Is different really the answer?
As we drove around in our compact crossover alternatives all day, it was clear we had an eclectic bunch of vehicles designed for discerning tastes and those looking for something a little “different” than the average crossover. But were they worth the extra dollars and foibles?
Is the reason the 2013 Subaru XC Crosstrek rose to the top of the pack because it was the most “normal” of the bunch? The least polarizing and the most -- dare we say? -- generic of the lot? Perhaps. Then again, perhaps it’s just that it does everything well. It doesn’t excel in one department (like the MINI on driveability, or the JUKE in quirky styling) or fail miserably in another (like the RVR’s transmission), it manages to take everything and do it in a way that’s satisfying to all. Not underdone and not overdone; and that seems to answer a happy medium question we all want the answer to.
We know the compact crossover market will continue to flourish as it’s been doing over the past few years. It’s a popular segment full of possibilities and we’re all excited to see what the future holds for manufacturers across the globe, and by association, us as consumers.
Till next comparo…
*prices exclude sales taxes, A/C tax as well as freight and delivery charges.
As we drove around in our compact crossover alternatives all day, it was clear we had an eclectic bunch of vehicles designed for discerning tastes and those looking for something a little “different” than the average crossover. But were they worth the extra dollars and foibles?
 |
| Photo: Sébastien D'Amour |
Is the reason the 2013 Subaru XC Crosstrek rose to the top of the pack because it was the most “normal” of the bunch? The least polarizing and the most -- dare we say? -- generic of the lot? Perhaps. Then again, perhaps it’s just that it does everything well. It doesn’t excel in one department (like the MINI on driveability, or the JUKE in quirky styling) or fail miserably in another (like the RVR’s transmission), it manages to take everything and do it in a way that’s satisfying to all. Not underdone and not overdone; and that seems to answer a happy medium question we all want the answer to.
We know the compact crossover market will continue to flourish as it’s been doing over the past few years. It’s a popular segment full of possibilities and we’re all excited to see what the future holds for manufacturers across the globe, and by association, us as consumers.
Till next comparo…
| 2013 Mitsubishi RVR GT AWD | 2013 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 | 2013 Chevrolet Trax 2LT AWD | 2013 Suzuki SX4 JLX AWD | 2013 Nissan Juke SL AWD | 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek | |
| Base price* | $19 998 | $25 500 | $18 495 | $17 835 | $19 998 | $24 490 |
| Price as tested* | $33 743 | $38 482 | $29 125 | $25 435 | $29 678 | $27 795 |
| Mitsubishi RVR GT AWD 2013 | MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 2013 | Chevrolet Trax 2LT AWD 2013 | Suzuki SX4 JLX AWD 2013 | Nissan Juke SL AWD 2013 | Subaru XV Crosstrek 2013 | |
| Engine | 2.0L L4 | 1.6L Turbo L4 | 1.4L Turbo L4 | 2.0L L4 | 1.6L Turbo L4 | 2.0L H4 |
| Transmission | CVT | Automatique à 6 rapports | Automatique à 6 rapports | CVT | CVT | CVT |
| Power (hp @ rpm) | 148 @ 6 000 | 181 @ 5 500 | 138 @ 4 900 | 150 @ 6 200 | 188 @ 5 600 | 148 @ 6 000 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 145 @ 4 200 | 177 @ 1 600-5 000 | 148 @ 1 850 | 140 @ 4 000 | 177 @ 2 000-5 200 | 145 @ 4 000 |
| Observed fuel consumption (L/100km) | 12,2L | 11,7L | 9,7L | 12,6L | 11,9L | 12,2L |
| Curb weight (lbs/kg) | 3,263 / 1,480 | 3,091 / 1,405 | 3,254 / 1,476 | 2,913 / 1,321 | 3,177 / 1,441 | 3,142 / 1,428 |
| Winter tire make & model | Kumho Ice Power KW21 | Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D | Michelin X-Ice Xi3 | Michelin X-Ice Xi3 | Michelin X-Ice Xi3 | Michelin X-Ice Xi3 |
| Tire size | P215/55R17 | P215/55R17 | P225/55R17 | P215/55R17 | P215/55R17 | P215/55R17 |
Article Gallery