A tester's first impressions and honest review of the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
Miranda Lightstone wrote a great an informational piece on her first impressions of the
Subaru XV Crosstrek. It’s always nice to have an outsider’s perspective on a car, even if we’re the ones selling it!
Before we begin, if you’re interested after reading click any of the following links to:
reserve an XV Crosstrek,
see the XV’s features and specs,
view its fabulous colors or
get an overview of the Crosstrek. You can always call us at (802) 922-9771 to ask any questions whatsoever – we’re as excited about the XV as you are; we’re more than happy to help :). Now onto the important stuff!
We've all seen how it looks, either in pictures or in person, so I won’t go into too many details from this section, but Miranda put down good marks for its design.
“The XV Crosstrek is a woodsman in urbanite attire,” she wrote. “Sleeker than the Outback and beefier than an Impreza, the XV Crosstrek strikes a pleasant balance between off-roader and city dweller. It’s fancy without being impractical, and functional without being brutish.”
As for the interior, the XV Crosstrek resembles its Subaru siblings.
As far as core technology, Miranda was pleased to see Subaru go back to the 2.0L engine configuration, but was slightly less excited about the manual transmission; it’s only available in 5-speed whereas the
2013 Legacy and the
2013 Outback are both equipped with 6-speed.
The XV proved itself capable on rough terrain; she took it through rugged terrain and torrential downpour, as well as over rocks, branches and elevation with absolutely no disappointment.
Most importantly -
The XV is killing it in the price department; its main competitors (Nissan Juke, MINI Countryman and Mitsubishi RVR) are all priced way above the XV’s starting MSRP of $22,790.
When the XV deliveries start happening in October, we'll have way more reviews and "first drives" to share, but hopefully this one was informational enough as you've started your browsing in the XV department. What does everything think of the XV Crosstrek so far? Anyone placed an order?
Review by Miranda Lightstone of Auto 123
