Subaru XV vs Ineos Grenadier
What's the difference?

Subaru XV

$15,990 - $31,995

2021 price

View pricing & specs

Ineos Grenadier

$102,000 - $118,000

2026 price

View pricing & specs

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

2026 Ineos Grenadier

By Tom White

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Flat 4, 2.0L

—

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

—

Fuel Efficiency

7.0L/100km (combined)

—

Seating

Likes

Solid road feel
Relative value
Safety equipment

Retro looks
Robust build
4WD capability

Dislikes

Thrashy 2.0L engine
Hybrid not super efficient
Small boot

Price-tag
Floaty ride
Bit sluggish on road

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.

View full pricing & specs

2026 Ineos Grenadier Summary

As part of recent updates to the line-up, the Ineos Grenadier’s steering has been tweaked for a more precise feel and a claimed slightly tighter turning circle and the driver-assist tech has been upgraded as has the air-con system.

This body-on-frame 4WD has live axles, a dual-range transfer case, front, centre and rear diff locks and a stack of other features intended to turn the driver into an off-road expert.

So how does the Grenadier station wagon perform off-road? Read on.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2021 Subaru XV 2026 Ineos Grenadier

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 Ineos Grenadier Station Wagon is an impressive four-wheel drive. This five-seat off-roader is stacked with features, is very capable off-road and it's actually not atrocious on-road. But its price will deter a lot of people and those who buy into the Grenadier lifestyle have to be prepared to endure some compromises and discomfort along the way… because this is not for everyone. And that’s kind of the point.

This is a new old-school 4WD – a niche within a niche – and while it’s bursting at the seams with an abundance of quirky features, those quirks may quickly lose their appeal and become annoyances. A lot of people will buy the Grenadier because they like the idea of it, but the reality of living with it day to day – or any old-school 4WD, for that matter – may be uncomfortable for them, similar to all of those people who bought a camper-trailer during COVID only to realise they hated camping.

When all is said and done, the Grenadier is a retro-cool 4WD with solid off-road capability.

Subaru XV vs Ineos Grenadier What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Subaru XV vs Ineos Grenadier
What's the difference?