The 2021 Subaru XV is offered in five trim levels, with prices starting at $29,690 before on-road costs for the 2.0i and running to $40,790 before on-roads for the Hybrid S AWD.
The current XV is a third-generation model, although it shares its bones with the Impreza hatchback – a nameplate that’s been around since 1992.
New for 2021 is a range-topping Hybrid S, which sits above the existing Hybrid L and offers more standard kit.
The whole range has been treated to a new grille, front bumper, foglight surrounds and alloy wheel designs.
The 2.0i Premium AWD now features a full range of active safety features as standard, while the range-topping S has been treated to a slightly plusher cabin.
Top-spec 2.0i-S and Hybrid S variants gain a new front and side-view monitor for a broader camera view when parking, too.
Across the range, the new XV sits on a revised suspension with new coil springs and tweaked dampers designed to smooth out the ride.
Pricing
- 2021 Subaru XV 2.0i AWD: $29,690
- 2021 Subaru XV 2.0i-L AWD: $31,990
- 2021 Subaru XV 2.0i Premium AWD: $34,590
- 2021 Subaru XV Hybrid L AWD: $35,490
- 2021 Subaru XV 2.0i-S AWD: $37,290
- 2021 Subaru XV Hybrid S AWD: $40,790
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Engines
Petrol-powered XV models are powered by a 2.0-litre, flat-four petrol engine with 115kW of power and 196Nm of torque.
The XV Hybrid uses a 2.0-litre, flat-four direct-injection petrol engine making 110kW of power at 6000rpm and 196Nm of torque at 4000rpm, linked to a high-voltage lithium-ion battery.
The electric motor generates an additional 12.3kW of power and 66Nm of torque for more instantaneous acceleration from standstill.
Both petrol and hybrid-powered models are mated with a CVT transmission, although the 2021 Hybrid benefits from something Subaru is calling e-Active Shift Control. It’s designed to better make use of the powertrain’s torque by intelligently downshifting when coming into corners, and gives the driver more engine braking by shifting down on the way down hills.
Power is sent to all four wheels in all 2021 Subaru XV models.
Fuel Economy
Subaru claims the petrol-powered 2021 XV uses 7.0L/100km. The claim for the Hybrid is 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Dimensions
The 2021 Subaru XV measures 4465mm long, 1800mm wide and 2665mm tall, with a 1550mm wheelbase.
Boot space is listed at 310L with the rear seats in place and 765L with them folded.
Safety
The current Subaru XV gets a five-star ANCAP safety rating, but the crash test results are based on crash tests of the related Subaru Impreza. The results apply to all XV variants, including the hybrid.
In the frontal offset test it scored 14.80 out of a possible 16, while in the side impact test it achieved the maximum 16 out of 16.
The pole test also resulted in the maximum 2 out of 2, which helped the XV achieve a total score of 35.80 from a possible 37.
Standard Features
The base XV 2.0i comes with the following features as standard:
- Rear-view camera
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Roof rails
- Power-folding mirrors
Opting for the 2.0i-L adds:
- Dual-zone climate control
- Lane-keeping assist
- Leather steering wheel and gear shifter
- ‘Premium’ cloth trim
- 8.0-inch touchscreen
The next step is the 2.0i Premium, which gains:
- Electric sunroof
- Satellite navigation
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-change assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Reverse emergency braking
- Front-view camera
Topping the petrol-powered range is the 2.0i-S, with:
- 18-inch alloy wheels and a space-saver spare
- Alloy pedals
- Automatic headlights
- Automatic wipers
- Chrome exterior door handles
- Power driver’s seat with memory
- Leather seat trim
- Side-view camera
- Gloss black climate control trim
- Stitched trip computer housing visor
Inside the 2020 XV Hybrid L
The XV Hybrid exists in its own space. Standard equipment in the XV Hybrid L includes:
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Digital radio
- Rain-sensing front windscreen wipers
- Premium cloth trim
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift
- Puncture repair kit
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic headlights
- Power-folding door mirrors
Compared to the XV Hybrid L, the Hybrid S gains:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-change assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Reverse emergency braking
- Front-view camera
- Satellite navigation
- Leather upholstery
- Power driver’s seat with dual memory
- Heated front seats
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Dual-zone climate control
- Stitched trip computer housing visor
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights with steering response
- Electric sunroof
Servicing
Servicing for the XV takes place every 12 months or 12,500km. Subaru offers five years of capped-price servicing, with the first five services costing a combined $2407.
A five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty is standard across the Subaru range.
