- Subaru XV
- Powertrain and performance
- Standard equipment
- Price and value proposition
- The competition
- Hyundai Kona
- Mazda CX-30
- Facts and figures:
The Subaru XV is a heavily underrated product within the mid-size crossover segment, however, it faces stiff competition from the likes of the Hyundai Kona and the Mazda CX-30, so we will be comparing the XV with these key rivals to determine which is best
The Subaru XV is unique among crossovers thanks to its off-road ability, however, both the Hyundai Kona and the Mazda CX-30 are tempting propositions at the same price point. As lifestyle crossover vehicles continue to proliferate within the local automotive realm, it’s clear that consumers are looking for practicality, a raised ride height and unique styling, traits which all of the contenders in today’s comparison possess. Which one would we choose, though?
Subaru XV
Powertrain and performance
Powering the XV is a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 115kW and 196Nm of torque. The engine is paired with CVT that sends power to all four wheels, allowing for a 0-100km/h time of 10.4 seconds and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.3 L/100km.
Standard equipment
The Subaru, in ES guise, gets 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, 7 airbags, outer rear ISOFIX child seat anchor points, climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, a colour screen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a rearview camera, multiple USB ports, front and rear electric windows, keyless entry/start, front and rear electric windows, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, lane keep assist, leather seats and a sunroof.
Safety
The XV was crash tested by the Euro NCAP in 2017, achieving a 5-Star rating, including 94% for adult occupant safety, 89% for child occupant safety, 84% for pedestrian safety and 68% for its safety assistance systems.
Practicality
The Subaru boasts a 310-litre boot and an impressive 220mm of ground clearance along with all-wheel drive, making the XV genuinely capable off-road.
Price and value proposition
The Subaru is nearly identically priced to the two rivals in this comparison and looking at overall value, the XV appears to be a good proposition.
The competition
Hyundai Kona
The Kona features a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that produces 146kW and 265Nm and is also paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that sends power to the front wheels, allowing for a 7.7 second 0-100km/h time and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.5 L/100km.
The Kona is just R100 cheaper than the XV and has less specification, but only gets 6 airbags and lacks all-wheel drive, a sunroof, keyless entry/start and the semi-autonomous aids found in the Subaru. The Hyundai was also tested by Euro NCAP in 2017 and received 5-Stars. The Kona is smaller than the XV but offers a bigger boot at 544-litres. From a value perspective, the Kon offers the most performance and the biggest boot, making it comparatively good value.
Mazda CX-30
The CX-30 features a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 121kW and 213Nm of torque and is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to the front wheels. The Mazda will sprint from 0-100km/h in around 10.6 seconds and will sip fuel at a claimed rate of 6.6 L/100km.
In the specification department, the CX-30 is nearly identical to the XV but loses out on the semi-autonomous driver aids, a sunroof and leather seats, but gets a head-up display. The Honda was crash-tested by Euro NCAP, where it achieved a 5-Star rating in 2020. Looking at the CX-30 from a value perspective, it is the most expensive, but not by much, making it a great value proposition too.
Facts and figures:
* Manufacturer’s claimed figures.
Pricing was all-inclusive at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.
Verdict
Having looked at the figures, it is encouraging to see how good these products are in terms of specification, practicality and quality, all for nearly identical prices. As always, there can only be one winner, and that is the Subaru XV, which manages to offer the best combination of attributes for those looking for an adventure crossover.
Sean NurseWith a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.View News & Reviews
Keyword: Subaru XV vs Hyundai Kona vs Mazda CX-30: Here's our winner