2022 Subaru XV 2.0i-S EyeSight Review Philippines: The Total Package

Review Verdict: The 2022 Subaru XV 2.0i-S EyeSight tops our list for the best subcompact crossover in the Philippines. It offers an array of exceptional features that could easily justify the expensive price tag.

Pros

All-wheel-drive
Advanced driving aids
Responsive steering
Well-balanced suspension
Made in Japan

Cons

Pricey
No Subaru STARLINK
Cramped cargo space
Stiff leather seats

2022 Subaru XV 2.0i-S EyeSight Specs Philippines

Flat-four 2.0-L engine
156 PS @ 6,000 rpm, 196 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel: Gasoline
Transmission: CVT
Suspension: MacPherson Strut (front), Double Wishbone (rear)
Brakes: Ventilated Disk (front), Ventilated Disk (rear)

The subcompact crossover segment is a niche market in the Philippines. Despite that, Subaru has overequipped the 2022 Subaru XV at the cost of significantly increasing the price. As part of the recent refresh/facelift, Subaru XV now comes with the award-winning EyeSight driver assist technology. It also comes with a retuned suspension, a 360-degree camera, dual-function X-MODE, and many more.

Exterior

Those familiar with the first-generation model would agree that the overall exterior design did not drastically change. This is despite the fact that the new model sits on a completely new platform.

As such, we’re happy to have the same huge windshield, back glass, and front quarter glass. This is because they provide excellent road visibility, in addition to the 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat. Just make sure to have a good tint as these sizable windows translate to more light and heat inside. Also, extras such as functional headlamp washers, roof rails, and rear fog lamps have been carried over.

For the second-generation XV, Subaru redesigned the headlights, tail lights, and grille among others. Subaru also added black plastic claddings all around the car to give it a more rugged look, as well as a rear spoiler to give it a sporty look. Wheel size is 1-inch larger, now at 18 inches and wrapped with 225/55 tires.

The new model also features LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, and LED fog lights. It is worth noting that the headlights are not just exceptionally bright, they also come with “auto-leveliser” feature. This feature combines low and high beams to produce the best possible output without glaring other vehicles on the road. It also makes the headlights steering-responsive, ensuring good visibility in each and every turn of the vehicle.

Overall, the Subaru XV is still a good-looking crossover, just not in this Plasma Yellow Pearl color. Other color variants will definitely steal the show when they’re out and about, and the crossover’s general rarity means it stands out in the crowd.

Available colors are Cool Grey Khaki, Crystal Black Silica, Crystal White Pearl, Dark Blue Pearl, Horizon Blue Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetic Grey Metallic, and Pure Red.

Interior

Subaru vehicles don’t only share the same Subaru Global Platform, they also share the same interior layout. Hence, XV’s interior is not actually unique at all.

Inside, you’ll find the customary screens: 4.2-inch LCD multi-information display (MID), 6.3-inch multi-function display (MFD), and 8-inch infotainment system. Despite the state-of-the-art appeal, it doesn’t come with STARLINK which is Subaru’s latest in-vehicle tech. Also, Apple CarPlay still needs your phone to be plugged in. At least it offers a 360-degree camera system.

Also new for the second-gen XV are the SI-DRIVE and X-MODE—features that actually make the XV unique in the segment. The SI-DRIVE allows for different engine responses, while the X-MODE provides for extra traction when needed.

As for the materials used, none of them looks cheap. The leather you’ll find inside is of high quality. The same goes for the plastics used. Sadly, the orange-colored stitches don’t seem to compliment the silver accents and carbon fiber panels.

Space-wise, there is nothing to be upset about as the headroom, legroom, and shoulder room are more than enough even for a tall guy, whether seated at the front or the rear. Some might find the cargo area a bit narrow, though. It only has 345 liters of storage space but is expandable up to 919 liters with the split/fold backrests dropped down.

Making the interior more premium are extras such as the sunroof, aluminum pedals, automatic driver’s seat, and USB power outlets.

Comfort and Driving Dynamics

The Subaru XV has a 2.0-L flat-four petrol engine producing 156 PS and 196 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). You’ll surely fall in love with its silky-smooth engine, especially while idle. This characteristic is inherent in every Subaru model, having a horizontally-opposed, self-balancing, and low-slung engine.

Another thing to love is ride comfort. Subaru has recently given the suspension some fine-tuning. Compared to the previous model I used to own, this one has a way more forgiving suspension. Despite that, the new suspension setup is responsive enough for you to enjoy a spirited drive in and out of the city. Subaru has finally found the formula for the perfect suspension setup.

The braking performance is satisfying as well. The stopping power from ventilated discs all around the car actually feels too much for the car, hence it’s confidence-inspiring.

Moreover, the naturally aspirated engine responds very well even with the slightest accelerator input. Sadly, the CVT gearbox is incapable of promptly transferring the power from the engine to the wheels. This results in a fleeting delay every time you put the pedal to the metal. So, don’t expect it to accelerate swiftly despite having an all-wheel-drive system. This car sprints from zero to 100 kph in 10.4 seconds.

Having said all that, it seems that the only problem with the performance lies with the CVT gearbox. It has robbed the car of its performance potential. Be that as it may, it actually made the gas-thirsty boxer engine more economical. In fact, I was able to average 7-8 km/L combined, which is not bad for a car with 4 wheels spinning all the time.

Safety-wise, it is easy to see why Subaru was recently crowned as the safest car maker in Japan. The EyeSight system is the most advanced driver assist technology we have seen in a Japanese car. In addition to this, Subaru vehicles come with an unparalleled symmetrical all-wheel drive that provides the best traction for whatever road condition.

As part of the EyeSight system, Subaru XV comes with pre-collision braking and throttle management. With this, the car will warn you with a buzzer and a flashing indicator at the dash of any possible frontal collision. Should you fail to respond, the car will automatically stop by itself. Moreover, drivers would be glad to have features such as lane departure warning, lane sway warning, adaptive cruise control, brake light recognition, and lead vehicle start alert.

On top of this, the car comes with a complete set of airbags—front, side, knee, and curtain. It also has active torque vectoring, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, and traction control.

Wrap-up and Verdict

The 2023 Subaru XV tops our list as the best compact crossover in the Philippines. One might say he’d rather get a Mitsubishi Montero Sport or a Toyota Fortuner for the price. What they don’t understand is that this car offers award-winning features that could easily justify the expensive price tag.

To recap, the Subaru XV comes with an all-wheel-drive system that can give you extra confidence on the road. It also has exceptional safety features that could give you priceless benefits. Lastly, it offers advanced driving aids that can make driving a lot more convenient.

Adding more charm is the fact that every Subaru XV is completely built in Japan. This means you can expect top-notch quality and reliability from this car.