2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Road Test Review

by Martha Hindes

Think Subaru. Does the idea of slogging through heavy snow come to mind? How about being trail ready on an adventurous trip home from work in fog laden fall after dark. Subaru's native all-wheel-drive character has earned it that kind of confidence among its traditional buyers – health care workers, school teachers, professors and other professionals, perhaps a few grizzled movie actors – who for years have bypassed any other vehicle that didn't wear the six star emblem on its snout. So is a gussied up 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek something you would consider? We mean, does “tangerine orange pearl” sound like a color that fits a Subaru enabler image?

We caught our first glimpse of the brand new Crosstrek at the New York International Auto Show last March, then when viewing it in the above mentioned splashy dress found it ignited a “gotta have” itch. That seemed a little out of character for those of us more accustomed to the underlying mechanics of getting around no matter what's happening underneath weather wise. I mean, we've not really had an instance in the past where one of Subaru's offerings engaged the drool factor. This one did.

Our history with driving Subaru cars at Road & Travel Magazine has been harder edged, one of slamming a WRX rally version into the correct gear to plow through enough sand to qualify as a mini dune. An adrenalin rush response, yes. Eye candy? Not exactly. So what changed? To continue the review, click here.