Subaru XV SUV (2012-2017) - Reliability & safety

The Subaru XV’s rugged nature means it’s pretty tough, while our Driver Power customer satisfaction survey points out some areas where it excels and others where it needs to improve. What really impresses is the XV’s impressive suite of safety equipment.

Subaru XV reliability

Subaru is known for reliable and rugged off-road estates like the Forester and Outback, so the XV should stand up well to the wear and tear of everyday life. Although the interior plastics look and feel cheap, the car is well put-together inside.

Results from our latest 2015 Driver Power satisfaction survey placed the XV 97th out of 200 cars looked at. That’s not a stellar overall ranking, but the XV shined in terms of reliability, where it managed 21st place. Buyers were also impressed by the XV’s handling, but they were disappointed with its seat comfort and ride quality and ranked it 100th for build quality. 

Safety

The XV comes with a good selection of safety kit, as it features anti-lock brakes, traction control, seven airbags, retractable pedals and a collapsible steering column. The XV has already scored the full five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests, including an impressive 90% rating for child occupant protection.