New Subaru XV 2021 detailed: Mitsubishi ASX-rivalling small SUV to get more powerful 2.5-litre boxer engine!

Subaru has decided to answer the call of many XV fans, announcing it will add a punchier 2.5-litre boxer engine option to the popular small SUV for MY21.

However, Australian buyers looking to get behind the wheel of a harder-hitting XV will be left in the dark, with a local Subaru spokesperson telling CarsGuide the new powertrain is not currently on the cards Down Under.

Instead, the larger engine will be offered in the North American market, where the XV is known as Crosstrek.

Read More About Subaru XV

Subaru XV price and spec confirmed for 2017

Subaru America CEO Tom Doll told Automotive News many owners have complained about the performance of the Crosstrek’s 115kW/196Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated boxer four-cylinder unit since its launch.

“One of the things that our customers were telling us about the Crosstrek was it was maybe a little underpowered with the 2.0-litre engine. Well, the 2.5-liter engine will solve that problem,” he said.

Mr Doll stopped short of confirming the new unit’s technical details, but it’s likely to be the 136kW/239Nm naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine used by the current-generation Forester mid-size SUV.

If this proves to be the case, the Crosstrek is in line for a healthy 21kW/43Nm output bump.

Read More About Subaru XV

New Subaru XV Hybrid 2020 pricing and specs detailed: Electric boost incoming for small SUV

And given the XV/Crosstrek is mechanically related to the Impreza small car, it’s possible the latter could also get more grunt in the future.

In Australia, the XV’s key rival, the Mitsubishi ASX, added a 123kW/222Nm 2.4-litre engine option two months ago, with it joining the existing 110kW/197Nm 2.0-litre unit. In other words, the precedent for improved performance has well and truly been set.