Likes

  • Rugged good looks
  • Satisfactory off-road abilities
  • Interior wearing well with age
  • Holding their value

Dislikes

  • Major CVT transmission issues
  • Rear wheel bearing issues
  • Desperate for more power
  • Can be thirsty when pushed

Stuff you should know

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.

What goes wrong

  • 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

Should you buy it?

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.

Should you buy it?

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.

Need help with finance?

What is the car's build year?

2020

Loan Amount

$5,000

Finance estimate ~

$30

Per week*

8.49%

Comparison rate p.a#

Models, pricing & features

2014 Subaru XV_RD-1

2.0i

Price when new: $26,490 - $28,490

Price used: $9,900 - $22,400

Equipment

  • 12V Socket(s) – Auxiliary
  • 17″ Alloy Wheels
  • 6 Speaker Stereo
  • ABS (Antilock Brakes)
  • Adjustable Steering Col. – Tilt & Reach
  • Air Cond. – Climate Control
  • Air Conditioning – Pollen Filter
  • Airbag – Driver
  • Airbag – Knee Driver
  • Airbag – Passenger
  • Airbags – Head for 1st Row Seats (Front)
  • Airbags – Head for 2nd Row Seats
  • Airbags – Side for 1st Row Occupants (Front)
  • Armrest – Front Centre (Shared)
  • Armrest – Rear Centre (Shared)
  • Audio – Aux Input Socket (MP3/CD/Cassette)
  • Audio – Aux Input USB Socket
  • Audio Decoder – WMA
  • Bluetooth System
  • Body Colour – Door Handles
  • Body Colour – Exterior Mirrors Partial
  • Body Colour – Rear Garnish
  • Body Side Mouldings
  • Bottle Holders – 1st Row
  • Bottle Holders – 2nd Row
  • Brake Assist
  • CD Player
  • Camera – Rear Vision
  • Cargo Blind – Rear
  • Cargo Tie Down Hooks/Rings
  • Central Locking – Remote/Keyless
  • Centre Differential
  • Chrome Grille Surround
  • Clock – Digital
  • Control – Electronic Stability
  • Control – Traction
  • Cruise Control
  • Cup Holders – 1st Row
  • Cup Holders – 2nd Row
  • Data Dots – Part Identifiers
  • Disc Brakes Front Ventilated
  • Disc Brakes Rear Solid
  • Door Pockets – 1st row (Front)
  • Door Pockets – 2nd row (rear)
  • Drive By Wire (Electronic Throttle Control)
  • EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
  • Engine – Stop Start System (When at idle)
  • Engine Immobiliser
  • Fog Lamps – Front
  • Headrests – Adjustable 1st Row (Front)
  • Headrests – Adjustable 2nd Row x3
  • Hill Holder
  • Illuminated – Key Ignition Barrel/Surround
  • Independent Front Suspension
  • Independent Rear Suspension
  • Intermittent Wipers – Variable
  • Limited Slip Diff
  • Map/Reading Lamps – for 1st Row
  • Metallic Finish Interior Inserts
  • Multi-function Control Screen – Colour
  • Multi-function Steering Wheel
  • Painted – Wheels
  • Power Door Mirrors
  • Power Steering – Electric Assist
  • Power Windows – Front & Rear
  • Rear Wiper/Washer
  • Remote Boot/Hatch Release
  • Remote Fuel Lid Release
  • Roof Rails
  • Seat – Height Adjustable Driver
  • Seatback Pocket – Front Passenger Seat
  • Seatbelt – Adjustable Height 1st Row
  • Seatbelt – Load Limiters 1st Row (Front)
  • Seatbelt – Pretensioners 1st Row (Front)
  • Seatbelts – Lap/Sash for 5 seats
  • Seats – 2nd Row Split Fold
  • Spare Wheel – Space Saver/Temporary
  • Spoiler – Rear Roof Mounted
  • Storage Compartment – Centre Console 1st Row
  • Sunvisor – Vanity Mirror for Driver
  • Sunvisor – Vanity Mirror for Passenger
  • Tacho
  • Trim – Cloth
  • Trip Computer
  • Voice Recognition

MY13 update

  • Audio – Input for iPod
  • Power Steering – Speed Sensitive
  • Tool Kit

MY14 update

  • Audio – MP3 Decoder
  • Metallic Finish Steering Wheel

MY15 update

  • 4 Speaker Stereo
  • Metallic Finish Air Vents (interior)
  • Metallic Finish Door Inserts

MY16 update

  • Demister – Rear Windscreen with Timer
  • Metallic Finish Grille Surround
  • Tail Lamps – LED

MY17 update

  • Demister – 1st Row Side Window
  • Footrest – Drivers

2.0i-L

Price when new: $29,990 - $31,990

Price used: $11,200 - $25,500

Adds

  • Air Cond. – Climate Control 2 Zone
  • Colour Display Screen – Front
  • GPS (Satellite Navigation)
  • In-Car Voice System
  • Leather Gear Knob
  • Leather Steering Wheel
  • Rear Windows – Extra Dark/Privacy
  • Sunroof – Electric
  • Video – DIVX Decoder

MY13 update

  • Leather Hand Brake Lever

MY16 update

  • Daytime Running Lamps

2.0i-S

Price when new: $32,490 - $34,490

Price used: $12,000 - $27,800

Adds

  • Chrome Door Handles – Exterior
  • Electric Seat – Drivers
  • Headlamp Washers
  • Headlamps – Xenon (Low beam only)
  • Heated Seats – 1st Row
  • Leather Seats – Partial
  • Pedals – Sports

MY13 update

  • Headlamps – Electric Level Adjustment

MY16 update

  • Central Locking – Key Proximity
  • Headlamps Automatic (light sensitive)
  • Rain Sensor (Auto wipers)
  • Starter Button

FX

Price when new: $29,990

Price used: $15,300 - $17,600

Adds

  • Cargo Mat
  • Control – Park Distance Front
  • Control – Park Distance Rear
  • Rear Step bumper
  • Roof Racks
  • Side Skirts
  • Spoiler – Front
  • Spoiler – Rear

2.0i Special Edition

Price when new: $29,990 - $30,740

Price used: $18,500 - $25,500

Adds

  • Carbon Fibre – Interior Inserts
  • Floor Mats

MY16 update

  • Body Colour – Interior Inserts
  • Gloss Finish Inserts in Dash Board

Tech specs

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 & servicing

Warranty

  • 3 years / unlimited km (All Models)

Servicing

  • 12,500 km / 6 months (All Models)

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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.

Read our full terms and conditions here.

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