2023 Subaru XV spied testing

The 2023 Subaru XV has been spied testing for the first time, ahead of its global unveiling rumoured for late 2022 or early 2023.

Caught on camera on US roads by YouTube user KindelAuto, the next-generation XV’s styling is an evolutionary step forward from its predecessor, mixing the current model’s high-riding hatchback shape with smoother lines and design cues from Subaru’s latest models.

Up front, slim new LED headlights link with the hexagonal grille through sections of contrasting trim, with the chunky front-side intake detailing and fog lights loosely inspired by the the Viziv Adrenaline concept of 2019 (though, in typical Subaru form, the concept has been toned down for production).

The front wheel-arch vents and flared rear quarters aren’t dissimilar to the new WRX sedan, while at the rear the C-shaped tail-lights, triangular lower light surrounds and off-road-themed bumper mix old and new design cues.

The spy video doesn’t provide a clear look inside the new XV’s cabin, though a brief peek through the windows appears to show the 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen from the WRX and Outback, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation and digitised climate controls.

Expect the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster from the new Levorg to feature, along with carry-over premium items including heated seats, leather upholstery, wireless phone charging and multi-zone climate control.

Following close behind the XV prototype is a latest-generation Audi Q3 luxury small SUV – wearing Subaru manufacturer licence plates – suggesting Subaru is benchmarking more expensive, premium vehicles in a bid to take its new small SUV further upmarket.

Under the skin, the new Subaru XV is expected to ride on the same Subaru Global Platform (SGP) chassis as its predecessor – shared with all new Subaru models, including the next-generation Impreza hatch – offering symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard.

However, rumours suggest the current model’s 115kW/196Nm 2.0-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine will be ditched in favour of a new 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, likely to offer a similar power output of approximately 110kW.

The future of the outgoing XV’s petrol-electric hybrid powertrain isn’t clear – given it uses the same decade-old 2.0-litre ‘FB20’ engine now facing the chopping block – however with recent rumours the next-generation Subaru Forester will adopt Toyota hybrid power in 2023, its smaller Subaru range-mate could follow suit.

A 2.5-litre non-turbo petrol four-cylinder was introduced on range-topping XV variants in the US last year (where it’s known as the Crosstrek) – an option that could continue on the next-generation model in markets without the 1.5-litre turbo engine.

A similar strategy is taken with the larger Forester, which offers a 130kW/300Nm 1.8-litre turbo engine in the home Japanese market, or a 136kW 2.5-litre engine in most overseas regions.

Safety in the new XV could receive an upgrade with technologies borrowed from other Subaru models, including upgraded autonomous emergency braking and lane-centring assist systems joining carry-over blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree camera and driver attention monitoring features.

There’s no official word on when the 2023 Subaru XV will be revealed, though a leaked product roadmap that surfaced out of a US dealer conference in 2020 suggests an overseas launch in early 2023 – likely translating to an Australian launch later in 2023.

The roadmap also suggests the new XV will be available with an off-road-oriented Wilderness variant – though an Australian launch is far from confirmed, given the recently-revealed Forester and Outback Wilderness models aren’t offered officially outside of North America.