2013 Subaru Crosstrek: The Brand's Newest Addition

Highlights: This is the latest addition to the Subaru line up. The manual and automatic transmission in the base model engine, which is the Premium model, costs the same.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $27,790 (base model starts at $ 21,995)

Seating Capacity: 5 occupants

Standard Safety Features: all-wheel drive; ABS; daytime running lights; traction control; front, side, driver’s knee and side airbags; daytime running lights; tire pressure monitoring system; an incline start assist system, which keeps the vehicle from rolling backward on an incline, when taking off

Standard Equipment (base model): 17-inch wheels; raised roof rails; rear roof spoiler; cargo cover; cargo area grocery bag hooks; front center sliding concealed armrest; driver’s manual height adjustable front seats; a tilt steering wheel; cloth seats; heated front seats; tinted rear privacy glass; electric power assist system; a manual a/c system; a remote keyless entry system; power windows; poor door locks; and power mirrors  

Trim Levels:

Premium
Limited

Standard Audio: a 6-speaker AM/FM with a CD player

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

iPod connectivity: Yes              
                                                                                                             

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles 

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/148-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 25-city/33-hwy

What’s New: The XV Crosstrek is all-new to the line up for the 2012 model year.

Pros: Subaru’s sporty new compact, with the standard blacked out 17-inch alloy wheels, is available with either an automatic or manual transmission. Like every Subaru, the instrument panel offers just the basic gauges (speedometer, fuel, mileage) most of us need. The standard blacked-out alloy wheel on the Crosstrek adds a sporty flair to this crossover. And unlike most crossovers, the Crosstrek offers an 8.7-inch ground clearance, which is great for going off road. Subaru also claims this is the most fuel-efficient compact crossover available with an all-wheel drive system, producing 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Crosstrek is also available in two trim levels: Premium and Limited. We had an opportunity to review a Limited model, which included form-supporting leather seats, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, an automatic climate control ventilation system, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, HD radio and a rear seat center armrest.

Moreover, the Crosstrek can be outfitted with such optional features as a navigation system, a sunroof and a high-end audio system, producing over 100 watts. And by opting for the navigation system, this means that the Crosstrek will also include a limited subscription satellite radio, too.

Furthermore, the versatile crossover can either offer plenty of seating (and legroom) for five, three or two -- depending on if the 60/40 rear seats are folded. In fact, with the rear seats folded down, the vehicle can carry up to three golf bags. Added to the enhanced rear cargo space, one can expect a cargo cover, grocery hooks and a removable waterproof cargo tray.  

Cons: We just had a few quirks with Subaru’s latest entry. The vehicle lacked a push-button starter, automatic door locks and a standard satellite audio system. And we found the fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine to be quite raspy, not as refined as what we would expect. Furthermore, it took a moment to figure out how to use the quirky audio system in the Crosstrek.

Verdict: The Crosstrek would definitely be on our shopping list if we were in the market for an expressive, roomy, five passenger compact crossover, with loads of personality. While the all-wheel drive vehicle offers the versatility for driving in harsh winter weather or off-road driving, the Crosstrek is priced within reach of most of its non all-wheel drive competitors. The vehicle’s rough and tumble demeanor offers a sporty edge we’ve rarely seen in a Subaru. Now, while Subaru vehicles lack such high tech features like lane-changing technology and a push-button keyless starter, they do provide  non technical drivers with the basic user friendly features they have to come to expect, without having to attend an extensive information session at the dealership.