2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
Visual changes from the Impreza hatch—itself new for 2012—are modest, but the XV Crosstrek rides about 4 inches higher. Ground clearance has increased by about 3 inches.

So what exactly is an XV Crosstrek? It’s a new SUV-flavored variant of the Subaru Impreza 5-door hatchback that will arrive in showrooms this September. I’ve just returned from the media introduction, where I fired off a few quick snapshots of my Tangerine Orange Pearl test car before heading off on the drive.

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2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
From the side, the black add-on lower-body and wheel-well cladding is apparent. Note the dark-tint rear windows.

 

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
Attractive black-finish alloy wheels wearing 225/55R17 tires are standard. The bottom edges of the wheel-well cladding are purposefully uneven, which makes for an interesting visual effect.

 

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
Crosstrek gets a different grille and front bumper than the Impreza.

 

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
There’s a unique rear bumper, too.

 

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
The roof rack is shared with the Impreza. Subaru says the little “fins” at the back corners of the rack help increase fuel economy by 1 mpg on the highway.

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About Subaru

This Japanese carmaker entered the U.S. market in 1968 and is best known for selling vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive. Though Subaru is one of the smaller Japanese car companies, its product owners are known for their near-fanatical loyalty to the brand.

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