2018 Subaru XV Review (aka Subaru Crosstrek)

[@davidr7236]

Can't believe some of the comments you get on here Tom. You're doing a brilliant job and we've just spent two evenings watching a dozen of your reviews to help us with our next used-car purchase. Thanks for your efforts.

[@just_another_person_1]

I have a 2018 Crosstrek (orange). It's much better than the last generation with many improvements

[@chasingcars]

+jonwv88 Glad to hear you're enjoying the new car. The orange is the best colour I reckon.

[@lukassutherland6095]

Dude I've only got 46 seconds in, but this quality is absolutely AMAZING. Subbed x1000

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Lukas! Really glad you enjoyed it.

[@d80mal]

You absolutly right. Turbo charger and automatic robotic gear transmition, In my opinion to. With that, this car is PERFECT!!!!

[@oddities-whatnot]

I have an Audi at the moment, which I love but ive always fancied a Subaru. Im used to turbo petrol engines, including my current car, but I test drove an Impreza hatch before this from a Cumbria dealer, and although only 112bhp with no turbo, it was excellent to drive. The sound, the character, its what they are about. It didnt feel underpowered and when I put my foot down it sounded awesome, and thats the main appeal for me. Engines with a difference. No turbo required. Sit back, relax and tell yourself you are in something more unique than everyone else :)

[@chasingcars]

Good to hear your perspective Simon! For me, I'm just so used to the easy torque of a turbo that it becomes almost expected. You do have to work the XV's 2.0L to get it going quickly.

[@petervisima4798]

I have to say that my 2014 Crosstrek with a manual transmission has never felt underpowered. Here in Toronto, Canada we have some of the biggest multi-lane highways in the country. At no time have I ever felt the need for more horsepower. I average around 7 litres/100 km on the highway which is very good in my opinion. Sure, a turbo would be nice, but I doubt that Subaru will do this anytime soon. You want more power? Then spring for an Outback or a Forester with 6 cylinder engines. My lease is up this October, and I can't wait to get into a fully-loaded Limited edition with the technology package. Yes, I have to say goodbye to the manual transmission, but at this price point with all of the EyeSight features, I feel the 2018 Crosstrek is a bargain compared to other AWD options on the market.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks for your perspective, Peter. Here in Australia we're pretty spoilt as we are treated as a European market, so we have long been used to torquey turbo engines in low-end cars from Europe (and increasingly from Asian brands, too). Unfortunately we don't get the manual, which would really make the most of this two-litre. We're stuck with the CVT. There is some indication Subaru might do a turbo XV/Crosstrek in future as they have the small-displacement turbo from the Levorg wagon that is sold here in Australia. We'll see!

[@Phrancis5]

We were on track to buy a top trim Crosstrek with Eyesight, but were really disappointed in the lack of power/mpgs when test-driving the new Impeza sport hatch (stick and CVT). We researched the Forrester too, but ended up going for the mid-trim turbo CR-V with more room, power, mpgs, and all the active safety stuff for about the same $. If you're not a diehard Subaru loyalist you might look at the Honda too. The new one is really improved.

[@chasingcars]

Very interesting comment, thank you. The CR-V sounds like a great package. It launches here in Australia next week so we'll have a video up on that car shortly.

[@petervisima4798]

The Honda CR-V is a great vehicle, but the deal-breaker for me is the lack of "real" AWD. I drive in Ontario snow country, so Subaru's AWD is a must. It's on par with much more expensive systems like Audi Quattro, and Mercedes 4matic.

[@chasingcars]

+Peter Visima Yes agreed. If you need AWD this is the vehicle of the segment to buy.

[@u.s.newstoday9648]

I'm not crying, I've just got something in my eye

[@chasingcars]

: ' )

[@earlskie2u]

What about the repair/maintenance cost of this car.. I’ve heard there’s an oil burning in the engine and rear wheel bearings shortly breaks off..

[@kingdayue]

Bought one already, but still waiting for the stock. Great video~

[@chasingcars]

Awesome! I'm sure you'll enjoy the car

[@silverquoteskylord8614]

Great reviews! Thanks, but is it reliable? Is considering for one of it , love by the sight and the capabilities

[@jonathanlynn8152]

Once again another cracking review Tom and i wanted to ask what other reviews do you have planned for the future, and if you can, you should do a few reviews on premium suvs such as the bmw x5, merc gle, audi q7 or jag f pace for example as they are becoming very popular. This is just personal preference and its your call on what you want do.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks Johnathan. Out of that lot, F-Pace is coming up soon. Big variety of videos on the horizon!

[@nigelsaunders7378]

Was that a car hooting in the background due to that red car pulling across behind you at 4:08 mins into the review? Very good review btw!

[@chasingcars]

Yep, I think that's exactly what it is. Thanks Nigel, I appreciate that feedback.

[@meownmazda1]

I wish Subaru would fit the xv with the same 1.6 turbo found in the Levorg

[@chasingcars]

Same

[@leedaq7767]

also with forester :)

[@Moonface00z]

The only situation that it is underpowered where you need to overtake or drive fast on highway.

[@chasingcars]

Yes… but that's a pretty common situation in a big country like Australia.

[@AugustEternity]

Great summarised review! I'm looking to get one myself. I had a question - Subaru say 7L/100km however you mention a "Real World Economy 9L/100km". Is 9L/100km definitely more real world than what Subaru say? Thanks

[@chasingcars]

Yep, definitely.

[@julianeccleshall8397]

hi tom how do you think this car compare with qashqai and HRV, which car has higher set and road vision? head room, leg rooms and internal space? thanks!

[@chasingcars]

I think the Honda in particular will continue to sell a little more strongly, because the HR-V is a few thousand $ cheaper at the low end. In terms of how they compare, the Subaru is a better car, I think. Standard AWD beats the front-drive-only Australian offering on the HR-V and Qashqai. The Subaru is more comfortable and handles better, too. The engine is a bit of a drag but most people won't care.

[@ShoMetal]

Im not Tom but my cousins have the HRV, my sister drives a qashqai and I own the 2017 Impreza, which the XV is based on - the XV is essentially the Impreza raised up for higher ride height. Objectively I find the Impreza wins out on all areas except ride height (which wont be a problem in the XV i assume). The impreza has the most passenger space but the HRV does have more flexibility when it comes to storage options due to its folding seat configuration. Both the HRV and qashqai i find a bit cramped at 6'1/186cm. Vision wise again the Impreza has very narrow pillars and its easy to see out everywhere. The qashqai isnt bad either but as for the HRV i do again find it the most claustrophobic. in any case vision isnt really a big concern. Obviously the impreza loses out on the height advantage the other 2 have but im guessing this is not going to be the case with the XV. Long story short- Id pick the Impreza/XV > HRV > Qashqai. My impreza easily feels the most comfortable to drive. Cabin noise is non-existent until you hit the roughest of roads. Handling feels very responsive and theres plenty of passenger space for me to ferry others around. Despite being the driver I've had plenty of cramped back seat experiences being a bit taller so I have a lot of empathy for my passengers haha. Hope this helps mate.

[@julianeccleshall8397]

ShoMetal thanks so much for your responsive reply, i was choose between HRV and qashqai, now qashqai is out of consideration, i will test drive the XV when it available and make the decision. I am sure XV gives you better driving experience but HRV have massive cabin space, it will be a hard choice, lol

[@chasingcars]

Thanks a lot for that comprehensive comment - extremely useful information!

[@subazealand9158]

What could you say about New XV v/s New Vitara 1.4 AWD Turbo?

[@johnlambert1744]

Nice little review Tom! I currently own a 2013 Impreza 2.0i-S and looking at upgrading to either a new one or the S model XV. I'm trying to decide whether the extra $6000 is worth it?? Yes the XV has 70mm more ground clearance and X-Mode, but is this worth the extra money over the Impreza? I don't really go off road much, however owning an XV it might open up more opportunities.

[@chasingcars]

A big hidden difference is the general ride quality between the Impreza and XV. The XV received more local tuning of the dampers, so it feels much more supple and balanced over Australian roads than the Impreza. Also, I think the aesthetic works better on the XV with more height. However, $6k is a lot and if you're not going to get off-road, you may be best off pocketing the difference. As always…test drive them both!

[@johnlambert1744]

Thank you! I already have an extended test drive of the XV booked in a couple of weeks (whole weekend) so will make sure I put it through it's paces. I'm definitely favouring the XV over the Impreza now, like you said the aesthetics are winning me over, as well as it the fact that it will open up a lot more opportunities of where I can drive (off road, etc.)

[@NerdrageHockey]

Over your week of testing I am interested in the gas mileage it gave you, I don't suppose you kept track of that?

[@chasingcars]

We did. We recorded about 9L/100km over the week in mixed driving - half highway, half town.

[@julianeccleshall8397]

you guys rock! great video

[@chasingcars]

Thanks for watching Howard!

[@MiguelGarcia-yw6qo]

maybe if it had a non CVT transmission and 50 HP more I'll buy it.

[@chasingcars]

+Miguel Garcia Both of those things would be big improvements. Spot on Miguel.

[@GTFORDMAN]

still waiting for the Diesel option!

[@jaredhillestad5974]

Has anyone done any car camping in this? Or should I spring for the outback? Thanks.

[@UFO-35]

I bought a new MY18 and am experiencing a noticeable shudder when driving steadily under 60kmh. I took it back to the dealer and requested a specialist Subaru mechanic come for a drive with me. Before we even hopped into the vehicle he told me that many people have complained about the low speed shudder and that there was an underlying issue with the new CVT gearbox. Currently Subaru Japan have not provided a fix. I would recommend not buying this vehicle until a recall has been issued. By the way I contacted Subaru directly and they denied there was an issue. I was hoping more from a company like Subaru. I wish someone had warned me before I dropped $37k on a lemon.

[@chasingcars]

Good to hear Peter. Thanks for letting us know - hopefully a fix comes through. I will listen out for similar complaints and will take the question to Subaru if others come through with the same issue.

[@Joe-wd6jq]

I have an MY18 XV and I have not experienced this at all. In fact, the engine is extremely smooth.

[@UFO-35]

Joseph Heath you must be one of the lucky ones, I wish I could say the same along with the hundreds of other buyers complaining on the 2018 XV, Crosstrek forums.

[@GreatGrandmasterWang]

That pants and boots though. 😂

[@chasingcars]

Look it's rural okay

[@Dr23rippa]

2:50 mention why that is!!! Because its AWD

[@digi63]

Says 2018 Subaru XV Review (aka Subaru Crosstrek) but it is a 2017. Why not just say 2017 in the title?

[@zahidbalooshi]

The car is 2018 model

[@Logan.Ninefingers]

How about paying attention when you drive, then you don't need reverse braking.

[@chasingcars]

Even the best drivers among us occasionally miss things - and the best drivers would admit to doing that.

[@Logan.Ninefingers]

@@chasingcars well I must be a crap driver then because I've never hit anything or anybody whilst reversing. (45 years driving so far).

[@johnnyViDeO]

Good review, but what are the MPG figures? The nearly perfect small car has already been built: The Chevrolet Bolt EV

[@julianeccleshall8397]

hi Tom, one thing i should point out about your turbo charge comment: it wouldn't happen... turbo charge simply doesn't fit into subaru's new platform and box engine......

[@chasingcars]

I don't know if that's right. Speaking to the Japanese chief engineer recently, there was nothing to suggest a turbo is *off* the cards. The platform might make fitting a turbocharger an engineering and packaging challenge, but that's something Subaru needs to rise to and meet if they're going to be fully competitive with other options in this segment. Plus, the next WRX and STI on the G5 Impreza platform will be turbocharged, assumedly - so they will find a way.

[@subazealand9158]

True what you say, but one thing is to develop a new turbo engine, and other as you mentioned in the video, to put the turbo from the Levorg, which is based in the old platform. I would love a XV Turbo, but I have the idea Subaru has to work in a new little turbo, as I heard too that the Levorg engine doesn't fit in this new platform.

[@koukimonzta]

Can u fit a mtn bike in there or u need a tow hitch?

[@chasingcars]

I think you'll need a hitch or a roof bar attachment for that. The boot isn't massive, seats up or down.

[@highwaymaintainer]

Nah, from the side the front end looks like a Mitsubishi, and the back end was better in previous versions. Guess some will like it but to me it went backwards. But isn't that typical when you get a little success?

[@chasingcars]

Style is such a subjective thing isn't it.

[@highwaymaintainer]

Chasing Cars I guess sales will tell

[@highwaymaintainer]

Chasing Cars it is, but one has to wonder the choice in rims on both versions, these are a little better but yikes on previous models

[@ZaibJ]

Where did u film this sorry?

[@chasingcars]

We shot this one in a variety of locations in NSW - near Thredbo, in the Lower Blue Mountains and in the Hunter Valley.

[@lfc214]

3:47 sounds like older car

[@chasingcars]

That sound is actually the number plate, which had not been screwed down very well, banging against the tailgate.

[@lfc214]

Chasing Cars yeah that makes sense :)

[@freeyourmind9000]

rally offroad is in their dna..but then if speed is actualy in their design philosophy..then probably its why their cars are built like an almond shape. almost all compact crossovers are shaped like fish heads now, more rear cargo space...subaru's standard 4wd is already a plus. im not asking too much from this car but i think they have a specific market..those who want to travel fast anywhere, the limit is mild offroadish(dirt road). and for that specifically why i want my next car to be a subaru. its the only asian version equivalent of porsche. actually i think they want to make their cars fast and they want to sell it to the masses.

[@25gwolfable]

If the steering wheel is on the left hand side it's called the cross track if the steering wheel is on the right hand side it's called the XV interesting

[@suubierex9396]

Mark Edwards | *crosstrek and yes, I guess you could think of it that way, but it most likely named different because of regional deferences, not where the driver is seated at.

[@Chauzenoux]

Not exactly, here in Europe it's called XV the steering wheel is left handed. It depends on the zone I guess.

[@pepanste]

In southamerica its called XV. I think its only called crosstek in USA

[@ALVARITO2370]

Nice legs

[@snowiepuppy5453]

Hahaha i can't stand these turbo people. These reviewers are typically the mazda-type lovers. Subaru has the STI. Now just get that. I just can't stand these car reviewer pretenders, lol

[@ewardbach8955]

Boring design, boring car, boring brand. Indifferent.