Subaru XV FAQs

• Is the Subaru XV a good car?

  Those familiar with the Subaru Impreza may spot some familiarities here with the XV, for this wagon adaptation has taken inspiration from its smaller siblings. Sporting a higher ride, light steering, extra roominess and practicality thanks to its long body, plus more capabilities off-road, the Subaru XV excels. Inclusions such as hill-start assistance, active torque vectoring and all-wheel-drive traction-directive technology make this an easy car to recommend. Looking for a dedicated SUV instead? Take a look at the Subaru Forester, which shares many of the same great attributes.

• What does XV mean for Subaru?

  Many have wondered what the 'XV' Subaru badge might stand for. Some have theorised whether it represents a creator. There is even a running joke among Subaru enthusiasts that have designated the XV as belonging to one Xavier Van Snickering, an internet character said to be the creator of the crossover vehicle. But it's much simpler than that - in fact, it is understood that it is what it is, that XV stands for crossover vehicle. In overseas markets, this model is also referred to as the Crosstrek.

• Is the Subaru XV underpowered?

  In some quarters, the Subaru XV, or Crosstrek as it's known in the US, is singled out for being 'underpowered'. On paper, some motorists may take exception to the 2.0-litre engine offering just 115kW of power and 196Nm of torque. However, in practice, with the backing of Subaru's world-class AWD system, you may be surprised at how much potency is available, especially off-road. The XV certainly stacks up better than some of its peers like the Toyota CH-R, but it wasn't built for the upper echelons of racing either. Why not take one for a spin and see for yourself?