Subaru XV Hybrid 2020 Review

The 2020 Subaru XV line-up comprises four model variants, all powered by Subaru’s 2.0-litre boxer engine.

And now for the first time there’s an electrified version of the Impreza-based XV, which is a popular seller for the brand, racking up 10,062 sales in 2019 – second only to the Forester (15,096 units).

The addition of Subaru’s new ‘e-Boxer’ mild-hybrid powertrain (introduced in both the XV and Forester at the same time, in February 2020) marks the Japanese brand’s entry into the electrified vehicle market, and there are faint promises of pure electric powertrains in Subaru’s not-too-distant future.

The 2020 Subaru XV hybrid introduces a lithium-ion battery and electric motor that adds up to 10kW of power and 66Nm of torque to the 2.0-litre flat four, for a combined potential output of 120kW/254Nm.

The XV is paired exclusively to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

It is of course when the Subaru XV Hybrid’s lithium-ion battery is working that this small SUV delivers its unique point of difference – greater fuel efficiency.

The 2020 Subaru XV Hybrid is a single-model offering priced from $35,580 (plus ORCs).

Therefore the manufacturer asks a $6000 premium over the entry-level Subaru XV 2.0i, although the hybrid does sneak in just under the top-spec XV 2.0iS (from $36,530).

The petrol-electric XV improves on entry-level kit levels with additions such as LED fog lights, auto headlights, power folding mirrors, roof rails, rain sensing wipers and premium cloth trim with contrast stitching.

Subaru vehicles are backed by a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and service intervals are set at 12 months or 12,500km. The lithium-ion battery comes with an eight-year, 160,000km warranty.

The Subaru XV hybrid sits in the fiercely competitive sub-$40K small SUV segment, which was dominated in 2019 by the Nissan QASHQAI (11,653), Honda HR-V (11,731), Hyundai Kona (13,342), Mazda CX-3 (14,813) and the top-selling Mitsubishi ASX (20,806) among 30 contenders.

However, none of these are hybrid vehicles, although a hybrid version of the Toyota C-HR (9378 sales) is similarly priced at $36,440 plus ORCs but only front-wheel drive, and the Kona EV is available for $60K-plus.

Buyers who value comfort, practicality, fuel economy and a lengthy standard equipment and safety tech list will reap the benefits of a 2020 Subaru XV hybrid.

Compared to its 2.0-litre petrol-only siblings, the XV hybrid is claimed to consume up to seven per cent less fuel on the combined cycle (6.5L/100km). The Subaru XV hybrid runs on 91 RON fuel, too.

Subaru claims that in the right driving conditions the XV hybrid has the potential to drive in fully electric mode at speeds of up to 40km/h. When decelerating or coasting above this the XV hybrid can switch to EV mode to produce further fuel savings.

Around town or if you’re taking advantage of the XV’s 220mm of ride height and all-wheel-drive capability for some mild off-road adventure, the extra torque (65Nm) offers improved power delivery at low speeds.

Subaru’s driver assist and safety credentials are top-notch and the XV benefits from symmetrical all-wheel-drive, X-Mode, EyeSight driver assist and vision assist including autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane keep assist and rear cross traffic alert.

There’s a five-star ANCAP safety rating, all Subarus now come with a five-year, unlimited-km warranty and the XV Hybrid comes with the same 12-month/12,500km service intervals as other Subaru models.

Like regular XV models, the hybrid is flexible and practical, the second row will (just) accommodate three occupants and boot space extends from 345 to 919 litres, which is more than other XVs (310-765L).

And digital radio, Bluetooth voice control, satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android auto connectivity puts it on a level playing field with its rivals.

However, with the battery located in the boot there’s no room for a spare wheel (just an inflator kit) and nor is there a manual option or face-level second-row air-vents.

The Subaru XV hybrid will appeal to buyers looking for the performance and efficiency benefits of mild-hybrid tech in a small SUV.

The electrified drivetrain offers fuel savings without the hassle of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or a purely battery-powered vehicle (EV) – no plugging in, no waiting while it recharges and no additional home hardware required.

The hybrid system recharges the battery during braking or while coasting. It represents baby steps towards eco-friendly motoring, for Subaru and its buyers.

Its lithium-ion battery aside, the XV brings all the practicality and packaging you get in its petrol-only siblings.

The Subaru XV Hybrid nails the inner-city brief in a hatch-meets-SUV body style, while it’s all-wheel-drive credentials make it ideal for people who like to take their city SUV off the beaten track (a little bit).

We kept our test vehicle on the tarmac, where it performed exceptionally well on Melbourne’s unforgiving roads. Here, ride comfort and handling was commendable, and its balance of crisp handling and supple ride comfort are hard to match in this segment.

The Subaru XV Hybrid isn’t the most powerful pick in its class, but it offers sufficient performance and will even tow 1270kg (braked) if need be.

The Subaru XV is not going to win any beauty contests, but good looks only get you so far – am I right?

A comfortable, flexible and capable small SUV, however, will go a long way for a lot of people, which explains why so many buyers are attracted to the combination of small hatch credentials in an SUV body style.

The Hybrid builds on this formula by adding a bit more performance, a bit more efficiency and a bit more environmental friendliness – at a price.

The Subaru XV Hybrid is a versatile compact SUV with the advantages of hassle-free hybrid tech, but the price premium may be a sticking point given the relatively small benefits it brings over the equivalent conventional XV.

How much does the 2020 Subaru XV Hybrid cost?
Price: $35,580 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol/electric
Output: 110kW/196Nm, plus 12kW/66Nm lithium-ion battery
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic (CVT)
Fuel: 6.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 147g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: five-star ANCAP (year)