2018 Subaru XV 2.0i-P Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's C-segment SUV market has become increasingly fierce. Consumers not only desire practicality for daily commuting but also expect off-road capability to handle complex terrains. The 2018 Subaru XV 2.0i-P aims to meet these demands — as a compact SUV equipped with standard all-wheel drive, its core selling points lie in Subaru's iconic AWD system and well-balanced configurations. The main objective of this test is to evaluate the vehicle's actual performance in urban commuting and suburban conditions, as well as to determine whether its features match the needs of local users.

In terms of appearance, the 2018 XV 2.0i-P retains Subaru's signature rugged design. The front features a hexagonal grille paired with sturdy chrome trim, offering high recognition; the LED headlight groups on both sides are connected to the grille, with a simple internal structure. Automatic headlights and daytime running lights come as standard, ensuring practicality. The side profile of the car showcases smooth lines, with 17-inch wheels paired with 225/60 R17 tires, balancing road comfort and light off-road traction. The roof rack not only adds a sense of visual layering but also provides convenience for carrying large items. At the rear, the spoiler echoes the LED taillight clusters, while the silver skid plate beneath the rear bumper adds a touch of off-road character. The overall design avoids excessive embellishment, prioritizing durability and practicality.

Inside the vehicle, the interior predominantly features a black color scheme, with the dashboard wrapped in soft-touch materials that feel pleasant. The centerpiece is an 11.6-inch vertically-oriented central touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and its operating smoothness meets expectations. Below the screen, the physical buttons are laid out clearly, with the air conditioning control area retaining knob-based controls for convenient blind operation. In terms of features, the entire series comes standard with keyless entry/start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and 7 airbags. The 2.0i-P version is equipped with electrically adjustable front seats — both the driver and front passenger seats support 8-way electric adjustments, which is relatively rare in the same class and makes it easy to find a comfortable seating position. The instrument panel adopts a traditional electronic analog style, with clear information display, while the multifunctional steering wheel is equipped with shift paddles and has an intuitive operational logic.

Regarding space, the XV has dimensions of 4465mm×1800mm×1615mm, with a wheelbase of 2665mm. The front row offers ample space, with more than a fist's distance for headroom and legroom for a passenger standing 180cm tall. The rear row provides about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, with a slightly raised middle floor that does not significantly affect the comfort of a middle passenger during short trips. The trunk has a standard capacity of 345L, which can be expanded by lowering the 60:40 split rear seats, making it adequate for carrying strollers or suitcases. The in-car storage compartments are also thoughtfully designed — both the front and rear door panels can accommodate two bottles of water, and the center console and glove compartment offer ample storage space. Additionally, there is a 220V power outlet in the front row, making it convenient for charging electronic devices.

In terms of performance, the 2018 XV is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum horsepower of 156PS and a peak torque of 196N·m, paired with a CVT gearbox. During daily driving, the throttle response is linear, offering smooth starts. The CVT transmission ensures excellent smoothness, with almost no noticeable gear shift jolts. When pressing the accelerator deeply, the engine revs up steadily, and while it lacks the explosive power of a turbocharged engine, its mid-to-high range acceleration is sufficient for overtaking. The standard all-wheel drive system shines particularly on wet or slippery roads during rainy days or on unpaved suburban roads, providing significantly better traction than two-wheel drive vehicles and ensuring greater stability during cornering.

The handling and chassis performance align with Subaru's consistent standards: the steering wheel is precise with minimal play, light at low speeds, and stable at high speeds. The independent suspension combination of front MacPherson struts and rear double wishbones effectively absorbs road bumps, showing minimal rebound when passing speed bumps, making it comfortable for urban commuting. On suburban gravel roads, the suspension efficiently absorbs vibrations, while the body rigidity feels solid with no sense of looseness. In terms of fuel consumption, the test indicated an average of approximately 7.8L per 100km under mixed driving conditions, which is close to the official figure of 7.3L. Considering the addition of full-time all-wheel drive, this performance ranks moderately high in its class.

In terms of ride comfort, the XV's performance is commendable. The seat padding is moderately firm, ensuring long periods of sitting without fatigue. As for noise control, there is almost no noticeable noise at speeds below 60 km/h. At 100 km/h, wind and tire noise slightly increase but remain within an acceptable range. The full-time all-wheel drive system is barely noticeable during daily driving, unlike some part-time systems that frequently switch modes. The driving experience is similar to a two-wheel drive vehicle, but when encountering muddy or uphill roads, the AWD system intervenes promptly to provide more stable traction.

In summary, the 2018 Subaru XV 2.0i-P has three main advantages: first, its standard full-time all-wheel drive system, which is unique in its class dominated by two-wheel drive models, making it suitable for users navigating Malaysia's rainy and slippery roads or occasional suburban trips; second, its balanced configuration, with standard features such as power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone air conditioning, and seven airbags, offering excellent value for money; and third, its space and comfort that cater to family needs. Compared with competitors like the Honda HR-V or Toyota C-HR in the same class, the XV's all-wheel-drive system is a clear strength, although its rear space is slightly inferior to the former.

Overall, the 2018 Subaru XV 2.0i-P is suitable for two types of users: first, families prioritizing driving safety and traction, for whom the full-time all-wheel drive system provides more stable driving dynamics; and second, young individuals who enjoy weekend excursions, as its light off-road capabilities and flexible space meet travel needs. If you don't require extensive rear space but want a well-equipped, safe, and reliable SUV, the XV 2.0i-P is an excellent choice.