Introduction

Subaru's mid-sized XV Crossover model looks a considerably better prospect in second generation ‘GT’-series guise. It makes even better use of its capable Symmetrical permanent 4WD system to turn in an even stronger performance off road. And, more importantly, also delivers a far better showing on it, thanks to the more sophisticated chassis you get this time round. There’s also a smarter interior, improved media connectivity and better standards of camera-driven safety kit than the previous MK1 ‘GP’-series XV model could offer. In this MK2 form, the XV was, in short, rejuvenated. Here, we look at the early 2017-2020-era versions from a used car perspective.

The History

Want a used SUV Crossover from the 2018-2020 period? Lots of people do. If for you, the car in question needs to be family-sized, you’ll probably find yourself looking in the Qashqai-class ‘C’-segment where there’s lots of choice, nearly all the options on offer essentially delivering a family hatchback with SUV attitude – but ultimately not much else. What if though, a car of this kind could offer a little substance as well as a lot of style? What if it could actually walk the walk off road as well as talk the talk on it? That’d be quite something. That’d be almost unique. And that’s exactly what Subaru’s second generation ‘GT’-series XV, first launched in late 2017, claims to be designed to deliver.

If you happen to be familiar with the original MK1 ‘GP’-series version of this model, then the styling here might suggest that a subtle evolution has taken place. Don’t be fooled. In fact, this MK2 design was pretty much new from the ground up – the grounding point in question being a stiffer, more sophisticated Global Platform that Subaru apparently spent over a billion dollars developing for its mid-sized models, including the fifth generation Impreza family hatch that shares most of this XV’s engineering. These underpinnings allowed the development team behind this car to deliver far higher standards in terms of on-tarmac ride, refinement and handling, all areas in which the original MK1 version of this car struggled.

That earlier model was let down by its rather plasticky cabin too, so that was hugely upgraded for this MK” ‘GT’-series design and embellished with a state-of-the-art infotainment system. And Subaru claimed Volvo-style standards of safety for this car, thanks to its included ‘EyeSight’ package of camera-driven safety systems. In addition, the engines were basically all-new from launch, both of them from this model’s original introduction being conventional petrol-powered units and as standard, mated to the company’s smooth Lineartronic automatic transmission. They were still both of Subaru’s unique ‘Boxer’ configuration though - that didn’t change. Nor did this model’s solid, built-to-last feel. Or the fact that its off road capability was on a different level from most of its soft roading rivals.

In its original form with conventional engines, this MK2 XV sold until the end of 2020, with a 2.0-litre e-Boxer full-Hybrid petrol model replacing the conventional 2.0-litre petrol engine in Spring 2020. In early 2021, the range was lightly updated, the conventional 1.6-litre petrol engine deleted and the line-up exclusively focused on the 2.0-litre e-Boxer hybrid unit. It’s the 2017-2020-era pre-facelift MK2 XV models however, that we look at here.

What You Get

Subaru must have received some very positive ownership feedback on the styling of the original ‘GP’-series version of this XV because it didn’t fundamentally change the look of this second generation ‘GT’-series model very much at all. As before, the basic shape is a fairly faithful representation of the Crossover norm, but it's got a purposeful, chunky stance, a tough robust demeanour and some very interesting details.

The interior might not immediately bring to mind premium brand standards of quality - some of the switchgear’s still a bit cheap-looking - but overall, it’s a huge improvement. Accessibility to the back is helped by doors that open wider than those fitted to many competitor models. Once inside, Subaru talks of room for three adults, but the high centre transmission tunnel will make that difficult to achieve on all but the shortest journeys.

What To Look For

The underpinnings of the XV are shared with the Impreza, so it's about as tough as that suggests. Don't go searching for a spare wheel, as the XV doesn't come with one, which seems a bit of an omission for a car that proclaims its off-road ability. The engines get top results for durability and the running gear is also bombproof. Keep an eye out for signs of overzealous off-road action, which usually means hedge scrapes in the paintwork, chewed alloy wheels, dented exhaust boxes and possibly misaligned suspension. The interiors have proven hardwearing, although the dashboard mouldings can creak and rattle.

On The Road

At first glance, the recipe being served up by this second generation post-2018-era XV doesn’t appear to be much different from that which was offered before. The engines are the usual units that Subaru specialises in – flat four Boxer powerplants, with choice for this MK2 model initially being limited to a couple of petrol units only available mated to the brand’s Lineartonic automatic gearbox. There was a choice of either a 114PS 1.6 or a conventional 156PS 2.0-litre variant, an engine able to return 40.9mpg on the combined cycle and 155g/km (both NEDC figures). Both powerplants were re-worked with higher compression ratios and much lower levels of internal friction that reduced the level of the usual familiar ‘Boxer’ thrum. In early 2020, the conventional 2.0-litre unit was replaced by a 2.0-litre petrol ‘e-Boxer’ full-Hybrid model.

All the engines available were only offered in combination with the brand’s well-proved Symmetrical 4WD system, which is a permanent set-up – in contrast to the part-time packages that most rivals offer that keep you two wheel-driven most of the time. With this MK2 XV model, it was embellished by Subaru’s ‘X-Mode’ system, which co-ordinates throttle response, gear shifting and tractional and stability control settings with the 4x4 set-up for more confident navigation across slippery surfaces.

Overall

In summary, what we continue to have here is a refreshing change from the whole 'style over substance' approach that seems to characterise so many SUV Crossover models. That’s something Subaru’s never quite understood. And hopefully never will.