Currently reading: Facelifted Subaru XV receives design and chassis tweaks
Rugged four-wheel-drive crossover is enhanced for 2021 but retains same price as outgoing car

The Subaru Subaru XV crossover has been updated for 2021 with subtle styling revisions, engineering tweaks and equipment upgrades. 

The Jeep Renegade rival is available to order from 1 March from £31,665 - the same price as the outgoing model. All versions are powered by a 148bhp 2.0-litre 'e-Boxer' flat four petrol engine mated to a 16bhp electric motor and CVT gearbox. 

Revisions to the exterior include a redesigned front bumper and grille, LED foglights surrounded by a reworked bezel, new 18in alloy wheels and two new colours: Plasma Yellow and Horizon Blue. 

New technology includes a 180deg front-view monitor to reduce blind spots and the door mirrors now automatically fold when the car is locked and tilt when it is put into reverse. A driver's seat memory function has been added, too. 

Subaru claims the revised XV has a "much smoother ride" thanks to reduced body movement via new springs and dampers.  The 'SI-Drive' drive select function has been improved to offer better throttle response in Sport and a balanced Intelligent Mode. 

The XV's multi-mode four-wheel drive system has been enhanced, too, with a revised X-Mode that offers two levels of dirt/snow modes for especially slippery surfaces.

Standard kit on base SE trim includes symmetrical all-wheel drive, automatic LED lights, Subaru's EyeSight driver assist tech, heated front seats, keyless entry and start and an 8.0in infotainment display featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

SE Premium adds to that with leather seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, sat-nav and a sunroof. 

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ianp55 27 January 2021

I've been checking on the Subaru US website the equivalent of the XV, the Cross Trek starts at $22245 or £16243 of course theres sales tax on top but it makes you realise why US sales are measured in the hundreds of thousand while here in Blighty sales last year dropped beneath 1000,makes you think doesn't it?

mogsy 27 January 2021

very pricey, and still has the poor 2.0 rev-hanging engine with no turbo.  I did like driving one about town and B-roads when i had it as a courtesy car last year when my Outback was in for servicing and new windscreen, but EU emissions cost hit, drove all Subaru's up by £2k+

the MH doesnt help with weight, emissions or economy.  Seems fine have a MH in the Forester, but XV should have something better.  glad the mirrors auto-fold and tilt, drives me nuts in the Outback i have to remember to press the button before shutting the engine off.  Hope the 2021/2022 Mk6 Outback gets the new 2.4 Turbo engine!!

ianp55 27 January 2021

£31665 that's the entry level price of the mild hybrid version,£28335 was the sticker price for the 1-6 litre version of the XV with the two litre adding £1500 to the price. Has the non hybrid version now been dropped? Don't get me wrong I had an XV and it was a great car for the rotten roads that are the norm for Somerset  and apart from it being a bit thirsty I had nothing but praise for the car, but this price for the car is just plain daft far too expensive