2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid: Video Review2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid: Video Review

It’s no secret that Subaru has surged from strength to strength over the last several years.
Its sturdy, all-wheel-drive lineup of sedans, hatchbacks, and crossover utilities can be seen on the roads anywhere there’s bad weather, mountainous terrain, or active-sports participants.
2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid, Catskill Mountains, NY, March 2014
We tested the company’s first-ever hybrid model, the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid, earlier this year–and now we have a Green Car Reports video review as well.
DON’T MISS: 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid: Gas Mileage Review
Joel Feder put the hybrid Crosstrek through its paces in Portland, Oregon–home to huge hordes of Subarus–and he shares his conclusions on video.
While the XV Crosstrek Hybrid is EPA-rated at 31 mpg combined (higher than the regular version), Feder confirmed that its real-world gas mileage isn’t much of an improvement over that of the standard Crosstrek.
But he noted the improvements in ride, handling, and cabin quietness from the many updates Subaru has made just for the hybrid model of the Crosstrek (and which we hope will be extended into the conventional model very soon).
2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid at 2013 New York Auto Show
And, as a mild hybrid, the Crosstrek’s electric motor really isn’t capable of moving it away from a stop on electric power only–though it will drop into electric running in light-load circumstances.
ALSO SEE: Subaru Swamped By Demand For XV Crosstrek In U.S., Hybrids In Japan
There’s also a slight shudder when the engine switches off as the car comes to a stop.
Watch the video and get the full report on the new 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid.
Then ask yourself this question: Has Subaru supplanted Volvo in the market for upright, square, practical wagons?
_______________________________________________
Follow GreenCarReports on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

View original article at:  “https://www.greencarreports.com//news/1092827_2014-subaru-xv-crosstrek-hybrid-video-review”