Although I may be a certifiable petrolhead, I am mindful of fuel consumption. My issue is that I've not yet been able to tolerate one aspect at the expense of the other. Allow me to elaborate: I'm no fan of the Toyota Prius; it's no fun. Period. This is why I'm a fan of the recent crop of hopped-up “performance” hybrids.
The current Impreza, introduced for the 2012 model year, was joined by the XV Crosstrek a year later. The return of the new “Outback Sport” was a welcome sight, and when the coming of a hybrid was announced at the 2013 New York Auto Show, I was taken; more power, less fuel, and all Subaru with a hatch.
The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek has an undeniably attractive and rugged appearance that is coupled with an AWD system known to deliver. Sadly, my hopes for more driving enjoyment without paying more at the pumps never happened. The XV hybrid is still a Subaru but the extra upfront costs are not justifiable.
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What is a Subaru XV Crosstrek?
The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek is a compact crossover-hatchback that is based on the Impreza hatchback, with a little extra ground clearance and all-important plastic body cladding.
The XV slots itself below the Forester in Subaru's line-up of utility vehicles, offering slightly less cargo room but all of the brand's legendary all-weather capabilities.
2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Price and Specs
The XV Crosstrek nameplate consists of four trim levels starting with the Touring, which sports a sticker price of $24,495. An extra $2,000 will get you a Sport (sunroof and HID headlights). The Limited gains much kit in the form of navigation and leather and retails for $28,995. The Hybrid offers the Sport's level of equipment with a few extra touches and the powertrain for $29,995.
All of these cars run with a 2.0L flat 4-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid throws in a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor that produces 13.4 hp and 48 torques. Total combined system output comes out to 160 horsepower and 163 torques.
Regular 2014 Subaru XV Crosstreks can be outfitted with a 5-speed manual or a CVT. The Hybrid can only be spec'd out with the Lineartronic CVT with 6-speed manual mode and paddle shifters.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard across the board.
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The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek is a compact crossover-hatchback that is based on the Impreza hatchback, with a little extra ground clearance and all-important plastic body cladding.
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Driving the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid
As a long-time fan of the brand, I knew what to expect when I got behind the wheel of the 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid. I'd driven the Impreza, with both transmissions, and so was looking forward to experienceing some extra oomph from the hybrid powertrain.
Perhaps I should have reserved my hopes of added performance for my upcoming reviews of the WRX and STI... Other than a trivial boost from roughly 2,000 rpm, the extra hp and torques feel more theoretical than practical. Despite this letdown, I found myself satisfied with the XV Crosstrek hybrid's acceleration and passing abilities.
The result of throttle application does bring to light an issue that has quickly become old and redundant. The Lineatronic CVT transmission does what it has to do, but is not gracious about it. Response is often rubbery and the box will peg engine speeds at or near redline if the go-pedal is held down. The trick is to back off once the tachometer hits 4,500-5,000 rpm, which can be counter intuitive. The CVT-bashing continues because other manufacturers' (Honda, Nissan) figured out how to program them to work like a conventional automatic -- it makes a HUGE difference.
Of all Subaru products, this is the least well-adapted to our climate, only because of the hybrid system. Snowfall as well as frigid and mild temperatures required the constant use of the climate system defrost functions. Because of the A/C compressor needed, the gas engine would never shut off. I was therefore never able to make use of the EV mode. In fact, even with the fan off, I never experienced full electric propulsion.
Thus, in the end, a weeklong fuel consumption average of nearly 10L/100km solidified my disappointment with the 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid.
These frustrations where often forgiven as no amount of snow or poor driving conditions would ever slow me down. The 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid's ride is firm but not uncomfortable. I'd go so far as to add sporty. Steering is good, a far cry from previous generation Subarus, and the brakes are up to the task.
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I'd driven the Impreza, with both transmissions, and so was looking forward to experienceing some extra oomph from the hybrid powertrain.
Inside and Out of the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
As I've pointed out, the XV's styling is great. It gives off a bulldog vibe that says no terrain or weather condition can stop it.
The Hybrid's Plasma Green Pearl paint job is really cool, and should be offered on all trims. It matches up nicely with the blacked-out wheels and subtle exterior chrome touches reserved for the Hybrid and the Limited.
The 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid's cabin is very spacious for a compact car, and the trunk is equally capacious. The dashboard's layout is ergonomic; all controls are within reach and well conceived. I especially like the 4.3” colour multifunction display at the top of the dashboard. Overall presentation is drab though, and the materials are short on class. Fit and finish are good.
Seats and driving position are spot on, especially where visibility is concerned for the latter. Gripes come from the location of the heated seat switches and a few other elements.
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The 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid's cabin is very spacious for a compact car, and the trunk is equally capacious.
Comparing the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid
The 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid's competitors are few and far between. In actuality, it is the only AWD hybrid currently offered on the market in its price bracket. The likes of the Volkswagen Jetta hybrid, Honda Civic hybrid and Toyota Prius can all line up with the XV, but all eclipse it fuel economy-wise.
The bottom line is that a regular XV Crosstrek is a wiser bet simply because the car is more affordable.
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