2018 Subaru XV vs Suzuki Vitara

What's the difference?

Subaru has always been the little brand that could and it’s always fit well into the Australian motoring landscape thanks to slightly unusual designs and particularly practical features. 

The company has moved more into the mainstream by eliminating things like manual transmissions but the quirk is still strong, and the XV is a great example of a small, practical, compact SUV that has just a little bit more, particularly when it comes to off-road ability. It's no LandCruiser, sure, but it will certainly get you further than many of its contemporaries and it'll have a great time doing it.

Is the Subaru XV the standout small SUV, or is it too quirky for its own good? Tell us in the comments below.

The Vitara is fun and easy to drive, plus it’s good value and practical. But if the lack of advanced safety equipment is a deal breaker for you, hang on until 2019 when the updated Vitara arrives. That said, you can pretty much guarantee Suzuki will drop the price when this current Vitara goes into run-out mode, and you could get a damned good deal.

The sweet spot in the range is the S Turbo FWD - it lists for less than $29K and has all the features of the AWD including that great 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine.