Subaru XV 2019 Review

Nowadays, there are plenty of choices in Malaysia's C-segment crossover market. Consumers want the comfort of daily commuting while also hoping to occasionally tackle unpaved roads, without compromising on features and safety. The core selling points of the 2019 Subaru XV are very clear: standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for all variants, 220mm ground clearance, and an entry-level price under RM113,000. This combination of "family car pricing + SUV capability" has certainly piqued the interest of many. This time, we test-drove the 2.0i and 2.0i-P versions to see whether these advantages hold up in real-world usage and whether the car feels intuitive to drive on a daily basis.

In terms of appearance, the 2019 XV continues Subaru's rugged design style. Its overall lines are angular without appearing clumsy. The hexagonal front grille with chrome accents provides high recognizability, and the headlights on either side are a halogen + LED combination for the base 2.0i variant, while the mid-to-high-end 2.0i-P and GT Edition come with full LED headlights equipped with an automatic lighting feature, giving a more refined visual effect when lit. Black plastic cladding on the side skirts and wheel arches enhances the crossover character, while the 17-inch wheels feel just the right size, neither too small nor too big. The rear design is relatively simple, with L-shaped taillights mirroring the front design, and a silver skid plate on the rear bumper adds a touch of off-road flair.

Stepping inside, the interior layout is practical, without overly flashy design. The center console is oriented towards the driver, making it very user-friendly. In terms of materials, most of the touchpoints are made of soft materials, and the door panels have leather wrapping, giving the cabin decent quality within its price range. In terms of features, all versions come with keyless entry/start, an 8-way electronically adjustable driver seat, a multifunction steering wheel, and paddle shifters, ensuring convenience for daily use. The mid-to-high-end 2.0i-P and GT Edition additionally offer dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic headlights, features that are particularly practical in Malaysia's hot and rainy weather. The instrument cluster consists of traditional mechanical dials paired with an LCD screen, providing clear displays for information such as fuel consumption and all-wheel-drive status, which are intuitive and easy to read.

As for space, the XV has a wheelbase of 2665mm, which provides ample space for front passengers. A passenger measuring 180cm in height can sit comfortably with enough room above the head and in front of the legs. The rear-seat space is also quite decent—passengers of the same height will have about two fist-widths of legroom and a fist's worth of headroom, so it doesn’t feel cramped. Although the middle section of the rear floor is slightly raised, it isn’t very intrusive, so it’s still feasible to seat three people for short trips. In terms of storage space, the door compartments hold two bottles of water, and the central armrest storage box is fairly spacious. There are also two cup holders in the front. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 345L, which is enough to fit several suitcases for daily use. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-fold design, which can be folded down to create more space, making it convenient for carrying large items.

As for performance, all variants are powered by a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine producing a maximum of 156 horsepower and 196 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT gearbox. In practical use, the power response during acceleration is smooth, lacking the sudden burst you get in turbocharged cars. However, once you step on the accelerator, power is delivered linearly, which is more than enough for daily commuting. On the highway, when overtaking and stepping firmly on the accelerator, the transmission simulates gear shifts, the revs rise, and power is promptly delivered without feeling sluggish. There are two driving modes: Normal and Sport. In Sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, and the engine holds higher RPMs, which is suitable for a bit of driving fun.

Handling and chassis performance are among the highlights of the XV. The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system comes standard across the lineup, allowing excellent power distribution during cornering. The vehicle's body stability is high, with no significant body roll. The chassis features a front MacPherson strut and rear double-wishbone independent suspension combination, tuned for comfort without sacrificing resilience. When going over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out vibrations, making the ride inside the car feel smooth. The steering is very light to handle, making low-speed turns or parking effortless, while at high speeds, it feels more stable and precise.

In terms of fuel economy, the 2.0i-P variant we test-drove had a combined consumption of around 8.5L/100km in city driving, decreasing to about 6.5L/100km on highways. This performance is quite average among competitors of the same class. Although the all-wheel-drive system slightly increases fuel consumption, considering its off-road capability, this level of fuel economy is still acceptable.

When it comes to ride comfort, the XV performs well. The seats provide excellent support and are filled with soft materials, ensuring that long rides are not tiring. Noise insulation is commendable; wind and tire noise are not very noticeable at high speeds, and engine noise remains minimal, offering a quiet cabin experience. Mid-to-high trims feature dual-zone automatic air conditioning with quick cooling performance, and the presence of rear air vents caters well to the comfort of rear passengers.

In summary, the 2019 Subaru XV boasts clear advantages: the standard all-wheel-drive system and high ground clearance give it better off-road capability compared to many two-wheel-drive crossovers in the same class. Occasional excursions to the countryside or rugged terrains should not be a concern. In terms of features, even the entry-level model comes with sufficient safety and convenience configurations. Price-wise, the starting price of under 113,000 MYR makes it more affordable than many SUVs in the same segment. Compared to rivals like the Honda HR-V or Toyota C-HR, the XV's all-wheel-drive system and chassis performance are its core strengths, making it a good choice for consumers looking for a crossover suitable for daily commutes and occasional light off-roading.

If you are someone who enjoys outdoor activities or frequently drives on unpaved roads, the XV is a great choice. If you are a family user looking for a safe, practical, and spacious car, the XV also meets those needs. It is not a car that pursues extreme performance, but it is well-rounded in all aspects, making it a very sensible choice.

In conclusion, the 2019 Subaru XV is a crossover that is highly suitable for the Malaysian market. Its all-wheel-drive system and high ground clearance provide excellent off-road performance, while its features and space meet daily usage needs, and its price remains quite accessible. If you're looking for a pragmatic, reliable crossover, the XV is worth your consideration.