Nobody here knows the Subaru XV. This may be due to its unfortunate name creation or that the Japanese car manufacturer is more associated with long-ago rally successes or models like the Forester and an Outback. In the USA, on the other hand, Subaru has a reputation like Donnerhall, is known for its loyal customers and that the vehicles are almost impossible to break. Subaru doesn’t have any design icons to offer in the United States either, and people missed the idea of getting into electric mobility. After all, the Subaru Solterra is now available worldwide, a technical twin of the Toyota electric model bz4x.
The 4.48 meter long Subaru Crosstrek, as the XV is called in North America, has nothing in common with an electric drive. Okay, the compact all-wheel drive is now also available there as a hybrid version – but most customers drive with the normal four-cylinder engines with a displacement of 2.0 and 2.5 liters. “My daughter lived in the northeast of the USA for many years,” explains Jim as he gets out of his Toyota Camry in the parking lot in San Bruno, California, “there was almost always snow in the winter. She never had any problems with her Crosstrek and even left most of the pick-ups behind.” Many people in the United States of America think the same way as the mid-sixties: a Subaru is one for all cases, durable, indestructible and then with all-wheel drive, the one always reaches your destination, even in ice and snow. You can certainly come to terms with the one or two design dullness of the 4×4 model from Lafayette / Indiana. Boxer instead of electric – that’s Subaru in the 2024 model year.
Those who like things particularly rustic can now opt for the eye-catching Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, which looks like a real off-road vehicle. Studded tires, an increased ground clearance of more than 23 centimeters and all sorts of ornaments that can otherwise be found on models such as a Mercedes G-Class or a Land Rover Defender, coupled with an increased towing capacity of 1.6 tons make the 32,000 US dollar expensive The XV twin with its 2.5 liter four-cylinder is more desirable than ever for many all-wheel drive fans. Most customers forego the off-road vehicle genes and opt for the 1.6 tonne standard version – also powered by the 2.5 liter boxer engine, which transmits its 133 kW / 182 hp to both drive axles via a continuously variable CVT automatic and thus also off the beaten track paved paths can convince. The engine, with its maximum torque of 242 Nm, is just as relaxed as the driving behavior of the 190 km/h all-wheel drive vehicle.
The Crosstrek’s safety equipment has been improved over the years, as most driver assistance systems on board are now available as standard, which only underlines Subaru’s already extremely high safety image among customers. What is new is the so-called emergency steering, which supports the driver in avoiding the risk of an impending collision. Subaru’s freely selectable driving programs called This means maximum propulsion is guaranteed even if you go to visit friends in the mountains at the weekend or have to pull a jet ski out of Lake Mead.
As popular as the Subaru Crosstrek is among its fans; The interior is not up to par with the analogue displays, small controls and many plastic details despite the 11.6-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard. However, many Americans do not attach great importance to an interior that is both tidy and of high quality, as shown by cost-sensitive mid-range vehicles that have been selling well for years. It is incomprehensible why the Subaru Crosstrek lacks animated instruments or a head-up display, there is no heated seats for the rear passengers and the tailgate still has to be operated manually. Customers usually don’t object to this and so the Subaru models are forgiven for many things that would be rejected in direct competition, no matter how damaging it can sometimes be. Satisfaction with products and with retailers has been setting records for years, especially in the USA, where other brands fail.
“Subaru dealers build lifelong relationships with their customers, from purchase to delivery, and strive to provide exceptional service that exceeds expectations. “It’s part of our mission to be more than a car company and our dealers’ commitment to being more than a car dealer for their communities,” said Thomas J. Doll, President and CEO of Subaru of America, “This recognition reaffirms our belief “That integrity, compassionate and loving customer service, compassion and love is an essential part of today’s car ownership.” That seems to more than make up for one or two defects in the product. Maybe a good example for other brands that the product just isn’t everything is. And with electric mobility you only park in the third row.
