Description
The 2021 Subaru XV SE Premium 2.0 AWD is a compact crossover SUV blending everyday practicality with Subaru’s hallmark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, making it suitable for mixed urban, motorway and light off-road driving. It sits above the base SE trim in the XV lineup with extra comfort, technology and convenience features.
Engine & Drivetrain
At the heart of the vehicle is a 2.0-litre “Boxer” petrol engine — a horizontally-opposed four-cylinder petrol unit. This layout keeps the engine’s centre of gravity lower, which helps improve balance and handling. In the Premium trim it delivers approximately 115 kW (around 156 PS) of power and 196 Nm of torque. Power is routed to all four wheels via Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system coupled with a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), designed to provide smooth acceleration and predictable traction in varying conditions.
Engine type: Horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder, 16-valve petrol
Capacity: ~1,995 cc
Power: ~115 kW @ ~6,000 rpm
Torque: ~196 Nm @ ~4,000 rpm
Transmission: Lineartronic CVT
Drive: Symmetrical AWD (permanent all-wheel drive)
Performance & Fuel Economy
The 2.0 AWD delivers decent everyday performance for a compact crossover, with acceleration sufficient for motorway and urban use. Official performance figures vary by region but generally reflect modest yet usable performance:
0–100 km/h: ~10.4–10.7 seconds (dependent on conditions)
Top speed: ~120 mph (around 194 km/h)
Fuel consumption (combined): ~7 L/100 km (~40 mpg UK)
CO2 emissions (combined): ~155–159 g/km (WLTP/NEDC correlated figures)
Dimensions & Weight
The XV’s compact SUV proportions make it practical yet manageable:
Length: ~4,465–4,485 mm
Width: ~1,800 mm
Height: ~1,615 mm
Wheelbase: ~2,665 mm
Ground clearance: ~220 mm
Turning circle: ~10.8 m
Kerb weight: ~1,429–1,474 kg
Boot space: ~310 – 765 L (seats up / down)
Towing capacity (braked): ~1,400 kg
Chassis, Suspension & Brakes
Front suspension: MacPherson struts with coil springs
Rear suspension: Double-wishbone with coil springs
Brakes: Ventilated disc brakes front and rear
Steering: Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Wheels: 17-inch alloys with 225/60 R17 tyres (standard on Premium)
Interior & Equipment (SE Premium)
The SE Premium trim elevates the XV with key comforts and tech features compared to the base SE:
Leather upholstery and heated seats
Electric sunroof and often satellite navigation
8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Blind–spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and extra safety tech
EyeSight driver assistance systems may also be included on UK versions (adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist)
Safety
The 2021 XV achieved high safety recognition, including a five-star Euro NCAP rating, underscoring strong passive protection and modern active safety aids across the range.