Subaru XV v Toyota C-HR 2017 Comparison

Why are we comparing them?
Subaru’s second-generation XV and the all-new Toyota C-HR are recent arrivals and both shape-up as serious contenders for your bucks.

We’ve selected the 2.0i-L, the second model-up in Subaru’s four-variant XV range, and we’re pitching it into battle against our top-spec Toyota C-HR Koba long-term test car. The C-HR has already emerged victorious in our recent comparison test against the updated Holden Trax.

No doubt the XV shapes as tougher competition. It is thoroughly renewed, yet unquestionably evolutionary (especially the styling). Under the bonnet is Subaru’s 115kW 2.0-litre petrol boxer engine, a continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive within a new architecture shared with the Impreza small car.

The C-HR also rides on fresh underpinnings, but is powered by Toyota’s 85kW 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and drives only its front wheels via a CVT automatic. Clearly, there’s nothing evolutionary about the C-HR’s edgy styling.

Naturally, the AWD running gear goes a long way to explaining why the XV is heavier (1474kg versus 1385kg) and uses more fuel (claimed 6.4L7.0L/100km versus 7.0L6.4L/100km) but its naturally aspirated engine runs on lower-cost 91 RON petrol.

Who will they appeal to?
Singles and couples, either before or after children, would be the logical audience for these two vehicles. A couple of young children would fit in the back of either, but wagons the next size up do offer more people and luggage space.

How much do they cost?
The Subaru XV 2.0i-L will set you back $30,340 plus on-road costs. Our Toyota C-HR Koba is listed at $33,290 (plus ORCs).

While both come with a three-year warranty, the Subaru combines that with unlimited kilometres, whereas the Toyota is limited to 100,000km. Only the Subaru gets roadside assistance as standard

On the other hand, Toyota’s capped price service plan runs for five years and 75,000km whereas Subaru’s coverage only lasts for half as long.

What do they do well?
A competent all-rounder which drives capably and rides comfortably, the Subaru XV ekes out decent interior space from a cabin which is better presented and of higher quality than its predecessor. There are no less than three separate digital screens for the driver to peruse, while plenty of storage options are provided front and rear.

Important standard equipment includes the Eyesight pack’s autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise, a reversing camera, seven airbags,  two Isofix anchors,  dual-zone climate control, multiple USBs and 17-inch alloy wheels. The spare tyre is a temporary mounted on a steel wheel.

The C-HR is a more engaging drive which, considering it’s a Toyota, might surprise some. In fact, punting along a winding road really is quite good fun.

While its engine produces lower maximum numbers than the XV, the C-HR’s turbocharged powerplant’s peak 185Nm of torque kicks in at 1500rpm, versus 4000rpm for the naturally-aspirated Subaru’s 196Nm. Which means more pulling power is available more readily.

And, while it is a shorter and narrower package overall, and its boot has a smaller entry, there is more claimed luggage space in the C-HR. However, much of that capacity seems to be under the floor and it’s actually easier to fit a mountain bike in the Subaru.

The engines in both cars work well with their CVT transmissions. They are particularly helpful up steep hills where an orthodox automatic would be chopping and changing and, if you do want a set ratio, there are seven of them and paddle shifters by which to select them.

Naturally the range-topping Koda specification C-HR does list some extra specifications over the 2.0i-L XV. We’re talking reverse cross traffic alert, sat-nav, LED headlights, leather-accented seats, heated front seats and even ‘C-HR’ puddle lamps. The C-HR rides on 18-inch alloy wheels but only offers a temporary spare.

Both cars get the highest five star ANCAP safety rating.

What could they do better?
Clearly, neither of these cars are a bundle of fire in terms of engine performance. In fact, the Subaru XV is lethargic and the engine also tends to transmit a fair amount of noise as the revs rise (in the cabin sound-mixing with some tyre roar).

It should come as no surprise the C-HR’s form-over-function styling imparts some practical impacts. It feels quite deep and dark inside, especially in the rear seat where youngsters – even in boosters - will have a hard time seeing out.

And Toyota’s refusal to embrace Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sucks. Its proprietary Toyota Link system doesn’t work as well and plugging your phone into the retro-looking audio unit in the upper dashboard creates an eyesore.

The C-HR provides a reasonable number of storage options, but only that one USB plug-in, and the cupholders are so deep it’s hard to lift a regular-sized coffee cup out.

Which wins, and why?
The second-generation Subaru XV is a thorough and impressive overhaul of an already decent vehicle. Toyota’s C-HR unquestionably has more character, but also more highs and lows.

At the end of the week, given it’s cheaper to buy, has more passenger space and drives with a nice overall balance, the Subaru narrowly gets the nod from us.

Toyota C-HR Koba FWD pricing and specifications:
Price: $33,290 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Outputs: 85kW/185Nm
Transmission: Seven-step continuously variable
Fuel: 6.4L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 144g/km (Estimated)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP