review subaru xv Page 3

The Subaru XV (now rebadged Crosstrek) is the small SUV for people who actually leave the bitumen, not just the office car park. Standard symmetrical AWD and generous ground clearance keep it planted in the wet and unfussed by gravel and campsites.

It rides comfortably and steers faithfully, but the 2.0‑litre boxer isn’t a firecracker and the CVT prefers “calm and steady” to “hero lap.” Cabin quality is solid, infotainment is straightforward, and there’s ample space for four adults plus a pram if you pack like a Tetris grandmaster.

Fuel use is decent, the hybrid’s savings are modest, and safety tech is well stocked across trims. If you want pace, look elsewhere; if you want fuss‑free adventure vibes with low drama, this will suit you nicely.