Interesting that you mention the xmode working in reverse as well, thank you. We've actually experienced it hands on when going up a long and steep and very uneven hill with a fully loaded Forester. FIrst attempt was too gentle and we had to back off in reverse - which we did with the xmode OFF. The car was very unstable, as you would expect in such conditions: going down the hill with the steering wheels being in the back so to speak, with rocks sliding from under the tyres etc. Second attempt was still too slow but this time, when we had to back down, we turned xmode on: not only did it reverse with a limited speed but also incredibly stable! No fear of suddenly rolling down the hill and the car was reversing in a straight line! Very nice! PS we made it to the top on the third attempt ;)
I think it's the combination of the CVT and AWD that gives this car that feeling of "lack of power" -- it's just made for a different kind of driving experience. Had they made this maybe a FWD 6-speed Auto -- then it would feel zippier, even with the lack of a turbo. But then if they did that then this would not be a Subaru. People buy these cars for that full-time AWD letting you drive at almost all road conditions, at the best pricepoint. 2 feet of snow, wet aquaplaning highway, mud/dirt/sand roads and hills, really bad potholes, flooded streets -- this is where this vehicle will shine.
The XV is marketed to a specific group of customer, not for the petrol head. Subaru makes vehicles to be safer, reliable and easy to drive all season long. If they put the turbo with the XV, so the price goes up, and Subaru is aiming a specific market. There`s no need of turbo right now.
masterwhopper414 Exactly. the HRV is basically the Fit. this is the sub compact crossover market (Trax, Encore, HRV, CX3, CHR, Rogue Sport/Qashqai, EcoSport) those are tbe vehicles it was targeted against. The Forester is the Compact Crossover market (CX5, Escape, Rogue, RAV4, CRV, just barely the Equinox) Granted the Crosstrek tries to compete with all of those but based on the engine, size, and the fact its a raised impreza puts it in the smaller market
A specific market? What about in Colorado, most of our trails are at 7-14,000 ft or 2-4000 meters, and at 4000 meters there is about 40% less oxygen, a turbo helps get closer to the advertised horsepower over a naturally aspirated car. Up there we'd probably be making less than 100 hp in this car.
@ 2:54 Hill descent control in reverse? That makes sense. You might go up a steep skinny trail toward the top you find that you can't make it up due to an obstacle or something like that, and there is no way to turn around, so you'll need to go back down in reverse.
I think this deserves a higher rating given the 'safety tech' and great infotainment system that was glossed over as assumed knowledge from the Impreza. Consumers really need to be informed about the Eyesight system and its range of now standard benefits which Subaru are now putting across the range of their cars. Truly incredible value for the price and unexpected for a company such as Subaru which has typically played in the premium/luxury space (at least in Australia). Disclaimer I don't work for Subaru, I own a Toyota 86 (Subaru BRZ). Turbocharging, just like in the BRZ would put it into a completely different price bracket. Although the option would be nice. The Levorg, after all, is pretty much double this. But how much is too much. I know in the Mazda 3 range the jump from a 2.0 to a 2.5 is ~$5k (be it with a couple more ticked boxes). How much would you think a turbo engine to be? They seem to have barely worked out the FA20T in the WRX, $8k-10k. How much is too much before it becomes irrelevant. Just wait for the new Forrester?
When you buy a crosstrek your buying a good all around fuel efficient car not a sports car,147hp should be fine for getting around town,thru the snow what have you,,I can't wait to buy one
I have a 16, and buying a new 18 when it comes out because I want the LED headlights, among a few other things. Hate halogen lights, had HID's for fourteen years, and halogen are not bright enough for me. I think only the limited Crosstrek model will have LED headlights. I do love my 16, drove through 2 feet of snow without an issue. The 18 model should be better with the X-mode. I do wish it had at least 180 hp and comparable torque numbers because when you have a full load, me and the wife, three kids in back, and the back packed full of gear like a big cooler loaded with ice and drinks, chairs, duffle bags, etc., pulling out from a dead stop really took a toll on the engine. It didn't want to get going, I first thought there was something wrong with the vehicle but then it finally started going, just the extra weight really bogged it down. Normally it is just me and the wife so that isn't a issue, only when I take my two kids, and an extra friend with gear the hp is an issue.
UK market Levorg has a 1.6 turbo. What is putting me off, is that there will be no manuals. That's a dumb decision as not everyone wants the stiffness of the WRX or BRZ
I really want to buy this XV, but 150hp is just ridiculous. If they don't want to turbo they should be using a larger 4 cylinder enginer or go hybrid. This XV and the Impreza both need atleast 180hp to be reasonable vehicles in todays market.
Don't accept the manual transmission won't fit. Of course it can fit, they are just simplifying manufacturing for markets. A turbo of the XV/Crosstrek would be awesome but it seems they feel it would take sales from something else. I disagree, give the people what they want. I am a used car buyer so i will be watching to see how the CVT holds up long term before I consider it. So far Subaru CVT is the only transmission I like driving other than manual. Autos are time bombs so until then I drive manual until my left foot falls off.
"Does it keep up with the competition... we'll have to wait til we get it back to Australia..." - What competition are you going to compare it with? CX3/CX5/HRV/CRV/CHR etc.? As long as the "comparison" includes the same slushy, muddy, reversing Hill Descent Controlled type of driving, then and only then would we see a fair and reasonable "comparison". Would make a change from the racetrack-smooth driving conditions we usually see "SUV's" compared on! Oh, and by the way, with all this tech/safety/capability and it only gets 7/10 due to the engine not being turbocharged? Really? 30% of your ratings based on turbocharging...? HA!
The Crosstrek originated from what used to be called the Impreza Outback Sport, which was an Impreza wagon with the Outback's two-tone styling and a 'heavy duty' suspension. Basically a mini Outback. After like 20 years of the Outback Sport trim level being around, Subaru decided to disassociate the Outback name from the Impreza line and started calling them the XV Crosstrek in 2013.
I agree about the power, but new small turbo engines in other cars will not be as durable as this one. Turbo engine sooner or later will give you expensive problems.... Stay away from turbos, even if many manufacturers are including them in their cars.
Tim Robson That's seems weird. This is on the "Global Platform". The WRX (2018) will be on this platform. Now does this car need WRX power? I think the answer is no. However, Honda put a turbo in the new CRV and it makes the drive so much better. We just traded our 2007 CRV for the 2017 and the turbo is great. The XV (Crosstrek in the US) would benefit from that kind of turbo power, a bit more low end torque and maintained fuel economy.
Crappy underpowered economy car with an annoying CVT transmission. I took it out for test drive, and the noise was horrendous, while the engine was like a slug that seemed to take forever to get up to speed. There are far more better choices.
Interesting that you mention the xmode working in reverse as well, thank you. We've actually experienced it hands on when going up a long and steep and very uneven hill with a fully loaded Forester. FIrst attempt was too gentle and we had to back off in reverse - which we did with the xmode OFF. The car was very unstable, as you would expect in such conditions: going down the hill with the steering wheels being in the back so to speak, with rocks sliding from under the tyres etc.
Second attempt was still too slow but this time, when we had to back down, we turned xmode on: not only did it reverse with a limited speed but also incredibly stable! No fear of suddenly rolling down the hill and the car was reversing in a straight line! Very nice!
PS we made it to the top on the third attempt ;)
I think it's the combination of the CVT and AWD that gives this car that feeling of "lack of power" -- it's just made for a different kind of driving experience.
Had they made this maybe a FWD 6-speed Auto -- then it would feel zippier, even with the lack of a turbo. But then if they did that then this would not be a Subaru.
People buy these cars for that full-time AWD letting you drive at almost all road conditions, at the best pricepoint. 2 feet of snow, wet aquaplaning highway, mud/dirt/sand roads and hills, really bad potholes, flooded streets -- this is where this vehicle will shine.
The XV is marketed to a specific group of customer, not for the petrol head. Subaru makes vehicles to be safer, reliable and easy to drive all season long. If they put the turbo with the XV, so the price goes up, and Subaru is aiming a specific market. There`s no need of turbo right now.
It doesn't need a turbo to become a sports car - it simply needs more mid range torque to make it a better car. Cheers.
Tim Robson the Honda HRV only has 127 lb ft torque. I think the hrv is its closest rival
HR-V is outclassed. This competes more against the CX-3, CX-5, Rav4, and even then you remember that it's just a raised Impreza
masterwhopper414 Exactly. the HRV is basically the Fit. this is the sub compact crossover market (Trax, Encore, HRV, CX3, CHR, Rogue Sport/Qashqai, EcoSport) those are tbe vehicles it was targeted against. The Forester is the Compact Crossover market (CX5, Escape, Rogue, RAV4, CRV, just barely the Equinox) Granted the Crosstrek tries to compete with all of those but based on the engine, size, and the fact its a raised impreza puts it in the smaller market
A specific market? What about in Colorado, most of our trails are at 7-14,000 ft or 2-4000 meters, and at 4000 meters there is about 40% less oxygen, a turbo helps get closer to the advertised horsepower over a naturally aspirated car. Up there we'd probably be making less than 100 hp in this car.
@ 2:54 Hill descent control in reverse? That makes sense. You might go up a steep skinny trail toward the top you find that you can't make it up due to an obstacle or something like that, and there is no way to turn around, so you'll need to go back down in reverse.
I'm so glad they're still offered a manual 6sp in the US. Now my big decision is if I want this or the Impreza Sport hatch.
Nice car! Looking forward for the next purchase, but would really appreciate for your advice, how was this suv if in terms of the reliability?
I think this deserves a higher rating given the 'safety tech' and great infotainment system that was glossed over as assumed knowledge from the Impreza. Consumers really need to be informed about the Eyesight system and its range of now standard benefits which Subaru are now putting across the range of their cars. Truly incredible value for the price and unexpected for a company such as Subaru which has typically played in the premium/luxury space (at least in Australia). Disclaimer I don't work for Subaru, I own a Toyota 86 (Subaru BRZ).
Turbocharging, just like in the BRZ would put it into a completely different price bracket. Although the option would be nice. The Levorg, after all, is pretty much double this. But how much is too much. I know in the Mazda 3 range the jump from a 2.0 to a 2.5 is ~$5k (be it with a couple more ticked boxes). How much would you think a turbo engine to be? They seem to have barely worked out the FA20T in the WRX, $8k-10k. How much is too much before it becomes irrelevant.
Just wait for the new Forrester?
When you buy a crosstrek your buying a good all around fuel efficient car not a sports car,147hp should be fine for getting around town,thru the snow what have you,,I can't wait to buy one
Same. I just really want a 4x4 tacoma or colorado. But cant afford it.
I have a 16, and buying a new 18 when it comes out because I want the LED headlights, among a few other things. Hate halogen lights, had HID's for fourteen years, and halogen are not bright enough for me. I think only the limited Crosstrek model will have LED headlights. I do love my 16, drove through 2 feet of snow without an issue. The 18 model should be better with the X-mode. I do wish it had at least 180 hp and comparable torque numbers because when you have a full load, me and the wife, three kids in back, and the back packed full of gear like a big cooler loaded with ice and drinks, chairs, duffle bags, etc., pulling out from a dead stop really took a toll on the engine. It didn't want to get going, I first thought there was something wrong with the vehicle but then it finally started going, just the extra weight really bogged it down. Normally it is just me and the wife so that isn't a issue, only when I take my two kids, and an extra friend with gear the hp is an issue.
jmen8888 mid story you went from three kids to two.
I have to two kids, one was my daughters friend. Last sentence I says my two kids, and an extra friend.
Vermont Sports Car did a WRX conversion in a XV, with STI interior and full on WRX guts. it can be done
Tim has got it right with his review - NOT ENOUGH POWER So Subaru give it more power or bring back a manual hatchback eg WRX
What color is that though?
UK market Levorg has a 1.6 turbo. What is putting me off, is that there will be no manuals. That's a dumb decision as not everyone wants the stiffness of the WRX or BRZ
So does the Aussie one. Exhaust system of 1.6 is the wrong way around for this platform, sadly.
I really want to buy this XV, but 150hp is just ridiculous. If they don't want to turbo they should be using a larger 4 cylinder enginer or go hybrid.
This XV and the Impreza both need atleast 180hp to be reasonable vehicles in todays market.
Don't accept the manual transmission won't fit. Of course it can fit, they are just simplifying manufacturing for markets. A turbo of the XV/Crosstrek would be awesome but it seems they feel it would take sales from something else. I disagree, give the people what they want. I am a used car buyer so i will be watching to see how the CVT holds up long term before I consider it. So far Subaru CVT is the only transmission I like driving other than manual. Autos are time bombs so until then I drive manual until my left foot falls off.
Anyone who knows the name of the song that starts at 0:17 ?
Is XV for crosstrek in us?
Yes but it’s called the Crosstrek
What is the name of this colour?? :)
2 years late, but ... Cool Grey Khaki.
"Does it keep up with the competition... we'll have to wait til we get it back to Australia..." - What competition are you going to compare it with? CX3/CX5/HRV/CRV/CHR etc.? As long as the "comparison" includes the same slushy, muddy, reversing Hill Descent Controlled type of driving, then and only then would we see a fair and reasonable "comparison". Would make a change from the racetrack-smooth driving conditions we usually see "SUV's" compared on! Oh, and by the way, with all this tech/safety/capability and it only gets 7/10 due to the engine not being turbocharged? Really? 30% of your ratings based on turbocharging...? HA!
It gets seven for the fact that the engine itself isn't a match/balance for the rest of the car, not because it isn't turbocharged. Cheers.
SUZUKI VITARA 1.4 Turbo Allgrip. Much more wild-range torque, with auto, sport, snow and lock modes, better fuel economy, better price of value also.
If the Suzuki Vitara Turbo can have a Turbo... Why can't this have a turbo???
look like a mini outback actually
The Crosstrek originated from what used to be called the Impreza Outback Sport, which was an Impreza wagon with the Outback's two-tone styling and a 'heavy duty' suspension. Basically a mini Outback. After like 20 years of the Outback Sport trim level being around, Subaru decided to disassociate the Outback name from the Impreza line and started calling them the XV Crosstrek in 2013.
That's right.. Now enough there (power) and they've openly admitted this fact.
Of i get one, I'll be looking at a ECU retune, that should lift its performance nicely
Get the 5 speed!
I agree about the power, but new small turbo engines in other cars will not be as durable as this one. Turbo engine sooner or later will give you expensive problems.... Stay away from turbos, even if many manufacturers are including them in their cars.
can i drive It #SubaruXV2017
It's not really a 'review' if you allow yourselves to be flown out by Subaru to look at the car early. In that case it's called 'advertising'.
Not really - wouldn't find criticism of the engine output in an ad, would you?
errr, what?
the new vitara is better. superior engine.
Please
just add the damn turbo engine in it ffs...
They actually don't have a suitable one - all about the new global platform.
Tim Robson That's seems weird. This is on the "Global Platform". The WRX (2018) will be on this platform. Now does this car need WRX power? I think the answer is no. However, Honda put a turbo in the new CRV and it makes the drive so much better. We just traded our 2007 CRV for the 2017 and the turbo is great. The XV (Crosstrek in the US) would benefit from that kind of turbo power, a bit more low end torque and maintained fuel economy.
Bang on. It doesn't seventy bazillion kw. Just a little help in the mid range.
I don't know why, but him talking out the side of his mouth is irritating to me.
2018 not a 2017
Not in the Aussie market...
it looks more like a toyota rav4
nahhh...boring review!
Crappy underpowered economy car with an annoying CVT transmission. I took it out for test drive, and the noise was horrendous, while the engine was like a slug that seemed to take forever to get up to speed. There are far more better choices.
Jill Thompson like?
Such as?
One sided review, newer Subaru cars are all a PZev JUNK.
Rear optic is so Ugly!!!!!
subaru wont be around in 10 years time
Wrong.
Bye Subaru :(