Subaru XV Crosstrek

By Clifford Atiyeh and Bill Griffith

Subaru’s newest model, the Subaru XV Crosstrek, has rectified what we’ve always considered the brand’s biggest drawbacks, fuel mileage and ground clearance.

The Outback Sport was my favorite Subaru. By chance, it’s been discontinued and replaced by the Crosstrek, which gets better mileage (28 mpg combined), has higher ground clearance (8.7 inches), and a higher seating position.

All-in-all, it’s taken the all-wheel-drive brand’s footprint into a different category while retaining all of its utilitarian virtues. The Crosstrek is poised to become a serious player in the competitive compact SUV category. Its 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder boxer engine and CVT (continuously variable transmission) is a nice combination, and the MPG/ECO gauge can be addictive in making you a fuel-conscious driver. --BG