2013 Subaru XV Review

Lets give credit where its due. The Subaru XV is without question the most exceptional small sized SUV we’ve driven in a while. This is by no means a small feat given the stiff competition that includes the Nissan Juke, Mitsubishi RVR, Honda HRV, Nissan Dualis and Toyota C-HR. What sets the XV apart from its competitors is the ingenious Symmetrical All Wheel drive that gives it unparalleled off-road capability

Detailed Review

2013 Subaru Impreza XV Review and 2013 Subaru Crosstrek Review Direct here

The Subaru XV is a crossover SUV that has been in production for three generations since 2010. The first generation known as the GH was in production from 2010 to 2012. The second generation known as the GP was in production from 2012 to 2017 and the third generation known as the GT has been in production from 2017 to present. It was initially known as the Subaru Impreza XV for the first generation but the Impreza name was dropped and in subsequent generations it’s simply known as the Subaru XV.

The 2013 Subaru XV comes with a 2.0 Litre FB20 engine that is linked to Lineartronic CVT transmission and available only in 4WD.

2013 Subaru XV Grades

Subaru XV 2.0i – This is the base grade that comes with 17-inch alloy rims, fog lights, keyless entry with key start, Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, rain sensors, spoiler, automatic AC, DVD/CD player, and cruise control.
Subaru XV 2.0iL – This is the luxury grade that comes with 17-inch alloy rims, fog lights, keyless entry with smart start, Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, rain sensors, spoiler, automatic AC, DVD/CD player with Navigation, cruise control, collision reducer, lane assist, headlight washer and front powered seats
Subaru XV 2.0iL Eyesight – This is the luxury grade that comes with 17-inch alloy rims, fog lights, keyless entry with smart start, Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, rain sensors, spoiler, automatic AC, DVD/CD player with Navigation, cruise control, collision reducer, lane assist, headlight washer, front powered seats and Eyesight

2013 Subaru XV Interior
Legroom & Space
The interior of the XV has a modern feel with a well illuminated instrument cluster and dials that are within reach. The seats are well elevated which provides for a natural seating position and an excellent view of the road. At the first row, there is enough room for both driver and passenger to recline. At the second row, the legroom is good for the outer seats but the middle seat is cramped by the transmission tunnel.

Cabin Storage
There are several storage compartments in the cabin that are useful for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags etc. For the first row, there are 4 cup-holders, door panel storage, a glovebox and a center-box. For the second row, there are 2 cup-holders in the armrest compartment and storage on the front seat jacket pockets.

2013 Subaru XV Boot Space
The boot is not as big as we would have liked but it is sufficient to carry luggage for a family of five. When extra space is required, the rear seats can be folded in a split configuration.

2013 Subaru XV Extras: Roof rails, rear spoiler, Infotainment/DVD Player

2013 Subaru XV Safety Features: SRS Airbags, Side Airbags, Curtain airbags, ABS, Brake Assist, Traction Control, ESC, 3 Point ELR seatbelt and Eyesight

2013 Subaru XV Exterior
The XV is a tall car, at 1,550mm its taller than most of its competitors but cleverly hides this through the slanting roof and smooth edges. All grades come with 17-Inch alloy rims and fog lights. Higher grades come with plastic body cladding and roof rails.

2013 Subaru XV Fuel Consumption
2013 Subaru XV fuel consumption: 15.8 km/L

2013 Subaru XV Acceleration
2013 Subaru XV accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.5 sec.

2013 Subaru XV Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 Litres

2013 Subaru XV Ground Clearance
The 2013 Subaru XV has a ground clearance of 7.8 Inches(200mm) which is firmly in the 4×4 territory. When combined with Subaru’s ingenious Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system, it gives the XV unparalleled off-road capability that is only matched by bigger SUVs.

2013 Subaru XV Stability and Handling
The Subaru XV is so nimble and agile that you’d think it’s a sports car. It’s only tamed by the mild mannered 2.0 litre engine. The suspension is firm and sporty giving it a desirable grip on the road especially around corners. The XV truly excels off-road where it makes light work of any inclement conditions thrown at it.

2013 Subaru XV Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service: At 15,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil

2013 Subaru XV Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
Most parts are shared with the Impreza and therefore similarly affordable. Body parts are expensive for now and not widely available in Kenya but we expect this to change as the car becomes more common. In Nairobi, only specific shops stock these parts and you can get listings for these shops in this link

2013 Subaru XV Reliability
The driving conditions in Kenya are significantly different from those in Japan and Europe. Reliability reviews done for those markets largely do not apply to the Kenyan market. There are differences in roads, fuel, climate, spares, and technical expertise. To give you accurate and reliable local insights, we interview experts such as mechanics and car dealers, who have in-depth knowledge of the Kenyan market. We also test the cars ourselves. Our aim is to give you the right information to enable you make an informed decision when buying a car.

Similar to the Impreza with which it shares a common platform, the XV has got bullet proof reliability and so far we’ve not encountered any major problem with it. Some gearbox failures have been reported especially with cars that are poorly maintained. Another reported issue is brake pads that wear off too quickly and you will have to contend with replacing them more often. As usual, we advice that you thoroughly read the Owner’s Manual as it contain vital information on the maintenance of the car. To download the 2013 Subaru XV Owner’s Manual, click here.

Resale Value: Good

Subaru XV Competitors: Honda Vezel, Nissan Dualis, Nissan Juke, Mitsubishi RVR, Toyota C-HR and Peugeot 2008

What we like about the 2013 Subaru XV
1. Good ground clearance
2. Bullet Proof Reliability
3. Excellent Off-road capability

What we don’t
1. Expensive body parts

Conclusion
The Subaru XV is a capable off-road vehicle that will go where most of its competitors such as the Nissan Juke and Mitsubishi RVR would dare not.

Where to Buy the 2013 Subaru XV in Kenya
If you are looking to either import or buy the Subaru XV locally, we can help you with this process. Over the years, we have developed a network of trusted dealers both in Kenya and Japan who supply us with exceptional cars. Simply call us or send us a message through our contacts below and we’ll get you the right car at the right price.