In-depth reviews

Subaru XV SUV (2012-2017): owner reviews

"The Subaru XV is a safe and capable crossover that's good fun to drive."

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599y17lv77p6ed { display: none !important; }

by Richard Ingram

16 Jul 2015

.polaris__post-meta--date { display: none; } .polaris__post-meta--date.no-script { display: block; padding-left: 45px } 16 Jul 2015

Carbuyer Rating

3.3 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.3 out of 5

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

64%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Brakes (1 case)
Brakes, Other (1 case)
Gearbox / clutch, Other (1 case)

Review 1 of 11

Tell us what you think about your car?

A beautiful car, easy to drive, well balanced and handles well, but whole driving experience ruined by the braking system, the whole car vibrates viciously, and despite taking it back to the garage they say it is normal, all I can say is if you test drive check the braking especially hard braking approaching island, going down hill etc.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Previous experience of Subarus - very reliable

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

As past Subaru owner know of the excellent reliability factor

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

no complaints at all

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

As usual the Subaru engine is nothing to worry about, reliable and solid. The inside of the car is cheap and poorly made, cheap plastic components, thin material on seat (mine has a metal bar sticking into my side), the roof has NO lining in it to counter the noise from rain (the old tin roof effect), handling is excellent and brakes are "okay" but the brakes wear out far too quickly and when they do you get grinding and squeeking noises galore. I would say it's a £16K car with a £24K price tag. If you want reliability and comfort - stick with the Forester.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

A very refined diesel engine with that great Subaru sound. Subaru's permanent AWD is a great positive for road conditions with poor grip, including winter, and this diesel is surprisingly quick off the mark for those who like a bit of performance. MPG figures in the mid 50s or higher can be achieved with care on runs that take in motorways and A roads, with city driving giving mid 40s MPG.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

totally reliable.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Good car but not great in parts. The engine is noisy, the boot smaller than you think, the ride can be hard, too. We've had issues with clutch judder and the seat cushions come come apart and need repair. Parts are expensive and not always easy to get, either. It also seems that the dealerships are small and reluctant to claim on warranty items.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

I love this car! I do a lot of miles in this car for business but have also spent quite a lot of time off road in the vehicle too. The suspension on it handles the off-road experience brilliantly yet still gives rock solid handling on the road too. Its a quick and punchy car once it gets going and you do notice the torque when cruising at higher speeds. I used to drive a Ford Kuga (which I really liked at the time) and I looked at the new Kuga but happened to come across this which took my fancy. Once I had test driven it I have never considered anything else. I'm glad I made this choice as the handling and punch of the XV are very noticeable and so is the handling. When off road the All Wheel Drive is much better in the Subaru XV than the Kuga and so is the ground clearance. I've done 17,000 miles over a 6 month period and haven't had any technical issues either. my MPG is mid forties typically and on a long run you can hit 50 sensibly. 10/10 to Subaru Its an excellent vehicle

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Only 2 months old and 2K miles - but so far works like a dream

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Continue reading

Most Popular

Engine warning light

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599y17lv77p6gc { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

17 Apr 2024

Engine management light: top 5 causes of amber engine warning light

Carbuyer best new car deals hero

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599y17lv77p6gd { display: none !important; }

Deals

19 Apr 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Dacia Zen warranty badge

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599y17lv77p6ge { display: none !important; }

News

16 Apr 2024

Dacia introduces seven-year ‘Zen’ warranty for new and used cars

Tips & advice

Car dashboard symbols and meanings

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599y17lv77p6gf { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Public EV charge point

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599y17lv77p6gg { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599y17lv77p6gh { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599y17lv77p6gi { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

Peugeot 208 hatchback

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599y17lv77p6gj { display: none !important; }

Best cars

25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

best electric cars

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599y17lv77p6gk { display: none !important; }

Best cars

28 Mar 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

The best cheap-to-run cars 2023

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599y17lv77p6gl { display: none !important; }

Best cars

2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

Fastest hot hatchbacks hero

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599y17lv77p6gm { display: none !important; }

Best cars

2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024