What is the difference between the Subaru XV and the Subaru Crosstrek?
They are the same compact crossover; XV is the name used in Europe and many other markets, while Crosstrek is the name used in the United States and Canada. The two share most mechanics but differ in market-specific options, trims, and branding.
Naming and market differences
Across regions, Subaru uses different branding for the same vehicle. Here is how the two variants diverge in practice:
- Market name by region: XV is used in Europe, parts of Asia and other markets; Crosstrek is used in the United States and Canada.
- Engine options by market: European XV variants have historically offered petrol and diesel engines; US Crosstrek models are typically petrol only, with hybrid options available in some years.
- Hybrid availability: A Crosstrek Hybrid model has been offered in North America, while XV variants in many markets have not carried a hybrid option.
- Trim and standard equipment: Feature availability and standard equipment can vary by market due to regulations, consumer expectations, and dealership packaging.
- Model-year alignment: Generational updates may reach markets at slightly different times, so appearances or features may not align perfectly year-to-year.
In practice, these are branding and configuration differences rather than fundamentally different cars. The vehicles share the same underpinnings and drive characteristics, with market-specific tweaks.
Shared foundation and capabilities
Regardless of the name, the XV and Crosstrek rest on Subaru's global platform, emphasizing all-wheel drive capability and utility. Core elements include:
- Platform: Both variants are built on Subaru's global platform designed for compact crossovers with solid crash protection and strong all-wheel-drive integration.
- Drivetrain: The vehicles use Subaru's horizontally opposed (boxer) engines paired with all-wheel drive, with many trims offering X-Mode or similar traction aids for challenging surfaces.
- Interior and practicality: Similar cargo space, seat configurations, and rugged styling cues that emphasize versatility for daily commuting and light off-road errands.
- Safety: Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology has been offered across multiple trims and markets, though availability can vary by region and model year.
Despite market differences, the core engineering and driving experience remain aligned between the XV and Crosstrek.
Choosing between XV and Crosstrek in your market
When deciding which name to search for, consider your location and priorities. If you’re shopping in Europe or most other markets, look for the XV; in North America, search for the Crosstrek. If a hybrid powertrain or diesel option matters, verify availability for your specific country and model year, as options shift over time.
Summary
The Subaru XV and Crosstrek are the same compact, all-wheel-drive crossover built on the same platform. The key differences are largely branding and market-specific options, with engine choices, trims, and technology offerings varying by region. For buyers, the practical take is to focus on the exact model year and trim rather than the name, and to compare the equipment lists offered in your market.
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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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
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.
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.
