There are stories about a young man who’s supposed to marry someone sensible, attractive, and a good provider. But when the protagonist meets the would-be fiancée’s more interesting, vivacious, funny, and unconventional sibling or best friend, sparks fly and the original relationship doesn’t stand a chance. Or does it?

The 2018 Subaru XV doesn’t really stack up if one were to base everything on looks. She’s basically the same recipe from before: a raised Impreza with additional cladding and roof rails. The ingredients may sound silly, but it’s a proven formula so why change it? She’s innocuous and proud of it. Oh, and at least she’s benefited this time from chunkier bumpers and a unique grille. If there’s one criticism here, the 18-inch rims do look out of proportion—like it’s meant for a bigger SUV. As it stands, it’s like having a petite girl with gargantuan feet.




The interior styling is once again largely identical to the Impreza with the only difference being in details such as the orange stitching on the dashboard and hexagonal perforation on the seats. This isn’t a bad thing, since the dashboard is more shapely and modern than the dated ones of previous Subarus while still retaining the brand’s knack of providing a simple user interface. The climate control is always adjustable via big knobs and buttons while the infotainment contains large shortcut buttons as well as physical knobs for the volume and tuning.

Perhaps the steepest learning curve here is mastering the Subaru XV’s multitude of LCD screens. However, after knowing which button or toggle switch controls which screen, it becomes second nature. The Starlink infotainment system itself operates much like a smartphone complete with gesture controls. Most of the time, it feels snappy although there are instances where it has noticeable lag, especially when Android Auto is used.




In terms of space utilization, there’s almost nothing to complain about the 2018 Subaru XV. There’s more head, shoulder, and leg room now with a wide range of adjustments for the driver. It makes finding a good driving position very easy. Having said that, the seats themselves could use better support. As it stands, it’s flat and unsupportive making long drives a tad comfortable. The same goes for the rear quarters which may have more legroom, but don’t excel in support. Also, the sunroof robs some headroom for the middle rear passenger. Even at 175 centimeters tall, he or she will already brush the ceiling.

The Subaru XV is now propelled by a direct-injected 2.0-liter motor also found under the hood of the Impreza. It makes slightly more power (156 horsepower) with the same amount of torque (196 Nm). And while it’s buttery smooth and whisper quiet from the driver’s seat, it’s also oddly coarser and more clattery from the outside. More than once, people had mistaken it for a diesel.




In terms of pace, it takes some wringing to extract the most out of the Subaru XV. Most of the power is available high in the power band that only foot-to-the-floor applications will result in a strong pace. And even then, the CVT takes a long time to get up to speed. Still, for most day-to-day driving, it’ll do. Driven sanely, it’s a smooth operator with a good, perky pickup. It’s also very quiet, with just the roar from the Bridgestone Duelers making its way into the cabin. Despite the increase in size and equipment level, fuel economy has largely unchanged from before: 8.58 km/L (average speed of 15 km/h).

While the Subaru XV could use more grunt, one thing it gets right is the handling. Thanks to a brand-new platform, it feels tight with a body free from rattles or shakes. The ride quality itself is very good, muting all small bumps and reducing large ones to minor hiccups. The only drawback here is a hint of floatiness and some noticeable body roll. With a quicker steering rack, it also corners very well with a high degree of precision and grip. Sadly, steering is also devoid of feedback, feeling too light and artificial even compared to the Impreza it’s based on.




Priced at P 1,538,000, the 2018 Subaru XV 2.0i-S is actually even more expensive than the base Forester 2.0i-L (and it’s just P 140,000 off the mid-tier Forester 2.0i-Premium). Nonetheless, it’s actually well-equipped for the price. It gets 18-inch wheels, steering responsive LED headlights, moon roof, leather seats with power adjustment for the driver, dual zone climate control, a full-fledged infotainment system with 6 speakers, 7 airbags, ABS, stability control, X-Mode, blind spot and rear cross-traffic alert, a rear parking camera, and of course, Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. It’s loaded with everything but the kitchen sink. And even that one, the Subaru EyeSight system, is going to be introduced sometime next year.

Overall, the Subaru XV is a solid crossover. While the weak powertrain really brings it down, it’s redeemed by its usable space and good maneuverability married with crossover flair and comfort. Add in the generous ground clearance and decent water wading depth, and it becomes an option for someone looking for a car that won’t quit when the going gets a little rough. The Subaru XV may not be the most sharply dressed or sexiest girl in the parking lot, but she can cook an acceptable dinner and cleans up nicely for Sunday Mass. She’s a nice girl and good company.