Subaru XV (2012 – 2018) Review
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
Subaru XV (2012 – 2018) At A Glance
Adept off-road. Smooth automatic gearbox. Decent diesel engine.
Firm ride. Lacklustre cabin. Higher running costs than rivals.
There is a lot to like about the Subaru XV, not least its four-wheel drive and much better off-road ability than most of its competitors. There are some decent engines, and a weedy 1.6 petrol, but its high price when new limited its appeal compared to the massive-selling Nissan Qashqai, and idiosyncratic Skoda Yeti. Read on for our full Subaru XV review.
The Subaru XV represented the Japanese firm finally getting into the compact SUV market properly, rather than relying on its Subaru Forester.
Although you’d expect the car to be more of a rival to the like of the Kia Sportage and Skoda Yeti, it was actually priced more in-line with premium competitors such as the Audi Q3.
That put off far more new car buyers than it attracted, which means there are fewer Subaru XVs for used car buyers to choose from than is the case with most of its obvious rivals.
The Subaru XV has niche appeal, which was further limited by the small numbers brought over to the UK. However, all have four-wheel drive as standard.
The firm ride means that it won’t appeal to everyone. But those looking for a car with more than a token all-wheel drive system, rugged build quality and a worry-free ownership package may find the car worthy of consideration.
Most will be best served by the 2.0-litre boxer diesel engine for its decent punch and economy, while Subaru also offered a 2.0-litre petrol motor. The 1.6-litre petrol is too short on puff for it to be anything other than much use in town.
This generation of car did not benefit from the mild hybrid powertrain of later Subaru XVs.
The cabin is typical Subaru – roomy and reasonably well thought out, but with little effort expended to make it look appealing. Still, there’s decent space in the front, back, and boot.
Fancy a second opinion? Read heycar’s Subaru XV review here.
Reviews for Subaru XV (2012 – 2018)'s top 3 rivals
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
Subaru XV (2012 – 2018) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.6 Lineartronic to 2.0 D
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 32–57 mpg
Subaru XV (2012 – 2018): Handling and ride quality
As you’d expect from a car with all-wheel drive, traction is excellent and the Subaru XV can really do the business off-road, even without a low-ratio gearbox. That’s not something that can be said of all of its rivals.
Muddy tracks are dispatched with ease and it makes light work of inclines too. There’s more ground clearance than on a Subaru Forester and it benefits from good angles of ascent and descent.
Back on the road, the Subaru XV is badly let down by the way it rides. It’s set up to be sporty, rather than comfortable. That means it crashes through even the smallest potholes and offers little comfort at lower speeds.
It does redeem itself when it comes to cornering, where a low centre of gravity means there’s little body roll through bends. However, a BMW X1 or the BMW X3 is sharper to drive if this is what you want.
Subaru XV (2012 – 2018): Engines
From the first twist of the key, the brand DNA in the Subaru XV is clear with the thrum that you only get from a boxer horizontally-opposed engine.
There’s a choice of 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrols, or the 2.0-litre diesel, which is the pick of the bunch.
It may not be the quickest turbodiesel in this class, but it does a good, steady job of powering the Subaru XV to 62mph in 9.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 123mph.
It revs impressively freely for a diesel, has plenty of pull in the low and mid-ranges and feels very flexible. By comparison, the petrols feel peaky and lacklustre, especially the 1.6, which just seems underpowered.
Subaru XV (2012 – 2018): Safety
At launch, the Subaru XV came with ABS anti-lock brakes, traction control, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (SVDC), front, side, curtain and knee airbags.
The Subaru XV SE model added a rear-view camera.
All have two Isofix child seat mounts in the rear bench, and together all of this was enough to gain the Subaru XV a five-star Euro NCAP score in 2012.
A tyre pressure monitoring system was added in 2014.
Subaru XV (2012 – 2018): Towing
Every Subaru XV model can pull an unbraked trailer of up to 650kg.
For braked trailers, it can haul up to 1600kg, although some models are only rated for 1200kg, so check carefully before buying if this is a priority for you.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 | 44 mpg | 13.1 s | 151 g/km |
| 1.6 Lineartronic | 45 mpg | 13.8 s | 146 g/km |
| 2.0 | 41 mpg | 10.5 s | 160 g/km |
| 2.0 D | 50 mpg | 9.3 s | 146 g/km |
| 2.0 Lineartronic | 43 mpg | 10.7 s | 153 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Subaru XV (2012 – 2018)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
91%
Real MPG
32–57 mpg
MPGs submitted
70
Subaru XV (2012 – 2018) interior
- Boot space is 380–1270 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4450 mm |
| Width | 1780 mm |
| Height | 1570–1615 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2635 mm |
Subaru XV (2012 – 2018): Practicality
You sit relatively high, with the Subaru XV boasting 220mm of ground clearance, and all-round visibility is excellent.
A reversing camera is standard across the range, which helps when parking.
The car is also supremely comfortable. We spent several hours in the seats without any complaints, and the steering wheel adjusts for height and reach.
There’s enough room in the back for kids or a couple of adults to travel in comfort, but the space on offer is not as generous as the best in this class provide.
With a mere 380 litres of boot space on offer, the load area is noticeably small and doesn’t compare well with similarly sized cars.
The seats do fold to free up 1270 litres of room and there’s a useful false floor providing extra storage where there would otherwise be a spare wheel.
Subaru XV (2012 – 2018): Quality and finish
The quality of the interior is a step forward for Subaru, but it still doesn’t match what’s on offer from rival manufacturers.
The Subaru XV is a utilitarian car and can get away with the use of harder plastics here and there, but the cabin lacks the finesse of the Skoda Yeti and Ford Kuga, although it looks well screwed together and is, for the large part, easy to use on the move.
Subaru XV (2012 – 2018): Infotainment
When it was launched, you needed to pick the Subaru XV SE model to gain Bluetooth connectivity, while the top-spec Subaru XV SE Lux Premium came with sat-nav included.
Thankfully, in 2015, all Subaru XVs were fitted with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment set-up. It’s a bit slow and dated by modern standards, but works well enough.
Subaru XV (2012 – 2018) value for money
Subaru XV (2012 – 2018): Prices
The Subaru XV came with a high price tag when new, but is markedly more appealing on the used market.
For £7000, you can be driving a 12-year-old model with 60,000 miles on the clock, which is fair value for a car with four-wheel drive and decent all-weather, all-terrain ability.
If you would prefer a newer car, a 2017 model with 30,000 miles to its name will cost around £13,500. That’s for a 2.0-litre petrol or diesel version, though diesels tend to have covered higher mileages than the petrols.
Subaru XV (2012 – 2018): Running Costs
Some fairly bold claims were made for the economy of the petrol engines in the Subaru XV.
The company reckoned the 1.6 was good for up to 44.8mpg with the CVT Lineartronic gearbox, but our Real MPG data shows that to work out at 36mpg.
The 2.0-litre petrol was officially rated at 40.9mpg, but again 36mpg is more realistic.
With the diesel, Subaru claimed combined economy would reach up to 50.4mpg, and it can deliver 47mpg in the real world, making it a better choice for many drivers unless you spend most of your time in town or on short-hop runs.
The diesel’s 146g/km means road tax of £210 for earlier Subaru XVs registered prior to 1 April 2017.
Petrol models of the same vintage emit from 151g/km for the 1.6-litre, and the 2.0-litre produces from 160g/km, giving road tax bills of £255 apiece. Later models all pay the post-1 April 2017 flat rate of £190 per annum.
Insuring a Subaru XV is based on a rating from group 17 to 27 depending on the model, which is higher than for the likes of the Nissan Qashqai or Mazda CX-5.
And servicing a Subaru XV should be no more costly than with any of its competitors, although you will find official dealers thinner on the ground than with most mainstream manufacturers.
Satisfaction Index
What is your car like to live with?
We need your help with our latest Satisfaction Index, so that we can help others make a smarter car buying decision. What's it like to live with your car? Love it? Loath it? We want to know. Let us know about your car - it will only take a few minutes and you could be helping thousands of others.
Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index nowSubaru XV (2012 – 2018) models and specs
Entry-level Subaru XV S models feature a standard kit list to make many models from premium manufacturers blush.
Buyers get ABS, traction control, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (SVDC), front, side, curtain and knee airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime LED running lights, electric windows all round, remote central locking and automatic air-conditioning as standard.
Subaru XV SE models add cruise control, a rear view camera, Bluetooth and USB/iPod connectivity.
The top-of-the-range Subaru XV SE Lux Premium has a sunroof, Keyless Smart Entry, push-button start, leather seats and satellite navigation.
All 2.0-litre models are fitted with roof rails.
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4450 mm |
| Width | 1780 mm |
| Height | 1570–1615 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2635 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1350–1415 kg |
| Boot Space | 380–1270 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 12000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £18,995–£30,000 |
| Insurance Groups | 17–27 |
| Road Tax Bands | F–G |
| Official MPG | 40.9–50.4 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until March 2018
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6i S 5dr | £21,305 | 43.5 mpg | 13.1 s |
| 1.6i S Lineartronic 5dr | £20,420 | 44.8 mpg | 13.8 s |
| 1.6i S Nav 5dr | £22,305 | 43.5 mpg | 13.1 s |
| 1.6i S Nav Lineartronic 5dr | £21,420 | 44.8 mpg | 13.8 s |
| 1.6i SE 5dr | £23,305 | 43.5 mpg | 13.1 s |
| 1.6i SE Lineartronic 5dr | £24,720 | 44.8 mpg | 13.8 s |
| 1.6i SE Nav 5dr | £24,305 | 43.5 mpg | 13.1 s |
| 1.6i SE Nav Lineartronic 5dr | £25,720 | 44.8 mpg | 13.8 s |
| 2.0D Black 5dr | £25,000 | 50.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0D S 5dr | £22,000 | 50.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0D S Nav 5dr | £23,000 | 50.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0D SE 5dr | £24,495 | 50.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0D SE Lux Premium 5dr | £30,000 | 50.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0D SE Nav 5dr | £25,000 | 50.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0D SE Premium 5dr | £27,495 | 50.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0i Black Lineartronic 5dr | £24,505 | 42.8 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 2.0i SE 5dr | £22,495 | 40.9 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 2.0i SE Lineartronic 5dr | £23,995 | 42.8 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 2.0i SE Lux Premium 5dr | £28,105 | 40.9 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 2.0i SE Lux Premium Lineartronic 5dr | £29,605 | 42.8 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 2.0i SE Nav 5dr | £23,005 | 40.9 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 2.0i SE Nav Lineartronic 5dr | £24,505 | 42.8 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 2.0i SE Premium 5dr | £25,495 | 40.9 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 2.0i SE Premium Lineartronic 5dr | £26,995 | 42.8 mpg | 10.7 s |
On sale until February 2014
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6i S 5dr | £18,995 | 43.5 mpg | 13.1 s |
| 1.6i S Lineartronic 5dr Auto | £20,415 | 44.8 mpg | 13.8 s |
| 1.6i SE 5dr | £20,995 | 43.5 mpg | 13.1 s |
| 1.6i SE Lineartronic 5dr Auto | £22,415 | 44.8 mpg | 13.8 s |
| 2.0D S 5dr | £21,995 | 50.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0D SE Lux Premium 5dr | £27,695 | 50.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0i SE Lux Premium 5dr | £25,795 | 40.9 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 2.0i SE Lux Premium Lineartronic 5dr Auto | £27,925 | 42.8 mpg | 10.7 s |
Model History
- September 2011: Subaru XV announced
- January 2012: Subaru announced pricing for the XV
- February 2014: XV improved for 2014
- July 2015: Subaru XV gets improved interior
September 2011
Subaru XV announced
Equipped with a hexagonal grille and hawk eye headlights, these design features emphasise the unique identity of the newest Subaru cars, while the striking and innovatively designed alloy wheels and cut-away cladding give the XV its sporting appearance.
The corners of the front and rear bumpers were designed with special edges that enhance the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle and also contribute to better fuel efficiency. Compact size: 4,450mm long x 1,780mm wide x 1,570mm high.
Subaru’s designers worked hard on the XV’s interior to bring out the best qualities of the chosen materials and to give passengers a feeling of quality as well as spaciousness. Specifically an upmarket interior was created by balancing and combining the different tactile and emotional qualities of leather, metal, and cloth. The Multi-Function Display is highly visible in the upper middle section of the instrument panel and provides the driver and passengers with all the necessary information necessary in a highly intuitive format. Higher specification models will get a large 4.3 inch full-colour screen equipped with advanced infotainment such as eco-driving display and vehicle information display
The new, third generation Subaru Boxer engine is installed in 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol models. Along with the usual merits that horizontally-opposed engines inherently possess, this engine has improved fuel efficiency and exhaust performance. Together with the adoption of the new Lineartronic (CVT), a newly developed “Auto Start System”, the fuel efficiency was further improved.
A heavily revised version of Subaru’s Boxer Diesel, which was specially developed for the European market, is also featured in the XV line-up. Making use of the inherent advantages of Chain-driven CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) such as lightness, compactness, superior fuel efficiency and wide ratio coverage, Subaru successfully developed a new CVT for the XV for improved environmental friendliness and drivability.
January 2012
Subaru announced pricing for the XV
Priced from £21,295 for entry level 1.6i S models, the latest addition to the Japanese brand’s stable is set to firmly establish itself as one of the most capable and best-value-for-money compact crossovers currently available.
The five-star Euro NCAP-rated Subaru XV – officially certified as the safest vehicle in its class and which scores particularly highly for child occupant safety – combines style and functionality with generous levels of standard-fit equipment, making it more than a match for many of its established compact crossover rivals.
Every XV is equipped with two core Subaru technologies – Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Boxer engine – ensuring that this new vehicle feels both engaging and incredibly safe to drive, in all conditions. Subaru is confident that the XV will thoroughly satisfy the needs of existing customers, while also attracting new consumers to the brand.
Three Euro V-compliant Boxer engines are offered with the new XV: 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol, and 2.0-litre diesel. The 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines develop 114ps and 150ps respectively, while the 2.0-litre diesel produces 147ps and 350Nm. The go-anywhere XV is available with a choice of either a five and six-speed manual or a six-speed CVT automatic (petrol only).
Reaching 60mph in 9.3 seconds, the 2.0 diesel XV – likely to be the best-selling variant in the UK – offers class-leading fuel economy of 50.4mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting 146g/km of CO 2 . Subaru’s XV also features the highest ground clearance and lowest centre of gravity in class, making it a highly capable performer both on and off road.
Even entry-level S models feature a standard kit list to make many models from premium compact SUV manufacturers blush. Buyers can expect to find ABS, traction control, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (SVDC), front, side, curtain and knee airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime LED running lights and automatic air conditioning as standard.
SE models add cruise control, rear-view camera, Bluetooth functionality and USB/iPod connectivity. Meanwhile, top-of-the-range SE Lux Premium models also come with a sunroof, Keyless Smart Entry, push-button start, leather seats and satellite navigation. All 2.0-litre models are fitted with roof rails.
Petrol-powered XV models benefit from Subaru’s new fuel-saving Auto Start Stop System as standard, boosting fuel savings in congested traffic. It was the aim of Subaru engineers to make the engine cut-out virtually unnoticeable to the driver, and they achieved this with a time lapse between stop and start of approximately 0.2 seconds, one of the fastest currently available.
| Model | Price OTR (£) | CO 2 g/km |
| 1.6i S | 21,295 | 151 |
| 1.6i S Lineartronic | 22,715 | 146 |
| 1.6i SE | 23,295 | 151 |
| 1.6i SE Lineartronic | 24,715 | 146 |
| 2.0i SE | 24,295 | 160 |
| 2.0i SE Lineartronic | 25,495 | 153 |
| 2.0i SE Lux Premium | 27,795 | 160 |
| 2.0i SE Lux Premium Lineartronic | 29,283 | 153 |
| 2.0D S | 23,995 | 146 |
| 2.0D SE | 25,995 | 146 |
| 2.0D SE Lux Premium | 29,795 | 146 |
February 2014
XV improved for 2014
The Subaru XV receives a number of upgrades for 2014 that bring improvements to refinement, ride, handling, safety and cabin quality.
The most significant improvements to the XV are found in petrol-engine models, with 2.0 litre models receiving suspension modifications to improve ride quality and a range of new valve-train components that reduce engine noise. Noise and vibration levels are also improved across the XV range – including 2.0-litre diesel models – with additional sound-proofing in the bulkhead to further insulate the cabin from engine noise.
The electronic power steering system has been revised to improve stability and feel. A new inflating dynamic damper system reduces steering wheel and column vibration, while engineers have fine-tuned the system to provide more weight, greater straight-line steering feel and a more linear steering response.
Safety has been improved with the addition of a thicker, reshaped front suspension lower-arm and reinforcements around the base of the A-pillar, which yield further improvements in the XV’s five-star Euro NCAP crash safety performance. With a score of 90%, the XV already has one of the highest Euro NCAP scores in the industry for child protection.
Inside, the cabin has received a number of changes to improve the overall look and feel, with the addition of the traditional blue Subaru logo on the steering wheel, higher-quality silver surrounds housing the steering wheel buttons and heater controls, and new gloss-black switches to control the car’s air-conditioning system.
Two new features have been added to enhance safety and driver convenience – a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and instrument cluster Gear Shift Indicator, both now fitted as standard to every model in the range.
As part of the range rationalisation, the 1.6i petrol engine will no longer be offered. Two Boxer engines are now available, a 2.0i petrol and 2.0 diesel, in either SE or SE Premium trim. Customers buying petrol models can choose between a six-speed manual or Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT transmission, while diesel versions are available only with a manual transmission. The XV is among the best in class for fuel efficiency, with the 2.0-litre diesel recording 50.4mpg andemissions of 146g/km. Two new colours will be available on the 2014 model range, Venetian Red Pearl and Quartz Blue Pearl, alongside the existing range of five exterior paint finishes.
| Subaru XV 2.0i SE | £21,995 |
| Subaru XV 2.0i SE Lineartronic | £23,495 |
| Subaru XV 2.0i SE Premium | £23,995 |
| Subaru XV 2.0i SE Premium Lineartronic | £25,495 |
| Subaru XV 2.0D SE | £23,995 |
| Subaru XV 2.0D SE Premium | £25,995 |
July 2015
Subaru XV gets improved interior
The interior changes result in further significant improvements to cabin refinement and ambience, and include an all new factory-fit infotainment system first seen on the new Outback earlier this year.
Among the most important changes to the upgraded XV is a revised interior, which now features improved materials and an all-new touchscreen infotainment and navigation system.
The interior design now has a higher-quality look and feel thanks to the adoption of an all new instrument binnacle and new metallic and piano black accents throughout the cabin for the central console, dashboard and steering wheel switchgear and arm rests; Lineartronic models get a new shift lever and new housing with metal and piano black accents.
The driver’s LCD instrument binnacle has been completely redesigned and features more upmarket, contemporary blue dials with new graphics. The overall result of these changes is a more contemporary and cosseting ambience.
An enhanced infotainment, navigation and audio system is now fitted as standard to all XV models in the UK. The all-new 7.0-inch touchscreen display allows smartphone-style control over the advanced navigation and infotainment features, with a swipe and pinch control function for map displays. The infotainment display echoes the new blue glow of the driver’s instrument binnacle.
For both front and rear suspension, the dampers have had their pitch rate lowered, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride than earlier models, while reducing roll slightly. The damping power of the struts and new coil-spring settings now better suppress the transfer of vibrations into the cabin, while further reducing roll for greater cornering stability.
The rear suspension features new spring rate settings to further improve stability under cornering by ensuring greater tyre contact with the road, while allowing for greater flexibility in ride over broken road surfaces.
What to watch out for
Problem reported with DPF of 2016 Subaru XV 2.0 Boxer diesel at 15k miles: Starting at about 3k miles and recurring approximately every 3k since the DPF filter warning light flashes which indicates a return to dealer required to regenerate the DPF. Each time it seems diesel has been injected into the sump requiring an oil change and they turn off the warning light. The dealer tells me that so far they have borne the cost of this as Subaru put it down to driving technique and don’t recognise this as a warranty claim. The dealer is saying now owner has to pay. The DPF light has come on solid a few times and then gone off indicating regen occurred. This last time the flashing light came on, diesel injected into the sump and then the light went off. Driving style is a mix of short journeys which owner tries to avoid, more frequent 15 miles and occasional much longer. One time he drove 200 motorway miles and the DPF light then flashed with oil in sump. The dealer put this down to short distance driving prior to that journey. Needs to make sure that the DPF is not actively regenerating when he switches the engine off. If it is, must take it for a further 10 mile run until regeneration is complete.
29-5-2018: Report of a/c condenser failure on Apirl 2016 Subaru XV Diesel. First failure May 2017. No gas in the system. Was regassed and held the gas. Checked again March 2018, then lost refrigerant again in May 2018 due to stone damaged condenser. Stone damage not covered by warranty. 1-12-2019: Report of failure of rear wheel bearings of 2013 Subaru XV at 67,000 miles.
