Subaru XV 2021 review: Hybrid S long-term - Is this AWD small SUV enough of a hybrid to count?

00:00 Intro
00:53 Price, features & rivals
02:02 Like 1: Convenience
03:26 Like 2: Easy to drive
04:39 Like 3: Good features
05:45 Dislike 1: Hybrid system
07:14 Dislike 2: Missing tech
07:58 Dislike 3: Small boot
08:53 Verdict

You may have read or watched the reviews, but what's it like to actually live with the top-spec Subaru XV hybrid S? We ended up with one for six months giving us a chance to find out.

The hybrid S is Subaru's latest and greatest, but how did it compare to Tom's previous long termer, the Corolla ZR hybrid? There may be some surprises for better or worse.

We break our long term review down into the three things we liked the most about it, and the three things we didn't like so much over our time with it in the hope to give you a better picture of what it will be like to actually live with one.

We'll run you through where the XV sits in the market, before diving into our likes and dislikes, and overall leave you with an impression of whether this hybrid variant is worth the extra spend, or should you pick another option in the XV range if you're smitten with Subaru's all-wheel drive lifted hatch.

These long term tests give us a chance to rack up some serious kilometres, extract a long-term fuel consumption number, and make observations that usually only owners might find.

Make sure to check out the full long term review chronicle of where our XV hybrid S has been over its six months with us over on the CarsGuide site, and then check out the range review for a more comprehensive view of the XV range.

CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

#carsguide #review #hybrid

[TheHayabusa]

My budget was 46K (OZ) and I wanted all the safety tech, good warranty with excellent aftersales assistance, AWD, sunroof, easy to see out of with no major blind spots, hybrid functionality, hatch back with rear wiper, sweet sounding sound system and the ability for some light off road use....AND, it has to put a smile on my dial every time I walk away/towards it. No other manufacturer came close with those specs. Couldn't be happier with my purchase of the top spec and all for 44, 690 drive away after easy negotiations.

[dann]

Best statement of price review and no bias.

[jeffreyglover]

I bought a 2021 Crosstrek Sport. 31.1 mpg avg over 12, 000 miles. Commuting. There are 4 USB ports (2 dash, 2 console) 2 - 12 volt power outlets (1 - dash, 1 - console) real world performance 0 - 60 mph in 5.9 (0 to 100 mph 7.4 seconds) Honestly the best XV I've ever driven or owned (its my 2nd Crosstrek, 4th Subaru) I believe the Sport is the best XV package Subaru has produced thus far. You get performance without sacrifice of economy) The eye sight needs some upgrades though, faint, sporadic or missing highway lines seem to confuse the AI. Adaptive Cruise control is outstanding. The blending of the two systems is great, but the AI needs to be smarter interpreting road markings. Overall a really great car. The pros far outweigh the cons.

[nyarango]

You can however fit that big bag across the boot and it will fit. This presenter has misrepresented the boot size capabilities of the XV

[spiritualdeath]

I have a BMW X1 which is a bit too big for me these days. I test drove the XV and felt it was fantastic - UK roads are terrible nowadays. Broken, cracked, pot-holed, speed bumps everywhere etc etc. The XV's industrial strength suspension is the main selling point for me here.

[warrenconley]

Confirmed my thoughts on the hybrid. Had an XV since 2017. Outstanding vehicle in town and on the highway.

[johnreese]

Crosstrek Sport owner here and love it. No need for a hybrid!

[jamesp]

Very useful review, thank you. In the UK we only have two engine variants - 1.6 petrol or the 2.0 Hybrid. Subaru markets this vehicle as safe, reliable, go anywhere. It's not glitzy, flash or fast. If you live in an area that has four seasons in the single day and you're driving on poor, unmade roads then this car is a potential life saver.

[drewkerr]

I haven't got one yet (2 days to go). I've had Subaru from this company (S & S) for about 30yrs and the back up service is 5⭐. The e-boxer interested me by its use of e power to lift the car from standstill where a lot of fuel use and fumes are. Creaping in city traffic is a plus for the little people on the side walks which is the next generation. Oh, and of course there's Subarus safety, another big plus in my book. Excellent review by the way.

[geraldodearrudajunior]

I live in Brazil and I need information about SUBARU XV.
I intend to purchase the car, but here we only have the 2022 Hybrid model, which I don't like, they say it's weak.
I prefer the gasoline XV 2021 model, it looks more robust.
Another thing, we only have 4 stores in Brazil and a few mechanics, but above all I dream of having a SUBARU. I was thinking about importing the car, I have that possibility
Is this car really worth buying? What do they say to me?
Thanks

[ΙΩΑΝΝΗΣΚΑΝΑΡΗΣ-σβ]

DIGITAL LACKING ? HAVING DIGITAL SPEED METER IS NICE BUT NOT DEAL BREAKER ... ANALOG IS AS NICE AS THE DIGITAL. WIRELESS CHARGING ? WELL USE CABLE.. WIRELESS CAR PLAY? JUST BUY A WIRELESS ADAPTOR (ITS SUPER SMALL AND VERY CONVINENT). THE BOOT IS FINE. MAKE SOME BETTER SORTING AND EVERYTHING FITS FINE, EXCEPT IF YOUR CAR IS YOUR HOUSE.. LOVED YOUR REVIEW :)

[robertceroli]

so lovely SUV user friendly well built with all the tech but let down severally by the hybrid system .great review tell it as it is or straight to the point the hybrid don't bother with it .it explains when I drive past my Subaru dealer seems to be no shortage of hybrid xv or Forester but the Toyota R4 was told by Toyota dealer up to 10month wait

[richardharker]

Digitally lacking??? How much do you need to drive a car?
Boot space. Only a friggin fool would pack the boot the way you displayed.

[dankoch]

I love my XV the drive quality is the best!

[antoniusaaa]

In the US they get a plug-in hybrid version, does this system rate better then the Mazda Cx30mild hybrid (overrated) which I heard gets over 8L/100km

[santouchesantouche]

Subaru need to engineer the hybrid to drive the rear wheels and drop the heft of the rear diff etc.

[wax]

hopefully it gets better from there with the hybrid system

[SuperAlmighty]

This hybrid is a waste of time, negligible fuel savings. The overall design is like 10 years ago.

[letsseeif]

After all, it's really just a jacked up Subaru Impreza.

[jdplatt]

Turns those suitcases sideways...easy as.