Photo: EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Verdict
Compact all-wheel-drive SUV with all-wheel drive as standard and a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission, rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP. US sources report prematurely worn rear wheel bearings on the Crosstrek II (the same car), jerking from the CVT on the 2.0, and a recall for ignition coils (possible engine stall); their application to French versions is not confirmed. Check the vehicle's history and recalls before buying.
- Reliability
- 4.5/5
- Indicative prices
- €15,000 – €24,000
- Monthly cost
- €470
- Euro NCAP
- 5/5
Which version to choose
Versions to favour: 2.0i 156 Lineartronic AWD, 2.0i e-Boxer 150 Lineartronic AWD.
1.6i 114 Lineartronic AWD
Petrol · Automatic · 114 hp · Crit'Air 1
1.6 naturally aspirated with 150 Nm, Lineartronic gearbox as standard; L'argus finds its performance very average (0 to 100 km/h in 13.9 s).
2.0i 156 Lineartronic AWD
✓ RecommendedPetrol · Automatic · 156 hp · 6.9 L/100 km · 155 g CO₂/km · Crit'Air 1
2.0 naturally aspirated with 196 Nm, Lineartronic gearbox, all-wheel drive: more punch than the 1.6.
2.0i e-Boxer 150 Lineartronic AWD
✓ RecommendedHybrid · Automatic · 150 hp · 180 g CO₂/km · Crit'Air 1
2.0 petrol with 150 hp combined with a 12.3 kW electric motor (mild hybrid), 194 Nm of torque, Lineartronic gearbox; Subaru France announces 180 g/km of CO2 (WLTP).
Market prices
€15,000 – €24,000
Indicative range: 2018 to 2022, 20,000 to 183,000 km, online listings from private and dealer sellers aggregated by LeParking.
Collected on 13 October 2026 from the sources below. Our own survey of listings, by year and mileage, will refine it.
Known faults
Rear wheel bearings worn prematurely
Severity 2/3 · CostlyUS sources describe premature wear of the rear wheel bearings on 2018-2019 Crosstrek models (the same car as the XV II): a hum that grows with speed. These are reports from owners and analysis reports, with no European statistics.
- Versions
- 1.6i 114 Lineartronic AWD, 2.0i 156 Lineartronic AWD
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Jerking and hesitation of the CVT gearbox
Severity 1/3 · AnnoyingUS sources report jerking and hesitation at low speed from the CVT gearbox of 2.0 Crosstrek models sold from about 2018 to 2020, especially when cold. The Apex Tech Nation guide and the Motor Illustrated report flag it as a point of concern; the extent of the problem in Europe is not documented.
- Versions
- 2.0i 156 Lineartronic AWD
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Recall: ignition coils and risk of stalling
Manufacturer recallIn the United States, Subaru recalled the 2018-2019 Crosstrek (and the 2017-2019 Impreza): the engine control unit could leave the ignition coil powered, causing a short circuit and a blown fuse, with a risk of the engine stalling while driving. The remedy includes a software update and replacement of the coils. This US recall is not confirmed for cars sold in France: check the serial number with a Subaru repairer.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
- Versions
- 2.0i 156 Lineartronic AWD
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Manufacturer recalls
See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Subaru XV”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.
Real monthly cost
Fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, excluding finance. Move the slider to match your mileage. How it is calculated
| Fuel or electricity | €170 |
|---|---|
| Insurance | €79 |
| Maintenance | €26 |
| Depreciation | €195 |
| Total per month | €470 |
⚠ Estimates to treat with caution
- Maintenance: published servicing price plus an estimated allowance for tyres and brakes.
- Depreciation estimated at 12% of the median price a year, as no year-by-year valuation is usable.
Calculation details (12,000 km a year)
- Fuel (petrol)€170
2.0i 156 Lineartronic AWD version: combined consumption of 6.9 L/100 km, increased by 15% for real-world driving, at 2.14 €/L, for 1,000 km a month.
6.9 × 1.15 × 2.14 € × 10 = €170
Petrol price (SP95-E10): French national average on 7 October 2026.
- Insurance€79
Average monthly premium published for this model by insurance comparison sites (comprehensive cover when stated). Your premium depends on your profile.
- Maintenance€26
Servicing and wear parts (tyres, brakes) for 12,000 km a year, per month.
- Depreciation€195
Value lost in a year by a typical example, from the valuation gap between two years, per month.
Inspection checklist
Subaru XV II — inspection checklist
Things to check
- Check with a Subaru repairer, using the serial number, that recalls and software updates have been carried out.
- Road test: listen for a hum coming from the rear that increases with speed (wheel bearings).
- Cold test: look for jerks or hesitation from the CVT at low speed.
- Ask for service invoices, including the Lineartronic gearbox oil changes.
- e-Boxer hybrid: check that the hybrid system works properly (dashboard warning lights) and that servicing has been followed at Subaru.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have the engine recalls and updates been carried out at Subaru? Do you have proof?
- Have the wheel bearings or the automatic gearbox been replaced or repaired?
- Has the Lineartronic gearbox had its oil changed, and at what mileages?
Test-drive tip: read the fault codes
A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.
Electric or hybrid equivalent
No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost
Alternatives
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Suzuki Vitara
IV · since 2015
- Price
- €10,100 – €24,600
- Reliability
- not rated
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0
Toyota C-HR
I · 2016–2023
- Price
- €15,600 – €23,900
- Reliability
- 4.5/5
- Fuel types
- Hybrid, Petrol
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Nissan Qashqai
II · 2014–2021
- Price
- €9,000 – €18,490
- Reliability
- 3/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel
Before you buy: check and equip
Check the history
Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of parts for the Subaru XV II (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.
Insure the car
Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.
Frequently asked questions
What Euro NCAP rating did the Subaru XV II get?
5 stars (tested in 2017), with 86% for adults, 90% for children, 64% for pedestrians and 86% for safety assist systems, according to autoevolution.
What is the boot capacity of the Subaru XV II?
385 litres, about 1,310 litres with the rear seats folded down (La Tribune Auto). The e-Boxer specifications give a maximum volume of 1,193 litres (L'argus, Subaru France).
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