Subaru XV 2016 review: snapshot

EXPERT RATING
6.0

Likes

Unique look and quality feel
Upgraded technology and stereo
All-wheel drive capability

Dislikes

Underwhelming engine
Gearbox noise invades the cabin
No AEB available
Andrew Chesterton

Contributing Journalist

1 min read

Andrew Chesterton road tests and reviews the new Subaru XV 2.0i-L with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

The 2.0i-L is the mid-point in the three-model XV family, sitting above the 2.0i and below the 2.0i-S. Like the other models, its available with a six-speed manual gearbox ($30,240) or a CVT automatic ($32,740).

While you get the same 17-inch alloy wheels (and the same AWD system) as the entry-level car, springing for the 2.0iL will nab you a bigger 7.0-inch touchscreen and a better six-speaker stereo. Dual-zone climate control also makes an appearance, as do halogen DRLs and an electric sunroof. Inside, expect a digital display to appear in the driver's binnacle, along with cruise control and the ability to access Pandora through the stereo.

The 2.0i-L gets seven airbags, along with Subaru's 'Dynamic Control' package that includes ESC, ABS and traction control. You'll also find a reversing camera and Hill Hold Assist, but there is no AEB system available.

Subaru XV 2016: 2.0i-L

Engine Type Inline 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 7.1L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $12,650 - $16,830
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$15,971
Based on 102 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$5,995
HIGHEST PRICE
$22,990
Andrew Chesterton

Contributing Journalist

CarsGuide contributing journalist Andrew Chesterton is an award-winning Australian automotive reporter with more than 20 years of experience across newspapers, magazines, digital publishing and automotive corporate communications. Andrew began his journalism career at Sydney’s The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph, reporting across business, courts, crime, property and state politics before moving into automotive journalism. He joined Top Gear Australia as its online editor in 2008, later being appointed editor of Top Gear New Zealand. He subsequently worked as an assistant editor during the Australian launch of the Daily Mail Australia, and as communications manager at FCA Australia, now Stellantis. His experience on both sides of the media industry gives him an unrivalled understanding of the automotive industry, and the relationship between car manufacturers, the media, and Australian consumers. Andrew’s work has appeared across leading automotive, news, business, luxury, travel and lifestyle publications, including CarsGuide, EV Central, DMARGE, The Sydney Morning Herald, Marie Claire, Top Gear, GQ Australia, The Australian, WISH Magazine, Boss Hunting, The West Australian, The Nightly, Women’s Day Australia, Carsales, NRMA, Men’s Health, CEO Magazine, Australian Financial Review and more.   Andrew specialises in industry news, vehicle reviews, policy,  performance and luxury cars, electric vehicles, automotive technology, EVs hybrid and plug-in hybrids, and the broader Australian new-car marketplace. In 2025, Andrew was named Newspress Australia News Journalist of the Year and was a finalist for the overall Journalist of the Year award. Earlier honours include Website of the Year wins at the Australian Magazine Awards and ACP Awards, the ACP Rising Star Award and recognition in the Bauer Media and News Ltd journalism awards. Expertise Electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles Performance, luxury and supercars New-car reviews and road testing Australian automotive industry and new-car sales Chinese automotive brands and emerging manufacturers Utes, SUVs and family vehicles Automotive technology Policy Awards 2025 Newspress Australia News Journalist of the Year Featured Publications CarsGuide EV Central DMARGE The Sydney Morning Herald Marie Claire Top Gear GQ Australia The Australian WISH Magazine Boss Hunting The West Australian The Nightly Women’s Day Australia Carsales NRMA Men’s Health CEO Magazine Australian Financial Review The Daily Telegraph The Sunday Telegraph Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$5,995
Lowest price, based on CarsGuide listings over the last 6 months.
For more information on
2016 Subaru XV
See Pricing & Specs

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