Avid readers will surely point out that the all-new Outback was supposed to have launched in May. Sadly, the global chip shortage meant that production timelines had to be altered, pushing back the Outback’s market launch slightly. This means the refreshed Subaru XV is the next product in the carmaker’s planned six new product launches in 18 months.

Launching locally in June, the refreshed 2021 Subaru XV is already hitting social media with the tagline of, “Seriously Fun.”

As far as refreshes go, this one’s pretty minor, and mostly aesthetic. The grille takes on an egg-crate design (replacing the current mesh design) along with a new bumper and 18-inch alloy wheel design. These features are also seen in the Japanese domestic model which were launched last year. It also gets LED front fog lights and the addition of Plasma Yellow Pearl (see top photo) in terms of color choices.

Mechanically, the 2021 Subaru XV retains the services of its 2.0-liter FB20 flat-4. This means 156 horsepower and 196 Nm of torque. Mated to a Lineartronic CVT, it dispatches the 100 km/h mark (from zero) in 10.4 seconds.

That said, the Subaru XV gets the Forester’s dual-mode X-MODE for 2021. Along with the usual Intelligent and Sport modes, this adds Snow/Dirt and Snow/Mud modes giving it better off-road performance with just the touch of a button.

Also changed for 2021 are the Subaru XV’s coil and dampers which have been optimized for a smoother ride.

Inside, the Subaru XV remains almost unchanged, although it does receive memory function for its 8-way power driver seat, as well as an upgraded infotainment system. The 8-inch touchscreen system doesn’t just provide Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. It also gets a 360-degree camera which Subaru calls SAR 360.

For safety, the 2021 model now comes standard with Subaru EyeSight—the brand’s suite of advanced driver aids. Using a pair of stereoscopic cameras, it bundles adaptive cruise control, lane sway/departure warning, forward collision mitigation, lead vehicle start assist, and pre-collision throttle management (check our review of the Subaru EyeSight here). It also gets speed-sensing door locks too. 

Motor Image PIlipinas hasn’t given any indication as to the 2021 Subaru XV’s pricing, but given that the changes are minimal, expect them to stick close to the current model’s P 1.608 million price tag for the entry-level Subaru XV 2.0i EyeSight and around P 1.908 million for the Subaru XV 2.0i-S EyeSight.

Interested buyers can already register their interest in the 2021 Subaru XV through this link.