Subaru XV Hybrid 2021 Review

Subaru XV Hybrid Road Test Review

Subaru XV, a multi COTY award winner at OzRoamer, joined the ranks of hybrid vehicles early in 2020. 

2020 Subaru XV Hybrid 3 front qtr Already a hugely successful AWD SUV, the XV mild hybrid features a 2.0 litre horizontally opposed Boxer engine linked via Motor Assist to a high voltage lithium ion battery, offering fuel economy benefits, particularly in congested city driving.  There is a slight 100kg weight penalty with the new engine.

2020 Subaru Hybrid Forester S, Forester L and XV. (Photo Narrative Post/Matthias Engesser)

Depending upon driving environment, vehicle and battery condition, it can operate in fully electric mode up to 40 km/h.

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When driving in fully electric mode (both forward and reverse), the Pedestrian Alert system emits a sound, to alert people in close proximity. The system operates when the vehicle speed is 24 km/h or less.

2020 Subaru XV Hybrid 1 engine

The XV retains the CVT and X Mode AWD SYSTEM. It’s a breeze to drive with no noticeable difference to a full petrol hybrid vehicle.

Sitting midway through the model range the MHEV is priced at $39,987 RDP and relatively good value.  A full hybrid would be welcomed.

This is a Motoring Minute

2020 Subaru XV Hybrid 4 grill

What is good?

  • AWD Capability
  • Class leading Safety
  • Ride and dynamics

What is not so good?

  • Not a full Hybrid
  • Not the top spec
  • A little pricey and missing some features

2020 Subaru Hybrid Forester S, Forester L and XV. (Photo Narrative Post/Matthias Engesser)

 Also Look at:

2020 Subaru Hybrid Forester S, Forester L and XV. (Photo Narrative Post/Matthias Engesser)

Model   

Subaru XV Hybrid L SUV

Model Price $ 35,490 MLP*
Engine 2.0L 4 Cyl MH Petrol
Drivetrain AWD CVT
Power 110 kW at 6,000rpm
Torque 196 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Safety 5 Star ANCAP
CO2 Emissions 147 g/km
Economy ADR/ Capacity 6.5 L/100km / 51L
Towing/Tow ball 1270 Kg / 127Kg
Servicing 12 Months / 12500 km
Warranty 5yr/ Unlimited km with 5 Yr. roadside assist

*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.

2020 Subaru Hybrid Forester S, Forester L and XV. (Photo Narrative Post/Matthias Engesser)

Overall Rating    

84/100

Behind the Wheel 8
Comfort 9
Equipment 8
Performance 8
Ride and Handling 9
Practicality 9
Fit for Purpose 9
Technology/Connectivity 9
Fun Factor/Street Appeal 8
Value for Money 7

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Overall Rating
  • 8/10
    Behind the Wheel - 8/10
  • 9/10
    Comfort - 9/10
  • 8/10
    Equipment - 8/10
  • 8/10
    Performance - 8/10
  • 9/10
    Ride and Handling - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Practicality - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Fit for Purpose - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Technology/Connectivity - 9/10
  • 8/10
    Fun Factor/Street Appeal - 8/10
  • 7/10
    Value for Money - 7/10
8.4/10

Summary

Subaru XV, a multi COTY award winner at OzRoamer, joined the ranks of hybrid vehicles early in 2020. 

Sitting midway through the model range the MHEV is priced at $39,987 RDP and relatively good value.  A full hybrid would be welcomed.