Subaru XV 2021 Review

In today's C-segment crossover market, users are looking for more than just convenient city commuting; they also demand a vehicle that can handle weekend trips to the countryside and some unpaved roads. The core selling point of the Subaru XV 2.0i series is very clear—Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel Drive) comes as standard across the range, coupled with a ground clearance of 220mm, making its off-road capabilities stand out among its peers. Additionally, with a starting price of below RM120,000 for the base model, it has attracted considerable attention among practical consumers. During this test drive, we mainly experienced the performance differences between the 2.0i, 2.0i-P, and the version equipped with EyeSight, focusing on its actual abilities in daily use and light off-road scenarios.

From a static perspective, the XV's exterior design leans towards ruggedness, with a body design that is relatively simple but exudes a sense of robustness. The front fascia features a hexagonal grille with black plastic trims, paired with halogen (2.0i) or LED (higher-end) headlights on either side, giving it a distinctive look. The wheel arches and side skirts are lined with thick black plastic cladding, enhancing its crossover appeal. The 220mm ground clearance is also visually prominent from the side, making it higher than many competitors in the same segment. The rear design is relatively simple, with sharply designed LED tail lamp clusters, and black protective cladding at the lower part of the rear bumper adds a cohesive touch to the overall styling.

Sitting inside, the interior layout prioritizes practicality without overly fancy design elements. The dashboard adopts a symmetrical layout, and the 8-inch touchscreen comes standard across the lineup, featuring a clear interface and straightforward operation. In terms of materials, the upper part of the dashboard uses soft-touch plastic, which feels decent, and the inner sides of the door panels are wrapped in leather. For features, the base 2.0i model comes with single-zone automatic air conditioning, while the 2.0i-P and above upgrade to dual-zone. All variants are equipped with keyless entry, push-button start, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The versions equipped with EyeSight also include rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights.

The interior space meets the positioning of a C-segment vehicle. With a wheelbase of 2665mm, the rear row legroom is quite spacious, offering about two fist-widths of space between the knees of a 175cm passenger and the front seatback. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 345L, which is sufficient for daily shopping or short trips. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, expanding the cargo space and making it convenient for carrying larger items. For storage, the front center armrest box and door storage compartments are quite spacious, easily accommodating items like phones and water bottles.

In terms of dynamic driving, all models are equipped with a 2.0L horizontally opposed naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum output of 156PS and a maximum torque of 194N·m, paired with a CVT gearbox. The power output is fairly linear during acceleration, lacking the sudden bursts of power seen in turbocharged engines, but it suffices for everyday city commuting. During highway overtaking, a hard press on the accelerator prompts the CVT to simulate gear shifts, and when the RPM climbs to about 4000, noticeable power output is felt. However, overall acceleration is not very aggressive, leaning more towards smoothness. The standard Symmetrical AWD performs well in cornering situations, keeping the vehicle stable with precise steering and no noticeable slack in the steering wheel.

In terms of chassis, the front MacPherson strut and rear double wishbone independent suspension are tuned for comfort while retaining a certain level of support. When going over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension can filter out most of the small vibrations, without feeling overly harsh on impacts. While driving on mountain roads, the cornering body roll is well-controlled, ensuring passengers do not feel too jostled. The 220mm ground clearance provides a significant advantage on unpaved roads, such as commonly seen gravel roads or small steep inclines in the suburbs, without much concern about scraping the chassis. The AWD system also ensures wheel traction, making light off-roading entirely feasible.

Regarding fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 7.3L/100km. During the actual test drive, it was around 8.5L for city commuting and could drop to 6.8L on highways. This performance is quite reasonable for a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Noise control is well-handled, with wind and tire noise being barely noticeable at speeds below 80 km/h. On highways, tire noise becomes slightly more noticeable but remains within an acceptable range. The seats offer excellent support, making long trips comfortable, which is particularly friendly for family users.

Variants equipped with the EyeSight system see a significant improvement in safety features. The 360-degree surround-view camera makes parking more convenient, while lane departure warning and active braking functions provide extra safety in everyday driving. Compared to competitors like the Honda HR-V or Toyota Corolla Cross, the XV's advantages lie in the standard all-wheel-drive system and higher ground clearance, making it suitable for users who occasionally enjoy the outdoors. However, in terms of interior quality and technological features, it may fall short of some competitors.

To summarize, the Subaru XV 2.0i series' core highlights are the standard all-wheel-drive system, high ground clearance offering excellent passability, and its solidly tuned chassis. The entry-level 2.0i model is highly cost-effective and suitable for budget-conscious users who need four-wheel-drive functionality. The 2.0i-P adds dual-zone climate control and automatic headlights, enhancing comfort. Meanwhile, the EyeSight-equipped version is ideal for family users who prioritize safety features. If you're looking for a crossover that balances city commuting with light off-roading, while offering reliable performance, the XV is a worthy consideration.