Subaru->ke86 is going to expand the XV lineup with the addition of a XV Crosstrek Hybrid version – the brand's first-ever production hybrid vehicle. The model made its world debut at the 2013 New York International Auto Show and will be put on sale in the fourth quarter of 2013.

With the new XV Crosstreck Hybrid, Subaru managed to keep all the features offered in the standard version, but enhanced it with higher fuel efficiency. The model is powered by a compact hybrid system that weighs just 209 pounds, so the new hybrid model weights just 300 pounds more than the gasoline engine XV Crosstrek.

The model displayed in New York featurs a very cool Plasma Green Pearl exterior color - an exclusive feature for the XV Hybrid.

Updated 03/28/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs.

Updated 10/2/2013: Subaru has finally released the XV Crosstrek Hybrids pricing details. It starts at $25,995, plus delivery. See all of the details after the jump.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid.

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid
  • Engine/Motor: flat-4
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The exterior design language remains basically identical to the standard version, except that it adds "Hybrid" badges at the front edges of the front doors and on the tailgate. As an exclusive feature, the new XV Crosstrek Hybrid is offered with a new Plasma Green Pearl exterior color.

Exterior dimensions

Wheelbase

103.7 in.

Length

175.2 in.

Width

70.1 in. (78.8 in. inc. mirrors)

Height

63.6 in. with roof rails

Ground clearance

8.7 in. at front crossmember

Angle of approach

18.0 deg.

Angle of departure

27.7 deg.

Ramp break-over angle

20.2 deg.

Track (front/rear)

60.0/60.0 in


Interior

The interior also retains elements from the standard XV, but it adds a clean, cool blue theme with silver trim to underscore the advanced hybrid engineering. Subaru also installed an exclusive instrument cluster featuring gradations of the blue color scheme to provide a sense of depth.

As standard feature, the new XV Crosstrek Hybrid adds a Color Multi-Function Display that display info on the hybrid drivetrain.

Interior dimensions

Headroom (f/r)

39.8/37.7 in.

Legroom (f/r)

43.5/35.4 in.

Hip room (f/r)

52.2/53.1 in.

Shoulder room (f/r)

55.6/54.2 in.

EPA interior volume

97.5 cu. ft.

Trunk liftover height

28.1. in.

Cargo area height

28.5 in.

Cargo volume Rear seats up/down:

21.5 cu. ft./50.2 cu. ft.


Drivetrain

Under the hood of the new XV Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru combined a 13.4-horspower electric motor with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque.

The electric motor takes its power from a 100-volt, 13.5 kW nickel-metal hydride battery located under a revised rear floor area. The hybrid system is mated to a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) and a standard auto start/stop system that shuts the gasoline engine when the vehicle is stopped. Surprisingly, Subaru has not released any preliminary mpg numbers. Very odd decision...

Hybrid System

4-cylinder BOXER engine and Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) with integrated electric motor

Electric motor

13.4 horsepower, 48 pound-feet

Hybrid battery

13.5 kW, 100-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery; drive motor inverter and DC/DC converter installed under rear cargo area

Gasoline engine

4-cylinder horizontally opposed (BOXER), alloy cylinder block and cylinder heads

Displacement

1,995 cc / 122 cu. in.

Bore x stroke

3.31 in. x 3.54 in.

Compression ratio

10.8-to-1

Horsepower

148 @ 6,000 rpm

Torque

145 pound-feet @ 4,200 rpm

Fuel system

Sequential multi-port fuel injection, electronic throttle control


Prices

The 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid model arrives in Subaru dealerships fourth quarter of 2013 at a starting price of $25,995, plus delivery.

Model/Trim

Transmission

MSRP

XV Crosstrek Hybrid

CVT

$25,995

XV Crosstrek Hybrid Touring

CVT

$29,295


Competition

The new Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid is not the only hybrid SUV to be unveiled on the New York.

Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid

Well, there are currently no compact crossover hybrids to compete with the XV Crosstrek, so we'll off up the closest we can find to it: the Pathfinder Hybrid. The Hybrid version of the new-generation Pathfinder drops the usual 3.5-liter V-6 engine in favor of a new supercharged 2.5-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. This system delivers a total of 250 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque - a good bit more than the XV, but they are both the proof that the hybrid market will expand in the upcoming future.

Conclusion

With the new XV Crosstrek Hybrid Subaru wants to offer an more environmental-friendly alternative to its customers. The fact that the model manages to retain the look and the same level of of the standard version will help it gain lots of customers.