2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek

With popularity soaring for the contemporary crossover in the USA, the introduction of Subaru's XV Crosstrek is surely a strategic endeavor. This all-new compact crossover SUV is rooted on the Impreza Hatchback platform, only styled with an adventurous aesthetic, better outfitted for the modern traveler, and raised for enhanced off-road prowess. Its 2.0-liter boxer-four engine and renowned all-wheel-drive system avail it with some surprisingly enjoyable and poised handling mannerisms, on- and off the road. It's an ideal vehicle for the urbanite with a love for adventure and the outdoors. It boasts a relatively affordable price, as well as first-rate safety and reliability merits. The new Subaru XV may not be the most practical ute out there, with the Jeep Renegade and Honda HR-V competing in the same segment, but it's value-packed and worthy, nonetheless.

The exterior of the compact SUV is contemporary and rugged and it exudes a sense of adventure and capability that provides for great vacation photos. All three derivatives leave the factory floor with black roof-rails and sleek lower-body cladding that pair nicely with any of the nine available paint colors. In terms of equipment specs, halogen lamps and fog lights illuminate the way ahead; automatic on/off functionality is introduced with the apex-tier iteration. A power-operated moonroof is optionable for the Premium and Limited only.

The Crosstrek possesses the ideal dimensions for both cruising in tight urban streets and traversing the unbeaten path. It measures an overall length of 175.2-inches, has a height of 63.3-inches, and a width of 70.1-inches. It sits 8.7-inches off the ground and carries a curb weight ranging between 3,109 and 3,208 lbs.

The Subaru XV is endowed with a 2.0-liter boxer-four motor tuned to deliver outputs of 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft. A five-ratio manual gearbox does duty by default in the 2.0i and 2.0i Premium. A continuously automatic transmission is available for the latter and made standard in the 2.0i Limited. All variations are readily equipped with Subaru's Symmetrical AWD by default. This powertrain configuration makes for just adequate performance in town, but with a 0-60 mph time of around ten seconds and a top speed of 118 mph, it won't be winning any drag races. Acceleration responses from off-the-line are gradual and power delivery at higher speeds is circumspect. The five-speed provides the pilot with a sense of command and engagement and it's certainly the better choice in comparison to the more lackluster and uninvolving CVT.

While its power plant may feel somewhat underpowered, an expected detriment to installing a normal-car-derived motor in a heavier crossbreed, its signature AWD setup and raised ride height do give it some decent handling characteristics. It's easy to maneuver around tight streets and parking lots thanks to its taught proportions, and the 8.7 inches of ground clearance allows it to traverse mild off-road terrains with ease. Those qualities benefit its comfort in urban settings as well, as most typical broken asphalt and bumps are dealt with appropriately. The four-cylinder is, unfortunately, considerably drony and loud, a downside carried over from the Impreza. It's otherwise better on the road than many of its competitors that are purposed more for the unbeaten path.

Gas mileage figures aren't particularly impressive, with the CVT-equipped versions receiving EPA-derived estimates of 26/34/29 mpg on city/highway/combined cycles. The manual-equipped versions are slightly less frugal with returns of 23/31/26 mpg, respectively. In mixed commuting scenarios and with a 15.9-gallon tank, the automobile should deliver a max range of around 461 miles with the CVT or 413 miles with the five-speed gearbox.

The cabin is modern and simplistic and the layout ergonomic, but the material quality is fitting for the car's asking fare. A total of five commuters will fit into the interior, with ample room up front and in the second-row outboard positions. As usual, however, the middle rear position is cramped and should be reserved for shoulder space. When it comes to features, all variants arrive with manual seating adjustments - six-way for the driver and four-way for the passenger, and the rear bench is 60/40 split-folding. The lower-tier variations get regular cloth seating surfaces. A steering wheel enveloped in leather and accented with silver stitching is found in the Limited along with all-in leather surfaces and front seat heat settings.

A 6.5-inch display screen that's integrated with a basic AM/FM/CD-installed media center and four regular speakers deliver infotainment in the entry-level variant. Moving up the trim ladder sees the addition of two more speakers. For the Premium, inclusive functionalities include high-def radio connectivity, various smartphone app integrations, and Bluetooth functions. There's also a USB port and an auxiliary audio jack. In the Limited, there's a seven-inch touchscreen display tethered to six speakers; for a cost, these specs can also be optioned to the lower-tier trims.

The NHTSA's review of the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek resulted in a class-leading five-star overall crashworthiness rating. The IIHS's review of the Subaru XV Crosstrek proved just as impressive, with the authority awarding the 2015 year iteration with a Top Safety Pick+ designation after the cruiser scored the best possible results of Good in all five of its evaluations.

Every trim is accorded seven well-placed airbags, as well as ABS, EBD, and a TPMS. Other active protection measures include several vehicle control systems and braking support. There's also a rearview camera. A consignment of EyeSight Assist Technologies is available for the base model. It comprises elements such as dynamic cruise control and various lane-keep aids.

The Subaru XV Crosstrek is value-packed, considering how much it costs and is worthy of a test drive if you're in the market for a crossover. The 2.0i carries a starting MSRP of around $21,000, which puts it on par with its class competition in the US. The 2.0i Premium comes in at an MSRP of around $22,000 and the 2.0i Limited at $25,000. These charges exclude any tax, registration, and licensing fees. The XV Crosstrek is an adequate vehicle but, considering that the segment is still a relatively young one, we'd hold off on buying one right off the bat, and wait to see what else comes to rival it.