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Poor sales prompt Subaru to kill the Crosstrek Hybrid

The Subaru XV Crosstrek is a major hit. It's high off the ground, offers enough seating for five, and has Subaru's iconic all-wheel-drive system, which is exactly what modern consumers want. As we pointed out last year, Subaru posted impressive sales figures thanks to its crossover lineup, which includes the Forester, Outback, and XV Crosstrek. It turns out, though, that Subaru owners aren't interested in the hybrid variant of the crossover, as Subaru plans to axe the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, reports Cars Direct. The discontinuation of the XV Crosstrek Hybrid is due to the crossover's poor sales figures, claims Cars Direct. Subaru introduced its first-ever production hybrid, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, in 2013 and after just three years the vehicle is being killed. As we pointed out in our review of the vehicle, the hybrid's larger price tag and marginally better fuel economy made it a tough choice over the non-hybrid models. The XV Crosstrek Hybrid starts – sorry, started – at $27,245, while the base 2.0i model has - had - a price tag of $22,445. That's $4,800 more for a vehicle that gets seven mpg better in the city and only three mpg more on the highway at 30 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. We reached out to Subaru for a comment, but haven't heard back yet. We'll update the story when we hear back from the automaker. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid: First Drive View 53 Photos News Source: Cars DirectImage Credit: Copyright 2016 Jonathon Ramsey Green Plants/Manufacturing Subaru Crossover Hatchback subaru xv crosstrek subaru hybrid discontinued subaru xv crosstrek hybrid

Subaru Crosstrek gets a modest price increase for the 2021 model year

Subaru has published full pricing information for the 2021 Crosstrek, which gains a bigger, more powerful engine and a handful of visual modifications. It's slightly more expensive than the outgoing 2020 model. Buyers have four trim levels — base, Premium, Sport, and Limited — to choose from. Pricing for the entry-level model starts at $23,295 once a mandatory $1,050 destination charge enters the equation, a figure that represents a modest $100 increase over the cheapest 2020 model. This price gets you a relatively basic crossover powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four rated at 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. It spins the four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission; motorists who ask for two pedals will be charged $24,645. Subaru priced the Premium trim at $24,345 with a six-speed stick and $25,695 with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). All-wheel drive and the base model's 2.0-liter flat-four come standard regardless of the transmission chosen. Stepping up to the Premium variant adds features like fog lights, body-colored door mirrors, a six-speaker sound system, a better infotainment system, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. New for 2021, the Sport trim benefits from a 2.5-liter flat-four that finally gives the Crosstrek the power it badly needed. Its output checks in at 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, yet it's nearly as efficient as the aforementioned 2.0-liter four. Priced at $27,690, the Sport model gains Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud drive modes, 17-inch alloy wheels, water-repellant upholstery, plus a handful of trim-specific accents inside and out. It's exclusively offered with the CVT; buyers who want a manual will need to forgo the bigger engine. Finally, the last rung on the Crosstrek hierarchy is occupied by the Limited model, which carries a base price of $29,045. It receives the same 2.5-liter as the Sport, but it boasts a longer roster of standard features including LED fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, plus additional driving aids like reverse automatic braking, high-beam assist, and blind spot detection with lane-change assist. Made in Japan, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek will begin arriving in American showrooms before the end of the summer. As of writing, nothing suggests the Impreza that the Crosstrek is based on will get the 2.5-liter four. Related Video:    

2019 Subaru Forester Long-Term Update | I can see clearly now!

One of the biggest complaints among drivers is that visibility is getting worse in cars. In the neverending pursuit of better crash test ratings and rakish aggressive styling, pillars are getting thicker, and the view out is getting ever more tank like. Some of the worst offenders include the Chevy Camaro and Toyota C-HR. But one car has miraculously bucked the trend: our long-term Subaru Forester. I took it out for a night recently after a lengthy hiatus, and I was stunned by what I could see: everything! The Forester has shockingly thin pillars all the way around, even at the back. The tall roof facilitates equally tall windows. Add in extra low window sills and a high seating position, and the feeling is like being a fish in an aquarium. It makes merging lanes and parking a breeze. Not only that, but the cabin feels so airy and bright, especially with the Forester's extra-huge sunroof. It's a breath of fresh air, you know, if your eyes could breathe. Most of the rest of the segment has adopted the aforementioned thick pillars and low roofs that counter this freeing, open feeling. Look no further than the best-selling crossover in the compact class, the Toyota RAV4, which has prioritized an aggressive exterior design at the expense of having a comparatively claustrophobic cabin. The Forester's amazing visibility doesn't come at the cost of safety, either. It's an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for getting the best-possible ratings for crash protection and prevention, as well as "Good" or "Acceptable" headlight ratings. NHTSA gives it a top five-star rating overall, and it has a low risk of rollover. One other minor side note to all this: The Forester is a great vehicle for senior drivers. The visibility, and of course the good safety ratings are a big part of that, but there are other factors. I realized the Forester is really easy to get in and out of, almost like a minivan. The doors open wide, the floor is low, and the seats are at a comfortable hip height, so you simply step in rather than climbing up or lowering down into it. It's a small crossover that's easy to maneuver. The large cargo space would be handy if needing to bring walkers or wheelchairs around. And the standard all-wheel drive would be a nice extra layer of security in bad conditions. It's maybe not an exciting way to market the Forester, but it's true.