Subaru XV (2018 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]
Summary
The Subaru XV is a medium-sized crossover estate/SUV, based on the platform of the Subaru Impreza. The current model is the second generation, and was unveiled at the 2017 Geneva motor show before going on sale in the UK the following winter.
The XV has received mixed reviews from the UK automotive media, with mostly poor and average scores. Its overall Expert Rating of 52%, based on 17 different UK reviews as of August 2021, puts it down near the very bottom of the mid-size crossover/SUV segment of the UK new car market.
There has been considerable praise for the XV’s off-road ability and good levels of safety kit, but criticism for its on-road dynamics and expensive price compared to rivals.
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £25,325 on-road
Launched: Winter 2017/18Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Score: 7.6 / 10“If you’re looking for a long-term investment, the Subaru XV is all you would hope for. But it’s a model less likely to suit those who change their car more frequently.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: e-BoxerScore: 7 / 10“The Subaru XV e-Boxer is a good car – its depth of engineering, great build quality, impressive safety tech and rugged yet forgiving character shine through on and off-road. The addition of this e-Boxer hybrid tech has broadened the XV’s appeal, but the fact stands that the majority of UK buyers will be better served by front-wheel-drive rivals that are cheaper to buy and run.”
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Score: 7 / 10“The Subaru XV is a capable off-roader and it comes with plenty of kit as standard, but it has its limitations.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: e-BoxerScore: 6 / 10“With prices starting at £28,995, it’s not exactly cheap. But there’s a strong level of standard equipment; it feels well-built, spacious and strangely wholesome and honest inside; and it retains that secure, sure-footed handling the brand trades on.”
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Score: 6 / 10“We wanted to enjoy driving the XV, but we didn’t really get close.”
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Car
Score: 6 / 10“The XV is an appealing little thing – flawed but appealing. If you buy one outright, not only will you have bought a good car, but one that’ll probably keep on going for a decade or more. For its engineering and feel-good factor we like the XV, as we do Subaru for sticking to its principles.”
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Carbuyer
Score: 6.4 / 10“The Subaru XV is a practical family car with standard four-wheel drive, but ultimately it’s a niche choice.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The Subaru XV is a rugged compact SUV that’s easy to drive, safe and also very capable on slippery roads. However, alternatives are more practical and cost less to buy and run.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol (mild hybrid) E-Boxer SE Premium“A reasonable car in isolation, and good off-road, but emissions and cost are too high.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid SE Premium e-BoxerScore: 7 / 10“The Subaru XV e-Boxer features the normal Subaru qualities of a good driving experience and impressive off-road capability, plus, for the first time for the brand, a small amount of electrical assistance.”
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Honest John
Score: 6 / 10“Make no mistake, the new Subaru XV is a very capable car, but that’s going to be its biggest weakness – it’s totally overqualified. While the interior, ride and handling have improved, it’s not pretty (or cheap) enough to threaten rivals such as the Nissan Juke.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 7.8 / 10“Capable SUV won’t appeal to all but some will love it”
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The Sun
“The rugged Subaru XV is the safest family car in its class – and is just as at home in icy forests as on the school run.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automaticScore: 8 / 10“The XV is easily one of my favourite cars currently on sale. It delivers a unique set of competencies that simply can’t be found elsewhere, including an enviable reputation for reliability and a seriously impressive repertoire of off-road talent.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 4 / 10“The Subaru XV is better than many of its competitors off-road, but is let down by its engine and gearbox.”
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What Car?
Score: 4 / 10“Astonishingly good off-road, but rivals are more practical and cheaper.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6.4 / 10“All-wheel-drive all-rounder.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2017
94%
ADULT OCCUPANT
89%
CHILD OCCUPANT
84%
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
68%
SAFETY ASSIST
Read full Euro NCAP review
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Subaru XV has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Subaru XV has received
2019
- 4×4 Magazine Awards – Crossover Estate of the Year
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Subaru XV, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C5 Aircross | Ford Kuga | Honda CR-V | Hyundai Tucson | Jeep Compass | Kia Sportage | Mazda CX-5 | MG HS | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Nissan Qashqai | Peugeot 3008 | Renault Kadjar | SEAT Ateca | Skoda Karoq | SsangYong Korando | Suzuki S-Cross | Toyota C-HR | Vauxhall Grandland X | Volkswagen Tiguan
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Keyword: Subaru XV