or the 2014 forester which would it be? Most of my driving will be on the highways and city streets. In the winter I will take it to the mountains where the roads are paved the whole way. Do you think the smaller engine in the xv will be noticeable in these circumstances?

[@fordgtman1992]

The XV is less expensive for what you get, option-wise. In fact the XV is a whole lot for the money. Between the two, It depends on how much space you need and your personality. If you want a small sporty utility vehicle with a personality and aimed towards a younger crowd get the XV - If you want a crossover with plenty of space, aimed towards an older crowd, and less focused on personality, get the Forester. The XV would not have problems driving up to the mountains.

[@nigahiga6400]

Depends on elevation in the mountain roads. Remember engines lose power with increased altitude. The XV has 148bhp at sea level. For every 1000 feet, it loses about 4.4bhp. In Flagstaff AZ it would have just 117bhp. Driving on Mount Evans (elevation 14000 feet) the car would lose a staggering 62bhp. If you're carrying several people with cargo, you'd want more power. Keep in mind that often times, when carrying a large load, a larger engine can actually be more fuel efficient because it doesn't work as hard. If elevations are less than 3000 feet I'd say the smaller engine in the XV wouldn't be an issue. However, if these roads are at higher elevations I'd pick the Forester. Keep in mind uphill grades on mountain roads may be steep. Here's an example. I had a 2010 Malibu as a rental during a trip I took to LA. With a four cylinder it felt quite quick, good pickup, decent passing power, etc. On a trip to Flagstaff from Vegas, I rented an identical 2010 Malibu 4 cylinder. In Vegas (elevation 2000ft) the car drove fine, without much noticeable performance loss. Driving to Flagstaff, however, the car felt more and more sluggish, and with 3 adults on board it was difficult to maintain 70mph on uphill highway segments. Merging was often with the gas pedal floored. Reason: at 7000 feet, this car had only 133bhp, compared to 169 at sea level. Ideally you should get the Forester XT for mountain roads, as turbo engines don't lose as much power at elevation.

[@leahm92]

nigahiga6400 You wrote this a few months too late. But I made the decision to get the Forester instead of the XV (even though the XV looks better) because of the power. I have driven it to the mountain in CO a few times and no real issues have happened. That being said- the Turbo would have been a better choice, but since I am not driving in the mountains every day the regular Forester has been a great choice for me!

[@bostonspotted]

The presenter was fantastic.

[@cmmc116]

In others countries is avalaible the 6 gears MT version.

[@street_ruffian]

I'm not ready

[@TQDRUMMER07]

idk if its just me, but is this being filmed in the United States? because the climate control knobs are different then the ones I've seen in America and there are no offerings of HID head lamps, and the premium model had a leather steering wheel. These are just a few things I noticed that are not consistent with other crosstreks I've seen and driven in the U.S.

[@fordgtman1992]

The speedo has km/h in the video. And one of the shown XVs has a rear foglight

[@mtksbctk]

This; which one you got?

[@RealtimeReviews613]

You guys used to have several videos a week. What's going on? Why is it taking so long? I miss your videos

[@josephsmith286]

Great review I may actually get this but you need to work on diction.

[@moglijp]

the forester has bigger interior space and lots of cargo room, the XV is better equipped (7 aribags, BT, rearview camera, etc) for the price, and its oriented for younger people. both has the same ground cleareance, awd, VDC, and other Subaru stuff.

[@laduran]

Agreed. Skip over by going to 1:30

[@ssips720]

anyone know the song?

[@johnbanket7000]

What is a CUV?

[@NullDogma]

buying it

[@davidhalifax]

Not sure if I would pay couple thousand dollars for 3 inches more ground clearance as this is basically an Impreza in many respects.

[@242HP]

The Subaru XV is NOT a car, it's a crossover. That's what the XV stands for: Crossover Vehicle. I'm not sure why you said the Honda CR-V has good gas mileage when it only gets 23 mpg combined, compared to 25 mpg combined for the Mazda CX5 or 26 combined for the Subaru Forester and XV Crosstrek.

[@The-Warrior-Optimist]

agree.

[@CalebCissna]

"It somewhat resembles the Leagacy" because it's just a lifted impreza sport

[@Dhime]

Definitely sounds like something I'd go for! Love my Imprezza STI.. but I can't take it off-roading.. Sure dirt roads are fun but I like to climb etc... Maybe something like a small-bodied ford raptor? I like the raptor but hate it's size.. I dunno guess I just want a subie truck.. and no, not like the car truck mix, a truck.. I wonder if Subaru could pull that off? Cause we all know how much they love unibody structure MAKE ME A TRUCK SUBARU!??!@#?

[@KickoStocks]

Whatever, I am Canadian but the reality is the US has 300 Million people and we have 30 Million. In the quest for youtube hits, rubbing Canadian-ness in the face of your larger viewing population is pointless.

[@duck5336]

wow. first time ive ever seen a vehicle where the auto trans gets more fuel economy than the manual counterpart. liking this vehicle pretty good from the reviews im hearing, but im not hearing much on reliability, anyone know if these things are a solid build, I mean its a Subaru, but just a name wont stop problems lol.

[@borisdemelo]

Seems to be a CVT thing. You'll see the same with Honda's that have CVT options and even Nissan I believe (but I'm not sure).

[@ClintAndPootsGuns]

The manual version sends 50% of the power to the rear wheels at all times. The cvt version only turns the rear wheels when power is needed. This difference gives the cvt a big boost in mpg.

[@dabomb7887]

But, is it reliable though?

[@ashbrahh]

i like those wheels

[@terrybroadway]

Looks like an Impreza 5-Door.

[@Jcesar03]

it needs a 6 speed manual transmission and a turbo to boost power

[@Dhime]

When is subaru going to make a truck?? I would KILL for an STI small/midsized truck...

[@trJones]

this or the forester???

[@Wesley_C]

That car looks like the Deckers Gang, from saints row 3

[@IMCABLETV]

i was going to take a subaru drivetrain and install it on a toyota tacoma and modify the grill and headlights for a subaru look (my thought of a subaru truck)

[@JackpodyDK]

Looks like a Mercedes-Benz C-Class copied front mixed together with an A-Class rear.

[@ObeyHipHop]

i wouls say wait for the new 14' forester xt.. look sikk

[@brandonp4]

I want one! :D

[@TheAboriginal1]

Not really looking for style or sporty in a hatchback...I just want a basic finish with ability and reliability like the old-style Outback wagons. Subaru really whacked out their lineup.

[@derekattp]

I hope to get mine next week!!!

[@idkdrew]

I just picked mine up today. I love it

[@onoff314]

This chocolate man is great

[@Xenophene01]

They have the Hybrid out, when will they bring out a diesel version, and a turbo version?

[@thewinesmith]

I think they have a diesel version in Europe.

[@jvrockstar]

This car is hot.

[@domooo0]

I'm not sure if i'm watching a car review or attending a rave

[@adampitak]

Forester :P 2.0Diesel or 2.5XT

[@johnpa2006]

Yeah he didn't get into a well loved vehicle and then complain about the "thigh support" of the drivers seat like some other reviewers out there.

[@IceGene]

it's based on the same platform.

[@roadrunnerchris2845]

I laugh at the fact no one outside of Europe or UK can, drive a manual, geared car....

[@WahlstedToronto]

The rear looks fordlike!

[@DJTEVAdotCOM]

looks like a focus...

[@ineway1121]

background music was horrible "you ready for this?" lol

[@davidcooksucks]

There was already a truck made by Subaru it just wasn't the best its called the brat go google it

[@hawkermustang]

Its a Dodge Caliber.

[@risenflame]

How can you have complete control of a CVT with paddle shifters...there aren't any "gears" like in other autos. Stick or Shit. Period.

[@rrt08]

Just bring the diesel.

[@ListeningPoint]

Yeaaaaaaaaaa, I'm a black guy.

[@fouskalini]

this guy knows sh**t about cars...

[@seinsmeld13]

This is a Canadian production that pretends to be American site. As a Canadian I am insulted. Great review but they they are kiss asses.

[@cdhttlr]

Terrible car!! I bought one 4 months ago and after a mix of 50/50 city highway driving I never got anything better than 28mpg highway and 18 city. I calculate this buy dividing mile driven by gallons it takes to fill up. The mpg computer always overestimates by 2-4mpg which seems to be common on these cars. And probably what people base their mileage on. I am already looking to trade it in on something else I had 2 dealership garages tell me my mpg are normal and probably my driving habits. I told them I also own a 2005 Pontiac GTO Thats rated at 16mpg city and 25mpg highway. And on my daily drive I average 18 city 27 highway in a GTO! So obviously its not my driving style. Avoid this vehicle if you are looking for good fuel economy!!!

[@architect1803]

Can you tell me more about the fuel economy issues based on the mpg chip? I'm considering the 2014 XV Limited.

[@fordgtman1992]

Most reviewers and everyone I know who owns a XV remark how accurate Subaru was with their MPG estimates. It must be your driving habits, because this is the most fuel-efficient crossover available. It is ridiculous to call the car terrible and get rid of it when you happen to be getting 5 less mpgs than estimated, enjoy the grocery-getter you trade it in for.

[@thewinesmith]

It's an AWD car....If you want fuel economy get an electric car.

[@RealtimeReviews613]

Subarus interiors are awful. They are bland, boring and have hard plastic. The exterior front ends always look good but the rears always look cheap and econo boxish. It's a shake. Subaru could be really good but they need to step it up. NO MORE CVTS!!

[@maddenatp]

Very good review!