Pros
- Rugged good looks
- Satisfactory off-road abilities
- Interior wearing well with age
- Holding their value
Cons
- Major CVT transmission issues
- Rear wheel bearing issues
- Desperate for more power
- Can be thirsty when pushed
Verdict
We wouldn't...
We'd be cautious
We would...
We recommend the XV but it comes with conditions.
Avoid the CVT automatic transmission models as the risk of failure and the costs attached are far too high.
If you’re happy with a manual transmission, look for the most recent, lowest mileage 2.0i-S with a solid service history you can...
Publish: December 24, 2020
Subaru has been taking its compact hatchbacks and wagons and jacking them up, turning them into tough little off-roaders since the 1970s and calling them names like Leone, Loyale and even Gravel Express and the XV has done its best to follow suit.
While this, (and the current model XV) is based on the Impreza hatch, the XV has been reengineered to offer a respectable level of ground clearance and, with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, some very capable off-roading ability.
However when it comes to on-road characteristics, age and mileage have not been all that kind to the XV.
Subaru has been taking its compact hatchbacks and wagons and jacking them up, turning them into tough little off-roaders since the 1970s and calling them names like Leone, Loyale and even Gravel Express and the XV has done its best to follow suit.
While this, (and the current model XV) is based on the Impreza hatch, the XV has been reengineered to offer a respectable level of ground clearance and, with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, some very capable off-roading ability.
However when it comes to on-road characteristics, age and mileage have not been all that kind to the XV.
Subaru has been taking its compact hatchbacks and wagons and jacking them up, turning them into tough little off-roaders since the 1970s and calling them names like Leone, Loyale and even Gravel Express and the XV has done its best to follow suit.
While this, (and the current model XV) is based on the Impreza hatch, the XV has been reengineered to offer a respectable level of ground clearance and, with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, some very capable off-roading ability.
However when it comes to on-road characteristics, age and mileage have not been all that kind to the XV.
- Wheel bearings wear from approx. 60,000kms
- FB20 oil consumption concerns
- CVT transmission valve body and solenoid faults
- Engine valve spring factory recall is critical
- Pre-facelift infotainment system is terrible
- Wheel bearings wear from approx. 60,000kms
- FB20 oil consumption concerns
- CVT transmission valve body and solenoid faults
- Engine valve spring factory recall is critical
- Pre-facelift infotainment system is terrible
- Wheel bearings wear from approx. 60,000kms
- FB20 oil consumption concerns
- CVT transmission valve body and solenoid faults
- Engine valve spring factory recall is critical
- Pre-facelift infotainment system is terrible
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 110kW / 196Nm (2.0i 2011 – 2017, 2.0i-L 2011 – 2017, 2.0i-S 2011 – 2017, FX 2014, 2.0i Special Edition 2015 – 2017)
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 110kW / 235Nm (2.0i-S 2011 – 2012)
Transmission
- 6-speed Manual (2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S, FX)
- 6-speed Constantly Variable Transmission (2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S, FX, 2.0i Special Edition)
Fuel Consumption
- 5.9 – 8.9 / 100km (All Models)
Length
- 4450mm (All Models)
Width
- 1780mm (All Models)
Height
- 1615mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2635mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 1385kg – 1450kg (All Models)
Towing
- 650kg (unbraked) – 1400kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 5 stars, tested 2012 (All Models)
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 110kW / 196Nm (2.0i 2011 – 2017, 2.0i-L 2011 – 2017, 2.0i-S 2011 – 2017, FX 2014, 2.0i Special Edition 2015 – 2017)
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 110kW / 235Nm (2.0i-S 2011 – 2012)
Transmission
- 6-speed Manual (2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S, FX)
- 6-speed Constantly Variable Transmission (2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S, FX, 2.0i Special Edition)
Fuel Consumption
- 5.9 – 8.9 / 100km (All Models)
Length
- 4450mm (All Models)
Width
- 1780mm (All Models)
Height
- 1615mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2635mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 1385kg – 1450kg (All Models)
Towing
- 650kg (unbraked) – 1400kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 5 stars, tested 2012 (All Models)
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 110kW / 196Nm (2.0i 2011 – 2017, 2.0i-L 2011 – 2017, 2.0i-S 2011 – 2017, FX 2014, 2.0i Special Edition 2015 – 2017)
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 110kW / 235Nm (2.0i-S 2011 – 2012)
Transmission
- 6-speed Manual (2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S, FX)
- 6-speed Constantly Variable Transmission (2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S, FX, 2.0i Special Edition)
Fuel Consumption
- 5.9 – 8.9 / 100km (All Models)
Length
- 4450mm (All Models)
Width
- 1780mm (All Models)
Height
- 1615mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2635mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 1385kg – 1450kg (All Models)
Towing
- 650kg (unbraked) – 1400kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 5 stars, tested 2012 (All Models)
Warranty
- 3 years / unlimited km (All Models)
Servicing
- 12,500 km / 6 months (All Models)
Model range, pricing and features
We recommend the XV but it comes with conditions.
Avoid the CVT automatic transmission models as the risk of failure and the costs attached are far too high.
If you’re happy with a manual transmission, look for the most recent, lowest mileage 2.0i-S with a solid service history you can find.
If you absolutely have to have an auto, we recommend looking at the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage instead.
We recommend the XV but it comes with conditions.
Avoid the CVT automatic transmission models as the risk of failure and the costs attached are far too high.
If you’re happy with a manual transmission, look for the most recent, lowest mileage 2.0i-S with a solid service history you can find.
If you absolutely have to have an auto, we recommend looking at the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage instead.
We recommend the XV but it comes with conditions.
Avoid the CVT automatic transmission models as the risk of failure and the costs attached are far too high.
If you’re happy with a manual transmission, look for the most recent, lowest mileage 2.0i-S with a solid service history you can find.
If you absolutely have to have an auto, we recommend looking at the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage instead.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Sep 18, 2023.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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