Subaru XV/Crosstrek review 2021: For when an Outback is too big, but a hatch is too small!

SUVs based on hatchbacks are all the craze at the moment. But Subaru has a formula they have stuck to for some time - when creating an SUV version of something, make it usable. Unlike most other high-riding hatchbacks, the 2021 Subaru XV has more ground clearance and the ability to actually do some light off-roading. Is it any good? Paul Maric tests it out to see.

Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior: 00:57
Interior: 03:41
Infotainment: 05:06
Safety Tech: 06:28
Practicality: 07:51
On-road: 11:30
Off-road: 14:58
Verdict: 17:26

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CarExpert:

Paul Maric:

#subaru #xv #review

[borisbabic]

I have a XV and I absolutely love it. The way I look at it is: it's a great little family car, safe, reliable, good quality and good looking (imho). We go camping and fishing a lot and I love the fact that I don't have to worry if the trail gets a bit bumpy or rough. No issues with taking it up to the snow as well. Deals with city traffic same as any other car, great on country roads as well. We did a 6000km road trip with two kids and there were no issues whatsoever. I think the engine suits the character of the car, it's like throw anything at me and I'll be fine. Yeah, it's not a sports car in terms of acceleration, but I don't think it needs to be. You get great fuel consumption because of that. And all that for mid $30k. I'm a fan 🙂

[subliminalse]

Keep the colours, it’s only a few seconds and after all, it is a detailed review

[gregclark]

To me the XV is almost the perfect car, just lacking grunt for country driving. Such a shame Subaru won’t bring the XV 2.5 to Australia. Would be even better with a 1.6 turbo

[tristansneath]

Very happy with my 02 Forester. Coming up to 400, 000 km and still going strong

[disguy]

No matter what car you own, driving a Subaru is really something else. Good review as always!

[pcrouch]

Bought my Subaru XV back in 2016. Have done 185, 000kms in that time. Serviced every time at the dealership. Couldn't be happier with the service and treatment over the time. Very much looking forward to updating to a 2022 edition

[MrPaddy]

I’m on my second Outback, a 2005 3L model. I love it. The AWD is very good in snow, ice, gravel and sand. The traction control is basic but effective at controlling wheel spin. It’s comfortable, spacious and does everything I want with ease. I love it!

[phonicfrog_]

Hi Paul, I'm a proud owner of a 2020 WRX STI Spec-R & probably the best part of owning a Subaru - the build quality.
The car feels so well built & you can see that Japanese pride in the overall finish.
This is my first Subaru (was a lifelong Nissan owner) & the Nissan quality has plummeted over the last few years.

So far, so good. Loving the Subaru ownership!

[hassansalman]

Yes colours are useful I like to know which companies give more options

[stuartmunto]

Would be great to see more all wheel drive SUVs do that same light off road course - very interesting! Great review as always!

[justicemoody]

XV Wish List:

1. 2.5L Engine
2. More comfortable seats
3. Larger Integrated touchscreen (like the outback)

And most importantly:

4. The ability to PERMANENTLY disable engine auto-off at idle.

Give us those 4 things and I will buy one.

[jli]

Love that you've also shown the car key! I also love that you've placed time stamps on parts of the video so that we'd know which parts to skip if ever we decide to skip!

[carbonbased]

My first Subaru was a 2012 XV (diesel, 6MT). After a long and passionate relation I changed to a 2018 XV. I use it for work, sport, leasure, quite a lot off road - just because that is the kind of place I live. Snow, mud, dust, sand, gravel, motorway - same good. All my other cars used to be like tools for me, Subaru was the first that I actually started to develop feelings to.

[autonewstv]

*Very happy with our 2021 XV. Test drove a few of the small turbo rivals and actually prefered the 2.0 L non turbo.*

[mpd]

Have a 2013 XV from new, (now at 140, 000kms) love it, solid, reliable and I love the planted feel of Subarus when driving on any surface. It’s been a great city runabout that can handle some pretty rough dirt tracks without any anxiety. Probably replace it with a new XV in the next 12 months or so. The 2.5 engine would make it even better package though! Still holding out hope they bring it to Aus.

[andrewwalker]

I am driving my third Subaru in a row. In 2006, I bought a MY05 Subaru WRX base model with a 4 speed automatic transmission and owned it for 6 years. In 2012, I bought a new Subaru XV 2.0i base model with CVT which I took to an aftermarket tuner and had it turbocharged. I owned it for 7 years. In 2019, I bought a new WRX Premium with CVT and I am very happy with it. I intend to keep it for 10 years.

[benturton]

I’ve had an outback for 15 years. Definitely the best car I’ve ever owned. Not the best car ever but so universal. Really underestimated I reckon. Nice one Paul!
Cheers mate

[shehanliyanage]

I can't fault them, I have a secondhand 17 Forester and it's been a real pleasure to drive. I get a lot of beeps that I don't know what for thought when I am driving, the voice assistant is unreliable but I love my car. really happy with the purchase. The only thing I wish they did was to increase the available power for the car.

[BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

I own a 2016 Forester, a 2.0 Boxer diesel. This car is without doubt the most reliable and incredible car I have ever owned. I regularly get 50+mpg and frequently get 55mpg. On a few occasions I have seen 60mpg on a run. Furthermore it has only needed the following in 93, 000 miles:
One new set of glow plugs
One new set of brake discs and pads
Two rear wheel bearings.
I have maintained it at my local Subaru dealer (Daventry, UK) and the customer service is excellent.
I have no intention of changing it, but if I was to get another vehicle to replace it I would not look beyond another Subaru.

[RogerWilcoSnr]

Subaru forester driver for 5 years now. Absolutely love it. It will drive virtually anywhere in any weather, and costs way less than Range Rovers and Land Rovers. 🔥👊