2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Brings Compact Crossover Goodness To New York Auto Show

• The 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek is a brand-new compact crossover from the Japanese brand.
• The 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek essentially replaces the Impreza Outback Sport.

Why It Matters

• The XV CrossTrek is the first small dedicated crossover from Subaru since the Forester and Outback were plus-sized a few years ago.
• The Subaru XV CrossTrek offers tantalizing fuel mileage and better handling to tempt family shoppers.
• First variant of the new Subaru Impreza platform to hit American dealerships.

2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek Debut: Notable Features

• Standard all-wheel drive.
• 52.4 cubic feet of cargo space available.
• Three inch ground clearance advantage over the Impreza.
• More rugged styling than the Impreza hatchback.

2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek Debut: Styling

Subaru originated the crossover segment with the 90s-era Outback and the 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek that premiered at the New York Auto Show took a page out of its predecessor’s design playbook with its plastic fender flares and rocker panels.  A tall roof rack, ample ground clearance, bulkier bumpers and a revised tail light treatment help to set the XV CrossTrek apart from its Impreza platform mate, but the inside of the vehicle is a dead ringer for the compact hatchback.

The 2013 Subaru XC CrossTrek will be exclusively offered with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine under the hood.  Transmission options include a five-speed manual and a continuously-variable automatic, and as previously mentioned all-wheel drive is included free of charge.  Fuel economy figures have yet to be released for the XV CrossTrek, but Subaru has promised that they will be almost identical to those of the Impreza hatchback (25-mpg city / 33-mpg highway).

2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek Debut: Competition

Strangely, the XV CrossTrek’s biggest rival was probably sitting just a few feet away from the stage it rolled out on at the New York Auto Show: the Subaru Forester.  The XV CrossTrek will almost certainly appeal to crossover fans who are dismayed with the plus-size pathway that the Forester has followed.  Other potential XV CrossTrek competitors include the redesigned Ford Escape and the Nissan Rogue.

The 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek shows that Subaru is willing to take risks instead of staying true to the current lineup that has delivered consistent sales growth for the Japanese automaker.  The XV CrossTrek might not be substantially different from the Impreza, but that doesn’t mean it won’t find an audience.