Likes
- Used market has compressed pricing, so bargains can be had.
- Looks the absolute business.
Used Subaru XV (2nd-gen) review
2017 - 2023
Dislikes
- CVTs can still be problematic.
- Usual infotainment issues.
- The hybrid versions are pointless. Don’t bother with it.
Stuff you should know
The second-generation Subaru XV, or Crosstrek, depending where you’re watching form, ticks so many boxes. They’re a good size, they look great, they’re relatively practical and have a good range of tech and features, they’re one of the few SUVs in this segment that have actual off-road ability and being a Subaru, you’d like to think the build quality is great and reliability shouldn’t be an issue.
Plus, on the used market, they seem to offer great value for money so buying a pre-owned XV, should be a no brainer yeah?
On the used market at the moment, early high-kilometre base models kick off from as little as $10,000, with the mint condition high-spec models asking closer to $40,000 and this puts it head to head against so much competition.
Like the Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos, the Nissan Qashqai and Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3 or CX-5, MG ZS, Toyota CH-R, Ford Puma, the list goes on and on and on.
But before you fork out your 10 to 40 grand, it’s important to wrap your head around the range.
The 2nd-generation Subaru XV ran from 2017 to 2022 but there was a mid-cycle update in 2020, that included the usual subtle facelift and the tech and equipment was upgraded.
But the big news from 2020, was that a Hybrid XV joined the 2.0 L non-turbo 4 cylinder as an option to power the thing. Annoyingly, at least for us, the US market also had a punchier 2.5-litre join their ranks in 2020. Hey Subaru Australia, why didn’t we get that?
What goes wrong?
Exterior:
Starting with the exterior; plenty of owners have complained about the resilience of the paint…or lack of. Apparently it can chip and mark really easily and even cars that are cleaned and polished regularly, the paint and clear coat has started to show premature wear.
This is disappointing on a car that is basically the off-road version of a Subaru Impreza hatch with all it’s plastic body cladding, surely the paint should be able to take some punishment. The hot tip from owners is to just get the car PPF’d to hopefully mitigate these issues.
Speaking of the plastic cladding, examples that spend their entire lives living outside, in other words not garaged, if the plastic cladding isn’t maintained, it can fade and especially in hot climates like here in Australia. This is easily sorted, just look after the car, give it a wash and a polish and make sure to treat all the black plastic bits with some quality products.
Another potential plastics-related issue, the plastic trim at the base of the windscreen can lift in hot climates, it should clip back into place, some owners that have had windscreens replaced, if not done correctly, can lead to the trim lifting. If it gets bad enough, water can leak into the car, very bad as it can run the risk of electrical issues. Obviously this is not a common issue, just be aware of it.
There are a handful of reports regarding weird gremlins like door handles requiring replacement or the locking mechanisms playing up but again, not at all common and nowhere near as prevalent as you might find in a host of other cars in this segment, some of which can ask thousands more than these.
Interior:
There are a few complaints regarding rattles forming in the A pillars and behind the dash, but not what we’d call common.
In really hot climates and depending on what sunscreen you use, some owners have found the “leather” on the armrest can become loose and wrinkle. Actually in the US, some dealerships have been fitting a new armrest with a more durable material on it.
The steering wheels can peel in hot climates, especially if seldom garaged and never treated or cleaned properly.
However, there’s one problem that’s becoming common in so many late-model vehicles, and it’s the bloody infotainment system.
Good news first, while it allows for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, even on the smaller screen in the pre-update 2.0i, there are countless reports of phone connections dropping out, both on Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and bluetooth. There’s also reports that the system can randomly skip through songs, and owners have reported volume just dropping to
Exterior:
Starting with the exterior; plenty of owners have complained about the resilience of the paint…or lack of. Apparently it can chip and mark really easily and even cars that are cleaned and polished regularly, the paint and clear coat has started to show premature wear.
This is disappointing on a car that is basically the off-road version of a Subaru Impreza hatch with all it’s plastic body cladding, surely the paint should be able to take some punishment. The hot tip from owners is to just get the car PPF’d to hopefully mitigate these issues.
Speaking of the plastic cladding, examples that spend their entire lives living outside, in other words not garaged, if the plastic cladding isn’t maintained, it can fade and especially in hot climates like here in Australia. This is easily sorted, just look after the car, give it a wash and a polish and make sure to treat all the black plastic bits with some quality products.
Another potential plastics-related issue, the plastic trim at the base of the windscreen can lift in hot climates, it should clip back into place, some owners that have had windscreens replaced, if not done correctly, can lead to the trim lifting. If it gets bad enough, water can leak into the car, very bad as it can run the risk of electrical issues. Obviously this is not a common issue, just be aware of it.
There are a handful of reports regarding weird gremlins like door handles requiring replacement or the locking mechanisms playing up but again, not at all common and nowhere near as prevalent as you might find in a host of other cars in this segment, some of which can ask thousands more than these.
Interior:
There are a few complaints regarding rattles forming in the A pillars and behind the dash, but not what we’d call common.
In really hot climates and depending on what sunscreen you use, some owners have found the “leather” on the armrest can become loose and wrinkle. Actually in the US, some dealerships have been fitting a new armrest with a more durable material on it.
The steering wheels can peel in hot climates, especially if seldom garaged and never treated or cleaned properly.
However, there’s one problem that’s becoming common in so many late-model vehicles, and it’s the bloody infotainment system.
Good news first, while it allows for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, even on the smaller screen in the pre-update 2.0i, there are countless reports of phone connections dropping out, both on Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and bluetooth. There’s also reports that the system can randomly skip through songs, and owners have reported volume just dropping to half, screens playing up or turning off, the entire system randomly rebooting, even the screens cracking when it gets really hot.
Now plenty have been replaced under warranty but some owners mentioned the issues just come back again.
But, if the car is out of warranty, guess what one owner was quoted for a replacement system. $5000! Even the sound quality from the speakers isn’t anything amazing. But, the good news is this can be sorted easily, same for the speakers, there are loads of aftermarket options available and this can mean wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Mechanically:
Decades of boxer engines and they still can’t get it right…
The EJ series, especially the EJ25, was plagued with head gasket issues and can cost thousands to fix. But, thankfully that’s a thing of the past.
The current F series (FA & FB), have a much improved heads, block, and gasket design so they typically don’t have head gasket issues.
The worst issue with the F series is oil leaks. The F series engine has its own separate housing for the cam shafts – meaning you’ve got the head, the cam carrier, then the valve cover, and that introduces a whole extra sealing area that most engine design avoid.
The timing cover is the other area that leaks. The F series has a huge timing cover right across the engine and even though it has 34 bolts around the perimeter holding it on – it can still leak.
Unfortunately, these leakage issues can cost thousands to fix. The parts themselves aren’t expensive, it’s just a few seals and some RTV sealant, but what makes the repair expensive is that it’s very labour intensive. Usually, the engine has to come out.
Annoyingly, after enough heat cycles or enough time, the RTV sealant is likely to fail. Something you can do to help reduce the oil leaks, is make sure the PCV valve is working properly, too much crankcase pressure definitely wont help.
You can get the PCV valve change for less than $100, though.
Now to the hybrid, versions, in Australia less than 5% of these are hybrid so getting accurate reliability info is difficult.
It’s a small battery and adds about 200kg to the car and the fuel savings are minimal, so you wonder why they bother. Some owners complain about batteries not meeting expectations and it can be worse in hot climates. Some owners also complaining about endless “check hybrid system” warnings and being told at the dealership there’s nothing wrong with it.
As for the CVT, Subaru improved valve bodies and drive belt durability which has meant catastrophic failure rates for the gen-2 are relatively low. Not zero though.
Other owners complain about shuddering and slow gear engagement. The gear engagement issue is worse in cold climates, but overall far better than previous generations.
One last comment on the CVTs, if anyone tells you the CVT fluid is filled for life – that is incorrect. Generally it’s recommended the CVT fluid should be changed at 90,000km intervals. Our advice is do it every 50,000km.
Exterior:
Starting with the exterior; plenty of owners have complained about the resilience of the paint…or lack of. Apparently it can chip and mark really easily and even cars that are cleaned and polished regularly, the paint and clear coat has started to show premature wear.
This is disappointing on a car that is basically the off-road version of a Subaru Impreza hatch with all it’s plastic body cladding, surely the paint should be able to take some punishment. The hot tip from owners is to just get the car PPF’d to hopefully mitigate these issues.
Speaking of the plastic cladding, examples that spend their entire lives living outside, in other words not garaged, if the plastic cladding isn’t maintained, it can fade and especially in hot climates like here in Australia. This is easily sorted, just look after the car, give it a wash and a polish and make sure to treat all the black plastic bits with some quality products.
Another potential plastics-related issue, the plastic trim at the base of the windscreen can lift in hot climates, it should clip back into place, some owners that have had windscreens replaced, if not done correctly, can lead to the trim lifting. If it gets bad enough, water can leak into the car, very bad as it can run the risk of electrical issues. Obviously this is not a common issue, just be aware of it.
There are a handful of reports regarding weird gremlins like door handles requiring replacement or the locking mechanisms playing up but again, not at all common and nowhere near as prevalent as you might find in a host of other cars in this segment, some of which can ask thousands more than these.
Interior:
There are a few complaints regarding rattles forming in the A pillars and behind the dash, but not what we’d call common.
In really hot climates and depending on what sunscreen you use, some owners have found the “leather” on the armrest can become loose and wrinkle. Actually in the US, some dealerships have been fitting a new armrest with a more durable material on it.
The steering wheels can peel in hot climates, especially if seldom garaged and never treated or cleaned properly.
However, there’s one problem that’s becoming common in so many late-model vehicles, and it’s the bloody infotainment system.
Good news first, while it allows for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, even on the smaller screen in the pre-update 2.0i, there are countless reports of phone connections dropping out, both on Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and bluetooth. There’s also reports that the system can randomly skip through songs, and owners have reported volume just dropping to half, screens playing up or turning off, the entire system randomly rebooting, even the screens cracking when it gets really hot.
Now plenty have been replaced under warranty but some owners mentioned the issues just come back again.
But, if the car is out of warranty, guess what one owner was quoted for a replacement system. $5000! Even the sound quality from the speakers isn’t anything amazing. But, the good news is this can be sorted easily, same for the speakers, there are loads of aftermarket options available and this can mean wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Mechanically:
Decades of boxer engines and they still can’t get it right…
The EJ series, especially the EJ25, was plagued with head gasket issues and can cost thousands to fix. But, thankfully that’s a thing of the past.
The current F series (FA & FB), have a much improved heads, block, and gasket design so they typically don’t have head gasket issues.
The worst issue with the F series is oil leaks. The F series engine has its own separate housing for the cam shafts – meaning you’ve got the head, the cam carrier, then the valve cover, and that introduces a whole extra sealing area that most engine design avoid.
The timing cover is the other area that leaks. The F series has a huge timing cover right across the engine and even though it has 34 bolts around the perimeter holding it on – it can still leak.
Unfortunately, these leakage issues can cost thousands to fix. The parts themselves aren’t expensive, it’s just a few seals and some RTV sealant, but what makes the repair expensive is that it’s very labour intensive. Usually, the engine has to come out.
Annoyingly, after enough heat cycles or enough time, the RTV sealant is likely to fail. Something you can do to help reduce the oil leaks, is make sure the PCV valve is working properly, too much crankcase pressure definitely wont help.
You can get the PCV valve change for less than $100, though.
Now to the hybrid, versions, in Australia less than 5% of these are hybrid so getting accurate reliability info is difficult.
It’s a small battery and adds about 200kg to the car and the fuel savings are minimal, so you wonder why they bother. Some owners complain about batteries not meeting expectations and it can be worse in hot climates. Some owners also complaining about endless “check hybrid system” warnings and being told at the dealership there’s nothing wrong with it.
As for the CVT, Subaru improved valve bodies and drive belt durability which has meant catastrophic failure rates for the gen-2 are relatively low. Not zero though.
Other owners complain about shuddering and slow gear engagement. The gear engagement issue is worse in cold climates, but overall far better than previous generations.
One last comment on the CVTs, if anyone tells you the CVT fluid is filled for life – that is incorrect. Generally it’s recommended the CVT fluid should be changed at 90,000km intervals. Our advice is do it every 50,000km.
Should you buy it?
But the big question still remains, should you buy one? Yes, maybe, only if it ticks all the critical boxes, then yes.
What we mean is, only consider an example that has a full and thorough service history, ideally with a CVT that has been serviced well ahead of schedule, make sure it passes a full pre-purchase inspection with flying colours and if nails these points, most signs suggest it’s going to be a great little car for you.
Also, it might be good to be mentally and financially ready for some potential mechanical headaches that might arise down the track but you’d like to think the majority of XV out there with meticulous maintenance histories will hopefully be ok.
Overall the right used XV should be a bloody good thing, but then again, the same can be said for the Mazda CX-5.
But the big question still remains, should you buy one? Yes, maybe, only if it ticks all the critical boxes, then yes.
What we mean is, only consider an example that has a full and thorough service history, ideally with a CVT that has been serviced well ahead of schedule, make sure it passes a full pre-purchase inspection with flying colours and if nails these points, most signs suggest it’s going to be a great little car for you.
Also, it might be good to be mentally and financially ready for some potential mechanical headaches that might arise down the track but you’d like to think the majority of XV out there with meticulous maintenance histories will hopefully be ok.
Overall the right used XV should be a bloody good thing, but then again, the same can be said for the Mazda CX-5.
Should you buy it?
But the big question still remains, should you buy one? Yes, maybe, only if it ticks all the critical boxes, then yes.
What we mean is, only consider an example that has a full and thorough service history, ideally with a CVT that has been serviced well ahead of schedule, make sure it passes a full pre-purchase inspection with flying colours and if nails these points, most signs suggest it’s going to be a great little car for you.
Also, it might be good to be mentally and financially ready for some potential mechanical headaches that might arise down the track but you’d like to think the majority of XV out there with meticulous maintenance histories will hopefully be ok.
Overall the right used XV should be a bloody good thing, but then again, the same can be said for the Mazda CX-5.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of June 13, 2025.
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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