Used Subaru XV for sale near Cowes

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 39.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 80
Average Price: Around £20,000

Subaru XV (2018-2023) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Much tougher and more able off road than most rivals	Limited choice of engines
Comprehensive safety equipment	Not as good to drive as a Seat Ateca
No-nonsense reliability	Pricey to buy as a new car

Quick Summary

The second-generation Subaru XV (2018-2023) is a robust crossover-style hatchback, positioned as an alternative to rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and VW T-Roc. While visually similar to its predecessor, it brought significant improvements. It offers authentic off-road capability with Subaru's excellent four-wheel-drive and X-Mode traction control, making it suitable for rural drivers seeking all-weather reliability and a solidly built cabin designed for durability.

The XV's driving experience is enjoyable with direct steering and neat handling, though performance from its 1.6-litre, 2.0-litre, or 2.0-litre e-Boxer hybrid engines is not particularly strong, and the ride can be firm. Its limited engine options, particularly the absence of a diesel, are notable. Despite a high new car price, it becomes a sensible used buy due to depreciation, offering moderate running costs and annual servicing.

Best for: Rural drivers, those needing genuine all-weather and off-road capability, buyers prioritising reliability and comprehensive safety equipment.

Not ideal for: Drivers seeking strong on-road performance, a soft ride, extensive engine choices (especially diesel), or maximum boot space.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the XV if: You're a rural driver, need genuine all-weather and off-road capability, or prioritise reliability and comprehensive safety equipment.

Consider alternatives if: You seek strong on-road performance, a soft ride, extensive engine choices (especially diesel), or maximum boot space.

Competitive Position: The Subaru XV (2018-2023) carves out a niche as a genuinely capable off-roader in the compact SUV market, offering robust reliability and comprehensive safety features. While it may not match rivals like the Seat Ateca for on-road dynamics or the Skoda Karoq for ride comfort and practicality, its unique all-weather ability and strong depreciation as a new car make it a compelling used purchase for those living in remote areas or needing true wilderness capability.

Read our full Subaru XV Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from January 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.