Subaru XV e-Boxer - Mooch

Subaru’s XV isn’t a new car to the magazine, I think it’s been in the mag every year since its inception, and for good reason too.

Over the years it has gained itself quite a fan base, even more so after its update back in 2017 that included a brand new platform, a new interior and exterior design. It also received Subaru’s X-Mode and Hill Descent Control as standard and better handling characteristics.

Then, a few years ago the company attached a compact lithiumion battery pack and a gearbox-mounted electric motor offering a combined output of 148bhp and 196Nm of torque to the to 2.0ltr petrol.

Power-split adjusts according to the driving condition and alternates between 3 driving modes: EV driving, Motor Assist driving and Engine driving. The battery is said to work up to 25mph, but in my experience it switched off around 15mph, as did the Forester I had a few months ago.

Six years on from its last major update and I reckon it’s aged rather well, it still looks fresh but I suspect that it’s nearing the end of its production lifespan - but that’s just my theory.

Because it hasn’t changed much since I last reviewed it back in our 14th issue (https://issuu.com/themudlife/docs/ tml-issue-14/34), I’m not going to bother with another write-up, instead I simply wanted to drive it around and enjoy some green lanes, and maybe a bit of camping.

After throwing my Peli 1650 Protector case in the boot, along with my Anevay Horizon stove, I headed over to North Yorkshire, Long Preston to be precise, as there’s a lovely green lane that offers some amazing views, but getting there means an hour of mixed on-road driving. It’s this part of the XV experience that will have you smitten as it does this really cool thing in which it smooths out pot-holed strewn roads and those really nasty speed humps with ease, yet aim it towards fast and twisty corners it handles them like it’s on rails. The suspension feels taut, the steering is sharp and of course, Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system makes sure you stay on the blacktop, no matter what the weather.

Upon reaching Long Preston, the lane I wanted to drive is TW2 ref - SD8259-03 and ATUK ref - N1 U9600579.

It isn’t the most demanding lane as the majority of the surface is hard dirt, but as you climb steadily towards the summit, you’re confronted with a few rocky patches, especially on some of the inclines, which can make life interesting.

Just before you reach the aforementioned summit you have two inclines, both rocky, but the one on the right has opposing holes that have caught out many a 4x4 that I’ve driven up here in the past. Neither the Suzuki S-Cross or Skoda Kodiaq could manage it, so how would the XV cope?

Well, after a two very slow and methodical attempts I couldn’t get past the opposing holes, so I decided to use a little more momentum, and with the odd scramble from the tyres the little XV managed it easily.

The XV is already equipped with permanent Symmetrical All Wheel Drive for use in the majority of situations, but X-Mode now provides added assistance for more extreme driving conditions. X-Mode takes control of the engine, transmission, Symmetrical AWD, brakes and other components to help safely navigate slippery surfaces, rough roads and climbing steep hills, like this.

It wasn’t long before Andy showed up in his Toyota LC120 Colorado for a chinwag, and in the galeforce wind we shielded ourselves behind his Land Cruiser and chatted absolute nonsense for the next hour or so. We could’ve easily have sat in either of the two vehicles and kept warm, but nah.

I was going to light Horizon stove that I’d brought to make a brew, but the wind was just too strong, instead we continued to chat about nothing until the light began to fade and the threat of rain was imminent, then we said our goodbyes.

From the summit heading north towards Settle you have quite a steep incline to negotiate, it looks a little gnarly but it’s easily driven, and the rest of the lane settles to a flat, hard surface with the odd rut to be mindful of.

Upon reaching the end I decided to drive it back again as I wondered how the XV would manage on the steep incline - it was fine.

As I’ve mentioned in my Jimny article elsewhere in this mag, when you normally drive a 4x4 with large tyres, it’s often easy to dismiss certain obstacles as you can simply drive right over them, but in the XV, despite its decent ground clearance and approach and departure angles, you have to think about wheel placement more, and for me, it’s the technical aspect that I enjoy.

On lower ground, hidden from the gale-force wind, I managed to find a sheltered spot to fire up the stove, not only make myself a brew, but also for a quick chilli con carne in my favourite pan set from Madog Outdoors.

There are more fuel efficient and accomplished crossovers out there, but overall I still like the XV. Maybe it’s the 4x4 owner and adventurer in me that appreciates its honesty and rugged, workhorse-like charm. As you get into the XV it gives you the impression that it’ll cope with whatever life can throw at it, both in the suburban environment and out in the sticks.

I have to say that if I ever spotted one for sale at a decent price I’d probably buy it. Yes the CVT can be a bit lethargic and the best I’ve ever achieved is 27mpg, but not only is packed full of safety spec, it’s a cracking AWD for those who don’t want to buy a traditional large 4x4, yet still want to explore the great outdoors - and get back home again.