Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'XV Crosstrek'.
Found 6 results
-
The Subaru Outback has followed a formula of taking a wagon and making it somewhat capable off the beaten path. This formula has proved to be a massive success for the brand with the Outback being one the top sellers year after year. So what happens when this formula is applied to a smaller vehicle? Let’s find out as a 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek came in for a weeklong review. Starting with the Impreza Hatchback as a base, Subaru makes a few key changes to make the XV Crosstrek more rugged. The most noticeable change is in the ride height, where Subaru added 8.7 inches to make the XV Crosstrek more maneuverable when off the beaten path. Along with the increase in ride height, a set of chunky 17-inch wheels, body cladding, roof rails, and distinctive color choices help the XV Crosstrek stand out from its Impreza brethren. Subaru’s interiors have been criticized for being stuck in the 90’s in terms of appointments and interior quality. Thankfully, Subaru has been addressing this with the introduction of recent Subaru models including the XV Crosstrek. The interior design is quite basic, with simple shapes and all of the controls within easy reach of driver and passenger. Paired with a mix of soft-touch plastics and faux metal trim, this is Subaru’s best effort for building a quality interior. Subaru should also be given some credit for improving their infotainment situation. A 6.2-inch touchscreen comes standard, while a 7-inch version is an option. No matter which size you go for, you’ll have Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system as standard. The system comes with a number of features such as Pandora integration, hands-free text messaging, trip computer information, and more. The system is quick to respond and easy to use. The only downside is the piano black finish Subaru uses around the screen which allows for the imprints of fingertips. In my XV Crosstrek tester, seats came wrapped in black cloth and provided good support for passengers on long trips. Back seat passengers won’t have much to complain as head and legroom is excellent. Cargo space is is somewhat small when compared to other competitors in the compact crossover class with 22.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 51.9 cubic feet with the rear seats down. Power comes from a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. This comes paired to either a five-speed manual or CVT. No matter which transmission you pick, Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive system comes standard. This engine is a poor match to the XV as power comes on slow. In my notes, I described the engine feeling like a wind-up toy car to get moving. Not helping matters is the CVT which appears to be tuned for fuel economy than trying to get power to the road. The CVT also exacerbates engine noise, making the XV Crosstrek a very unpleasant vehicle to drive around in. I wished Subaru would swap the 2.5L four-cylinder from the Legacy as this would solve the power problem. The only upside to the 2.0L is fuel economy. The EPA rates the XV Crosstrek at 26 City/34 Highway/29 Combined. My week saw an average of 30 MPG. In terms of ride and handling, the XV Crosstrek shines. Thanks to the increase in ride height and meaty tires, the XV Crosstrek will be able to tackle dirt trails or unplowed roads with no problems. For day to day driving, the suspension keeps bumps and road imperfections from entering the interior. Road and wind noise are kept to acceptable levels. One option I was glad to see equipped on my tester was Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist system. This system employs stereo cameras mounted at the top of the windshield to feed data to three key systems: Adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation with automatic braking, and lane-departure warning. I have praised this system before and will do so again as I believe it delivers one of the best adaptive cruise-control systems yet. The system was able to keep the speed and distance I set with no problem, along with smoothly slowing down the vehicle if someone comes into your lane. Also, the forward collision mitigation system deserves some praise as alerted me to a vehicle that had suddenly stopped and allowed to me take evasive action with seconds to spare. The 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek is a mixed bag. On one hand, this little crossover is quite capable and deliveries impressive fuel economy. However, the XV Crossover loses big time with an underwhelming powertrain. If you’re considering an XV Crosstrek, be sure to check out other models as they offer most of the capability of the XV, but with a punchier engine. Disclaimer: Subaru Provided the XV Crosstrek, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2015 Make: Subaru Model: XV Crosstrek Trim: Premium Engine: 2.0L Boxer DOHC Four-Cylinder Driveline: CVT, All-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 148 @ 6,200 Torque @ RPM: 145 @ 4,200 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 26/34/29 Curb Weight: 3,186 lbs Location of Manufacture: Gunma, Japan Base Price: $22,295 As Tested Price: $25,440 (Includes $850.00 Destination Charge) Options: Option Package 14: $1,295.00 Lineartonic Continuously Variable Transmission: $1,000.00 View full article
-
The Subaru Outback has followed a formula of taking a wagon and making it somewhat capable off the beaten path. This formula has proved to be a massive success for the brand with the Outback being one the top sellers year after year. So what happens when this formula is applied to a smaller vehicle? Let’s find out as a 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek came in for a weeklong review. Starting with the Impreza Hatchback as a base, Subaru makes a few key changes to make the XV Crosstrek more rugged. The most noticeable change is in the ride height, where Subaru added 8.7 inches to make the XV Crosstrek more maneuverable when off the beaten path. Along with the increase in ride height, a set of chunky 17-inch wheels, body cladding, roof rails, and distinctive color choices help the XV Crosstrek stand out from its Impreza brethren. Subaru’s interiors have been criticized for being stuck in the 90’s in terms of appointments and interior quality. Thankfully, Subaru has been addressing this with the introduction of recent Subaru models including the XV Crosstrek. The interior design is quite basic, with simple shapes and all of the controls within easy reach of driver and passenger. Paired with a mix of soft-touch plastics and faux metal trim, this is Subaru’s best effort for building a quality interior. Subaru should also be given some credit for improving their infotainment situation. A 6.2-inch touchscreen comes standard, while a 7-inch version is an option. No matter which size you go for, you’ll have Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system as standard. The system comes with a number of features such as Pandora integration, hands-free text messaging, trip computer information, and more. The system is quick to respond and easy to use. The only downside is the piano black finish Subaru uses around the screen which allows for the imprints of fingertips. In my XV Crosstrek tester, seats came wrapped in black cloth and provided good support for passengers on long trips. Back seat passengers won’t have much to complain as head and legroom is excellent. Cargo space is is somewhat small when compared to other competitors in the compact crossover class with 22.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 51.9 cubic feet with the rear seats down. Power comes from a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. This comes paired to either a five-speed manual or CVT. No matter which transmission you pick, Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive system comes standard. This engine is a poor match to the XV as power comes on slow. In my notes, I described the engine feeling like a wind-up toy car to get moving. Not helping matters is the CVT which appears to be tuned for fuel economy than trying to get power to the road. The CVT also exacerbates engine noise, making the XV Crosstrek a very unpleasant vehicle to drive around in. I wished Subaru would swap the 2.5L four-cylinder from the Legacy as this would solve the power problem. The only upside to the 2.0L is fuel economy. The EPA rates the XV Crosstrek at 26 City/34 Highway/29 Combined. My week saw an average of 30 MPG. In terms of ride and handling, the XV Crosstrek shines. Thanks to the increase in ride height and meaty tires, the XV Crosstrek will be able to tackle dirt trails or unplowed roads with no problems. For day to day driving, the suspension keeps bumps and road imperfections from entering the interior. Road and wind noise are kept to acceptable levels. One option I was glad to see equipped on my tester was Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist system. This system employs stereo cameras mounted at the top of the windshield to feed data to three key systems: Adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation with automatic braking, and lane-departure warning. I have praised this system before and will do so again as I believe it delivers one of the best adaptive cruise-control systems yet. The system was able to keep the speed and distance I set with no problem, along with smoothly slowing down the vehicle if someone comes into your lane. Also, the forward collision mitigation system deserves some praise as alerted me to a vehicle that had suddenly stopped and allowed to me take evasive action with seconds to spare. The 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek is a mixed bag. On one hand, this little crossover is quite capable and deliveries impressive fuel economy. However, the XV Crossover loses big time with an underwhelming powertrain. If you’re considering an XV Crosstrek, be sure to check out other models as they offer most of the capability of the XV, but with a punchier engine. Disclaimer: Subaru Provided the XV Crosstrek, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2015 Make: Subaru Model: XV Crosstrek Trim: Premium Engine: 2.0L Boxer DOHC Four-Cylinder Driveline: CVT, All-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 148 @ 6,200 Torque @ RPM: 145 @ 4,200 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 26/34/29 Curb Weight: 3,186 lbs Location of Manufacture: Gunma, Japan Base Price: $22,295 As Tested Price: $25,440 (Includes $850.00 Destination Charge) Options: Option Package 14: $1,295.00 Lineartonic Continuously Variable Transmission: $1,000.00 -
By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 28, 2013 Subaru's first production hybrid vehicle made its debut at the New York Auto Show today. The XV Crosstrek Hybrid follows in the footsteps of the XV Crosstrek that was shown last year at New York. Subaru's hybrid system is made up of a the regular XV Crosstrek's 2.0L four-cylinder 148 horsepower engine and a 13.4 horsepower electric motor mated to a 13.5-kilowatt nickel-metal-hydride battery. Power is funneled through Subaru's Linetronic CVT to all four wheels. Sadly, fuel economy hasn't gone up by much. Subaru estimates that the XV Crosstrek Hybrid will get 28 City/34 Highway. The normal XV Crosstrek when equipped with the CVT gets 25 City/33 Highway. Other mechanical changes for the XV Crosstrek Hybrid include a stop/start system, active grille shutter system, and a a revised air-conditioning system that uses a temperature and humidity sensor to help reduce draw on the engine. Outside, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid gets a set specific wheels, unique Plasma Green Pearl paint color, and a set hybrid badges that differentiate the Hybrid from the normal XV Crosstrek. Inside, Subaru gets more sound dreading, a new gauge cluster, keyless start, and cool blue color scheme accented with silver trim. Cargo space is slightly smaller than the XV Crosstrek (50.2 cubic feet for the Hybrid vs. 51.9 cubic feet for the Crosstrek). The 2014 XV Crosstrek arrives at your local Subaru dealer at the end of this year. Source: Subaru William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 March 28, 2013 SUBARU INTRODUCES ITS FIRST PRODUCTION HYBRID MODEL AT THE 2013 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW • Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid based on popular XV Crosstrek crossover • Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive crossover in America. • Subaru-engineered hybrid system uses 2.0-liter BOXER engine and integrates an electric motor into a continuously variable transmission • Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard offers solid, all-terrain performance • Same utility and versatility as the gasoline model New York - Subaru of America, Inc. today unveiled the brand’s first-ever production hybrid vehicle, the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid, at the 2013 New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Center. Based on the popular XV Crosstrek crossover introduced for 2013, the 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid model arrives in Subaru dealerships fourth quarter of 2013. When the XV Crosstrek Hybrid goes on sale it will be the most fuel-efficient and lowest-emissions AWD hybrid crossover in America. In developing its first-ever hybrid, Subaru chose one of its popular, go-anywhere crossover vehicle platforms. As a result, the new XV Crosstrek Hybrid offers all the capability and versatility of the gasoline XV Crosstrek. The added benefits of a hybrid powertrain, including higher fuel efficiency, broaden the vehicle’s appeal. Key to this approach is that the XV Crosstrek Hybrid shares the gasoline model’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and chassis capability. For example, the 8.7 inches of ground clearance is the same as for the gas model and is higher than for some dedicated SUVs, while providing a low step-in height. With the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru re-engineered the chassis to handle the added weight of the battery system, improving handling, steering and ride. In addition to chassis changes, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid added extra sound insulation, a start/stop feature, revised HVAC, new gauge cluster, keyless start and numerous other changes. The Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid combines a 2.0-liter Subaru BOXER engine with a 13.4-hp electric motor that’s integrated into the Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). A 100v, 13.5kw nickel-metal hydride battery is located under a revised rear floor area, and the engine uses and integrated starter/generator for the automatic start/stop feature. The compact hybrid system weighs just 209 lbs. and places the electric motor just behind the transmission and in front of continuously variable transfer clutch. With the addition of all the new features, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid weighs approximately 300 lbs. more than the gasoline engine XV Crosstrek. Under light acceleration, the Subaru-engineered hybrid system uses the electric motor for initial vehicle acceleration and then starts the gasoline engine once underway. The electric motor can also provide motor assist for acceleration in parallel with the gasoline engine, and an EV mode will operate the vehicle in certain low-speed situations. Same Capability and Utility as Gas Model Significantly, the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid builds upon the utility and versatility of the gas model, while also offering enhanced handling responses and quieter driving performance. The Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical AWD provides the same operation and benefits as in the gasoline model. The system sends power to the four wheels all the time and adjusts the torque distribution in response to acceleration, cornering and road conditions. Passenger cabin room in the new XV Crosstrek Hybrid is essentially the same as in the gas model (0.7 cu. ft. difference), while the hybrid’s maximum cargo room (rear seatbacks down) measures 50.2 cu. ft., vs. 51.9 in the gas model. In addition to optimizing the 2.0-liter FB-series BOXER engine to reduce internal friction, Subaru applied a number of other efficiency-enhancing technologies to the XV Crosstrek Hybrid. An Auto Start/Stop system shuts down the gasoline engine when the vehicle is stopped. Brake regeneration works when the car is coasting or the driver has applied the brake, recapturing kinetic energy from the turning wheels to recharge the battery. All-season tires are mounted on new aluminum alloy-wheels with an aerodynamic design. Exclusive to the North American market, a new Active Grille Shutter system helps reduce air resistance. The air conditioning system uses a temperature and humidity sensor to optimize operation for reduced draw on engine power. Subaru retuned the platform’s suspension and revised the steering ratio to give the XV Crosstrek Hybrid sharper handling responses. Numerous enhancements that help to reduce noise include thicker floor sections, under-floor covers and additional sound insulation. Sophisticated Appearance In addition to the different wheels, exterior enhancements readily differentiate the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid from the gasoline model. “HYBRID” badges appear at the front edges of the front doors and on the tailgate. A new Plasma Green Pearl exterior color, exclusive to the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, spotlights the vehicle’s environmental character. Inside, the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid features a clean, cool blue theme with silver trim to underscore the advanced hybrid engineering. The instrument cluster, exclusive to this model, uses gradations of the blue color scheme to provide a sense of depth. The Color Multi-Function Display shows the hybrid system’s energy flow according to driving conditions. Using switching screens, the display was designed to combine driving operation information with entertainment content, and its screen can be easily viewed from any seat. View full article -
By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 28, 2013 Subaru's first production hybrid vehicle made its debut at the New York Auto Show today. The XV Crosstrek Hybrid follows in the footsteps of the XV Crosstrek that was shown last year at New York. Subaru's hybrid system is made up of a the regular XV Crosstrek's 2.0L four-cylinder 148 horsepower engine and a 13.4 horsepower electric motor mated to a 13.5-kilowatt nickel-metal-hydride battery. Power is funneled through Subaru's Linetronic CVT to all four wheels. Sadly, fuel economy hasn't gone up by much. Subaru estimates that the XV Crosstrek Hybrid will get 28 City/34 Highway. The normal XV Crosstrek when equipped with the CVT gets 25 City/33 Highway. Other mechanical changes for the XV Crosstrek Hybrid include a stop/start system, active grille shutter system, and a a revised air-conditioning system that uses a temperature and humidity sensor to help reduce draw on the engine. Outside, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid gets a set specific wheels, unique Plasma Green Pearl paint color, and a set hybrid badges that differentiate the Hybrid from the normal XV Crosstrek. Inside, Subaru gets more sound dreading, a new gauge cluster, keyless start, and cool blue color scheme accented with silver trim. Cargo space is slightly smaller than the XV Crosstrek (50.2 cubic feet for the Hybrid vs. 51.9 cubic feet for the Crosstrek). The 2014 XV Crosstrek arrives at your local Subaru dealer at the end of this year. Source: Subaru William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 March 28, 2013 SUBARU INTRODUCES ITS FIRST PRODUCTION HYBRID MODEL AT THE 2013 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW • Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid based on popular XV Crosstrek crossover • Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive crossover in America. • Subaru-engineered hybrid system uses 2.0-liter BOXER engine and integrates an electric motor into a continuously variable transmission • Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard offers solid, all-terrain performance • Same utility and versatility as the gasoline model New York - Subaru of America, Inc. today unveiled the brand’s first-ever production hybrid vehicle, the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid, at the 2013 New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Center. Based on the popular XV Crosstrek crossover introduced for 2013, the 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid model arrives in Subaru dealerships fourth quarter of 2013. When the XV Crosstrek Hybrid goes on sale it will be the most fuel-efficient and lowest-emissions AWD hybrid crossover in America. In developing its first-ever hybrid, Subaru chose one of its popular, go-anywhere crossover vehicle platforms. As a result, the new XV Crosstrek Hybrid offers all the capability and versatility of the gasoline XV Crosstrek. The added benefits of a hybrid powertrain, including higher fuel efficiency, broaden the vehicle’s appeal. Key to this approach is that the XV Crosstrek Hybrid shares the gasoline model’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and chassis capability. For example, the 8.7 inches of ground clearance is the same as for the gas model and is higher than for some dedicated SUVs, while providing a low step-in height. With the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru re-engineered the chassis to handle the added weight of the battery system, improving handling, steering and ride. In addition to chassis changes, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid added extra sound insulation, a start/stop feature, revised HVAC, new gauge cluster, keyless start and numerous other changes. The Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid combines a 2.0-liter Subaru BOXER engine with a 13.4-hp electric motor that’s integrated into the Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). A 100v, 13.5kw nickel-metal hydride battery is located under a revised rear floor area, and the engine uses and integrated starter/generator for the automatic start/stop feature. The compact hybrid system weighs just 209 lbs. and places the electric motor just behind the transmission and in front of continuously variable transfer clutch. With the addition of all the new features, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid weighs approximately 300 lbs. more than the gasoline engine XV Crosstrek. Under light acceleration, the Subaru-engineered hybrid system uses the electric motor for initial vehicle acceleration and then starts the gasoline engine once underway. The electric motor can also provide motor assist for acceleration in parallel with the gasoline engine, and an EV mode will operate the vehicle in certain low-speed situations. Same Capability and Utility as Gas Model Significantly, the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid builds upon the utility and versatility of the gas model, while also offering enhanced handling responses and quieter driving performance. The Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical AWD provides the same operation and benefits as in the gasoline model. The system sends power to the four wheels all the time and adjusts the torque distribution in response to acceleration, cornering and road conditions. Passenger cabin room in the new XV Crosstrek Hybrid is essentially the same as in the gas model (0.7 cu. ft. difference), while the hybrid’s maximum cargo room (rear seatbacks down) measures 50.2 cu. ft., vs. 51.9 in the gas model. In addition to optimizing the 2.0-liter FB-series BOXER engine to reduce internal friction, Subaru applied a number of other efficiency-enhancing technologies to the XV Crosstrek Hybrid. An Auto Start/Stop system shuts down the gasoline engine when the vehicle is stopped. Brake regeneration works when the car is coasting or the driver has applied the brake, recapturing kinetic energy from the turning wheels to recharge the battery. All-season tires are mounted on new aluminum alloy-wheels with an aerodynamic design. Exclusive to the North American market, a new Active Grille Shutter system helps reduce air resistance. The air conditioning system uses a temperature and humidity sensor to optimize operation for reduced draw on engine power. Subaru retuned the platform’s suspension and revised the steering ratio to give the XV Crosstrek Hybrid sharper handling responses. Numerous enhancements that help to reduce noise include thicker floor sections, under-floor covers and additional sound insulation. Sophisticated Appearance In addition to the different wheels, exterior enhancements readily differentiate the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid from the gasoline model. “HYBRID” badges appear at the front edges of the front doors and on the tailgate. A new Plasma Green Pearl exterior color, exclusive to the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, spotlights the vehicle’s environmental character. Inside, the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid features a clean, cool blue theme with silver trim to underscore the advanced hybrid engineering. The instrument cluster, exclusive to this model, uses gradations of the blue color scheme to provide a sense of depth. The Color Multi-Function Display shows the hybrid system’s energy flow according to driving conditions. Using switching screens, the display was designed to combine driving operation information with entertainment content, and its screen can be easily viewed from any seat. -
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 23, 2012 Subaru has announced pricing for the new XV Crosstrek, aka the rugged Impreza. Starting at $21,995 (doesn't include a $795 destination charge), the XV Crosstrek gets rugged, SUV-like styling, a stiffened suspension, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance (about 3 inches higher than the normal Impreza). Standard equipment for the XV Crosstrek include a 2.0L boxer four-cylinder that produces 148 HP and 145 lb-ft of torque, five-speed manual, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system with iPod integration, USB and AUX inputs, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The options list includes a CVT, leather, sunroof, and a navigation system. Fuel economy for XV Crosstrek is, Manual: 23 City/30 Highway CVT: 25 City/33 Highway The XV Crosstrek arrives at Subaru dealers later in the fall. Source: Subaru William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
-
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 23, 2012 Subaru has announced pricing for the new XV Crosstrek, aka the rugged Impreza. Starting at $21,995 (doesn't include a $795 destination charge), the XV Crosstrek gets rugged, SUV-like styling, a stiffened suspension, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance (about 3 inches higher than the normal Impreza). Standard equipment for the XV Crosstrek include a 2.0L boxer four-cylinder that produces 148 HP and 145 lb-ft of torque, five-speed manual, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system with iPod integration, USB and AUX inputs, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The options list includes a CVT, leather, sunroof, and a navigation system. Fuel economy for XV Crosstrek is, Manual: 23 City/30 Highway CVT: 25 City/33 Highway The XV Crosstrek arrives at Subaru dealers later in the fall. Source: Subaru William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
