Subaru XV Crosstrek

The funky XV Crosstrek is essentially a tall, wagon version of the Impreza, which manages to look almost cool with its big wheels, high ground clearance, and body cladding. The interior, however, still suffers from a joy-sucking combination of bland design and plasticitis. All-wheel drive is standard; power comes from a weak four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual (standard) or CVT (optional). There is a new hybrid powertrain that yields marginal fuel efficiency, albeit for a price.