SUBARU XV 2012-2015 Photos, engines & full specs

Based on the acclaimed powertrain of the Subaru Impreza, the 2012 XV was designed as a cross-over, with higher ground clearance and the standard all-wheel-drive system.

The Subaru XV was introduced at the 2012 New York Auto Show and it was built to cover customers from towns that also had an active lifestyle. The car featured a bigger ground clearance but compact exterior sizes so it could fit in cities and farm roads as well. Despite its hatchback-on-stilts look, the XV was more spacious then it might look at a first sight.

The chromed trim on the front grille and the wings on it were part of the new Subaru image when the XV was introduced on the market. The headlights were somehow similar to the design concept with the Impreza. The hatchback look and the proportions were based on the same glorious rally car. A 17” light-alloy wheels were fitted as standard. To cover the big gap between the wheel and the wheel-arch a black plastic trim was added.

Inside, the XV offered room for five adults, but the center transmission tunnel was too intrusive into the cabin. Its dashboard was arranged differently than most of the cars on the market. While the instrument cluster was classic, the infotainment unit retained its position on the center console, but a dedicated screen was installed on top of the dashboard for the on-board computer.

The XV was offered with three engine choices: two gasoline and a turbodiesel. The standard 5-speed manual could have been changed for the optional CVT “Lineartronic” gearbox.