"Besides the ‘what makes it different than the Impreza’ question, I have also been asked quite a few times if the vehicle is worth its price point over a 5-door Impreza. Starting at $24,495 for the base Touring model, the XV starts at $3,600 more than an Impreza 5-Door. However, to get the same level of equipment in an Impreza 5-Door as the standard XV Crosstrek, like 17-inch alloy wheels, a front armrest/storage bin, fog lights, infotainment screen and upgraded gauge cluster, you need to purchase the $24,895 Sport model. The Impreza Sport 5-Door does include features not found in the XV, like leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, sunroof, and the sport appearance package. But, the XV also has equipment that the Impreza Sport 5-Door doesn’t have, like roof rails, tinted windows, its own ground effects package, and of course the ability to tow. So basically it is a wash between the two content-wise as well as price-wise and it is up to the consumer to decide which one better fits their wants and needs."
That may be the most useful paragraph I've ever read (for a prospective consumer) in any car review, period. Other XV reviews (not on autos.ca of course!) have danced around the fact that the vehicle is slightly modified Impreza, and give no indication to the reader of the relative strengths/weaknesses of each one. Good job, Mike.
Now if you're still in LA, take some really nice pics of the new Forester, and see if the Canadian trim levels/pricing have been sorted out!
