Topic: Long-Term Update 2: 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek

[Autos_Editor]

The XV Crosstrek is proving to be a value-packed, snow-loving crossover with a few faults.

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[safristi]

Ya shoulda taken the PUMPKIN' fer Thanksgiving........that's one ugly vehicle.maybe a nicer KOLOR would reduce the dog barf factor    doubt it...I calls it a SOB ARU..    YOMD...   your opinion may differ

[nlm]

Yup, my opinion differs, I think it's a good looking vehicle, even in that colour AND rims. Crosstrek XT would be very interesting indeed.

I was reminded on the importance of ground clearance when I got the Impreza with Xi2s stuck trying to drive up the unplowed drive way to the tractor shed on the farm. Had to be shamefully towed out with a tractor; saw some serious undercarriage drag prints in the snow.

[Snowman]

I'm starting to see more and more of the XV around Oakville. Initially I was not a fan of the styling but after seeing them in the flesh I think they look sharp and they should keep the Subaru sales momentum going.

[Fobroader]

Cool looking little thing......too bad about that drivetrain, CVT and 150 horses......really Subaru, thats all you got. An XT/WRX/STI version with a proper auto, or god willing a standard tranny, with a nice whistling turbo would be great. Keep the 150 horses and snowmobile tranny for the manufacturers without the rally pedigree, we all know you can do better.

[dirtyjeffer]

while an XT Crosstrek would be a nice option, i do imagine this vehicle is all most people will really need (and appreciate the fuel savings and less complex engine)...i've liked this vehicle since it came out, and always wondered why the Impreza cars were so low...when i sat in a 5 door Impreza a year ago (when the new models came out), it felt like i was sitting on the showroom floor...i get the AWD benefits, but bottoming out in 6 inches of snow seems rather silly.

[Snowman]

while an XT Crosstrek would be a nice option, i do imagine this vehicle is all most people will really need (and appreciate the fuel savings and less complex engine)...i've liked this vehicle since it came out, and always wondered why the Impreza cars were so low...when i sat in a 5 door Impreza a year ago (when the new models came out), it felt like i was sitting on the showroom floor...i get the AWD benefits, but bottoming out in 6 inches of snow seems rather silly.

Sitting low and ground clearance are two different things. Subaru vehicles have good ground clearance.

[dirtyjeffer]

Sitting low and ground clearance are two different things. Subaru vehicles have good ground clearance.

true, but the Impreza didn't appear to have much in the way of ground clearance.

[Snowman]

Sitting low and ground clearance are two different things. Subaru vehicles have good ground clearance.

true, but the Impreza didn't appear to have much in the way of ground clearance.

Impreza has 5.9" and XV 8.7" IIRC.

[ar_ken]

Sitting low and ground clearance are two different things. Subaru vehicles have good ground clearance.

true, but the Impreza didn't appear to have much in the way of ground clearance.

Impreza has 5.9" and XV 8.7" IIRC.

That's actually quite good.  FWIW, my GMC Envoy, a mid-size (full size to some) SUV only has 8" of ground clearance. 

[hemusbull]

Good article showing the practicality of a vehicle like this. XV is really a good looking and frugal family hauler, painted in orange - a colour of the active people regarding their age...

[Northernridge]

I've been wondering whether the Crosstrek is anything more than a tall Impreza and if it's worth the extra money...sounds like maybe it is?? Either way it seems good value at sub 30k. Probably a great little family car for Canadians.

I still haven't seen a live one so I'm stuck on the homely looks based on photos. Then again of all the car companies in the world, Subaru makes frumpy work the best. I hope they stick with their slightly quirky style...don't need more soap bars.

Oh, and child car seats seem to have come a long way since my kids were small...I wonder if they make them in my size...that one in the photo looks pretty comfy. 

[dirtyjeffer]

Impreza has 5.9" and XV 8.7" IIRC.

yea, i believe they said only the Jeep GC has more ground clearance in "regular" vehicles.

[dragonfly]

 Very nice..Love this little squash-mobile...I especially liked your allusion to one of my all-time favourite singers...The late, great Hank Snow.."The Singing Ranger"..One of Nova Scotia's finest...I've Been Everywhere...If he'd had one of these little beauties, maybe he could have visited even more places...Thanks for a really nice article...Jack

[dirtyjeffer]

Cool looking little thing......too bad about that drivetrain, CVT and 150 horses......really Subaru, thats all you got. An XT/WRX/STI version with a proper auto, or god willing a standard tranny, with a nice whistling turbo would be great. Keep the 150 horses and snowmobile tranny for the manufacturers without the rally pedigree, we all know you can do better.

i forgot to mention, you don't want a ton of power in the snow, nor do you need it...you need traction, and you don't get that from wheels spinning.

look at the Pinzgauer...almost unstoppable, yet powered by a 105 HP, air cooled 2.5L flat four.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLgTIU9qwRk

[bombastic]

Meh, this car is so uninspiring. Nothing out of the ordinary.

[tenpenny]

Meh, this car is so uninspiring. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Indeed, there is nothing out of the ordinary in a Subaru.  Carry on with your Druze.




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[bombastic]

 tenpenny, Druze? And what is that? You carry on with your Sruze.

[Fobroader]

Cool looking little thing......too bad about that drivetrain, CVT and 150 horses......really Subaru, thats all you got. An XT/WRX/STI version with a proper auto, or god willing a standard tranny, with a nice whistling turbo would be great. Keep the 150 horses and snowmobile tranny for the manufacturers without the rally pedigree, we all know you can do better.

i forgot to mention, you don't want a ton of power in the snow, nor do you need it...you need traction, and you don't get that from wheels spinning.

look at the Pinzgauer...almost unstoppable, yet powered by a 105 HP, air cooled 2.5L flat four.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLgTIU9qwRk

That why if it slippery you start out in 2nd gear and modulate the clutch a bit.

Sent from my Galaxy S3

[safristi]

the higher off the ground the easier you tip................................ ...