The Subaru XV Crosstrek continues to be a massive success for the Japanese maker of all-wheel drive cars for the second consecutive year. Subaru has introduced the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid, which happens to be the vehicle’s first-ever hybrid model. The traditional Subaru customers have been desperately waiting for a hybrid car from their favorite manufacturer and this model is expected to gain a lot of popularity in the coming couple of months, especially due to the fact that hordes of people have started to prefer electric or hybrid cars due to the ever-increasing oil prices all around the world.

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid Pricing

The base price of 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid is $26,820, which is $3,000 more than the same car with a CVT automatic and $4,000 higher than the Crosstrek 2.0i Premium with a manual transmission. The range-topping model of the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek will cost a customer $30,120.

Ride

With a handful of mechanical updates to enhance its efficiency, more rugged styling, ground clearance, larger wheels and tires, this model remains an Impreza hatchback underneath. The vehicle offers a higher ride, but still maintains hatchback. The handling of this model is as efficient as a car on the road, but it survives quite well even on rough passages, offering a pretty smooth drive. The car is ideal for driving in the snow or rock trails, as the approach and departure angles are 18 and 28 respectively.

Engine and Economy

With the 148 horsepower from its 2-liter flat-hour engine and a XV Crosstrek Limited weight of 3,200 pounds, the car seems to be a little underpowered. The car is extremely enjoyable to drive due to the five-speed manual gearbox; however, that is at the expense of the fuel efficiency, although the company claims that this model offers an extra-ordinary economy. The car is rated at 33MPG on the highway, 25 MPG in the city and a total average of 28MPG.

Exterior

The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid appears surprisingly different from its Impreza base vehicle. It looks quite different to its competitors due to the larger tires and elevated ride. With a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, it has a resemblance with Subaru Outback, which is a much larger vehicle. As compared to the rest of the crossovers, it is far higher.

[CWGGallery id=1210]

Mechanical Changes

Some of the mechanical changes are: a few modifications with the body structure, better engine cooling system, and there have been changes in the front end body panels including grille, fascia and both the fenders.

Pros

The biggest positive about this model of Subaru is surely its smooth drive on all types of roads.

Cons

Despite the fact speed is not something associated with Subaru mass models, the 2014 Subuaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid appears to be a little underpowered. Other than that, in this price range, the vehicle should have been offering a better fuel economy than an average of 28MPG.

Competitors

In this price range of crossovers, this model of Subaru is likely to face competition from the recently-launched 2014 Hyundai Tucson. Some other competitors in this category are Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and the 2014 Mazda CX-5. However, the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid may lead the charts in the coming few months if the potential customers show an inclination towards hybrid cars.

Verdict

There is no doubt that Subaru needs to make improvements in the strength of the engine; however, the drive of the vehicle is absolutely brilliant, which should be enough to make it a success. The next couple of months, however, will give us a clearer picture.