Review of the Subaru XV

by: Alex Bradley

Alex Bradley is a skilled writer and digital content specialist focusing on automotive and sports. He has a degree in Multimedia Journalism and previously worked for The Northern Quota as Head Sports Editor.

Subaru XV Review 2023

The Subaru XV is a hybrid crossover SUV that's great for families who like adventure. With a petrol-hybrid powertrain and excellent off-road capabilities, the XV will be sure to accommodate your weekends in the countryside. 

Rivals to the Subaru XV include the Seat Ateca, Nissan Qashqai, Skoda Karoq, and Toyota RAV4. 

Our Subaru XV review covers:

• Key Features
• Subaru XV Pros and Cons:
• Design, Practicality and Boot Space
• Interior and Trims
• Power and Performance
• Leasing vs Buying

Subaru XV Key Features

• Rugged exterior design with plenty of ground clearance
• A well-built interior with good equipment 
• 345-litre boot
• A 2.0-litre petrol hybrid 
• Two trim levels 

Subaru XV Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Excellent off-road capabilities 
• Comes with loads of equipment as standard 
• Good handling 

Cons:

• Small boot
• Not as practical as rivals 
• Mediocre hybrid engine 

Design, Practicality and Boot Space

The Subaru XV looks like it belongs on a gravel trail in a mountain range. It's got a rugged exterior design featuring a small grille, wide LED lights, roof rails, and a square rear end with plenty of ground clearance. 

For a compact SUV, interior space in the XV isn't that great. Although there's more than enough space in the front, passengers in the rear won't be too happy. There's enough legroom for six-footers; however, headroom is limited and makes you feel claustrophobic. 

Boot space comes in at 345 litres, which can be extended to 1,173 with the rear seats split and folded 60/40. Although a wide opening makes loading larger items easy, the hybrid engine sits under the boot, meaning there's no adjustment. If you want more space, go for the Nissan Qashqai or Seat Ateca. 

Interior and Trims

Subaru cars aren't known for their interior quality, and although the XV's isn't amazing, it'll fit the bill. There are some soft-touch plastics on the dashboard, but as you move down, you'll notice some cheaper-looking materials, making it fall short of the Skoda Karoq. 

On the centre of the dashboard is an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a DAB radio, Bluetooth and smartphone mirroring. It's a pretty good system and displays crisp graphics, and if you upgrade to SE Premium, you get navigation added. 

Two trim levels are available: SE and SE Premium. 

SE has 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, roof rails, heated front seats, keyless entry/start, dual-zone air conditioning, an eight-inch colour touchscreen, emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, and adaptive cruise control. 

SE Premium adds a sunroof, leather seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, and sat-nav.  

Power and Performance

The only engine available is a 2.0-litre petrol hybrid that pairs a 148bhp engine with a 17bhp electric motor. It comes with four-wheel drive and is paired with an automatic transmission. 

Although an upgrade on the XV's previous 1.6-litre engine, the current engine is still on the slow side. It gets from 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds, which doesn't appear slow, but it can't match the low-down pull of its rivals. 

You'll also get a fuel economy of around 36mpg. 

The XV does a good enough job around town, but it's in its prime when off-road. In terms of getting from A to B, the XV has good visibility, and its handling is pretty agile, so you should be able to navigate tight streets easily. 

Increase the speed, and the XV resists body lean well, and its steering is well-weighted. It's surprisingly good on country roads and is definitely more engaging to drive than the Nissan Qashqai. 

However, where the XV stands out is off-road. As well as its excellent four-wheel drive, it has an impressive ground clearance of 220mm, meaning you'll be able to tackle most obstacles with ease. There's also an 'X-Mode' which optimises the four-wheel drive over tricky surfaces such as hill descents and muddy trails. 

Leasing vs Buying

Prices for the new Subaru XV start from £31,605.00 OTR* or to lease from £403.68 per month.

Looking to get behind the wheel of the Subaru XV? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers and offers a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.

Leasing may be cheaper than an outright purchase, thanks to a low initial deposit and fixed monthly rentals.

*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change; always check with your nearest retailer.