Subaru XV vs Subaru Crosstrek

When it comes to versatile and capable compact SUVs (sport utility vehicles), the Subaru XV has carved a niche for itself in the Australian automotive market. Now, a new and exciting chapter for Subaru’s compact SUV has commenced, with the new generation Subaru XV wearing a new nameplate in Australia, now called the Subaru Crosstrek. So, is the Subaru Crosstrek the same as XV? We’ve got you covered! We’ll handle the heavy lifting and break down the dissimilarities for you.

What has changed?
The Subaru Crosstrek is the all-new generation Subaru XV – so there is a lot that has changed, but there is also some distinct characteristics that remain the same.

The all-new Subaru Crosstrek features an entirely new high-quality interior with the very latest in infotainment technology, intuitive safety systems, a new bolder body design and adopts a human-centred design approach.

Design and Exterior
The all-new Subaru Crosstrek features a striking design with sharp aggressive lines, more pronounced cladding around the wheel arches and a bulging fender which contributes to a bolder and more athletic aesthetic.

The all-new Subaru Crosstrek features an entirely new grille design, now with larger more aggressively styled honeycombing but still in the signature hexagonal shape.

A human-centred design approach has been adopted for the all-new Subaru Crosstrek to develop a vehicle that provides optimal occupant comfort to minimise the risk of fatigue even on those longer trips.

Exterior dimensions and styling differences 
A textured mountain motif has been incorporated into the rear door side sill plates and the lower trim tailgate to not only provide grip, but to also resemble the all-new Subaru Crosstrek’s active, adventure-ready spirit.

All Subaru Crosstrek variants feature streamlined roof rails as standard, which offers a wide range of benefits for both practicality and styling.

The Subaru Crosstrek is slightly longer than the Subaru XV, with an overall length of 4495mm compared to XV’s 4485mm. The overall width of the Subaru Crosstrek remains the same as the previous Subaru XV at 1800mm, however the overall height of the Crosstrek is 1600mm for all variants compared to XV’s 1615mm for petrol variants and 1595mm for hybrid variants. The Subaru Crosstrek’s wheelbase is also slightly longer than the XV at 2670mm vs 2665mm respectively. Ground clearance remains the same at a class leading 220mm1. 

Available colours and materials 
The Subaru Crosstrek gains four new exterior hues, expanding the paint options to ten. New to the colour range are Sun Blaze Pearl, Oasis Blue, Sapphire Blue Pearl and Offshore Blue Metallic.

All external colours are available for all Subaru Crosstrek variants at no extra cost.

Exterior colours available include, Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Pure Red, Offshore Blue Metallic, Sun Blaze Pearl, Oasis Blue, Sapphire Blue Pearl and Horizon Blue Pearl.

The Subaru Crosstrek AWD 2.0L and AWD Hybrid L feature a new tricot fabric with stylish tetra embossing.

Taking a step up the range, the Subaru Crosstrek AWD 2.0R features premium cloth seat trim, and the AWD 2.0S and AWD Hybrid S feature chic leather accented seats.

Wheels and suspension 
All Subaru Crosstrek variants come equipped with alloy wheels with a 114.3mm pitch circle diameter (PCD) and an offset of 55mm

There are three different wheel designs available (depending on the variant). The 2.0R, 2.0S and Hybrid S feature an 18-inch dark metallic wheel with machined finish. Hybrid L features a 17-inch dark metallic wheel with machined finish, with 2.0L variant featuring a dark metallic painted 17-inch wheel.

All internal combustion variants feature a temporary spare wheel, while Hybrid variants are equipped with a puncture repair kit. All Crosstrek variants feature a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The all-new Subaru Crosstrek features MacPherson strut type suspension featured at the front and double-wishbone type suspension at the rear. 

PERFORMANCE AND ENGINE

Engine options and specifications 
As with the Subaru XV, the Subaru Crosstrek is available in both petrol-only and hybrid powertrain. Petrol-only variants are powered by a sporty yet refined direct injection 2.0-litre Boxer engine and hybrid variants feature a robust e-Boxer engine. Subaru Crosstrek also feature Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-Mode as standard.

Subaru Crosstrek petrol-only variants deliver 115kW of power at 6000rpm and 196Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Whilst hybrid variants deliver 110kW of power at 5800-6000rpm and 196Nm of torque at 4000rpm. 

Fuel efficiency 
Subaru Crosstrek’s minimum fuel requirement is 91 RON, and the claimed combined fuel consumption is 7.2/100km2 for petrol-only variants and 6.5/100km2 for hybrid variants. 

Transmission 
The Subaru Crosstrek features a Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission. Petrol-only variants feature a Lineartronic transmission with 8-speed paddle shift manual mode, while hybrid variants feature a Lineartronic transmission with 7-speed paddle shift manual mode. 

Towing Capacity 
Subaru Crosstrek petrol-only variants have a max towing capacity of 1,400kg3 with trailer brakes and hybrid variants have a max towing capacity of 1,270kg3 with trailer brakes. 

INTERIOR AND TECHNOLOGY

Interior space and cargo capacity 
The all-new Subaru Crosstrek features a wide, flat load floor with a maximum cargo opening width of 1042mm, which is 3mm wider than the previous Subaru XV, enabling easier loading for cargo.

The fold down of the rear seatback splits 60/40, to enable several seating and cargo combinations.

The functional and user-friendly cargo space makes road trips and travelling an easy experience.

Infotainment system and features
The Subaru Crosstrek cockpit boasts a plethora of welcomed enhancements including a new 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity4, AM, FM and (DAB+) Digital Radio5 and for the first time in a Subaru vehicle, wireless smartphone charging6.

In a first for Subaru, a 360-degree panoramic view monitor has also been added to AWD 2.0R, AWD 2.0S and AWD Hybrid S variants to improve visibility around the vehicle. A 3D view/top view, that combines images from all four cameras, displays on the 11.6-inch touchscreen a 360-degree panoramic view around the vehicle.

All Crosstrek variants feature one 2.4-amp Type-A and one widely used 3.0-amp Type-C USB port located in front of the gearshift to power mobile devices.

Safety
The Subaru Crosstrek comprises a robust set of safety systems across Subaru’s four key pillars – Primary, Active, Preventative and Protective.

The Subaru Crosstrek features the latest generation Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist System with an improved stereo camera, and the addition of a new Wide-Angle Monocular Camera. Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist functions include:

  • Pre-Collision Braking System
  • Pre-Collision Brake Assist
  • Lane Departure Prevention with Road Edge Lane Departure Prevention
  • Emergency Lane Keep Assist
  • Manual Speed Limiter
  • Lane Centring Function
  • Autonomous Emergency Steering
  • Speed Sign Recognition with Intelligent Limiter

All-new Subaru Crosstrek also features the innovative Driver Monitoring System – Driver Focus7, Subaru Vision Assist and nine SRS8 (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags.

Available trims
There are three petrol and two hybrid variants available in the Subaru Crosstrek range. These include Subaru Crosstrek AWD 2.0L, AWD 2.0R, AWD 2.0S, AWD Hybrid L and AWD Hybrid S. 

Conclusion 
Although there are some similarities between the Subaru XV and Subaru Crosstrek, the all-new Subaru Crosstrek has gone through a significant transformation offering various improvements and updates to enhance its comfort, technology, and overall driveability. 

Here’s a summary of the key differences:

  1. Design and Exterior – The Subaru Crosstrek features a more refined, bolder and modern design compared to its XV predecessor. It adopts Subaru’s latest design language with sharper lines, a more prominent grille, sleeker headlights, and overall, a more aggressive and athletic stance.
  2. Platform – The new Subaru Crosstrek is built on a refined Subaru Global Platform, which provides increased rigidity and improved handling dynamics. This platform also offers better crash protection, reduced noise vibration, and a more comfortable ride.
  3. Human-centred Design – Subaru Crosstrek has been years in development and adopts a human-centred design approach. In collaboration with a medical school, Subaru designers studied the structure and movement of the human body, to create a small SUV with an interior that is intuitive to your needs.
  4. Transmission – An enhanced Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with over 80 per cent of components altered (compared to previous generation XV) features across the petrol-only range, resulting in improved drivability and enjoyment.
  5. Interior and Technology – The interior of the new Crosstrek showcases upgraded materials, improved ergonomics, and a more refined cabin atmosphere. It features a larger 11.6-inch infotainment system with enhanced connectivity options, including wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity and wireless Qi charging6 for increased user-convenience.
  6. Safety – Safety technology in the new Subaru Crosstrek has seen significant advancements compared to the previous generation XV and welcomes a suite of robust safety systems across the interior range. This includes nine SRS8 air bags, Driver Monitoring System7, the latest Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist System with a new wide angle monocular camera.

Overall, the new generation Subaru Crosstrek brings a host of improvements over its predecessor. With its updated design, enhanced driving dynamics, improved technology, and refined interior, the new Subaru Crosstrek offers a well-rounded and compelling package for those seeking a versatile crossover compact SUV.

1. Ground clearance at kerb weight.
2. Fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission figures quoted are measured in accordance with Australian Design Rule 81/02 and are for comparison purposes only. Real world results may vary based on individual driving circumstances e.g., traffic conditions, driving style, vehicle modifications, fuel quality, climatic conditions etc. Quoted figures may not reflect real world fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
3. Towing capacity is subject to regulatory requirements, tow bar and vehicle design and towing equipment limitations. Requires fitment of optional tow bar accessory. Ask your Retailer for details of Genuine Subaru tow bar capacity and availability details. Always refer to your Owner’s Manual for towing instructions.
4. Compatible Apple® or Android™ device required.
5. Digital radio reception not available in all areas.
6. Compatible Qi enabled, and compliant device required.
7. Driver Monitoring System performance and capability dependent on environmental and technical conditions. Refer to Owner’s Manual for full details. 
8. SRS: Supplemental Restraint System. Effective when used in conjunction with seat belts.

Subaru Crosstrek 2.0S AWD shown.