Used Subaru XV 2012-2018 review

It’s amazing to think that given Subaru’s penchant for four-wheel drive (even on the smallest cars in the range, such as the Justy), it would take them until 2012 to come up with a Nissan Qashqai rival. Trouble was, the XV was much more expensive when new, so it never matched the success of the Qashqai. Now that used prices have taken a tumble, it's time to re-evaluate this Subaru.

The fact that the XV comes as standard with four-wheel drive makes it stand out in the family SUV class and will appeal to those who live in areas that experience extremes of weather or live up a rutted farm track.

There was a choice of engines, though. The petrol range consists of an underpowered 112bhp 1.6 and a more potent 148bhp 2.0-litre unit. There is also a more economical 145bhp 2.0-litre diesel that's better for those covering plenty of miles, but it doesn’t provide much low-down torque – unusual for a diesel engine. Manual gearboxes of either five or six speeds are available, as is a CVT automatic.

Unfortunately, the XV doesn’t handle as neatly as more car-like rivals, with a notchy gearbox (in manual examples), inconsistently weighted steering and a lumpy ride marring its on-road abilities. However, the XV is more geared towards those who need a rugged vehicle, so they’ll appreciate the 220mm of ground clearance and permanent 50/50 split of engine power between the front and rear wheels more than its cornering abilities. In fact, the XV is incredibly good off the beaten path, with the only thing stopping it being its rather long nose, which will make contact with the dirt long before the car loses traction.

Inside, you’ll find plenty of space for occupants front and rear, as well as a number of cupholders and storage areas to put things. Boot space is a bit disappointing, while interior quality leaves a little to be desired too. Hard plastics abound, with some of the door panels flexing visibly when touched. Things were improved after a 2016 facelift, though, particularly when a revised 7.0in touchscreen was introduced that looked and worked far better than the aftermarket system fitted to higher-spec earlier models.

Standard equipment is decent, with entry-level S models getting air-con, a height-adjustable drivers seat and 17in alloy wheels. SE versions are much plusher and come with heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a reversing camera, automatic lights and wipers, Bluetooth connectivity and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors. SE Lux Premium (later renamed SE Premium) adds leather trim, keyless entry and start and electric adjustment for the driver’s seat.

Prices for a used Subaru XV start at less than £3000 for an early, high-mileage example, but £6000 should find you a tidy 2012-2013 car with below-average mileage. To keep up to date with used XV prices, use our free valuation tool to make sure you are getting the best deal.

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The XV will always have higher running costs than its more road-biased front-wheel-drive competitors because of the efficiency penalty placed on it having four-wheel drive. The 1.6-litre petrol version is the best, with an NEDC combined fuel economy figure of 43.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 151g/km, while the 2.0-litre petrol model returns 40.9mpg and 160g/km. The diesel is a bit better at 50.4mpg and 146g/km.

Any XV registered before 1 April 2017 will be charged under the previous road tax system based around CO2 levels, whereas ones after this date will have to pay a flat rate. To find out more about road tax costs, click here.

Servicing your XV is likely to cost more than it would be for other family SUV rivals, but because there are more mechanical items to inspect and look after, this is to be expected.

Unless you don’t cover very many miles, we’d take the diesel because of its lower running costs.

We’d also suggest you go for a well-equipped SE model for the extra comfort it provides, plus the leather seats of SE Lux Premium and SE Premium models rather negate the rugged nature of the XV.

Our favourite Subaru XV: 2.0D SE manual

If reliability and all-weather capability are your priorities, the Subaru XV should go to the top of your shopping list.

But if you only require a bit of extra practicality and don’t need four-wheel drive, the more road-biased Nissan Qashqai would suit your needs better. Refinement is also far superior in the Qashqai and its 1.5-litre diesel in particular is very efficient.

The Kia Sportage is also worth a look if you’re not bothered about going off road but would like something with generous equipment levels and decent reliability. Some versions might still have some manufacturer’s warranty left, too.

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