The 2.0L flat four in the XV Crosstrek is far from sporty with just 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. However, due to Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system, the car feels perky when accelerating away from a stop light. The AWD system delivers the torque promptly in low-speed driving. Some might knock the XV’s lack of power, but it’s just enough around town.
Sadly, on the highway the XV requires patience when passing other drivers, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) is plenty noisy working to get as many of the 148 ponies on the road.
