Subaru XV v Ford Focus Active comparison | Wheels Australia

"The Ford Focus Active and Subaru XV want the same thing, buyers after a bit of SUV in their small hatchback. However, they go about it in different ways. The Focus Active has a three-cylinder turbo engine and front-wheel drive, while the Subaru relies on chunky styling and genuine all-wheel drive grip. So, with the showdown set, it's time to find out: what's the better crossover?"

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[caffellatte]

how can the Focus be "slightly more confortable on a bumpy road" and at the same time have a "firmer rear suspension" then the Subaru?

[malcolmscott]

Ford Focus Active for most the better package as it’s better drivetrain and dynamics win over a NA Subaru with a CVT that does have reliability issues - whilst I like the XV I know I’d find the Active a more economical everyday urban runabout

[DukeBen]

Good comparo. In the conclusion though, you say that on the highway, the Focus has the better safety systems. I was thinking that given the Focus had to be optioned with the $1250 pack to get adaptive cruise, that the Subie would have the better safety system. What is it about the Focus that makes it have a better safety system on the highway?

[garryhopkins]

I think you forgot to mention that the Ford’s engine is turbocharged giving it a sizeable performance advantage over the underpowered Subaru.

[stevekinney]

Good review. Thanks.
Both units look good but given that most folk won't go anywhere near off-road in this sort of vehicle I personally think that the Focus Active makes more sense. Could you possibly elaborate on the gear selection issue with the rotary dial. If it's so awkward / slow Ford need to rectify it.

[shaun]

Subaru is underpowered and wheezie. It would be great to see decent engines. The Focus engine is a peach and for 99% of buyers would be more than capable. The Subaru engine is a liability for freeway and country driving.

[tahsin]

Did u jst call these respected lifted hatches a weeb crossover 😡
U put them in the same catagory as a hr-v