2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek: Subaru's Best Compact Crossover Effort

Subaru is one of the pioneering brands when it comes to building crossovers, having given the world the Outback in the 1990s, a vehicle that blurred the line between wagon and SUV and which found a ready-made audience that few automakers had previously thought to tap. Flash forward to 2013 and crossovers are ubiquitous, having taken a huge chunk out of the minivan market and essentially obliterated wagon sales.

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is the very latest compact crossover from the rapidly-growing Japanese car company, and in many ways it builds on the lessons learned over the course of the past two decades. The XV Crosstrek doesn't imitate any of its rivals but rather walks its own path towards delivering the kind of all-weather capability and enhanced cargo space that crossover shoppers are traditionally drawn to.

• Also: 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid

A Great-Looking Tall Wagon

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek has a secret: at its core, it's really a Subaru Impreza hatchback. There are a number of design differences, however, that intervene in order to give the XV Crosstrek a personality all its own. The crossover features 22 cm of ground clearance to set it high above the snow and slush, comes with pronounced body cladding that actually compliments its flowing lines rather than seeming tacked-on, and rides on aggressively-styled 17-inch black alloy wheels that further enhance the tough stance of the vehicle. Looking at the standard Impreza hatch it's hard to see how fender flares and beefy wheels could transform it into a handsome tall wagon, but the Crosstrek proves that particular conceptual leap with authority.

Plain, But Functional Interior

Inside, Subaru isn't nearly as bold in updating the uninspiring trim-and-features package that transfer almost unaltered from the Impreza to the XV Crosstrek. Make no mistake: the crossover's gauges are easy to read, there's no confusion when working its climate control system, and while not flashy, the plastics and materials used throughout that cabin are eminently functional and will wear well. The Subaru XV Crosstrek is a purpose-built vehicle, and while we were happy with the standard heated seats and the full-colour information screen sitting on top of the dash (which is a Canada-only piece of kit), we could have done without the extremely dated stereo system, which had us puzzled over how to actually link a mobile phone for hands-free use.

Moving past the details of the Subaru's passenger compartment, it should be noted that the XV Crosstrek feels roomy inside despite its compact dimensions. Even the cargo area's 51.9 cubic feet of total space are competitive with more truck-like crossover models, and we found the seats front and rear to be comfortable and supportive during our time with the vehicle.

Adequate Power, Excellent Dynamics

Subaru has made a strong push to improve fuel economy across its entire line-up. Given that 90 percent of its stable is outfitted with standard all-wheel drive, a technology which adds significant traction but also robs precious efficiency, the decision was made to reduce engine output and introduce a continuously-variable automatic transmission with the most recent generation of the Impreza. The XV Crosstrek is mechanically identical to its Impreza sibling, save for some gearing differences designed to take into account the crossover's additional weight, which means that it features a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder mill that generates 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. It should be noted that this is not a lot of grunt for a compact sedan or hatchback, let alone a somewhat portlier crossover, but the trade-off is an efficiency rating of 8.2 l/100 km around town and 6.0 l/100 km on the highway.

Our XV Crosstrek tester featured the optional CVT gearbox instead of the standard five-speed manual. Having driven both we can confidently state that there is little advantage to going with the shift-it-yourself model. The CVT in the Crosstrek does a commendable job of keeping engine revs where they need to be, even without the use of the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles (used to access 'virtual' gears programmed into the transmission), and the engine was much quieter than one would expect even when pushed at higher speeds.

The Subaru XV Crosstrek is far from the quickest crossover on the market, offering acceptable acceleration but no real thrills with the pedal down, but we were very impressed with its overall driving dynamics. Despite the added ride height, the XV Crosstrek handled very much like a wagon instead of an SUV, which meant that cornering was confident and drama-free, and we felt like were driving a much smaller vehicle as we darted in and out of traffic. Subaru's all-wheel drive system performed commendably during a snow-filled week, giving us predictable grip on all manner of icy surfaces and allowing us to exude confidence as we ploughed through snow banks and foot-deep drifts of the white stuff.

One Of Subaru's Best Recent Efforts

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is one of the few crossovers out there that feels comfortable in almost every driving situation. A capable commuter, a reasonably nimble handler, and a surprisingly capable off-roader (thanks to its substantial ground clearance and well-designed all-wheel drive), the XV Crosstrek can honestly take you almost anywhere you and four of your friends need to go.

Driving the XV Crosstrek, we couldn't help but be reminded of that first-generation Subaru Outback. The compact Subaru is, of course, far more advanced technologically than its spiritual predecessor, but the comparable platform size of the small XV Crosstrek and the then-mid-size Outback is an eye-opening illustration of just how much modern vehicles have grown across the board over the course of the past 20 years. This definitely works in favour of would-be Subaru XV Crosstrek buyers, as they end up with a lot of utility, decent fuel efficiency, and a heaping helping of style at a very affordable price.