The Subaru XV Crosstrek: What the critics say
How did the Subaru XV Crosstrek fare with the critics? The price starts at $21,995.
Automobile
Subaru’s affordable new compact crossover adds “new measures of sportiness and versatility” to the automaker’s lineup. It exhibits “perfectly nice manners” on normal roads, but with its raised ride height and proven all-wheel-drive system, it’s almost “omnivorous” on tougher terrain. Designed to compete with the Mini Countryman and the Nissan Juke, this cute ute “offers more overall capability,” plus a distinctive sense of style.
AutoWeek
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
It’s “rather surprising” how much different the Crosstrek looks from the street-going Subaru it’s based on. Inside, the newbie is a ringer for an Impreza “but for the seat fabric.” From the outside, the mere addition of “cool” wheels, buff-looking body cladding, and “kicky” paint colors gives the Crosstrek a “fun, youthful” vibe. So what if the engine, transmission, and suspension were lifted from the Impreza? The “added dose of off-road-ability” seems well worth an extra $2,700.
Motor Trend
The Crosstrek isn’t a “hard-core” off-roader, but its class-leading 8.7 inches of ground clearance help it play as capably as it commutes. Subaru’s target buyers want a vehicle “that can handle all-around adventure.” We’d say they’ve got it, and in a car that also delivers surprising roominess and best-in-class fuel economy.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
Paloma recipe: the cocktail of the summer
The Week Recommends This refreshing drink balances the fresh and fizzy taste of grapefruit soda with a subtle flavour of smooth tequila
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Mushroom edibles are tripping up users
the explainer The psychedelics can sometimes have questionable components
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Prisons are simply not prepared for extreme heat
Under the radar Inmates are at severe risk of heat-related illness
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published