Back to catalog
Subaru
XV
GT·
2017-2023
suv-soft
Price (AUD)
$18k-$38k
Body styles
5-door wagon (raised hatch/crossover)
Drivetrain
Symmetrical full-time AWD
Origin
Japan
Built in
Japan
Overview
The second-generation XV (chassis code GT, built on the Subaru Global Platform) was sold in Australia from May 2017 as 2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i Premium and 2.0i-S, with the Hybrid (e-Boxer) range added late in 2020. It is a Impreza hatch on stilts: 220mm of clearance, genuine full-time Symmetrical AWD (a real advantage over the front-drive-biased soft-roader crowd) and X-Mode for slippery surfaces, but only modest 2.0L outputs and a CVT. Every Australian XV GT uses the naturally-aspirated FB20 boxer four with a timing chain and a Lineartronic CVT - there was no diesel, no turbo and no manual in this generation here. The defining caveats are the Lineartronic CVT (low-speed shudder/judder, torque-converter lock-up and fluid degradation), the FB20's appetite for oil, and a leisurely drivetrain that feels underdone when loaded or climbing. Crash safety, AWD traction and Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist suite are the strong suits; outright performance and towing are not. Early (2017) cars fall under the broad Subaru Takata passenger-airbag recall - confirm rectification before buying.
Engines & variants
2.0i petrol (FB20D)
Engine
2.0L direct-injection DOHC boxer (flat-four), Active Valve Control
Config
Flat-4 (boxer) NA
Displacement
1995cc
Power
115kW @ 6000rpm
Torque
196Nm @ 4000rpm
Drivetrain
Symmetrical full-time AWD
Economy
7.0 L/100km combined (claimed); 8-9 real world
Tow (braked)
1400kg (2.0i-S, lower on base grades)
Tow (unbraked)
600-670kg
Transmission
Lineartronic CVT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven (maintenance-free for life under normal use)
Pros
- Genuine full-time Symmetrical AWD - better traction than front-drive rivals
- Timing chain, no belt-change cost
- 220mm clearance plus X-Mode for light off-road and snow
- 5-star ANCAP and EyeSight driver assist on most grades
- Cheap to run and service, big dealer/parts network
Cons
- Only 115kW/196Nm - slow when loaded, on hills or overtaking
- FB20 is a known oil-consumer; needs level checks between services
- CVT droning under acceleration and the usual Lineartronic shudder risk
- Direct injection means intake-valve carbon over time
- Modest tow rating and small towball download
Known problems
high
Lineartronic CVT shudder / judder and lock-up clutch
The Lineartronic CVT can shudder or judder at low speed, typically just after warm-up and under light throttle from a stop, caused by torque-converter lock-up clutch behaviour and degraded CVT fluid friction modifiers. Subaru's Lineartronic has been the subject of warranty extensions and overseas class actions; left unaddressed the chain/pulleys wear.
Fix: Fresh genuine Subaru CVT fluid plus the dealer relearn/recalibration often resolves shudder; severe or slipping cases need a torque-converter or full CVT replacement. Check for shudder on a cold test drive.
medium
High oil consumption (FB20)
The FB20 boxer is a documented oil consumer; some examples use noticeable oil between services, and running low worsens engine noise, vibration and VVT operation. Severe consumers may eventually need ring/short-engine work.
Fix: Check oil level regularly between services, use only the specified low-viscosity oil and shorten intervals; monitor consumption on any car being considered.
low
Intake-valve carbon (direct injection)
Direct-injection FB20D engines can build carbon on the intake valves over time (no port fuel to wash them), causing rough idle, misfire or lost smoothness.
Fix: Walnut-blast or chemical intake clean; quality fuel and regular highway running help.
low
Battery drain / electrical niggles
Owners report flat batteries and minor electrical/infotainment glitches (Starlink screen freezes, reversing camera dropouts) on the GT-series cars.
Fix: Software updates, battery replacement; check the multimedia and camera work on inspection.
2.0i Hybrid (e-Boxer)
Engine
2.0L DOHC boxer four with integrated mild/parallel hybrid motor and lithium-ion battery
Config
Flat-4 (boxer) NA + electric motor
Displacement
1995cc
Power
110kW petrol + 12.3kW motor (120kW combined potential)
Torque
196Nm petrol + 66Nm motor (254Nm combined potential)
Drivetrain
Symmetrical full-time AWD
Economy
6.5 L/100km combined (claimed); ~7-8 real world
Tow (braked)
1270kg
Tow (unbraked)
600kg
Transmission
Lineartronic CVT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven (maintenance-free for life under normal use)
Pros
- Slightly better economy and lower-speed smoothness than the plain petrol
- Retains full-time Symmetrical AWD and X-Mode
- Quieter, more relaxed take-off thanks to electric assist
- Same robust timing-chain boxer base
- EyeSight and 5-star safety carried over
Cons
- Mild hybrid - small battery, only modest fuel and performance gain for the price premium
- Hybrid hardware (battery under boot) cuts cargo space
- Still uses the Lineartronic CVT with the same shudder risk
- Heavier than the petrol, so not noticeably quicker
- Hybrid battery is an unknown long-term cost out of warranty
Known problems
high
Lineartronic CVT shudder / lock-up (shared with petrol)
The Hybrid uses the same Lineartronic CVT and suffers the same low-speed shudder/judder and torque-converter lock-up issues as the petrol when fluid degrades.
Fix: Genuine CVT fluid plus dealer relearn; replacement in severe cases. Test on a cold start.
medium
12V battery and hybrid system warnings
e-Boxer cars are sensitive to a weak 12V battery, which can trigger hybrid-system and EyeSight warning lights and no-starts; the small lithium drive battery is a long-term cost unknown out of warranty.
Fix: Keep the 12V battery healthy; have any hybrid/EyeSight fault scanned. Confirm hybrid-battery health and warranty status pre-purchase.
medium
Oil consumption (FB20 base)
The hybrid still uses the FB20 boxer and can exhibit the same oil-consumption tendency.
Fix: Regular level checks, correct oil grade, shorter intervals.
Common problems (all variants)
high
Takata passenger airbag recall (early 2017 builds)
Early XV GT cars are caught by the broad compulsory Subaru Takata recall affecting the passenger-side front airbag inflator, which can rupture and fire metal fragments. Repair is free.
Fix: Check the VIN on Subaru Australia's recall site or via the ACCC Takata list and have it rectified if outstanding before purchase.
medium
CVT fluid neglect accelerating wear
Many owners and even some dealers treat the Lineartronic fluid as fill-for-life; in reality the friction modifiers degrade and stale fluid is a major contributor to shudder and premature CVT wear.
Fix: Change the genuine CVT fluid periodically (commonly ~100,000km or sooner for towing/heavy use); ask for evidence it has been done.
low
Wind/road noise and modest performance when loaded
The XV is a tall, AWD 2.0L crossover; it is leisurely fully loaded or on hills and noisier on coarse-chip roads than premium rivals. Not a defect but a buyer expectation point.
Fix: Drive it loaded before buying; accept the relaxed nature or look at a turbocharged rival.
low
Suspension bush and front-end wear
Front suspension bushes and links can wear from as early as ~50,000km, giving clunks or vague handling.
Fix: Replace worn bushes/links; standard front-end maintenance.
low
Infotainment / EyeSight glitches
Starlink multimedia freezes, Bluetooth/Apple CarPlay dropouts and occasional EyeSight false warnings are reported; usually software or a dirty/obstructed EyeSight camera.
Fix: Software update, keep the windscreen camera zone clean; check all systems on inspection.