A few months ago, Subaru has already shown what its refreshed XV compact crossover looks like for the North American market. Now, the carmaker has done the same for its home market for Japan. Surprisingly? It looks slightly different.

Both 2021 models receive the new grille (a return to the egg-crate design found in the Forester SH) and new wheel designs (in both 17 and 18 inches), but the Japanese model gets its own unique bumper treatment. It’s far less rugged looking than its American counterpart with a smaller fog lamp housing. The “Advance” trim, which features the e-Boxer hybrid adds silver-colored highlights too. Like the US, Plasma Yellow Pearl joins the palette of colors.



Unfortunately, Japan doesn’t get the larger 2.5-liter FB25 engine. Instead, it sticks to the same engine line-up as before. However, Subaru says they’ve managed some performance improvements thanks to a re-tuned suspension. The e-Boxer also benefits from e-Active Shift Control—a new kind of shift control logic that works with the Subaru SI-Drive.

Inside, the 2021 Subaru XV remains largely the same, but in Japan, buyers can opt for a new two-tone Navy Blue and Black seating aside from the all black one with orange contrast stitching. There is also a new front view camera for added safety as well.