2022 Subaru XV 2.0 i-P GT Edition Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's C-Segment SUV market has become increasingly fierce, and consumers' demand for family SUVs has gradually shifted towards products that combine "practicality and safety features." The 2022 Subaru XV 2.0 i-P GT Edition, as the main model in this segment for the brand, focuses on Subaru's signature full-time four-wheel drive system, a wealth of active safety configurations, and reliable naturally aspirated power as its core selling points. This time, through an actual test drive, we aim to verify whether it can meet the dual expectations of "peace of mind and practicality" for family users.

From the exterior, the 2022 XV i-P GT Edition retains Subaru's family-style rugged look. The front features a hexagonal grille paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, offering high recognizability. The body side lines are simple, with 17-inch wheels paired with 225/60 R17 tires, along with a minimum ground clearance of 220mm, ensuring off-road capability without looking overly rugged. At the rear, the LED taillights echo the shape of the headlights, and silver skid plates are added to the rear bumper. The overall design leans towards practicality without overly flashy elements.

Entering the interior, the cabin is primarily black, with the dashboard wrapped in soft-touch materials and decorated with silver trim, which provides a texture that meets the standards of this price range. The center console is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen supporting the Sound Plus function, offering decent operating smoothness, although the interface design is relatively simple without too many complex features. In terms of features, the front seats support 8-way power adjustment, while the rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split, meeting various storage needs. Dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry/start, and rain-sensing wipers are also equipped, making daily use more convenient. In terms of space, the 2665mm wheelbase provides ample legroom both in the front and rear rows; a 175cm tall passenger sitting in the rear still has two fists of legroom. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 345L, which can be expanded by folding the rear seats, accommodating large items like a stroller or suitcase.

Regarding performance, the new vehicle is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum power of 156PS/6000rpm and a maximum torque of 194Nm/4000rpm. It is paired with a CVT transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system. During practical driving, the power output at startup is smooth, with a linear throttle response and none of the abruptness typically found in turbocharged models. During mid-to-late acceleration, the CVT transmission simulates gear shifts, and while it doesn't offer a strong sense of acceleration, it suffices for daily commuting and highway overtaking needs. The driving modes include Normal and Sport. In Sport mode, throttle sensitivity increases, the engine speed stays at a higher range, and power response becomes more proactive.

In terms of handling, Subaru's horizontally opposed engine and full-time four-wheel drive system contribute to a low center of gravity. When cornering, the body roll is well controlled, and the steering wheel provides precise feedback with minimal dead spots, instilling confidence in the driver. The suspension adopts a front MacPherson strut and rear double-wishbone independent design, with a tuning that leans towards comfort. It effectively absorbs bumps when passing speed bumps or uneven roads, though passengers can still feel slight vibrations on continuous small bumps. Regarding fuel efficiency, our tests on mixed urban and highway driving conditions yielded an average fuel consumption of approximately 7.8L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 7.3L. However, considering the presence of the full-time four-wheel drive system, this performance is within an acceptable range.

One of the highlights of the XV is its safety configuration. The entire lineup comes standard with the EyeSight driver assistance system, including functions such as ACC adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, and forward collision warning. In actual use, ACC performs steadily for following cars on highways, and the autonomous emergency braking system reacts promptly, effectively avoiding the risk of low-speed rear-end collisions. In addition, 7 airbags, a 360-degree panoramic camera system, and front and rear sensors also provide multiple layers of protection for driving safety.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 Subaru XV 2.0 i-P GT Edition lie in the all-wheel-drive system, which offers excellent off-road capability and stability, its rich safety configurations, and its well-balanced spatial performance. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Honda HR-V or Toyota C-HR, the XV has an edge in its all-wheel-drive system and safety configurations, but its interior tech features and fuel efficiency are slightly less impressive. This car is suitable for families who prioritize safety and occasionally need to deal with unpaved roads, especially those who often take family trips or commute between urban and suburban areas.

In summary, the 2022 Subaru XV 2.0 i-P GT Edition is a "well-rounded" family SUV. It does not overly pursue extreme performance in any specific area but achieves a good balance among safety, practicality, and off-road capability. If you're looking for a reliable and reassuring family car capable of handling various terrains, this would be a great choice.