A company out of the UK called Crawford
Performance has created the Subaru Crosstrek to rule all Subaru Crosstreks. In
building its off-road-focused Crosstrek, also known as the XV in some markets,
Crawford has fitted a 2-inch lift kit as well as a set of 15-inch Method wheels
finished in black and wrapped in chunky off-road tires. The increase in ride
height and the new tires alone will have a dramatic impact on the car’s
credentials at tackling difficult terrain.
Any good off-roader needs some form of
body protection and Crawford’s Subaru Crosstrek is no different. As such, there
is a steel bull bar on the front as well as steel rock sliders on either side.
The rear also features body protection. Crawford has also fitted front and rear
skid plates. Rounding out the modifications are three large spotlights on the
front and additional LED lights next to the wing mirrors.
Crawford Performance has a history of
producing insane off-road Subaru models and last year, teamed up with Subaru
Motorsports USA and Grabowski Brothers Racing for the Subaru Crosstrek Desert
Racer. While the Crosstrek in question is far from as radical as that bespoke
race car, it certainly looks the part.
A handful of modifications have been made
to the powertrain. The Subaru continues to use a 2.0-liter boxer engine that’s
mated to a CVT transmission but the engine receives intake spacers and an
air-oil separator and now delivers 167 hp compared to the 152 hp of the
standard car. The exhaust has also been upgraded. While 167 horses may not
sound like that much, vehicles like the Suzuki Jimny prove power isn’t the
be-all and end-all of capable off-roaders.
