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The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid adds further green quotient to a compact crossover that already stands tall amongst the competition in terms of fuel economy. The very first battery-assisted model from Subaru, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid aims to capitalize on the brand’s surging sales with a model that will command a bit of a price premium over the current version of the crossover while also polishing Subaru’s outdoorsy, eco-friendly image. All this in a package that doesn’t alter the XV Crosstrek’s appearance or all-wheel drive capabilities.
The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid pairs a 2.0-liter, boxer four-cylinder engine with a small electric motor that functions as an integrated component of the vehicle’s continuously-variable automatic transmission. Subaru claims that the crossover is capable of traveling a short distance on battery power alone, but the XV Crosstrek Hybrid makes the best use of its additional electric motivation when passing or accelerating, as the hybrid system kicks in roughly 13 horsepower to enhance the 148 ponies and 145 lb-ft of torque produced by the gas engine.
Subaru claims that the XV Crosstrek Hybrid is not only more efficient than the standard model, but also quicker as a result of the system’s design. Fuel mileage is rated at 28-mpg in city driving and 34-mpg on the highway (31-mpg combined), figures which are made possible in part by the vehicle’s automatic start/stop feature and regenerative braking. The XV Crosstrek Hybrid is being advertised as the most frugal all-wheel drive vehicle on the market.
The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid isn’t just a play for improved miles per gallon and reduced tail pipe emissions – it’s also a great way for Subaru to slowly ease its buyer base into the idea of higher-priced, premium models. Subaru would love to get a cut of the profits associated with the near-luxury market, and by adding hybrid content and a quieter, more comfortable ride to an in-production vehicle like the XV Crosstrek the brand can start to sow the seeds of a halo trim level for each respective segment. Consider the eco-bonus associated with the gasoline / electric drivetrain to be icing on the cake for the crossover.