You remember 2013, right? The year everyone was obsessed with "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk and we all thought the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek was just a lifted Impreza. Because, honestly, it kind of was. But it was also something else. It was the moment Subaru realized that if you took a compact hatchback, gave it 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and painted it the color of a neon pumpkin—specifically "Tangerine Orange Pearl"—people would absolutely lose their minds.
It worked.
But buying one today, over a decade later, is a different story. You aren't just buying a quirky crossover; you’re stepping into the first generation of a platform that had some serious growing pains. If you’re looking at a high-mileage 2013 model on a used car lot, there are things you need to know that the glossy brochures definitely didn't mention back then.
That "Slow Car Fast" Energy
Driving a 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is a lesson in patience. It features the 2.0-liter FB20B boxer engine. It produces 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. That sounds... fine? On paper? In reality, when you’re trying to merge onto a busy interstate with three friends and a roof rack full of camping gear, it feels like the car is asking you, "Are you sure you really need to go this fast?"
The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is the main culprit here. Subaru was still refining their Lineartronic CVT back in 2013. It tends to drone. You floor it, the RPMs jump to a steady hum, and the speed builds with the urgency of a tectonic plate.
If you can find the five-speed manual, grab it. It doesn’t make the car faster, but it makes the lack of power feel like your fault rather than the car's apathy. Plus, the manual version uses a different AWD system—a continuous 50/50 torque split—whereas the CVT uses an electronically managed system that defaults to a 60/40 front-to-rear bias.
The Oil Consumption Elephant in the Room
We have to talk about the oil. This is the big one.
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The early FB20 engines in the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek were notorious for oil consumption issues. We aren't talking about a little drip on the driveway. We’re talking about the low oil light popping on every 1,200 miles because the piston rings weren't sealing correctly.
Subaru actually faced a class-action lawsuit over this. They eventually extended the powertrain warranty to 8 years or 100,000 miles for affected vehicles. If you're looking at one now, that warranty is long gone.
How to check if the one you're buying is a "Burner":
- Check the service records specifically for an "Oil Consumption Test."
- Look at the spark plugs if you can; heavy carbon buildup is a dead giveaway.
- Ask the owner point-blank: "How often do you add a quart?" If they say "never," and the car has 150,000 miles, they might be lucky, or they might be lying.
Interior Vibes: Function Over Everything
The interior of the 2013 XV Crosstrek is... utilitarian. That’s the nice way to put it. There’s a lot of hard plastic. The infotainment system feels like it’s from 2005, not 2013. The Bluetooth connection can be finicky, and the speakers sound like they’re wrapped in wool socks.
But here’s the thing: it’s durable.
You can hike through the mud, hop in with wet boots, and not feel like you’re ruining a luxury lounge. The seats are surprisingly comfortable for long hauls, even if they aren't fancy. It’s a car designed for people who spend more time looking out the window than at the dashboard.
The cargo space is 22.3 cubic feet with the seats up. It’s not huge. A Honda CR-V from the same year will swallow twice as much gear. But the Crosstrek has those beefy roof rails. Most owners just throw a Yakima or Thule box on top and call it a day.
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Off-Road Reality Check
People buy the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek because of that 8.7-inch ground clearance. To put that in perspective, a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee (without air suspension) has about 8.6 inches.
Does that make the Subaru a rock crawler? No.
The approach and departure angles are still limited by the long overhangs common to the Impreza body. However, on gravel forest roads, through deep snow, or across a muddy trailhead, it’s a mountain goat. The Symmetrical AWD system is legitimate. It doesn't wait for wheels to spin before engaging; it’s always sending power to all four wheels.
I’ve seen these things embarrass much "tougher" looking SUVs in the snow because the weight distribution is so balanced. The boxer engine sits low in the chassis, which keeps the center of gravity down. It handles like a car, but clears obstacles like a truck. Sorta.
Maintenance Items That Will Sneak Up on You
If you’re shopping for a 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek today, you’re likely looking at a car with 120,000 to 180,000 miles. At this age, Subarus have "the list."
- Wheel Bearings: These are a known weak point. If you hear a low hum that gets louder as you go faster (and sounds like a plane taking off), it’s probably a rear wheel bearing.
- Cam Carrier Leaks: Not as catastrophic as the head gasket issues of the older 2.5L engines, but the 2.0L can leak oil from the cam carriers. It’s a labor-intensive (read: expensive) fix because the engine usually has to come out.
- CV Axles: Listen for a clicking sound when making sharp turns at low speeds. The boots tear, grease escapes, and the joint fails.
- Valve Body in the CVT: If the car stutters or the "AT Oil Temp" light flashes, the valve body inside the transmission might be failing. It’s a $1,000 to $1,500 repair that is common around the 120k-mile mark.
Why People Still Love Them
Despite the quirks, the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek has a cult following. It was the first "cool" Subaru for a new generation. Before this, you either bought a WRX if you were a boy racer or a Forester if you were a geography teacher. The XV Crosstrek was for the person who wanted to go skiing on Friday and find a tight parking spot in the city on Saturday.
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It’s also incredibly safe. The 2013 model was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. For a small car, it holds up remarkably well in crashes, which is why you see so many parents buying them for their teenagers.
Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
If you are dead-set on a 2013 model, don't just wing it.
First, get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) from a mechanic who knows Subarus. A generic inspection might miss a weeping cam carrier or the early signs of CVT lag. Specifically, ask them to check the silicone seal on the timing cover and the condition of the CVT fluid.
Second, check the VIN on the Subaru recall website. There were recalls for brake light switches and valve springs (the latter was a big deal, involving an engine tear-down). You want to ensure those were completed by a dealership.
Third, factor "The Subaru Tax" into your budget. In many regions—specifically the Pacific Northwest, New England, and the Rockies—these cars hold their value annoyingly well. You might pay $8,000 for a car that needs $2,000 in work. Know that going in.
Finally, drive it on the highway before you buy. Some people find the road noise and the lack of passing power to be a dealbreaker. It’s better to find that out on a test drive than on your first road trip to the mountains.
The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek isn't perfect. It's slow, it might drink some oil, and the radio is basic. But it’s also a rugged, charming little tank that defined a whole new category of vehicles. Just keep a quart of 0W-20 synthetic oil in the trunk, and you'll be fine.
Quick Reference Maintenance Guide for 2013 XV Crosstrek Owners:
- Oil Change: Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (use 0W-20 synthetic).
- CVT Fluid: Subaru says "lifetime," but most experts recommend a drain and fill every 60,000 miles.
- Spark Plugs: Every 60,000 miles (it’s a tight fit in the engine bay, so be prepared for a bit of a struggle).
- Differential Fluid: Change every 30,000 to 50,000 miles to keep the AWD system happy.
- Cabin Air Filter: Check this yourself. It’s behind the glovebox and takes two minutes to change. Most used cars have one that looks like a bird's nest.