2020 Subaru XV Review

Critic reviews

How does the Subaru XV compare with its peers?

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Name	Product	Number of seats	Boot displacement	ANCAP rating	Price (from)	Finder Score
Audi Q3		5 seats	675L	5 stars	$46,400	81.4%		loading Fetching your data...
Subaru XV		5 seats	345L	5 stars	$29,240	80.75%		loading Fetching your data...
MG ZS		5 seats	359L	5 stars	$21,990	70.4%		loading Fetching your data...

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Subaru XV pricing

There are five XVs on sale in Australia: the 2.0i AWD, 2.0i-L AWD, Hybrid AWD, 2.0i Premium AWD and the top-spec 2.0i-S AWD.

Subaru XV 2.0i AWD

Some of the 2020 Subaru XV 2.0i AWD key features include: smart key with push-start ignition, electronic parking brake, climate control A/C, a 2.0-litre Subaru Boxer petrol engine, X-Mode, charcoal or grey cloth trim, paddle gear shifters, 17-inch alloy wheels, reverse cameras, 6.5-inch touchscreen, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility and halogen front fog lights with daytime running lights.

Subaru sets the drive-away price for this model at $33,631.

Subaru XV 2.0i-L AWD

The 2.0i-L model adds to the entry-spec XV, with highlights including dual-zone climate control, leather steering wheel and gear shift, premium cloth seats, power-folding door mirrors, a larger eight-inch touchscreen and an enhanced safety system.
Subaru EyeSight includes:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Brake light recognition
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Lane sway warning
• Lead vehicle start alert
• Pre-collision brake assist
• Pre-collision braking system
• Pre-collision throttle management

The drive-away price for this XV is $36,073.

Subaru XV Hybrid AWD

It's great to see Subaru add to its fledgling hybrid line-up, with the XV Hybrid AWDs. This model receives an auto-dimming rearview mirror, charcoal premium seat cloths, the EyeSight driver-assist system and Subaru's Vision Assist suite. That comprises a blind spot monitor, a rear cross-traffic alert and reverse automatic braking.

Additionally, as the name indicates, it houses an e-Boxer engine and electric motor combo under the bonnet. As a result, the model has the best fuel economy of the range.

For a Hybrid XV, Subaru charges $40,324 drive-away.

Subaru XV 2.0i Premium AWD

Next up is the 2.0i Premium. For $37,937, you'll get extras like an electric sunroof and voice-activated satellite navigation.

Subaru XV 2.0i-S AWD

Finally, there's the highest specification Subaru XV 2.0i-S AWD. Its specification list is long and impressive, including:

• Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat
• Heated front seats
• Leather-accented upholstery
• Sports pedals
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED daytime running lights and front fog lamps
• Self-levelling, dusk-sensing LED headlights with steering response

Moreover, buyers also unlock Vision Assist:

• Blind spot monitor (BSM)
• High beam assist (HBA)
• Lane change assist (LCA)
• Rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA)
• Reverse automatic braking (RAB)

Click on a price to compare car loans for the Subaru XV.

In a move that makes Subaru stand out from the crowd, there are nine no-cost paint options, including:

• Crystal White Pearl
• Ice Silver Metallic
• Cool Grey
• Sunshine Orange
• Pure Red
• Quartz Blue Pearl
• Dark Blue Pearl
• Magnetite Grey Metallic
• Crystal Black Silica

The Hybrid also gets an extra no-cost paint code: Lagoon Blue Pearl.

Engine and performance

Subaru fits one of its signature Boxer petrol engines into the XV.

Subaru 2.0-litre petrol engine

Boxer engines are a little different to more conventional layouts, in that the pistons are horizontal, as opposed to vertical (or on the diagonal). This makes the engine shorter and sit lower, with Subaru stating it helps improve handling. These engines are sometimes called flat fours (for the four pistons) and the design is found in classics like the Porsche 911 (though generally as a flat six, with six pistons) and the original VW Beetle.

The engine's capacity measures 1995cc. In all but the Hybrid XV, the block produces 115kW @ 6,000rpm and 196Nm of torque at 4,000 revs.

Subaru 2.0-litre eBoxer

Hybrid XVs appear to use the same Boxer petrol engine from the rest of the range, only with a permanent magnet AC electric motor and high voltage Li-ion battery bolted into the set-up. Also, the engine outputs slightly less power, 110kW around 6,000rpm. This power source adds up to 12.3kW/66Nm while driving. The system is a closed one, making this a mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV). The Hybrid has brake energy recapturing for self-charging of the battery and can seamlessly switch from all-electric, to the motor assisting the engine, to petrol power modes.

Subaru XV transmissions

All models have a Lineartronic CVT. Continuously variable transmissions technically have no gears, instead having moving internal components that change the gear ratio all the time. The idea is these transmissions can provide better efficiency, as they are not restricted to a limited selection of fixed gears like a traditional automatic or manual gearbox. According to Subaru, the XV has the world's first AWD longitudinally (running lengthwise) mounted CVT.

Car reviewers' impressions of the Subaru XV engine and transmission line-up

With the particular Boxer petrol selected for the XV, Subaru's goals were evidently to balance performance with everyday practicality and fuel-efficiency. It's not an Impreza STi that's for sure. Reviewers picked up on this, as well as pinning some additional caveats on the CVT. CVTs are always at the centre of complaints with motoring testers, so it's not a problem specific to Subaru.

Analysing the comments, it would appear this one isn't the worst ever made, because its sluggishness is only evident when you slam the throttle. The rest of the time, motoring writers felt it was fine, especially for everyday driving. Confusingly, half the reviewers deemed the CVT was a little droney, the rest said it didn't display that commonly observed trait.

In terms of the naturally aspirated engine, this too was described as a bit underwhelming. According to reviewers, it could do with more welly, especially when overtaking or traversing inclines. You should know that the consensus was the XV isn't the most underpowered in the segment, that unfortunate accolade would go to the Toyota CH-R in some tester's eyes. However, for everyday driving, most seemed to accept it was very usable, going on to say you just need to work the engine a little more.

Where the Subaru XV really shines though is its constant AWD system. That's a trademark of Subaru and automotive experts said it was ever so slightly better than its competitors.

To sum up, it's not super powerful and it won't thrill eager petrolheads, but for everyday driving the XV powerplant and gearbox combo seem totally fine.

Subaru XV engine and transmission figures

Subaru XV fuel economy

Here's what the Subaru XV is like on fuel.

2.0-litre Boxer petrol

We source all our fuel economy figures from the Green Vehicle Guide, a government site created to list the official fuel usage of cars. For the 2.0-litre Boxer petrol XVs, the Green Vehicle Guide has the following fuel economy digits:

• Combined: 7L/100km
• Urban: 8.8L/100km
• Extra: 6L/100km

Crunching those numbers, the site says if you drove 14,000km each year, with two-thirds of the time in urban and built-up areas, you'd need to spend $1,648 at the servo on petrol.

2.0-litre e-Boxer petrol

Thanks to the onboard electric motor system, Hybrid XVs use less fuel. The official numbers are:

• Combined: 6.5L/100km
• Urban: 7.5L/100km
• Extra: 5.9L/100km

Under the same driving conditions and distances listed above, a Hybrid would require $1,460 in petrol each year.

It should be mentioned that the Hybrid has a smaller fuel tank than the petrol models, presumably to make room for the on-board battery and electrified drivetrain components. However, it also has more boot space, so go figure.

Only two outlets touched on the fuel usage they experienced, with one finding it generally sat within a litre of the official figures, the other noting a variation within two litres of the factory figures (this was a finding taken from an Impreza hatch test). The XV shares a platform with the Impreza. Both vehicles have the same underlying architecture and are powered by related engines.

Handling

Being based on the Impreza hatch, the XV has a key advantage over the majority of its rivals. It handles really well, stated the reviewers. They discovered it had a high level of composure while offering a fun driving experience at the wheel. Motoring experts felt it responded in a precise and controlled manner, with a great chassis set-up.

The XV is a bit like a lifted Impreza, but from the observations of our reviewing sample, they said the suspension is crisp and manages to iron out any major bumps in the road. Apparently, the damping manages to hit the fine line between around-town comfort, highway stability and rough-surface readiness.

Some testers were able to take the XV away from asphalt roads, onto gravel tracks and trails. Here, they again proclaimed the XV was eager, surefooted and capable of handling terrain that other crossovers would get hung up on. Its suspension is able to compensate even for large bumps and undulations.

Further aiding the XV off-road is Subaru's X-Mode. This terrain response system comes as standard on all models. X-Mode enhances the AWD system, hunkering it down to tackle goopy mud, snow and broken roads. When activated, the XV's computer feathers acceleration to prevent wheelspin, ups the clutch force by a quarter to better tie the front and rear drivetrains together and energises the limited-slip diff to find traction where there is little, on a wheel-by-wheel basis. You turn on X-Mode by hitting the button on the centre console and it remains active while travelling under 40km/h. There's also a Hill Descent Control feature for slow, steady hill traversing. Those plastic wheel arches and lower body protectors should protect the paintwork from gravel rash and tree scratches.

Overall, it would appear the XV excels in the handling department.

Interior and equipment

Let's look at the XV's interior in more detail. Journalists described the cabin as very high quality, with a satisfying mixture of materials employed throughout. It resembles the Impreza internally. Reportedly, designers have made good use of the available space and they managed to create comfortable, supportive seats. As you'd expect from a hatch-based crossover SUV, it is slightly limited in space, with some testers commenting on the fairly scarce headroom.

Often, things become even more cramped in the rear, but it seems the XV has a decently proportioned back row. At least one reviewer was taken aback by the legroom in the rear. There was a general consensus that it was one of the best in class in terms of space and passenger comfort.

Room left for cargo is in the middle of the road really. The non-Hybrids boast 310 litres in the boot and 765 litres with the seats flopped forward. It's not the largest in the segment, but it's still a very practical amount. Meanwhile, the Hybrid XV has an increased 345 litres of boot storage, with 919 litres on hand with the rear row folded down. That's much more like it!

It's nice to know the XV has heaps of little storage pockets and bins, as well as two USB charging ports in the centre console. Other nice-to-see features, standard across the range, include: cruise control, A/C, steering-wheel-mounted controls and an infotainment system (the touch screen's size varies, it's 6.5 inches on the entry model and Hybrid XV but 8 inches on all the others); also all models receive alloy wheels, roof rails, reversing cameras, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

All-in-all, it sounds as though everything comes together to make a pretty flexible, practical interior that easily accommodates a small family.

Subaru XV 2.0i AWD

The entry model XV has features that would make some lesser rivals envious; the highlights include:

• 17-inch alloys
• CVT transmissions
• X-Mode
• A/C climate control
• Charcoal or grey cloth seat trim choice
• Electronic parking brake
• Manual driver seat adjustment
• One-touch lane-change indicator
• Paddle shifters
• Smart key and push-button ignition
• Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
• Dual USB ports up front
• Body-coloured mirrors and door handles
• Halogen daytime running lights
• Front and rear mudguards
• Front fog lights
• Auto-off halogen headlights
• Rear spoiler
• Reversing camera
• Roof rails
• Wheel arch mouldings
• Bluetooth phone connectivity
• Cruise control
• 6.5-inch LCD touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Digital radio (DAB+)
• Siri voice compatibility
• 6.3-inch multi-function display unit (MFD)
• Multi-information display unit (MID)

All told, that's a sorted spec list for the starting point of the XV range.

Subaru XV 2.0i-L AWD

The 2.0i-L turns things up a notch. For the extra outlay, you'll receive (on top of the 2.0i spec):

• Dual-zone climate control
• Leather-bound steering wheel and gear shifter
• Premium cloth seat trim in either grey or charcoal
• Power-folding door mirrors with inbuilt indicators
• Eight-inch LCD touchscreen

That's not all; Subaru also packages in the EyeSight driver assist system, which features:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Brake light recognition
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Lane sway warning
• Lead vehicle start alert
• Pre-collision brake assist and braking system
• Pre-collision throttle management

These advanced driver assists should contribute to improving your safety when on the road.

Subaru XV 2.0i Premium AWD

On the Premium model, which is just below the top-of-the-range 2.0i-S XV, you receive:

• An electric sunroof
• Voice-activated satellite navigation

Subaru XV 2.0i-S AWD

The range tops out with this flagship, the 2.0i-S. This model boasts a heap of extra passenger comforts and refinements:

• Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat
• Heated front seats
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Leather-accented seats – black or grey
• Sports pedals
• 18-inch alloys

LED daytime running lights, front fog lights and self-levelling headlights. Headlights are also steering responsive

Additionally, the 2.0i-S comes with Vision Assist, which adds:

• Blind spot monitor (BSM)
• High beam assist (HBA)
• Lane change assist (LCA)
• Rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA)
• Reverse automatic braking (RAB)

Subaru XV Hybrid

The Hybrid has a slightly different spec, as follows:

• Air-conditioning climate control
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Leather steering wheel and gear shifter
• Manual driver's seat height lifter
• One-touch lane change indicator
• Paddle gear shifters
• Charcoal premium cloth seat upholstery
• Smart key and push-start ignition
• Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
• USB charge port – two on centre console
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Body-coloured, power-folding door mirrors with heating and indicators
• LED front fog lamps
• Dusk-sensing halogen headlights
• Rain-sensing windscreen wipers (front)
• Reverse camera
• Rear spoiler and window wiper
• Black roof rails
• Wheel arch mouldings
• Bluetooth
• 6.5-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Digital radio (DAB+)
• Siri compatibility
• 6.3-inch LCD multi-function display
• Multi-information display unit (MID)

This model also comes equipped with Vision Assist, which is made of:

• Blind spot monitor (BSM)
• High beam assist (HBA)
• Lane change assist (LCA)
• Rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA)
• Reverse automatic braking (RAB)

Subaru XV safety, security and driver assists

Subaru XV interior and comfort features

Subaru XV exterior highlights

Verdict

Why would you buy a Subaru XV? First, the AWD system builds upon the brand's legendary experience. Second, there's the option of a hybrid in a small compact crossover. Third, there's its hatchback-based dimensions, and fourth, the ground clearance and X-Mode should get you away from the tarmac. Add to those reasons the decent build quality, sensible prices and practicality and you have a crossover SUV that you should definitely test drive.

If you take a few seconds below to compare car loans, you could save hundreds of dollars over the loan period.

Compare some options to finance a Subaru XV

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Name	Interest Rate (p.a.)	Comp. Rate (p.a.)	Application Fee	Monthly Fee	Monthly Repayment
loans.com.au - New - Variable Rate Special Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.24% to 7.74%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.36% to 8.85%	Application Fee $400	Monthly Fee $8	Monthly Repayment $630.83	Go to siteMore Info Compare
OurMoneyMarket New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $2,001 - $75,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.57% to 18.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.19% to 21.78%	Application Fee $250 min.	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $622.82	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Stratton Finance New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.52% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.95% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $625.27	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.52% p.a. depending on the lender you are approved with. Apply for up to $300,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.
Verified Lending Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $200,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.1% to 18.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8.06% to 22.99%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $630.67	Go to siteMore Info Compare
NRMA New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $130,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.29% to 16.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8% to 17.77%	Application Fee $499	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $635.67	Go to siteMore Info Compare	Note: Take out a loan for an eligible electric vehicle and receive a 1.5% discount on your personalised interest rate (interest rates start from 5.79% p.a. and comparison rates from 6.49% p.a.)
OurMoneyMarket Used Car Loan - No Vehicle Age Limit Fixed1 - 7 Years $2,001 - $75,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.57% to 18.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.19% to 21.78%	Application Fee $250 min.	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $622.82	Go to siteMore Info Compare
NRMA Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $130,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 8.49% to 16.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 9.21% to 17.77%	Application Fee $499	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $647.01	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate from 8.49% p.a. Finance a used car with NRMA and benefit from a fixed rate term and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.
Stratton Finance Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.52% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.95% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $625.27	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate loan from 6.52% p.a. with a comparison rate of 6.95% p.a. A used car loan of up to $300,000 with quick approval times and balloon payment options.
loans.com.au - Variable Rate Used Car < 5 years Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.74% to 7.74%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8.85% to 8.99%	Application Fee $400	Monthly Fee $8	Monthly Repayment $644.82	Go to siteMore Info Compare

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