What is the difference between a Subaru XV and a Crosstrek?
In short, they are the same compact crossover, but with different market-specific names. The Crosstrek is Subaru’s US-market name, while XV is used in Europe, Japan, and several other regions. Differences you see are typically market-driven rather than fundamental design changes.
Beyond naming, regional variations can include engine options, availability of a hybrid variant, and standard features tied to local regulations and consumer preferences. This article explains how the XV and Crosstrek map to the same underlying vehicle, where they diverge by market, and what to check when shopping.
Naming and market differences
The core distinction is the badge and the region where the vehicle is sold; the underlying car is largely the same generation and platform, with some region-specific options.
- The United States uses the Crosstrek name; Europe, Japan, and some other markets use the XV badge.
- Across generations, Subaru has aligned the same model under different names in different regions, with variations in available engines and trims by market year.
- Typical visual design and overall size are similar, though certain styling details and color/option packages can vary by market.
In practice, US buyers will look for a Crosstrek, while buyers in Europe or Japan will look for an XV; the car you’re evaluating is often the same vehicle, just labeled differently for local sales.
Historical context
Historically, Subaru used the XV name in Europe and other overseas markets while the US market adopted the Crosstrek branding; over time, the two names have represented essentially the same compact crossover across generations, with market-specific option availability.
When shopping, it’s important to verify the exact year, region, and trim rather than relying solely on the XV/Crosstrek badge, as specifications can differ by market and model year.
Powertrain and features variations by market
Engine choices, transmissions, and available drivetrain technologies differ by country and model year. The following outlines common patterns seen across regions.
- United States: Crosstrek models have typically used a 2.0-liter flat-four engine (FB20) paired with a CVT and all-wheel drive; a dedicated Crosstrek Hybrid variant has been offered in later years.
- Europe/Japan: XV models in these markets have offered a mix of 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter petrol engines, with some generations offering a mild-hybrid e-Boxer system in select trims; CVT is common and all-wheel drive is widely available.
- Hybrid availability: A Crosstrek Hybrid (US) and an XV/e-Boxer hybrid option in various markets have appeared at different times, combining a petrol engine with electric propulsion for improved efficiency.
Because of these market-specific choices, the same generation can feel different depending on where you buy it, especially in terms of power, fuel economy, and the availability of electrified drivetrains.
Design, features, and trim levels
Trims and standard equipment vary by region and year, reflecting local demand and regulatory requirements. The following highlights cover common differences you may encounter.
- Infotainment and safety: EyeSight driver assist, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and screen sizes can vary by country and trim level.
- Exterior and interior: Subtle styling tweaks, grille and lighting designs, and interior materials can differ; some markets offer unique color options and wheel designs.
- Warranty and aftercare: Regional warranty terms, service packages, and maintenance requirements diverge by country.
When evaluating a specific vehicle, verify the exact regional spec sheet for that year and trim, as a badge alone does not guarantee identical equipment.
Summary
The Subaru XV and Crosstrek are essentially the same compact crossover, with the difference mainly rooted in regional naming rather than core design. The Crosstrek is the US market name, while XV is used in Europe, Japan, and other regions. Market-specific engine options, hybrid availability, and standard features lead to variations across years and trims, but the fundamental vehicle remains closely aligned. Always check the exact market and model year to understand the precise specifications you’re considering.
Why is Subaru discontinuing the Crosstrek?
Subaru is not discontinuing the Crosstrek model line entirely, but the Crosstrek Hybrid (PHEV) was discontinued in the U.S. due to slow sales and Subaru's strategic shift toward new hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) platforms that will be shared with Toyota. Subaru is still producing the standard Crosstrek and is developing new hybrid and EV models based on its new Global Platform, which will offer a new hybrid system for the Crosstrek in the future. The discontinuation of the manual transmission option was also driven by declining demand.
This video discusses the reasons behind the discontinuation of the Crosstrek Hybrid and Subaru's future plans for electrification: 46sAlex PrestigiacomoYouTube · Jun 9, 2025
- Hybrid model discontinued: The Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid was dropped after a short run in the U.S. because it only accounted for a small percentage of total sales.
- Strategic shift to new platforms: Subaru is focusing on developing new hybrid and EV models using its new Global Platform, which is designed to accommodate these powertrains. The company is working with Toyota on future EV platforms to improve profitability and innovation.
- Manual transmission phased out: The manual transmission option was discontinued due to declining sales, as a small percentage of buyers opted for it compared to automatic transmissions.
- Standard Crosstrek remains available: The gasoline-powered Crosstrek continues to be a popular and available model.
- Future hybrid return: Subaru has stated that it will launch a new hybrid Crosstrek in the future, likely with a new hybrid system and on the new Global Platform.
This video explains the changes coming to the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek, including updates to the powertrain options: 55sAlex PrestigiacomoYouTube · Nov 4, 2024
Is a Subaru Crosstrek the same size as a Honda CRV?
The Honda CR-V is larger than the Subaru Crosstrek, with greater length, width, and height, resulting in significantly more cargo space and passenger volume. The Crosstrek is a smaller subcompact SUV, while the CR-V is a compact SUV. The Crosstrek has higher ground clearance, making it more capable off-road, though the CR-V has a wider turning radius and greater rear legroom.
You can watch this video to see a comparison of the storage space and rear seat room in the Honda HR-V and the Subaru Crosstrek: 1mBen HardyYouTube · Jun 16, 2024
| Feature | Subaru Crosstrek | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Size | Smaller (Subcompact SUV) | Larger (Compact SUV) |
| Length | 176.4 in | 184.8 in |
| Width | 70.9 - 71.7 in | 73.5 in |
| Height | 62.8 - 63.6 in | 66.2 - 66.5 in |
| Cargo Space | 19.9 cu ft (with rear seats up) / 54.7 cu ft (with rear seats down) | 39.3 cu ft (with rear seats up) / 76.5 cu ft (with rear seats down) |
| Ground Clearance | Higher (8.7 in / 9.3 in for Wilderness) | Lower (7.8 in / 8.2 in for AWD) |
| Rear Legroom | 36.5 in | 41.0 in |
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Are Subaru Crosstrek and XV the same?
After years of perfecting the Subaru XV, the Crosstrek comes with an updated style, newer and more modern features and tech upgrades, while going big on safety.
What does XV mean on a Subaru Crosstrek?
XV on a Subaru Crosstrek means "crossover vehicle," a name used globally for the model until recently. For North American markets, the vehicle was sold as the "XV Crosstrek" from 2013–2015. Subaru dropped the "XV" moniker in the US and Canada starting with the 2016 model year, simply calling it the Crosstrek from then on.
- Meaning: XV stands for "crossover vehicle".
- Historical context: The name "XV Crosstrek" was used in the United States and Canada from 2013 to 2015.
- Global use: The vehicle was known as the "Subaru XV" in most other global markets for its first two generations.
- Current branding: Subaru officially renamed the model simply the "Crosstrek" in all markets, including Australia and other regions that previously used the "XV" name, beginning with the 2023 model year.
