In 2015, Subaru dropped the XV moniker in the United States and Canada, marketing it simply as the Crosstrek for the 2016 model year and onward.

Based on a raised suspension version of the Subaru Impreza 5-door hatchback, the XV concept offered aluminum alloy wheels with silver spokes, black wheels and clear blue center caps; yellow-green body color, silvery white leather interior upholstery at seats, mesh in selected interior areas with yellow/green piping, multifunction display with navigation, car audio, and vehicle information in the center panel; EyeSight driving assist with stereo cameras and LCD monitor between the two combination meters, 2.0-liter four cylinder horizontally-opposed DOHC engine, Lineartronic CVT, and 245/45 ZR19 tires.

[8] It was introduced in the United States as the XV Crosstrek for the 2013 model year at the 2012 New York International Auto Show.

It is powered by the FB20B engine making 148 hp (110 kW) (in the United States), sharing powertrain specifications with the Impreza.

For the 2014 model year, a Hybrid version was released in the North American markets in two trims, the higher of which had new features with some of these being optional on the non-Hybrid Premium and Limited trims.For the 2015 model year, reversing cameras and 6.2 inch head units were added to all trims, as well as an upgraded electric power steering system.

The Limited trim got an insulation-glass windshield, optional keyless ignition, an upgraded instrument cluster which included a color Liquid-Crystal Display.

The then-new Starlink multimedia plus system with a 7.0 inch display that debuted on the 2015 Subaru Legacy and Outback was included as well.

For the 2016 model year, the Premium trim received the all weather package with two-level heated front seats and heated mirrors as standard equipment, along with the option of Subaru's Starlink Safety and Security system (standard on the Limited) including an SOS button, automatic collision notification system, stolen vehicle recovery, and a vehicle monitoring app.

Included was special interior and exterior styling, a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

[13] Malaysian production of the Subaru XV shipped as complete knock-down kits began at Tan Chong Motor Assemblies Sdn.

[21][22] In the United States starting with the 2016 model year, Subaru dropped the XV from its name and sold it as simply the Crosstrek.

The vehicle was Subaru's first production hybrid after a series of concepts stretching back to the 2003 B9 Scrambler, and was unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show.

[24][25] Compared to the conventionally-powered XV Crosstrek, a new gauge cluster and keyless start have been added to the hybrid, which gains approximately 300 pounds (140 kg) in weight.

The 10 kW generator-motor is built into the Lineartronic CVT, similar to the "turbo-parallel-hybrid" system first shown on the Subaru B5 TPH concept, and is intended to be used primarily for acceleration assistance and regenerative braking.

The base Hybrid model included the Limited's features, MPG of 29 city, 33 highway, removes the leather interior, and added different wheels, grill shutters, quick-ratio electric power-steering, side mirrors with signal repeaters, keyless ignition, chrome door handles, and an upgraded multi-function display, along with more power (up to 160 hp (120 kW) and 163 lb⋅ft (221 N⋅m) of torque).

[11] The second-generation Subaru XV ("Crosstrek" for the North American market) was unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2017.

Minimum ground clearance is 220 mm (8.7 in) and matte black cladding has been added to each side to add a "rugged flavor", creating "a dynamic form expressing all the enjoyment to be expected from a crossover vehicle".

[32] The second-generation Crosstrek in North America uses the revised direct-injection FB20D gasoline engine with 152 hp (154 PS; 113 kW) and 196 N⋅m (20 kg⋅m; 145 lb⋅ft) output.

The Limited trim got adaptive LED headlights, keyless ignition and entry, an optional Harman Kardon was available and a 6-way power driver's seat was included.

[38] In May 2018, Subaru of America announced a plug-in hybrid electric version for the 2019 model year to serve as a compliance car, and thus is sold only in states that follow California emission standards.

The car has a fuel tank of 13.2 US gallons (50 L; 11.0 imp gal) and an 8.8 kWh (32 MJ) battery, which together enable a range of 480 miles (770 km).

[44] Starting summer of 2020, for the 2021 model year, Subaru began selling the Crosstrek with changes that include aesthetic tweaks, a new trim level, more driver assistance technology, and a new 2.5-liter engine option.

The most obvious exterior styling change is larger front lower bumper cladding in black plastic.

The new Sport trim level, above Premium and below the top spec Limited, will bring with it Subaru's dual X-Mode traction control with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud terrain options.

For the first time, the Crosstrek offers a 2.5-liter FB25D as an engine option, and it is only available with the CVT transmission on the Sport and Limited trim levels.

[45] For the 2023 model year, a new Special Edition package was introduced for the Premium trim, marking the return of the Desert Khaki color option offered in the previous generation.

The Crosstrek Wilderness uses the same 2.5-liter FB25D from the Sport and Limited trims and features a lower final drive ratio of 4.11 compared to the standard 3.7.

The second motor is smaller and does not contribute to forward traction; instead, it operates the starter and works as a generator to recharge the hybrid batteries.

[69] Many North American journalists and owners believe the Crosstrek is underpowered,[70][71] like most cars in its class, and advocate for a turbocharged model, akin to the Subaru Impreza Gravel Express.

[81] In July 2021, a warranty extension for up to 10 years (and unlimited mileage) was applied to the electronic power steering rack of all 1st generation US Crosstreks (along with all 4th generation Foresters and Imprezas) due to the possibility of corrosion in areas with high amounts of road salt deployed in winter months (like the Rust Belt region of the United States) causing the rack to become prone to cracking after a significant impact.