Subaru XV Review

In recent years, the demand for C-Segment crossover vehicles has been steadily increasing. Consumers want both the off-road capability of an SUV and the nimble handling of a sedan. The 2021 Subaru XV 2.0i is precisely aimed at this niche market. It comes standard with a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, and its 220mm minimum ground clearance is outstanding in its class, while maintaining Subaru's consistent high safety standards. This test drive mainly focuses on three core aspects: the practicality of the all-wheel drive system under local road conditions, the power response of the 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, and whether its space and features can meet the needs of daily family use.

Starting with the exterior, the 2021 XV 2.0i retains Subaru's robust family styling. The front features a hexagonal grille with black honeycomb accents, while the sharp halogen + LED combination headlights on both sides connect smoothly with the grille for an integrated design and good recognizability. The side profile has simple lines, with slightly muscular treatments around the front and rear wheel arches. Matched with 225/60 R17 tires, it balances off-road capability without looking overly rough. At the rear, the split taillights adopt a horizontal layout that echoes the rear spoiler, while the silver skid plate at the bottom emphasizes its crossover characteristics. The overall design lacks overly ornate elements, resulting in a look that prioritizes functionality and is easy on the eyes.

Upon opening the door, the interior features a predominantly dark color scheme, with the dashboard covered in hard plastic materials that feel firm but are well-built. An 8-inch touchscreen sits atop the center console with a clear interface layout, supporting basic multimedia and Bluetooth connectivity functions. Its operation response speed is moderate and sufficient for daily use. The driver's seat has 8-way electric adjustment, offering a wide range of adjustments to quickly find a comfortable seating position. However, the passenger seat is manually adjustable, which is relatively inferior compared to other cars in the same price range. The instrument panel features traditional mechanical dials paired with a central monochrome information screen that displays basic information such as speed, RPM, and fuel level. Although the information is easy to read, it lacks a sense of modern technology. The rear seat supports a 60:40 split, and when folded, the trunk capacity expands from 345L to a significantly larger space, which is sufficient for storing strollers or camping equipment.

In terms of space, the 2665mm wheelbase is considered mainstream in the C-Segment. The front row offers ample headroom, with a 180cm passenger having about a fist's worth of clearance above their head. The rear seat provides about two fistfuls of legroom and one fist of headroom, ensuring that long rides don't feel overly cramped. The rear is equipped with independent air vents and two USB ports, showing thoughtful detail. Regarding storage, door panel compartments can hold two 500ml water bottles, the central armrest box is moderately deep, and there are two cup holders in the front row, meeting the needs for storing small everyday items.

In terms of power, the 2021 XV 2.0i is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 156 PS and a maximum torque of 194 N·m, paired with a CVT continuously variable transmission. Power output during start-up is smooth, without the abruptness of turbocharged engines. A light press on the accelerator allows for a steady start, making it suitable for urban traffic. When the accelerator is pressed deeply during acceleration, the CVT simulates gear shifts, keeping the engine at over 4000rpm. The power response is swift, providing sufficient confidence when overtaking. However, acceleration in the latter stages lacks explosive force, and additional throttle input is required for high-speed acceleration. Fuel efficiency meets expectations, with about 8.5L/100km during city commuting, dropping to 6.8L/100km on highways. The combined fuel consumption is not far from the official claim of 7.3L/100km, and the 63L fuel tank provides a decent driving range.

Control and chassis are the highlights of the XV. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system performs exceptionally well on wet roads. On the day of the test drive, it was slightly rainy, and there was no obvious wheel slippage when cornering, with excellent body stability. The combination of front MacPherson struts and rear double-wishbone independent suspension is tuned for comfort while retaining a certain level of support. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively filters out vibrations, so rear passengers won’t feel bumps. When cornering, body roll is controlled within a reasonable range, and the car follows through corners very smoothly, driving more agilely than a traditional SUV. The steering wheel has moderate weight, precise direction, and is easy to handle in daily driving, while remaining stable at high speeds.

In terms of safety features, the 2021 XV 2.0i comes standard with 7 airbags (including knee airbags), ABS, stability control, hill assist, and other basic safety features. It is also equipped with an ACC adaptive cruise control system, which reduces fatigue during long-distance driving. However, compared to the higher-spec EyeSight version, it lacks active safety functions such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking, making this a noticeable drawback for the base model.

Noise control performance is average. At low speeds in urban areas, wind and tire noise are not obvious, but at higher speeds, wind noise can be heard from the A-pillar. However, this does not affect normal conversation. The seats have good support and moderate padding. Lumbar support is sufficient for long drives, and overall comfort is commendable.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2021 Subaru XV 2.0i lie in the stability provided by its all-wheel-drive system, the 220mm ground clearance for good passability, and its solid chassis tuning. Compared to its competitors in the same class, such as the Honda HR-V or Toyota C-HR, its AWD system is a distinctive advantage. However, its configuration and interior luxury feel slightly lacking. This car is suitable for families that prioritize practicality and safety, especially those who frequently drive on unpaved roads or in wet conditions. If you are on a budget but still want Subaru’s AWD technology, the 2021 XV 2.0i is a good choice.