Subaru XV – What you need to know

The Subaru XV recently celebrated 100,000 sales since the first examples of the small SUV arrived in Australia in 2012.

In late 2020, the second-generation XV welcomed an upgrade, with Subaru Intelligent Drive (selectable drive modes) becoming standard on all models along with a new grille, front bumper, fog light surrounds and alloy wheel designs.

With the upgrade came two petrol-electric hybrids, Hybrid-L and Hybrid-S, and recently the 2.0i base model was dropped, with the 2.0i-L now kicking off the line-up followed by the mid-spec 2.0i Premium and top model 2.0i-S.

The XV is now almost at the end of its current lifecycle, soon to be replaced by a new-generation model that will be renamed the Subaru Crosstrek.

So now’s the time to take a closer look at what each XV model has to offer as we help you decide on the right one for you.

At $33,190 plus on-road costs, the 2.0i-L has the following standard equipment:

• SI-Drive
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• 8.0-inch touch-screen infotainment display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Cloth trim
• Cruise control
• Dual-zone air-con
• Rear privacy glass

A palette of nine colours comprising solid, vivid metallic, mica and pearl finishes are available on the Subaru XV, with the good news that all are offered at no extra cost.

All versions of the Subaru XV are equipped with seven airbags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction and stability control, cruise control, a rear-view camera for easier reversing and a hill holder for effortless getaways.

Also standard on all Subaru XV variants is X-Mode that monitors wheel traction and controls the engine, transmission, brakes and other vehicle functions, helping you traverse slippery roads and inclines.

It doesn’t stop there, with all variants benefiting from Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist system encompassing adaptive cruise control, brake light recognition, lane keep assist with departure and sway warning and lead vehicle start alert.

There is also pre-collision braking and brake assist, pre-collision throttle management, tyre pressure monitoring and SI-drive.

Young families will appreciate the three child seat anchor points and two ISOFIX anchor points, plus rear door child locks.

Graduating to the 2.0i Premium or Hybrid S gains blind spot and front view monitoring, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert and reverse automatic braking.

Want more? Glide over to the Hybrid L for dusk-sensing, auto-off halogen headlights or take another step up to the 2.0i-S or Hybrid S and their self-levelling, dusk-sensing, steering-responsive and brighter LED headlights, along with side view monitoring.

Related: From 2023 the Subaru XV will be known as the Subaru Crosstrek

Accessing the AM/FM/digital radio, Bluetooth audio streaming and phone pairing via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on all Subaru XV variants is through an 8.0-inch infotainment screen.

All models come with Siri compatibility and, for a retro touch, a single CD player. There are two USB ports in the centre console, and stepping up to the 2.0i Premium or Hybrid S adds satellite navigation.

Audio, air-con, fuel economy, outside temperature and other information is seen on a 6.3-inch LCD screen on all variants. If you move up to the 2.0i Premium as a minimum, or Hybrid S, the front view and navigation is displayed.

Housing the digital speedo, eco gauge, EyeSight display, trip computer, tyre pressures, X Mode, SI drive is a 4.2-inch LCD screen.

Adding a touch of luxury on all models are the leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shift. While the Hybrid L makes do with single-zone climate control, all other models are upgraded to a dual-zone system. Air vents extend to the rear in all models.

Privacy glass? It’s another across-the-range feature, but if an electric sunroof is a deal clincher, the good news is you only have to stretch to the 2.0i Premium or Hybrid S.

Is the prestigious look and feel of leather upholstery and trimmings a must-have? Then dig deeper into your wallet for the 2.0i-S or Hybrid S that also include chrome window sills, silver roof rails, sports pedals, the convenience of rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, auto-folding door mirrors with position memory and auto dipping on the passenger side so you don’t bash the kerb when parking.

Heated seats, you ask? Tick the 2.0i-S or Hybrid S box for this feature that snares eight-way power adjustment and dual memory for the driver’s seat.

Although every XV variant has a cargo cover, only the Hybrid L has pull-out cargo tie-down points.

The fresh look of the updated XV range comes by way of new-design alloy wheels with 18-inch rims designated on the 2.0i-S and Hybrid S. All other models employ 17-inch alloys.

When it comes to engines when buying a Subaru XV, the choice is simple – petrol or petrol-electric (mild) hybrid.

The 2.0-litre petrol flat four-cylinder produces 115kW of power and 196Nm of torque. The same-capacity combustion engine in the mild-hybrid versions produces 110kW and the same torque, with an electric motor adding a small 12.3kW/66Nm electric motor.

All come standard with all-wheel drive and continuously variable transmission (CVT).

With its passenger-car-like looks and drive blending with SUV characteristics, raised ride height, body cladding and all-wheel drive, it’s little wonder the Subaru XV is one of the brand’s most popular models.

But don’t be fooled into thinking that because it’s an SUV, it’s a big load-lugging machine. It’s not. The maximum braked towing capacity is 1400kg for all models bar the hybrid (1270kg), while cargo capacity with the rear seats upright is 310 litres (345 litres for the hybrid).

Will it fit in the garage? It should. The Subaru XV measures 4485mm long and 1800mm wide, with height 1615mm for petrol models and 1595mm for the hybrids.

My choice? For budget-conscious buyers the standard kit of the 2.0i-L will satisfy most, but if you can stretch your dollars a bit more the 2.0i-S and its leather interior, plus more safety and comfort features, does it for me.

How much does the Subaru XV cost?
2.0i-L – $33,190
2.0i Premium – $35,790
2.0i-S – $38,490
2.0i Hybrid L – $36,790
2.0i Hybrid S – $42,090
*Prices exclude on-road costs