The is a compact crossover SUV produced by Subaru since 2012. It is a successor to the Outback Sport in North America, and the Impreza XV globally. Like the Outback Sport, the Crosstrek is a lifted Impreza hatchback with minor differences, though with a more substantial lift than the Outback Sport.

Initially, the vehicle was marketed as the XV globally, and as the XV Crosstrek in North America. In 2015, Subaru dropped the XV moniker in North America, marketing it simply as the Crosstrek for the 2016 model year and onward. In 2022, Subaru introduced the third-generation model, using the Crosstrek nameplate globally for the first time.

All generations of the Crosstrek are raised versions of the Subaru Impreza hatchback.

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First generation (GP; 2012)

Concept Subaru showcased the Subaru XV concept vehicle in 2011. Based on a raised suspension version of the Subaru Impreza 5-door hatchback, the XV concept offered aluminum alloy wheels with silver spokes, black wheels and clear blue center caps; yellow-green body color, silvery white leather interior upholstery at seats, mesh in selected interior areas with yellow/green piping, multifunction display with navigation, car audio, and vehicle information in the center panel; EyeSight driving assist with stereo cameras and LCD monitor between the two combination meters, 2.0-liter four-cylinder horizontally opposed DOHC engine, Lineartronic CVT, and 245/45 ZR19 tires. The concept vehicle was unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2011.

Production version

The production version of the XV was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. This model went on sale in Japan on 25 September 2012. It was introduced in the United States as the XV Crosstrek for the 2013 model year at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. It is powered by the FB20B engine making (in the United States), sharing powertrain specifications with the Impreza. It included 17-inch wheels, as well as roof rails and tinted glass. All trims, along with all Subaru vehicles (excluding the BRZ), included Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, with Lineartronic CVT equipped models being able to send 100% of torque to the wheels with the most traction. A 4.2 inch touchscreen and backup camera were included on the Limited trim, along with the all-weather package with heated seats. All trims had driver's auto up/down windows. All trims had six-way manual adjustment for the drivers seat (height, recline, forward/back), and four-way manual adjustment for the front passenger (forward/back, recline).

For the 2014 model year, a Hybrid version was released in the North American markets in two trims, the higher of which had new features with some of these being optional on the non-Hybrid Premium and Limited trims.For the 2015 model year, reversing cameras and 6.2 inch head units were added to all trims, as well as an upgraded electric power steering system. The Limited trim got an insulation-glass windshield, optional keyless ignition, an upgraded instrument cluster which included a color Liquid-Crystal Display. Upgraded mirrors with welcome lighting and turn signals were added as well. The then-new Starlink multimedia plus system with a 7.0 inch display that debuted on the 2015 Subaru Legacy and Outback was included as well. The 2.0i Premium, 2.0i Limited and Hybrid trims could be optioned with Subaru EyeSight and Hybrid models gained a PIN code access system. A special edition variant based on the 2.0i Premium trim with Sunrise Yellow paint was also available, but limited to 1,000 units.

For the 2016 model year, the Premium trim received the all weather package with two-level heated front seats and heated mirrors as standard equipment, along with the option of Subaru's Starlink Safety and Security system (standard on the Limited) including an SOS button, automatic collision notification system, stolen vehicle recovery, and a vehicle monitoring app. The Limited trim got rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and lane-change assist. This year also included revised styling and the removal of the XV prefix from the name in North America. It was also the last year of the Hybrid model.

The 2017 model was largely unchanged, with the only change being a new trim, which was the Platinum Special Edition (which could be considered an option package to the Premium trim). Included was special interior and exterior styling, a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Despite being a lifted Subaru Impreza hatchback, sales have been much stronger in the US, due to sedan/hatchback sales slowing in the country.

Other markets Malaysian production of the Subaru XV shipped as complete knock-down kits began at Tan Chong Motor Assemblies Sdn. Bhd (TCMA) in Malaysia in January 2013, with annual production of 5,000 units destined for sale in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, while the Philippine market Subaru XV are imported from Japan as a LHD (left-hand drive) configuration. Production at Tan Chong began on 20 December 2012.

Early European models include a choice of 1.6-liter gasoline, 2.0-liter gasoline, 2.0-liter diesel engines; five-speed manual (1.6-liter gasoline), six-speed manual (2.0 gasoline, 2.0 diesel), Lineartronic CVT (1.6 gasoline, 2.0 gasoline) transmission, and idle engine start stop (standard in gasoline engine models, optional in diesel engine models).

In North America, the XV was sold as the Subaru XV Crosstrek and was unveiled at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. The US model went on sale in 2012 as a 2013 model year vehicle. Early models include a 148-horsepower 2.0-liter boxer engine, five-speed manual or available second-generation Lineartronic CVT. In the United States starting with the 2016 model year, Subaru dropped the XV from its name and sold it as simply the Crosstrek. An updated model based on the fifth-generation Impreza became available in 2018.

Hybrid version

The Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid (2013) is a version of the Subaru XV Crosstrek with permanent magnet AC synchronous motor rated and , Lineartronic CVT, Nickel hydride batteries, and 225/55 R17 tires. Externally, "HYBRID" badges have been applied to the front doors and on the rear liftgate, and unique rear lights and wheels are exclusive to the hybrid version. The vehicle was Subaru's first production hybrid after a series of concepts stretching back to the 2003 B9 Scrambler, and was unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. Compared to the conventionally powered XV Crosstrek, a new gauge cluster and keyless start have been added to the hybrid, which gains approximately in weight. The 0.6 kW-hr battery (weighing by itself) takes the space previously occupied by the spare tire, minimizing the loss of cargo space. Using the battery alone, range is estimated at at . The 10 kW generator-motor is built into the Lineartronic CVT, similar to the "turbo-parallel-hybrid" system first shown on the Subaru B5 TPH concept, and is intended to be used primarily for acceleration assistance and regenerative braking. Fuel consumption is improved by approximately 11%, from (combined city/highway) to .

For the 2014 model year, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid was introduced in two trims, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid and Hybrid Touring. The base Hybrid model included the Limited's features, MPG of 29 city, 33 highway, removes the leather interior, and added different wheels, grille shutters, quick-ratio electric power-steering, side mirrors with signal repeaters, keyless ignition, chrome door handles, and an upgraded multi-function display, along with more power (up to and of torque). The Hybrid touring included a sunroof, leather, a navigation system with voice controls, Aha radio, HD radio, Satellite radio, and a 6.1 inch head unit. The Premium and Limited trims could be equipped with the upgraded head unit and a sunroof.

For 2015, Hybrid trims had their MPG increased to 30 city, 34 highway.

In 2016, after Subaru dropped the XV prefix from the model name in North America, the model was known as the Crosstrek Hybrid. In Japan, a STI version of the XV Hybrid was offered with the suspension tuned to provide better handling. Externally, the XV Hybrid tS ("tuned by STI") can be distinguished by orange accents on the front spoiler, side skirts, and roof spoiler. It was sold for a limited time spanning the last half of 2016.

The model was discontinued after the 2016 model year.

Safety

+IIHS scores (2013)Moderate overlap front (original test)GoodSide (original test)GoodRoof strengthGoodHead restraints and seatsGood

Second generation (GT; 2017)

The second-generation Subaru XV ("Crosstrek" for the North American market) was unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2017. Like the Impreza, the XV/Crosstrek has moved to the Subaru Global Platform. Minimum ground clearance is and matte black cladding has been added to each side to add a "rugged flavor", creating "a dynamic form expressing all the enjoyment to be expected from a crossover vehicle". During its first full month of sales, the XV sold 11,085 vehicles in Japan.

North America

The second-generation Crosstrek in North America uses the revised direct-injection FB20D gasoline engine with and output. The base transmission was changed to a 6-speed manual transmission as opposed to the 5-speed in the first generation. The interior quality was upgraded, and a new 6.5-inch Subaru Starlink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality was standard, with an 8.0 inch system and navigation being available on the 2.0i Limited trim. While navigation was an option, all trims could use Apple Maps, Google Maps (via CarPlay and Android Auto respectively). Magellan Navigation is also available on all trims via the Starlink app, though the optional navigation is the only system that does not use the driver's smartphone to get map data, and is the only system that displays speed limits in the gauge cluster. Auto up/down windows were for the first time included for the passenger side (previously only on the driver's side). The Starlink Safety and Security system was made standard on the 2.0i Premium trim. Models optioned with Eyesight got adaptive high beams. The 2.0i Limited trim got adaptive LED headlights, keyless ignition and entry, an optional Harman Kardon was available and a 6-way power driver's seat was included. Subaru's X-MODE off-road assist function was also added.

For 2019, the Crosstrek received Eyesight on all models equipped with the CVT transmission. The Hybrid trim was reintroduced as a Plug-in Hybrid, based on the Toyota Prius Prime's Hybrid system. Power was reduced to , and combined MPG was increased to . Subaru claimed a range of for all-electric driving.

For 2020, the Crosstrek received Subaru's SI-Drive powertrain management system, first available on the Subaru Forester and Subaru WRX models with a CVT. An auto start-stop system was added, along with an optional 6-way power driver's seat being added to the Premium trim. The 2.0i prefix was dropped from all existing trim names. All models had USB and AUX ports moved from the center console to the console storage tray, which received lighting on the Premium and Limited trim. The Limited and Hybrid trims got rear seat USB ports. New is an automatic door locking and unlocking system with automatic unlocking in a collision. The EyeSight system now features lane centering.

Crosstrek Hybrid