2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid TestDriveNow.com Video Review

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid Video Review by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

There aren’t many brands left that still don’t have at least 1 gas-electric hybrid in their arsenal and now you can cross Subaru off of that list. This is the new 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid.

When I first drove this Impreza-based off-roader last year, I came away with a very favorable opinion and now for its second model year Subaru is offering it in hybrid form. Their approach is to use the same 2.0-liter Boxer engine with the benefit of some hybrid-specific tuning and mate it to a continuously variable transmission with an inclusive electric motor, albeit a very small one generating an additional 13 horsepower. While barely impinging on the Crosstrek’s spacious 50-plus feet of cargo room, a small, old-school nickel-metal hydride battery pack resides under the floor which recharges via usual hybrid functions, such as regenerative braking and through the generator. For some perspective, its 13.5kW output falls far short of the 35kWs found in the lithium-ion-juiced Ford C-MAX. The Crosstrek can run very briefly on electric alone but otherwise utilizes the motor to essentially give it some boost. Total system output is 160 horsepower and 163 pound feet of torque – about a 10% increase with the addition of electric propulsion. Mileage is rated at 29mpg city/33mpg highway.

The Crosstrek is really a hybrid in name alone. The EPA only gives it a 3mpg bump over the regular gas model and I averaged only about 28mpg. The interior feels like it’s from the early 2000s and is pretty abominable for a car with a $30,000 price tag.

Its 10% increase in fuel economy is the worst such advancement of any hybrid on the market that has a gas-only counterpart. And if it’s the highway where you spend most of your time, there’s no mpg improvement at all. Now Subaru does bestow the hybrid with quicker steering and a sport-tuned suspension but from memory the differences are subtle to say the least. The most conspicuous distinction in drivability comes in this car’s hyper sensitive engagement from a stop where no matter how gently you apply the gas it surges forward. The most refined aspect of the hybrid system is the regen braking that has a refreshingly organic feel.

Maintained is the Crosstrek’s nose for the trail where the Hybrid retains its impressive 8.7” of ground clearance so as to go where other small wagons would surely fail. All of my Hybrid complaints fade quickly when I’m driving it out here. Subaru’s all-wheel drive system is better and taking it off-road is where the Crosstrek earns its mettle – always instilling confidence to go for it.

More sound deadening was added for 2014 but it’s far from enough. You really have to crank this afterthought stereo in order to hear it. I do like the voice controlled navi system though.

Available in 2 trims – base and Touring, pricing for the Hybrid starts at $26,820 – an apples per apples premium of about $2,700. This Touring model, which comes in one well-equipped package, stickers for $30,120. The EPA estimates it’ll save you $150 per year in gas so in a cool 18 years your investment will have paid off. But everything Subaru touches turns to gold these days and their audience is as loyal as they come – so it wouldn’t surprise me to see a bunch of these driving around soon – even if the best thing about it is its exclusive Plasma Green paint.

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