MotorMouths

Subaru has something good with the XV Crosstrek. The funky styling will no doubt age poorly, but we’d bet on it being tough and long-lasting. Small wagons tend to do well in the hearts and minds of enthusiast drivers, and this one, for all its mild performance, seems custom-made for car geeks.

The Crosstrek adds new and affordable measures of sportiness and versatility to Subaru’s lineup. Aimed at the Mini Countryman and Nissan Juke, the Crosstrek offers more overall capability and a different sense of style.]

Subaru feels it has hit the nail on the head with the XV Crosstrek, and we agree. It’s not a sports car by any means, but it is a sporty, capable, and fun CUV that will definitely fill a void in Subaru’s lineup.

Its combination of all-wheel drive, cargo space and fuel efficiency make the XV Crosstrek unique in its class. Quality materials, comfortable seats and a quiet highway ride keep the Crosstrek competitive with benchmark compact sedans.

Pairing the proven Impreza formula with an added dose of off-roadability should steer plenty of Subaru faithful toward the Crosstrek. There’s a lot here for Subie newbies, too, with its practical shape, youthful styling and bent toward the active-lifestyle set.

The new Subaru XV Crosstrek will suit buyers who prioritize fuel economy over performance, doing their small part to save the planet while exploring it. Everything about the Crosstrek seems logical and done for a reason. The price is very competitive.

Although lacking cutting-edge cabin tech, the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek covers the basics very well, and offers excellent practicality and easy drivability.

When you want a car that can go off-road, but doesn’t feel like being drunk on a cruise ship on normal roads, then you may need a compromise. The XV Crosstrek delivers that compromise in spades. But I’m looking for a car that is a bit more communicative with a firmer ride.

The Subaru XV Crosstrek is really just a lifted Impreza hatchback with new bumpers, some fender cladding, and unique wheels. And its weak engine lets down a fairly athletic chassis.

The Crosstrek is a small, handsome soft-roader, with a great AWD pedigree from Subaru and best-in-class fuel economy. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? And it would be, except for the huge hole below the waterline in the form of the engine and transmission.