MY18 Subaru XV 20iL 09
MY18 Subaru XV 20iS 07
MY18 Subaru XV 20iS 15
MY18 Subaru XV 20iS 18
Andrea Matthews23 Jun 2017
REVIEW

Subaru XV 2017 Review

Second-generation Subaru XV challenges small SUV market with genuine off-road cred
Review Type
Local Launch
Review Location
Snowy Mountains, NSW

Subaru Australia is even more excited about the introduction of the second-generation XV small SUV than it was with the launch of its Impreza earlier this year. Built on the same Subaru Global Platform as the Impreza, the XV is 95 per cent new. The four-model line-up is simple yet aims to meet the requirements of all small SUV buyers. There’s a single powertrain offering, and each model boasts off-road cred that should see the XV win kudos as more than just another soft-roader.

Hot on the heels of the all-new Impreza, the second-generation Subaru XV is being introduced at the perfect time for the Japanese stalwart brand.

The Impreza has been selling in encouraging numbers for Subaru, and with many improvements from the Impreza carried across into the XV, it’s easy to understand why Subaru’s Australian management team are “even more excited” about its impending arrival.

At motoring.com.au we quite like the Impreza. It recently won a two-way comparison against the Holden Astra, where our decision making process, weighted heavily in favour of pragmatism, saw it win out for ride quality, technology, fit and finish and value for money.

With sales of small SUVs continuing to grow in an automotive market which is slowing overall, a refreshed entry with new features, premium finishes and offroad credentials to best its rivals is an exciting offer indeed.

MY18 Subaru XV 20iS 18

The line-up
Four models will be available in the new XV range, mirroring the Impreza line-up. The entry model XV 2.0i kicks off the range at $27,990, followed by the XV 2.0-L at $30,340, the XV 2.0i Premium ($32,140) and the range-topping XV 2.0i-S at $35,240.

Each variant features permanent all-wheel drive and all feature a single engine and transmission combination, Subaru’s newly-developed four-cylinder 2.0-litre boxer engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. The combination generates 115kW and 196Nm and promises fuel economy on the ADR combined cycle of 7.0L/100km.

Across the range, Subaru’s active torque vectoring offers improved steering response and better turn-in into corners while newly introduced X-Mode offers increased assurance on gravel roads and trickier terrain, at lower speeds.

MY18 Subaru XV 20iL 08

Safety
Safety and technology play a big part in the new XV story but as with many new vehicle ranges, the most advanced safety technology is not available on the 2.0i entry model

The entire five-star ANCAP rated Subaru XV range includes a rear view camera as standard, and Subaru’s eyesight technology, incorporating adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and lane departure warning, has also been added to the top three grades.

This makes the XV the first Subaru to feature lane keep assist and reverse automatic braking, although the latter will only be available on the range-topping XV 2.0i-S. Reverse automatic braking is part of the 2.0i-S Subaru Vision Assist suite which also includes blind spot monitoring, high beam assist, lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert.

MY18 Subaru XV 20iS 20

Technology
Each model XV benefits from a streamlined infotainment system which features a significantly improved user interface including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2.0i includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen while higher grade models include a larger eight-inch touchscreen. The system is simple to use and paired with a higher level screen that supplied information on drive modes and Eyesight, it is the most cohesive system we’ve seen on a Subaru to date.

Pricing and Features
XV18 20i P 20i S Infotainment Apps

Practicality
One of the most important features of an SUV is its inherent practicality. And dimensional updates to the XV have delivered a vehicle that is even more useful. Ground clearance has increased to 220mm – just 5mm less than a Toyota Landcruiser, while the Subaru Global Platform has reduced the XV’s centre of gravity by 5mm.

A larger body has allowed for an increase in total boot space. Maximum luggage capacity with the rear seats folded increases by 24-litres to 1240-litres. The boot opening is 100mm wider and more accessible, and the length of the boot has been extended by 41mm.

Rear seat passengers also benefit from the resized XV, with 26mm added to the rear footwell, allowing for more legroom than you might expect from a small vehicle.

XV18 20i Side Interior Light

Behind The Wheel
The Subaru XV’s permanent all-wheel drive system includes the addition of X Mode, which can be engaged under 40km/h to detect tyre slip, even when turning. X Mode incorporates hill descent and vehicle dynamics to deliver assured roadholding on loose services.

During a demo of the system on our test route, the Subaru XV showed itself as a capable vehicle, navigating steep inclines and declines up to 21 per cent. Hill descent control is impressive, yet pretty conservative, but will appeal to drivers who are inexperienced in driving offroad or in challenging conditions.

On open gravel roads at speed, the XV is a confident vehicle to pilot, its low centre of gravity ensuring the drive is much more car-like than many small SUVs, making it an engaging experience.

The suspension tune for Australia was developed by Subaru Australia’s local engineering team in conjunction with Japan’s engineers, and the result is a car which inherently performs on a wide range of road surfaces. The chassis is compliant and the shock absorbers manage pot holes and large bumps very well.

As a result, the XV is sure to appeal to Subaru’s traditional buyers.

MY18 Subaru XV 20iS 15

Premium feel
The Subaru XV has benefited from a raft of build quality improvements, with strengthened torsional rigidity giving the vehicle a more solid feel.

The efforts have improved reductions in noise and vibration. With the introduction of additional soft materials in the cabin and thicker windows, cabin ambience has improved. In developing the XV, Subaru engineers benchmarked premium European vehicles and you get a sense that while this is still an affordable vehicle, it's not as cheap and cheerful as many of its competitors in this segment. It is mature and resolved.

It’s not hard to see why Subaru is bullish about its all-new XV. The small SUV stands out from the crowd, not only due to its crossover looks but also its flexibility and practicality. It packs a lot of competence under the bodyshell, matched by its mature cabin and solid, premium feel.

We’re sad to see the base model lacks parking sensors but happy that Subaru has chosen to include rear-view cameras across the range. It’s also understandable that premium features such as advanced tech cost more.

We were also impressed by its composed road holding and capability on gravel. The extended gravel drive was a great showcase for how assured the XV is and how it will deliver for regional drivers.

What irks us most, although Subaru assures us its customers are not bothered by it, is the middle-of-the-road engine and CVT. Around town the combination is untroubled, yet on the open road, where the rest of the car shines, the engine needs to work quite hard to get up to speed.

MY18 Subaru XV 20i 2903

The CVT, which at least has manual mode accessible via paddle shifters, is obtrusive on heavy acceleration and a blot on an otherwise very capable car. It holds low gears for extended periods and a manual shift up is required to reduce the whine from under the bonnet. Once up to speed the unit is quieter, but it’s a bit of a slog to get you there.

In a vehicle that has so many great improvements across the board, the powertrain feels a bit mid-pack. With a small capacity turbocharged engine and a sharp dual-clutch transmission – the Subaru XV could be a bit of a weapon.

2017 Subaru XV 2.0i/ 2.0i-S pricing and specifications:
Price: $27,990 (plus on-road costs) / $35,240 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 115kW/196Nm
Transmission: Continuously Variable
Fuel: 7.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 159 (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Share this article
Written byAndrea Matthews
See all articles
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Expert rating
78/100
Engine, Drivetrain & Chassis
15/20
Price, Packaging & Practicality
16/20
Safety & Technology
17/20
Behind The Wheel
15/20
X-Factor
15/20
Pros
  • Compliant chassis
  • Technology Inclusions (on higher grades)
  • Abundant space
Cons
  • Low spec misses out on safety tech
  • Engine lacks punch
  • CVT whine
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Looking for a family car?Get the latest advice and reviews on family car that's right for you.
Explore the Family Hub
Family
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.

If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
Download the carsales app
    AppStoreDownloadGooglePlayDownload
    App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
    © CAR Group Ltd 1999-2024
    In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.