Design XV Crosstrek

Design XV Crosstrek

If there's one thing manufacturers can't stand, it's a void in the marketplace. Product planners spend untold hours scouring the automotive spectrum for any whiff of white space, and once found, waste no time in sussing up a new model to fill the vacuum.

That's how we wind up with oddities like the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, Chevrolet HHR Panel, and yes, the BMW 5 Series GT. Even Subaru has occasionally fallen into the answer-to-the-question-no-one-asked trap, resulting in models like the short-lived Baja.

As seems to be the case with most new Subaru products, the XV Crosstrek isn't going to win any beauty pageants. It borrows all of its bodywork from the lower-slung Impreza five-door, but the addition of the new ride height does much to improve the vehicle's presence on the road. Whereas the standard Impreza can't help but look a little awkward, the XV has grown into its ears.

Subaru shoved a full 8.7 inches of ground clearance under this newest crossover, putting it ahead of would-be rivals like the Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5 and even the Jeep Compass. The stance helps make sense of the body lines by Tonka, and with the wheels pushed far to each corner, the XV appears ready to go bashing through the woods.

Engine XV Crosstrek

Critics have long derided Subaru for the company's '90s-quality interiors, and while the XV doesn't offer any revelations in that department, it's certainly a step in the right direction. Limited trim offers up nice leather seating with contrast stitching, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel feels appropriately sized.

The redundant controls are all familiar and well thought out, and the faux-metal accents along the dash help brighten up the cabin a bit. Yes, the buttons for the seat warmers are still in a clunky location and the climate controls can feel a bit flimsy, but we're keen to reward Subaru for leaving well enough alone here. Everything is easy to reach, simple to understand and functions as intended. That's more than we can say for a host of automakers at the moment.