Subaru, under the management of Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc., has just brought in the facelifted 2021 XV crossover model. It is an update of the currently available second-generation version, and it bears some enhancements for its exterior design, on-board safety systems, among others.
The updated 2021 Subaru XV
So, just how different is the new Subaru XV from the old model? Let’s compare them to find out.
2021 Subaru XV Old vs New: Exterior
As far as size goes, the XV largely remains unchanged. Its length however has grown to 4,465mm, which is 20mm longer than the old model. It also retains the previous version’s 220mm of ground clearance. Both the old and new XV models also ride on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, but the new one comes with a more modern-looking set.
Compare the old (right) and the new (left) XV's side profiles using the slider
Moving over to exterior design, the front fascia of the 2021 XV bears a larger front bumper. The said bumper also comes with a new urethane cladding, which is much smaller than the old model. The grille also gets a wider grille chrome accent piece, whereas the old version has a smaller chrome grille accent.
The new XV also comes with LED headlights, and LED front fog lamps as compared to the halogen-type fitted to the outgoing model. The headlamp design and daytime LED running lamps are unchanged.
The old (left) and the new (right) XV from the front
2021 Subaru XV Old vs New: Interior
Moving on to the differences inside, suffice to say there isn't much that can be gleaned visually. Both the old and new models can still comfortably seat five, and the layout of the dashboard and center console largely remains the same.
The biggest change in the new XV’s interior however is that the new eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat now comes with a memory function. This is, of course, much more convenient than having to adjust it back to your settings everytime after someone else drives your XV.
The interior layout of the new XV largely remains identical to the old version
For the driver, the new XV also provides the dual X-mode. This comes in the form of a handy dial that adjusts the vehicle’s traction to better deal with dirt and mud.
2021 Subaru XV Old vs New: Tech and Safety
Just like the older XV, the new one comes with dual-zone automatic climate control, and the eight-inch touchscreen still provides Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth. There’s still an abundance of USB charging ports, and the steering wheel retains its tilt and telescopic adjustability.
The biggest change in terms of tech is the addition of speed-sensing door locks and reverse auto-tilt door mirrors. These two were absent from the previous version. Otherwise, both the old and new XV models both come equipped with seven airbags, the Subaru EyeSight driver-assist active safety suite, and the usual anti-lock braking with electronic brakeforce distribution, vehicle dynamics control, ISOFIX child seat tethers, etc.
2021 Subaru XV Old vs New: Engine
The new 2021 Subaru XV still uses the same 2.0-liter Boxer engine that the old model used. At most, it can produce up to 154 horsepower and 196 Nm of torque. Being a Subaru, the XV uses a Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system, and it uses a continuously variable transmission with a seven-speed manual mode.
The outgoing Subaru XV from the rear
Despite using the same gasoline mill, it was also provided with the Subaru Intelligent Drive or SI-Drive. This piece of tech is an engine management system, which features a Sport mode and Intelligent mode. The Sport mode provides a more performance-oriented drive, while the other is more fuel-efficient.
Other than that, Subaru also re-tuned the XV’s suspension system to provide better comfort in a variety of driving conditions.
The new 2021 Subaru XV from the rear
Currently, the updated 2021 Subaru XV comes with an introductory price of Php 1.828 million. However, the said offer is only available until June 30, 2021. After that period, it will assume its regular price tag of Php 1.908 million.
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