Yahoo Autos 2013-2017 Subaru Crosstrek | Used vehicle spotlight
Buyers looking for a small crossover or sport utility vehicle are spoiled with choices, whether they are looking to buy new or lightly used. Every major automaker doing business in America has at least one little 'ute on the market, and in many cases, more than one. And it's easy to understand why: they just keep selling.
One of the most popular vehicles in the rapidly expanding subcompact crossover segment is the Subaru Crosstrek. It first went on sale in the United States for the 2013 model year, originally carrying an XV prefix to its name. There was an update in 2015 that added desirable upgrades like a better infotainment system, a backup camera and Subaru's EyeSight-based safety equipment. The first-generation Crosstrek ran through the 2017 model year. We'd suggest looking for a 2015-2017 model if it fits within your budget.
Is the Subaru Crosstrek right for you?
The Crosstrek is basically a lifted Subaru Impreza hatchback with some styling revisions that include bodyside cladding to make it look a bit tougher and to offer at least some protection from the elements when venturing off the beaten path. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine sends 148 horsepower to all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
We've long praised the Crosstrek for its carlike ride and handling and standard all-wheel drive. It's a reasonable size, with more interior space and cargo room than many of its competitors. That said, the first generation of the Subaru Crosstrek isn't without its share of flaws. We wish it were a bit more powerful, and we've never been particularly fond of CVTs like the one used in the Crosstrek.
So, is a used Subaru Crosstrek right for you? Two of our editors recently debated the merits of the Crosstrek, particularly whether its underpowered engine is a deal breaker. Their discussion could help a potential buyer decide if the Crosstrek is the right fit for their needs.
Consumer Editor Jeremy Korzeniewski: The Subaru Crosstrek is certainly not perfect, but the same qualities that made it desirable when new still apply on the used market. For starters, very few little CUVs can match its excellent 8.7 inches of ground clearance. And while the Impreza-on-stilts isn't going to win any races down a winding road, it handles fairly well when judged against its small crossover peers. It also has very good visibility, a reasonably roomy interior and gets decent gas mileage.
For most buyers, I'd argue that its benefits outweigh its drawbacks.
Senior Producer Christopher McGraw: I like the Subaru Crosstrek. A lot. In fact, in 2016 my wife and I bought a 2014 XV, largely for the reasons you listed: all-wheel drive, high ground clearance, reasonable room, and good gas mileage. Sure, 148 horsepower isn't a ton, but it is enough, assuming that's what you're really getting. At the time we bought the XV my wife and I were living in Michigan, making weekend jaunts up north where the unpaved country roads were home for our new crossover. Little did I know that within two years we would be moving to Colorado, a state where the XV would struggle.
Last year my wife and I hopped in our Subaru and headed to Aspen for a week of camping. As we approached the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70, the XV, weighed down with a tent, cooler, fly-fishing gear, clothes and food for a week in the mountains, gasped for air, hitting high rpms just to stay at the speed limit. Before we got to the tunnel our Crosstrek sputtered and refused to rev higher than 3,000 rpm. I pulled over on the side of the road, turned off the car, waited 10 minutes, and then continued on about 20 miles per hour below the speed limit.
This may sound like an isolated incident, but sadly it's not. Naturally-aspirated engines like the one in the Crosstrek make substantially less power at high elevations than they do at sea level. My Crosstrek is rated at 148 horsepower at sea level, where the air is much thicker than where I live at roughly 6,000 feet. Therefore, the car makes less power — about 27 horsepower less, according to this simple online calculator — leaving my vehicle with 121 horsepower. Not great.
What about the Eisenhower Tunnel, which sits at 11,158 feet? At that elevation my Crosstrek loses roughly 50 horsepower, leaving it sitting right around 98 total. I don't need it to win any races, but it would be nice if it could maintain the speed limit on the interstate without redlining.
