Are Subaru Crosstrek and XV the same?
Yes. Crosstrek is the name used in the United States and Canada, while XV is the branding used in most other markets; they refer to the same Subaru subcompact crossover and share core engineering.
The Crosstrek/XV family is Subaru’s global small crossover, built on largely the same platform and offered with similar drivetrains and features. Differences between the two names are mostly regional branding, with occasional variations in trims or available powertrains depending on market and year.
Naming and market differences
Before listing the regional naming patterns, note how the same model appears under different badges depending on where you shop:
- United States and Canada: Crosstrek
- Europe, parts of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and many other markets: XV
- In some periods and markets, Subaru has used both names for the same generation or offered synonyms in marketing materials
- Hybrid variants exist in multiple regions, with naming often aligning to the local brand language (for example, Crosstrek Hybrid in the US and XV e-BOXER Hybrid in certain markets)
Branding differences aside, the vehicle itself remains the same core model across generations, with market-specific trims, equipment, and powertrain choices shaping the exact package you’ll see in showrooms.
What they share under the hood and in engineering
To understand the equivalence, it helps to highlight the commonalities that tie Crosstrek and XV together across markets and model years:
- Shared platform and chassis: The Crosstrek/XV is designed around Subaru’s compact crossover footprint, using a design philosophy that emphasizes stability and safety.
- All-wheel drive as a core feature: Symmetrical AWD is a hallmark of the model family, providing traction in a variety of conditions.
- Engine and drivetrain basics: A 2.0-liter horizontally opposed (boxer) engine powers most trims, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in many markets; some regions have previously offered or still offer manual transmissions on select trims.
- Body style and capability: Subcompact crossover with modest ground clearance, practical interior layout, and standard safety technology options that vary by market.
- Safety gear: Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist suite is commonly available or optional, depending on trim and market.
Because markets differ in available options and packages, customers should verify exact specs for their country and model year when comparing badges or listings.
How to tell which name your market uses and what you’re buying
If you’re shopping or trying to register, use these practical checks to confirm whether the car you’re looking at is labeled Crosstrek or XV in your region:
Badge and documentation clues
- Check the rear badge or tailgate emblem for "Crosstrek" or "XV" as the primary identifier.
- Read the owner’s manual, brochure, or official dealer listing for the market’s naming convention.
- Inspect the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and the market code embedded in it, which can indicate the region and the corresponding naming used by Subaru in that country.
- Ask the dealer or consult Subaru’s regional website to confirm the local model name for the current year and trim levels.
In practice, the name you see on the badge is the easiest clue, but always cross-check the specifications (engine, transmission, available equipment) to confirm you’re comparing the same generation and option set.
Summary
Subaru Crosstrek and XV are the same family of small crossovers, with naming that varies by region. Crosstrek is the designation used in North America, while XV is used in most other markets. They share the same underlying platform, drivetrain philosophy (notably all-wheel drive), and core engineering, though trims, features, and powertrain options can differ by country and model year. When shopping, verify the exact generation, trim, and market-specific specs rather than relying solely on the badge.
