In the past, the XV has been a cosmetic-enhancements-only variant of the Impreza. Not anymore. The new XV runs a different nose, stands taller, and is a smidgen shorter in the wheelbase, and it’s Subaru’s first ‘proper’ model in the growing sub-compact SUV segment. And priced from $28,490 (+ORC) it undercuts just about every other all-wheel drive compact SUV on the market (it matches most of the two-wheel drive variants, too).
Subaru’s XV is a real cat amongst the sub-compact SUV pigeons. With impressive standard equipment levels and reasonable pricing, as well as good ride and handling, it might just be the shot in the arm the Japanese car maker needs.