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*
Engine2.0L 4 Cyl MH Petrol
DrivetrainAWD CVT
Power110 kW at 6,000rpm
Torque196 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Safety5 Star ANCAP
CO2 Emissions147 g/km
Economy ADR/ Capacity6.5 L/100km / 51L
Towing/Tow ball1270 Kg / 127Kg
Servicing12 Months / 12500 km
Warranty5yr/ 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 Wheel8
Comfort9
Equipment8
Performance8
Ride and Handling9
Practicality9
Fit for Purpose9
Technology/Connectivity9
Fun Factor/Street Appeal8
Value for Money7

Motoring Minutes are heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio networkMotoring Minutes have an average daily audience of over 150,000 listeners. This is more than 750,000 listeners a week.

Motoring Minutes are also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program, which is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia and has a weekly audience of over 430,000.

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.

About Rob Fraser 2479 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.