1 – 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek (85.61%)
At the top of the pack sits the Tangerine Orange 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek, as it should. When it comes to compact crossovers, there are certain things one comes to expect: interior space, fuel efficiency and (in the case of AWD models) driveability no matter what the road conditions or weather. And in all areas, the Subaru XV Crosstrek excels.
Some may see the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek as an oversized Impreza, and essentially it is. Despite that, all testers felt the Subaru’s look was both modern and clean. With just the right amount of “rough” in its black-trimmed wheel wells and black bumper inserts, the Crosstrek looks the part of weekend country warrior. “Rugged good looks” was a sentence used often throughout the day when describing the Crosstrek’s exterior design. With the highest ground clearance of the lot (220 mm) and the most cargo space (632 litres), the Subie is meant to tackle urban and rural life -- no matter what.
What’s most impressive about the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek was how well it scored for interior looks/feel/design when it was one of the least tricked out of the bunch. With no navigation system and cloth seats, it still rose to the top because of its ease of use and practicality.
Ingress and egress is easy as the doors open wide in both the front and back. While the photo in the gallery shows the baby seat protruding off the rear seat as if it were too short, it wasn’t pushed back far enough and actually fit very well; as did the stroller in the trunk (with plenty of room left over for groceries, bags, etc.) and even the cargo privacy cover could be extended over everything.
As for the drive, the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek continued to impressive with its 2.0L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder BOXER engine. With 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, we weren’t impressed with its brute strength, but more its overall finesse. And despite a CVT, most were impressed with the power delivery (though a few felt it was a bit sluggish and noisy).
More than a few of the comparo drivers complained of a loose, disconnected feel to the steering; but all agreed that visibility and manoeuvrability in the Crosstrek were great.
Of course, Subaru’s AWD is its shining achievement, and it deserves every accolade it gets for the symmetrical, all-time system that performs so well, all the time. Coupled to the Lineatronic CVT is an electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch that didn’t disappoint, no matter what terrain we put it on.
At the top of the pack sits the Tangerine Orange 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek, as it should. When it comes to compact crossovers, there are certain things one comes to expect: interior space, fuel efficiency and (in the case of AWD models) driveability no matter what the road conditions or weather. And in all areas, the Subaru XV Crosstrek excels.
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| With the highest ground clearance of the lot (220 mm) and the most cargo space (632 litres), the Subie is meant to tackle urban and rural life -- no matter what. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |
Some may see the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek as an oversized Impreza, and essentially it is. Despite that, all testers felt the Subaru’s look was both modern and clean. With just the right amount of “rough” in its black-trimmed wheel wells and black bumper inserts, the Crosstrek looks the part of weekend country warrior. “Rugged good looks” was a sentence used often throughout the day when describing the Crosstrek’s exterior design. With the highest ground clearance of the lot (220 mm) and the most cargo space (632 litres), the Subie is meant to tackle urban and rural life -- no matter what.
What’s most impressive about the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek was how well it scored for interior looks/feel/design when it was one of the least tricked out of the bunch. With no navigation system and cloth seats, it still rose to the top because of its ease of use and practicality.
Ingress and egress is easy as the doors open wide in both the front and back. While the photo in the gallery shows the baby seat protruding off the rear seat as if it were too short, it wasn’t pushed back far enough and actually fit very well; as did the stroller in the trunk (with plenty of room left over for groceries, bags, etc.) and even the cargo privacy cover could be extended over everything.
As for the drive, the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek continued to impressive with its 2.0L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder BOXER engine. With 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, we weren’t impressed with its brute strength, but more its overall finesse. And despite a CVT, most were impressed with the power delivery (though a few felt it was a bit sluggish and noisy).
More than a few of the comparo drivers complained of a loose, disconnected feel to the steering; but all agreed that visibility and manoeuvrability in the Crosstrek were great.
Of course, Subaru’s AWD is its shining achievement, and it deserves every accolade it gets for the symmetrical, all-time system that performs so well, all the time. Coupled to the Lineatronic CVT is an electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch that didn’t disappoint, no matter what terrain we put it on.
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| What's most impressive about the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek was how well it scored for interior looks/feel/design when it was one of the least tricked out of the bunch. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |