Subaru XV vs Fiat 500X
What's the difference?

Subaru XV

$15,990 - $31,995

2021 price

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Fiat 500X

—

2019 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2021 Subaru XV

2019 Fiat 500X

By Tom White

By Peter Anderson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Flat 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.0L/100km (combined)

5.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Solid road feel
Relative value
Safety equipment

Fun looks
Good interior
Great safety package

Dislikes

Thrashy 2.0L engine
Hybrid not super efficient
Small boot

Iffy transmission
Oddball ride
Slow

2021 Subaru XV Summary

Subaru has always been a good fit for Australia.

Since the '90s, when the brand made a big splash with its rally derived Impreza and Liberty, Subaru’s rugged appeal has suited Australia’s tough conditions and recreationally adventurous buyers.

Cars like the Forester and Outback solidified the brand’s place amongst SUVs before SUVs were really a thing, and the XV is the logical progression of the Impreza range, slotting nicely into the brand's offerings of lifted all-wheel-drive wagons.

It’s been a few years since the XV launched, however, so can its latest 2021 update keep it in the fight in a quickly evolving and notoriously competitive segment against many newer rivals? We’ve taken a look at the whole range to find out.

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2019 Fiat 500X Summary

Fiat's indomitable 500 is one of the great survivors - not even VW's recently deceased New Beetle could keep riding the nostalgia wave, partly because it made itself just that little bit out-of-touch by not being a car anyone can buy. The 500 avoided that, particularly in its home market, and is still going strong.

Fiat added the 500X compact SUV a few years ago and at first I thought it was a daft idea. It's a polarising car, partly because some people complain it's capitalising on the 500's history. Well, duh. It's worked out well for Mini, so why not?

I've driven one every year for the last couple so I was keen to see what's up and whether it's still one of the weirdest cars on the road.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Subaru XV 2019 Fiat 500X

Verdict

Even years on from its initial launch and with only subtle changes to its main range, it’s really to Subaru’s credit that the XV feels just as capable and modern as any of its rivals.

This is not to say it’s perfect. We can’t recommend the base model, the maths don’t really work out on the hybrids, the only available engine is breathless, and it has a small boot.

But the XV’s excellent safety suite, driving dynamics, all-wheel-drive capability, quality finish and comfortable interior mean it’s hard not to be charmed by this little lifted hatch.

Our pick of the range? While the 2.0i-L is great value, we’d recommend you splurge to the 2.0i-Premium to get the full safety suite and extra garnish.

Verdict

The 500X is a fun-looking alternative to the various options available from everyone else and is - overall - better to drive than its Renegade twin.

It packs a very good safety package which you can't ignore but does lose points on the warranty and servicing regime. But it's also built to take four adults in comfort, which not every car in the segment can boast.

Subaru XV vs Fiat 500X What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Subaru XV vs Fiat 500X
What's the difference?