• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

You are here: Home / New Car Reviews / Gone Green: 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid

Gone Green: 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid

February 21, 2014 by admin 8 Comments

Its not easy being green.

Five Subaru models have come and gone from my driveway, weekly loaners that ranged from the very good to the outstanding. Subaru’s consistent quality, dependability, and reliability has not been lost on me nor on the many new and returning buyers who continue to drive brand sales to record levels.

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid
2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid.

First-Ever Gas-Electric Hybrid

In 2013, Subaru introduced the XV Crosstrek, a model that comes in slightly smaller than the Forester, but shares the Foresters $21,995 base price. Both models provide a crossover utility vehicle entry point to the Subaru brand with the larger Outback and still larger Tribeca its two other crossovers.

As Subaru’s fourth and most recent crossover, the XV Crosstrek has helped fuel the automakers growth given that 53,741 units were sold in 2013, its first full calendar year of production. This spring, a hybrid version debuts, extending the models sales possibilities further. It is Subaru’s first hybrid offering, but some improvements need to be made as its fuel economy disappoints and seating comfort falls short.

Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid

When it goes on sale in spring 2014, the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid will be sold in standard or base ($25,995) and Hybrid Touring ($29,295) editions. The standard hybrid version carries a $4,000 price premium over the base gas model, but also includes automatic climate control, keyless entry and push button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an upgraded instrument cluster and other enhancements that effectively cuts that price premium in half.

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid

A typical practice of car manufacturers is to deliver hybrid models with improved content over comparable base gas models, as is evident in the Subaru. But, that practice can confuse consumers who may think that they have to pay $4,000 to $5,000 more in a bid to save a few mpg and achieve a corresponding reduction in emissions. It pays to explore the available trim levels to make a realistic comparison.

Fuel Economy Falls Short

And it is a robust miles per gallon (mpg) boost that hybrids should deliver across the board, right? Well, that isn’t how it works with this Subaru. It comes in at an EPA-rated 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while its gas-only counterpart is rated at 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Thus, the mpg gains are realized around town only, not on the highway.

As tested, this model delivered 27 mpg across 280.1 miles of driving. For the first 140 miles that average was just 22.3 mpg until I took the Crosstrek on a non-stop, 124-minute drive that was 95 percent highway riding, covering 116 miles. That trip yielded an average 32.7 mpg or very close to the EPA stated highway mileage.

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid

Certainly, cold weather affected fuel mileage earlier in the week (temperatures in the 20s to 40s) with the Fahrenheit hitting 55 degrees as I completed my extended drive time. All hybrid models are impacted by weather conditions and will at times deliver less than stellar fuel economy just count on that.

Hybrid Drivetrain System

Subaru’s hybrid system marries its 2.0-liter boxer four cylinder engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission, integrating the latter with an electric motor. The gasoline engine is the same one used in the BRZ where its dual active valve control enhancement produces 200 horsepower. That feature is not part of the hybrids makeup, thus you get a maximum 160-hp with this Crosstrek.

Step on the accelerator and away you go. Power is sufficient, but not noteworthy. What you cant miss is the whine of the engine and the noticeable rubber band pulling effect of the CVT: very present annoyances that detract from the drive.

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid

Ground clearance comes in at 8.7 inches, matching the Forester and the gas-powered Crosstrek. You get the familiar symmetrical all-wheel drive system, what delivers a sure grip on wet roads. The hybrid stays true to other Subaru benefits including very good steering and braking. No disappointment for buyers there.

The Crosstrek offers a familiar Subaru face with its signature grille flanked by flared, projector beam automatic headlamps. Fog lights are standard as is a rear spoiler and a rear wiper/washer. This model also comes with heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, wheel arch cladding, LED tail lights, raised roof rails, and chrome touches. Its dark-gray aluminum-alloy wheels are shod within 17-inch all-season tires.

Cabin Comfort and Features

Inside, seating is for five, but is most comfortable for four with the rear center arm rest folded down. All models are equipped with front bucket seats and a 60/40 fold flat rear seat. Heated cloth seats are standard; the Hybrid Touring edition gets leather-appointed seating.

The drivers seat offers 6-way manual control. I found that seat uncomfortable most of the time and tolerable at other times. Back support and bolstering are simply not sufficient. Can you say, lower back pain? My family also aired their complaints about the back seat, describing the seats as hard and not comfortable. Uncomfortable seats alone are enough to redirect my attention to a different model such as the Subaru Forester.

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid

The instrument panel features speedometer and odometer analog displays with a bright blue background. In the center of the panel is a drivers information center featuring a fuel read out and other details. Centered on top of the dashboard is a nifty digital screen that displays climate information, current time, and overall mpg. It also provides trip information including elapsed time, miles driven, and average mpg. It automatically resets every time you stop the vehicle.

Subaru’s First Hybrid Electric Vehicle

View manufacturer details and pricing

Soft touch materials, textured plastic and brightwork trim are found throughout the cabin. This model offers eight drink holders: beverage holders are found in all four door pockets and cup holders are located in the front center console and in the rear drop down arm rest.

There is a sufficient number of storage compartments inside of the cabin. The two grocery bag hooks and four tie-downs in the rear storage compartment are a nice feature.

The heated seats were also a welcome feature, offering two-level temperature settings (low/high), taking the edge off of the hard seats. Subaru equips the XV Crosstrek Hybrid with a 6-speaker audio system, but there is no SiriusXM satellite radio at this price point. Yes, thats what tuning to local stations is like I had nearly forgotten.

To get an enhanced audio system with iTunes tagging and HD radio youll need to choose the Hybrid Touring edition. With the top-end model you also get a navigation system.

Subaru, But Not This One

Though the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid fell short of my personal expectations, it did nothing to diminish my overall positive perceptions of the brand. Given that it is Subaru’s first attempt to produce a gas electric hybrid, improvements will come and make this model more competitive.

I would also like to see Subaru engineers recalibrate the automatic stop/start feature so that it does not kick in so quickly. As currently engineered, it cuts the engine off nearly the moment you come to a stop even as you enter an intersection and pause to make a left turn. A five-second longer delay would eliminate that sensation with little effect on fuel mileage.

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid

  • Sticker price from $25,995
  • Price as tested: $26,820
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 2.0-liter 16-valve four cylinder boxer engine
  • Maximum 160 horsepower (148 gas engine)
  • Maximum 163 foot-pounds of torque (145 gas engine)
  • 3.31 inches bore by 3.54 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 10.8-to-1
  • Continuously variable automatic transmission
  • Lithium-ion battery pack
  • Electric motor: 13.4 hp; 48 lb.-ft. torque
  • Hybrid battery: 13.5kW, 100.8V nickel-metal-hydride
  • Wheelbase: 103.7 inches
  • Length: 175.2 inches
  • Width: 70.1 inches
  • Height: 63.6 inches
  • Passenger volume: 97.5 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 21.5/50.2 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: N/R
  • EPA: 29 mpg city, 33 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 13.7 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,451 pounds
  • Vehicle assembly: Japan

More Car Reviews

Cadillac ELR 2+2 Luxury PHEV Coupe

In the Wet: 2015 Subaru WRX

Charleston: Drayton Hall and a 2014 Toyota Highlander

Subaru BRZ: Lets Drift!

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: all-wheel drive, boxer engine, CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION, four-cylinder engine, HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE, lithium-ion battery, SEATS, STOP/START TECHNOLOGY, Subaru Forester, SUBARU XV CROSSTREK HYBRID, XV CROSSTREK HYBRID

About admin

Matt Keegan has maintained his love for cars ever since his father taught him kicking tires can be one way to uncover a problem with a vehicle’s suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, G-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment system in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources.

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Seductive: 2014 Lexus IS350 F Sport says:
    April 20, 2017 at 5:28 pm

    […] Gone Green: 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid […]

    Log in to Reply
  2. Beastly Elegance: 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali says:
    April 21, 2017 at 10:04 am

    […] Gone Green: 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid […]

    Log in to Reply
  3. Green Machine: 2014 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback says:
    April 22, 2017 at 8:03 am

    […] Gone Green: 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid […]

    Log in to Reply
  4. At a Glance: 2015 Jeep Renegade says:
    April 22, 2017 at 8:19 am

    […] ***Reference — Auto Trends: Gone Green: 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid*** […]

    Log in to Reply
  5. Sporty Sedan: 2014 Buick Regal GS says:
    April 22, 2017 at 3:03 pm

    […] Gone Green: 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid […]

    Log in to Reply
  6. Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid Tech Specs says:
    June 8, 2017 at 7:42 am

    […] Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid is equipped with an active torque split version of the brands symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. […]

    Log in to Reply
  7. Behind the Wheel of the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    December 22, 2017 at 2:04 pm

    […] On the other end of the SUV spectrum is the Crosstrek, an all-wheel drive model that hit the market as the XV Crosstrek in 2013. Upon its debut, Subaru offered both standard and gas-electric versions, the latter the company’s first hybrid. The hybrid wasn’t well received. In fact, I wasn’t happy with its fuel economy as mentioned in my review. […]

    Log in to Reply
  8. Driven: 2016 Subaru Forester — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    September 8, 2018 at 4:16 pm

    […] product in the brand’s current three-model utility vehicle line up, wedged between the smaller XV Crosstrek and the larger Outback. The three-row Tribeca SUV is no longer made as it was cancelled in 2014, […]

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Recent Comments

  • Fiat Chrysler Peugeot: Now What? — Auto Trends Magazine on Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Peugeot Prepares for its U.S. Return — Auto Trends Magazine on Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All — Auto Trends Magazine on Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All — Auto Trends Magazine on What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All — Auto Trends Magazine on Peugeot Prepares for its U.S. Return

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
  • About the 2021 Genesis GV80
  • The Toyota Supra Gets a Four-Cylinder Engine and We’re Simply Gobsmacked!
  • Jim Farley Appointed Ford President and CEO
February 2014
S M T W T F S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
232425262728  
« Jan   Mar »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in